bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a new deep-learning-based reconstruction algorithm on image quality in ultra-high-resolution CT: clinical observational and phantom studies
Authors: Sakai Yuki , Hida Tomoyuki , Matsuura Yuko , Kamitani Takeshi , Onizuka Yasuhiro , Shirasaka Takashi , Kato Toyoyuki , Ishigami Kousei
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

To demonstrate the effect of an improved deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) algorithm on Ultra-High-Resolution Computed Tomography (U-HRCT) scanners.

Methods:

Clinical and phantom studies were conducted. Thirty patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT examination during the follow-up period were enrolled. Images were reconstructed using improved DLR [termed, New DLR, i.e., Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) Body Sharp] and conventional DLR (Conv DLR, AiCE Body) algorithms. Two radiologists assessed the overall image quality using a 5-point scale (5 = excellent; 1 = unacceptable). The noise power spectra (NPSs) were calculated to assess the frequency characteristics of the image noise, and the square root of area under the curve (√AUC NPS) between 0.05 and 0.50 cycle/mm was calculated as an indicator of the image noise. Dunnett’s test was used for statistical analysis of the visual evaluation score, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results:

The overall image quality of New DLR was better than that of the Conv DLR (4.2 ± 0.4 and 3.3 ± 0.4, respectively; p < 0.0001). All New DLR images had an overall image quality score above the average or excellent. The √AUCNPS value of New DLR was lower than that of Conv DLR (13.8 and 14.2, respectively). The median values of reconstruction time required with New DLR and Conv DLR were 5.0 and 7.8 min, respectively.

Conclusions:

The new DLR algorithm improved the image quality within a practical reconstruction time.

Advances in knowledge:

The new DLR enables us to choose whether to improve image quality or reduce the dose.
The two Gtsf paralogs in silkworms orthogonally activate their partner PIWI proteins for target cleavage
Authors: Izumi Natsuko , Shoji Keisuke , Kiuchi Takashi , Katsuma Susumu , Tomari Yukihide
Published: November 2022

The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is a protection mechanism against transposons in animal germ cells. Most PIWI proteins possess piRNA-guided endonuclease activity, which is critical for silencing transposons and producing new piRNAs. Gametocyte-specific factor 1 (Gtsf1), an evolutionarily conserved zinc finger protein, promotes catalysis by PIWI proteins. Many animals have multiple Gtsf1 paralogs; however, their respective roles in the piRNA pathway are not fully understood. Here, we dissected the roles of Gtsf1 and its paralog Gtsf1-like (Gtsf1L) in the silkworm piRNA pathway. We found that Gtsf1 and Gtsf1L preferentially bind the two silkworm PIWI paralogs, Siwi and BmAgo3, respectively, and facilitate the endonuclease activity of each PIWI protein. This orthogonal activation effect was further supported by specific reduction of BmAgo3-boundMasculinizerpiRNA and Siwi-boundFeminizerpiRNA, the unique piRNA pair required for silkworm feminization, upon depletion of Gtsf1 and Gtsf1L, respectively. Our results indicate that the two Gtsf paralogs in silkworms activate their respective PIWI partners, thereby facilitating the amplification of piRNAs.
Research Software vs. Research Data I: Towards a Research Data definition in the Open Science context
Authors: Gomez-Diaz Teresa , Recio Tomas
Published: November 2022

Background: Research Software is a concept that has been only recently clarified. In this paper we address the need for a similar enlightenment concerning the Research Data concept.

Methods: Our contribution begins by reviewing the Research Software definition, which includes the analysis of software as a legal concept, followed by the study of its production in the research environment and within the Open Science framework. Then we explore the challenges of a data definition and some of the Research Data definitions proposed in the literature.

Results: We propose a Research Data concept featuring three characteristics: the data should be produced (collected, processed, analyzed, shared & disseminated) to answer a scientific question, by a scientific team, and has yield a result published or disseminated in some article or scientific contribution of any kind.

Conclusions: The analysis of this definition and the context in which it is proposed provides some answers to the Borgman’s conundrum challenges, that is, which Research Data might be shared, by whom, with whom, under what conditions, why, and to what effects. They are completed with answers to the questions: how? and where?
PHENOTYPIC AND GENOTYPIC FEATURES OF WILD FORMS OF KUBAN GRAPES
Authors: Gorbunov I. , Lukyanova A. , Lifanov Ilya , Vinogradova Svetlana
Published: November 2022

The article presents the results of scientific research consisting in finding wild-growing forms of the genus Vitis L. and studying their ecological-biological, phenotypic and genotypic features. The purpose of the work is to attract particularly valuable samples for economically useful traits to selection as new donors of resistance to various abiotic and biotic stress factors. The research was carried out on the territory of the state nature Reserve “Utrish” of Krasnodar Territory in 2021 using traditional and modern methods: route reconnaissance (expedition), geobotanical, ampelographic, analytical. It was found that the shape (openness), cobwebby pubescence and the degree of anthocyanin coloration of the tip of the young shoot in the studied populations of wild grapes are among the most variable morphological features. According to the method [15], the shape of the tip of the young shoot varies in this case from slightly open to completely open. The cobwebby pubescence of the crown of a young shoot in wild grape plants along a wide gap varies from medium (3 points) to thick (4 points). The discovered and described wild-growing forms of grapes Sh1-Sh5 go through all phases of development in full – from budding to grape ripening. At the time of the research, the samples Sh1-Sh5 visually had no damage from the phytopathogenic microflora. This is confirmed by laboratory studies. As a result of microbiological analysis, single saprophytic bacteria were found. Colonies of fungi and bacteria similar in phenotype to pathogenic ones were not found. At the same time, Sh1-Sh5 samples can be asymptomatic sources of viruses that can cause significant economic losses. Determination of the presence of 7 economically important viral pathogens of grapes in samples Sh1-Sh5 showed that samples Sh1, Sh2, Sh3, Sh5 are free of viral diseases. According to the results of the studies, the GPGV virus (Grapevine Pinot gris virus trichovirus) was detected only in the Sh4 sample.
The Regularity of the Value Function of Repeated Games with Switching Costs
Authors: Tsodikovich Yevgeny , Venel Xavier , Zseleva Anna
Published: November 2022

We study repeated zero-sum games where one of the players pays a certain cost each time he changes his action. We derive the properties of the value and optimal strategies as a function of the ratio between the switching costs and the stage payoffs. In particular, the strategies exhibit a robustness property and typically do not change with a small perturbation of this ratio. Our analysis extends partially to the case where the players are limited to simpler strategies that are history independent―namely, static strategies. In this case, we also characterize the (minimax) value and the strategies for obtaining it.
Wasserstein Distributionally Robust Optimization and Variation Regularization
Authors: Gao Rui , Chen Xi , Kleywegt Anton J.
Published: November 2022

This paper builds a bridge between two area in optimization and machine learning by establishing a general connection between Wasserstein distributional robustness and variation regularization. It helps to demystify the empirical success of Wasserstein distributionally robust optimization and devise new regularization schemes for machine learning.
Assessment of Study Habit Skills and Peergroup Influence on Pupils Academic Performance in Mathematics in Lagos Division Nigeria
Authors: Lasbat Badamas Omoshalewa , Olatunji Balagun Abdulrasaq , O. Uyanne Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Background: Technology is the mainstay of any societal development and Mathematics is seen as a tool for the community to achieve it. However, pupils’ performance in Mathematics have not been encouraging and this has been the concern of education stakeholders in the community.
Contribution:  This study therefore assessed the study habit and peer group influence on pupils’ performance in mathematics.
Method: The sample comprised 450 basic-six pupils. Questionnaire and test were used to gather data. Research questions were answered using mean while research hypotheses were tested using PPMC.
Results: Finding revealed that there was no significant relationship between study habit skills and pupils’ performance in Mathematics and there was significant relationship between peer group influence and pupils’ academic performance in Mathematics.

Conclusion:  It was recommended that schools should organize programmes for pupils to develop good study habit and to wary of the friends to be kept
How does illness uncertainty impact recovery among patients with cardiac conditions?
Authors: Clarke Sarah T , Murphy Barbara M , Hester Robert , Jackson Alun C
Published: November 2022

Illness uncertainty is a common experience across many chronic and acute conditions. Patients with cardiac conditions may experience uncertainty in relation to various aspects of their illness, including its causes, management and prognosis, as well as uncertainty about the future more broadly. There are several contributors to illness uncertainty among these patients, many of which are related to patient factors, such as previous expectations of the illness, sensitivity to physical symptoms and intolerance of uncertainty. Service factors, such as inadequate provision of information, can also contribute to illness uncertainty. Heightened illness uncertainty may result in negative psychological, cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Fears related to the future, specifically fear of disease progression and recurrent events, play an important role in how illness uncertainty is experienced by patients with cardiac conditions. This article presents an overview of illness uncertainty and its impact on cardiac recovery.
A look at the impact of the advanced clinical practitioner role in the realm of cardiology
Authors: Spencer Charles
Published: November 2022

As an advanced clinical practitioner, registered nurse, founding member of the cardiology nurse forum Facebook group and podcast, and a recently elected ordinary council member of the BANCC, Charles Spencer explores the impact of the advanced clinical practitioner role in cardiology, expanding on his ‘top topic’ session at the recent British Cardiovascular Society conference in June.
Commencing the course
Authors: Hylton Preetee
Published: November 2022

Preetee Hylton begins her oral health education journey with BDA.
Collaborative caring
Authors: Dixon Sally
Published: November 2022

Sally Dixon discusses how a great team can make all the difference when it comes to quality of patient care.
Effect of feeding pregnant gilts fermented potato extract protein on the prenatal development and semitendinosus muscle characteristics of newborn piglets
Authors:   Program of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, DALA Vanhnaly , Pongchairerk Urai ,   Program of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand,   Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Boonsoongnern Alongkot ,   Department of Farm Resources and Production Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand, Ratanavanichrojn Nattavut ,   Department of Farm Resources and Production Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand, Jirawattanapong Pichai ,   Department of Farm Resources and Production Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand, Boonsoongnern Prapassorn ,   Program of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand,   Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Published: November 2022

The skeletal muscle, which largely forms meat, constitutes most of the body mass in pigs. Growth and meat quality mainly depend on the relationship between prenatal and postnatal development. Feed additives are used in the diet of pigs to improve production efficiency. In this study, we determined the effect of feeding pregnant pigs fermented potato extract protein on the characteristics of the skeletal muscles of newborn piglets. Ten Danish gilts (Large white x Landrace) were supplemented with or without fermented potato extract protein (5 gilts each) during the gestation period. After parturition, two neonate piglets from each sow were randomly selected, and the birth weight, organ weight, morphometrics, and the characteristics of the semitendinosus muscle, including weight, length, circumference, muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA), number of total muscle fibers, number of primary fibers, number of secondary fibers, and the ratio of secondary to primary (S:P) fibers were recorded. The piglets from sows that were fed fermented potato extract protein showed a significantly higher S:P ratio (p = 0.02) than those from control sows. The weights of the body and visceral organs at birth tended to be higher in the newborn offspring of the treated sows. The supplementation with fermented potato extract protein during gestation in pigs can increase the S:P ratio, which can be used to follow changes in the hyperplasia of secondary fibers in the fetus and might also affect postnatal growth.
Natural and recombinant equine chorionic gonadotropins past and future in animal reproductive technology
Authors:   Faculty of Natural Sciences, Quy Nhon University, Binh Dinh 550000, Vietnam, Duong Tien Thach ,   Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ha Noi 100000, Vietnam, Bui Khac Cuong ,   Laboratory Animal Research Center, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi 100000, Vietnam, Hoang Van Tong ,   Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi 100000, Vietnam, Vo Van Chi ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences, Quy Nhon University, Binh Dinh 550000, Vietnam, Ngo Kim Khue ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences, Quy Nhon University, Binh Dinh 550000, Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Phuong Hien ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences, Quy Nhon University, Binh Dinh 550000, Vietnam, Nong Van Hai ,   Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ha Noi 100000, Vietnam,   Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ha Noi 100000, Vietnam, Combarnous Yves ,   INRAe, CNRS, Tours University Joint Unit, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly 37380, France, Nguyen Thi Mong Diep ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences, Quy Nhon University, Binh Dinh 550000, Vietnam
Published: November 2022

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) previously named Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) has been widely used since the 40s in animal reproduction control. It is extracted from the blood of pregnant mares between days 40 and 120 of gestation. Animal welfare organizations have voiced concerns against mares bleeding conditions. There is currently no effective substitute for the natural PMSG. In this review, we summarize the basic knowledge of the structure and biology of eCG, and the research on recombinant eCG production in the past five years.
Multivariate analysis of morphometric traits to differentiate the indigenous chicken reared under different Agro-ecologies of Ethiopia
Authors:   Department of Animal science, College of Agriculture, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia, Bekele Berhanu , Melesse Aberra ,   School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia, Esatu Wondmeneh ,   International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dessie Tadelle ,   International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Published: November 2022

This is to differentiate indigenous chickens at different agro-ecologies based on morphometric traits using multivariate analysis. Morphometric data were collected from a total of 520 (130 male and 390 female) adult indigenous chickens. Traits scored were body weight, body length, breast circumference, wingspan, shank length, shank circumference, comb length, wattle length, earlobe length and beak length. Ten quantitative traits for both sexes were subjected to the stepwise discriminant analysis, of which four (wingspan, live body weight, shank circumference, and body length) in females and two of them (shank length, and wingspan) in males were identified as the best discriminating variables. CAN1 and CAN2 were extracted with 61.5% and 38.6% of the total variation in females, respectively and CAN1 (89.3%) and CAN2 (10.7%) of the total variation in parameters of male chicken populations. The higher classification rates were obtained in highland agroecology for female (64.7%) and midland for male (89.8%) chickens. Cross-validation with split–sample indicated that 62.7% (highland), 39% (lowland) and 59.3% (midland) success rate. The longest pairwise Mahalanobis distance was observed between midland and highland in male chickens and between lowland and highland in females, whereas the shortest distance was observed between lowland and highland in male and female chicken populations. The variations obtained in chickens of different agro-ecologies and sexes considered as opportunities for genetic improvement of indigenous chicken genetic resources, because significantly related parameters could be used as selection criterion for improving body weight of Ethiopian indigenous chickens under small scale farmers.
Cost-utility analysis of surgical fixation with Kirschner wire versus casting after fracture of the distal radius
Authors: Png May Ee , Petrou Stavros , Achten Juul , Ooms Alexander , Lamb Sarah E. , Hedley Helen , Dias Joseph , Costa Matthew L. ,   on behalf of DRAFFT2 trial collaborators
Published: November 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of surgical fixation with Kirschner (K-)wire ersus moulded casting after manipulation of a fracture of the distal radius in an operating theatre setting.

Methods

An economic evaluation was conducted based on data collected from the Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial 2 (DRAFFT2) multicentre randomized controlled trial in the UK. Resource use was collected at three, six, and 12 months post-randomization using trial case report forms and participant-completed questionnaires. Cost-effectiveness was reported in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained from an NHS and personal social services perspective. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the robustness of cost-effectiveness estimates, and decision uncertainty was handled using confidence ellipses and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.

Results

In the base case analysis, surgical fixation with K-wire was more expensive (£29.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) -94.85 to 154.15)) and generated lower QALYs (0.007 (95% CI -0.03 to 0.016)) than moulded casting, but this difference was not statistically significant. The probability of K-wire being cost-effective at a £20,000 per QALY cost-effectiveness threshold was 24%. The cost-effectiveness results remained robust in the sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that surgical fixation with K-wire is unlikely to be a cost-effective alternative to a moulded cast in adults, following manipulation of a fracture of the distal radius in a theatre setting. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(11):1225–1233.
The type of cervical disc herniation on MRI does not correlate to clinical outcomes
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Arts Mark P. , Bartels Ronald H. M. A. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A.
Published: November 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the type of cervical disc herniation influences the severity of symptoms at the time of presentation, and the outcome after surgical treatment.

Methods

The type and extent of disc herniation at the time of presentation in 108 patients who underwent anterior discectomy for cervical radiculopathy were analyzed on MRI, using a four-point scale. These were dichotomized into disc bulge and disc herniation groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain in the neck and arm at baseline and two years postoperatively. The perceived recovery was also assessed at this time.

Results

At baseline, 46 patients had a disc bulge and 62 had a herniation. There was no significant difference in the mean NDI and SF-36 between the two groups at baseline. Those in the disc bulge group had a mean NDI of 44.6 (SD 15.2) compared with 43.8 (SD 16.0) in the herniation group (p = 0.799), and a mean SF-36 of 59.2 (SD 6.9) compared with 59.4 (SD 7.7) (p = 0.895). Likewise, there was no significant difference in the incidence of disabling arm pain in the disc bulge and herniation groups (84% vs 73%; p = 0.163), and no significant difference in the incidence of disabling neck pain in the two groups (70.5% (n = 31) vs 63% (n = 39); p = 0.491). At two years after surgery, no significant difference was found in any of the clinical parameters between the two groups.

Conclusion

In patients with cervical radiculopathy, the type and extent of disc herniation measured on MRI prior to surgery correlated neither to the severity of the symptoms at presentation, nor to clinical outcomes at two years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(11):1242–1248.
Pengaruh Pemberian Agen Kontras Pewarna Sintetik pada Jaringan Biologis terhadap Hasil Pencitraan Fotoakustik
Authors: Janna Miftahul , Mitrayana Mitrayana , Widyaningrum Rini
Published: November 2022

An experiment to investigate the influence of synthetic dye contrast agent in photoacoustic imaging of biological tissue was conducted in this study. This study uses a simple phocoacoustic imaging system consists of three main components, i.e., a diode laser, condenser microphone, and a custom-build X-Y stage. Characterization was performed on the main components of the system to obtain the appropriate settings on imaging the biological tissue in this study. The results of the optimal frequency and duty cycle for laser modulation in this study were 19000 Hz and duty cyle of 40%, respectively. The addition of a contrast agent aims to improve the quality of the image by comparing the sample with methylene blue contrast agent, the sample with methyl red and the sample without contrast agent. The increases of acoustic intensity level is in proportion with the contrast agent concentration. The difference in the photoacoustic images reveal that the sample with methylene blue contrast agent has the highest acoustic intensity level compared to both sample with methyl red contrast agent and the sample without contrast agent. Therefore, this research proves that a photoacoustic imaging system can be developed to image biological tissue with a contrast agent and methylene blue has greater potential than methyl red to be used as a contrast agent in photoacoustic imaging.
Simulation Of Neutron Contamination In 6, 8, 10, 15, 18 and 25 MV Voltage Linac Device Using The Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Bilalodin Bilalodin , Haryadi Aris , Haryanto Bejo
Published: November 2022

A research on neutron contamination in LINAC device has been carried out using a Monte Carlo method. The simulation is based on the Siemens Primus  LINAC machine model whose component consists of  target, primary collimator, flattening filter and secondary collimator as its main components. A neutron contamination examination was carried out using a 10 x 10 cm radiation field and a 100 cm SSD. Subsequently, at a distance of 100 cm from the X-ray source, a water phantom is placed. Investigation of the presence of contaminants was carried out the LINAC operating voltages of 6, 8, 10, 15, 18 and 25 MV. The simulation results show that neutron contamination occurs due to the interaction of photons with the components of the LINAC device, namely the primary collimator, flattening filter and secondary collimator. The operating voltages that can produce neutron contaminant start at 10 MV. Increase in the voltage of the LINAC device causes consequent increase in neutron flux. Such increase in neutron flux has the potential to increase therapeutic dose.
Interview with Dr Zoe Saynor
Authors: Saynor Zoe
Published: November 2022

The Bulletin talks to Dr Zoe Saynor about her career and what human factors mean to her.
Returning to surgical training from parental leave
Authors: Kent FH , Stephens M , Allery L
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Surveys have indicated that medical trainees report anxiety about returning to training from parental leave but the experiences of surgical trainees have not been investigated previously. Evidence from non-clinical industry suggests that their skills may fade significantly.

Methods

Using qualitative research methodology, this study looked at the experiences of surgical trainees returning to training from parental leave to a deanery where no specific support is currently offered.

Results

All trainees reported anxieties about returning to training and issues with low confidence on their return. Their surgical skills returned quicker than they expected, regardless of stage of training or type of skill. All wished for greater support for returning trainees.

Conclusions

Low confidence is the main impediment to trainees returning to surgical training after parental leave. However, contrary to the literature, surgical trainees can be reassured that their surgical skills are unlikely to be negatively affected for any significant period of time after a break from training. In addition, the confidence of returning surgical trainees should be increased by awareness of the advantages and enhanced skills they are likely to have on their return to training.
How to make the perfect tweet: factors that affect the retweetability of surgical research
Authors: Mahendran A , Perin G , Baker M , Hanton A , Lumley E , Saha A
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Twitter is a powerful social media platform for sharing information. Retweets allow users to reach a wider audience quickly. They can affect the visibility of research, potentially opening up access to funding resources and grants. Authors should therefore adopt strategies to maximise the social media presence of their publications. Our aim was to determine which tweet and Twitter account related factors affect the ‘retweetability’ of surgical publications.

Methods

All papers published in print in 2019 in the Annals of Surgery, the British Journal of Surgery and JAMA Surgery were selected. Each paper’s first appearance on Twitter was identified, and characteristics of the posting Twitter account and the tweet itself were analysed. The association between these characteristics and the number of retweets was then investigated.

Results

A total of 413 papers were selected. The median number of retweets was 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0–10). The median number of likes was 6 (IQR: 1–17). The first tweet created about a paper was usually from a reader (42%), with only a minority created by the journal (17%) or the authors (20%). In multivariate analysis, use of visual abstracts (p < 0.001), hashtags (p = 0.004), pictures (p < 0.001) and authors as creators of the original tweet (p < 0.001) were predictive of increased retweetability. Use of visual abstracts did not increase retweetability compared with pictures (p = 0.205)

Conclusions

Authors should create the first post on social media to improve engagement with their papers. In order to make the research more widely shared, such tweets should use visual abstracts or pictures and relevant hashtags, and should avoid solely posting the paper title.
November 2022 Imaging Case of the Month: Out of Place in the Thorax
Authors:   Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ USA, Gotway Michael
Published: November 2022

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. History of Present Illness: A 30-year-old woman presented with complaints of left-sided back pain and numbness. She denied any history of trauma. PMH, SH, FH: No significant past medical history. She denied smoking and use of illicit substances. Her family history was largely unremarkable, positive only for a history of gastrointestinal stromal tumor affecting her father. Medications: Her medications included fluoxetine, spironolactone, and Celebrex (celecoxib). Physical Examination: The patient’s physical examination showed her to be afebrile with pulse rate and blood pressure within the normal range. Laboratory Evaluation: A complete blood count showed a hemoglobin and hematocrit value of 14.3 gm/dL (normal, 13.2-16.6 gm/dL) and 41.5% (normal, 38.3-48.6%) and a platelet count of 253 x x109/L (normal, 135-317 x109/L). The white blood cell count was normal at 6.9 x109/L (normal, 3.4-9.6 x109/L), with no left shift. The eosinophil count was normal. Liver function studies were entirely normal. Serum chemistries were …
All-fiber dual-wavelength mode-locked fiber laser based on microfiber-assisted NL-MMI
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Zhang He , Jin Liang , Li Xiaohui , Xie Shangzhi , Ma Xiaohui
Published: November 2022

We present what we believe is a novel approach to generate a dual wavelength in a single fiber-ring oscillator, which is based on microfiber-assisted nonlinear multimode interference. In the software simulation, the mode locker could not only strengthen the spatial filtering and spectral filtering but could also improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the mode-locked pulse over the single mode fiber-graded index multimode fiber-single mode fibers (SMSs). In the experiment, the stable and compact dual-wavelength mode-locked output was achieved by using the proposed mode-locked fiber laser, without any complex controlling electronics. This new optimized mode-locking method provides a compact and low-cost solution for dual-comb systems.
Continuous terahertz omnidirectional beam steering by dual diffraction of metagratings
Authors: Cheng Jie-Rong , Yang Yang , Chen Sai , Wen Qi-Ye , Ji Yun-Yun , Fan Fei , Chang Sheng-Jiang
Published: November 2022

Dynamic beam steering with unlimited angular range and fast speed remains a challenge in the terahertz gap, which is urgently needed for next-generation target tracking, wireless communications, and imaging applications. Different from metasurface phased arrays with element-level phase control, here we steer the beam by globally engineering the diffraction of two cascaded metagratings during in-plane rotation. Benefiting from large-angle diffraction and flexible on/off control of the diffraction channels, a pair of metagratings with optimized supercells and proper orientation successfully directs the incoming beam towards any arbitrary direction over the transmission half space, with the steering speed improved more than twice that of the small-angle diffractive designs. Single-beam and dual-beam steering within the solid angle of

1.56
π

and elevation angle of

±
77
°

has been demonstrated with average throughput efficiency of 41.4% at 0.14 THz, which can be generalized to multiple-beam cases. The dual diffraction engineering scheme offers a clear physical picture for beamforming and greatly simplifies the device structure, with additional merits of large aperture and low power consumption.
Investigating sentence processing and working memory in patients with mild Alzheimer and elderly people
Authors: Nasiri Maryam , Moayedfar Saeideh , Purmohammad Mehdi , Ghasisin Leila
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Linguistic disorders are one of the common problems in Alzheimer’s disease, which in recent years has been considered as one of the key parameters in the diagnosis of Alzheimer (AD). Given that changes in sentence processing and working memory and the relationship between these two activities may be a diagnostic parameter in the early and preclinical stages of AD, the present study examines the comprehension and production of sentences and working memory in AD patients and healthy aged people.

Methods

Twenty-five people with mild Alzheimer’s and 25 healthy elderly people participated in the study. In this study, we used the digit span to evaluate working memory. Syntactic priming and sentence completion tasks in canonical and non-canonical conditions were used for evaluating sentence production. We administered sentence picture matching and cross-modal naming tasks to assess sentence comprehension.

Results

The results of the present study revealed that healthy elderly people and patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease have a significant difference in comprehension of relative clause sentences (P <0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in comprehension of simple active, simple active with noun phrase and passive sentences (P> 0.05). They had a significant difference in auditory and visual reaction time (P <0.05). Also there was a significant difference between the two groups in syntactic priming and sentence completion tasks. However, in non-canonical condition of sentence completion, the difference between the two groups was not significant (P> 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the present study showed that the mean scores related to comprehension, production and working memory in people with mild Alzheimer’s were lower than healthy aged people, which indicate sentence processing problems at this level of the disease. People with Alzheimer have difficulty comprehending and producing complex syntactic structures and have poorer performance in tasks that required more memory demands. It seems that the processing problems of these people are due to both working memory and language problems, which are not separate from each other and both are involved in.
The effect of self-organizing map architecture based on the value migration network centrality measures on stock return. Evidence from the US market
Authors: Siudak Dariusz
Published: November 2022

Complex financial systems are the subject of current research interest. The notion of complex network is used for understanding the value migration process. Based on the stock data of 498 companies listed in the S&P500, the value migration network has been constructed using the MST-Pathfinder filtering network approach. The analysis covered 471 companies included in the largest component of VMN. Three methods: (i) complex networks; (ii) artificial neural networks and (iii) MARS regression, are developed to determine the effect of network centrality measures and rate of return on shares. A network-based data mining analysis has revealed that the topological position in the value migration network has a pronounced impact on the stock’s returns.
Association of congenital Zika syndrome with dental alterations in children with microcephaly
Authors: Gomes Patrícia Nóbrega , do Amaral Beatriz Aguiar , Azevedo Isabelita Duarte , de Medeiros Maia Haline Cunha , Arrais Nivia Maria Rodrigues , de Lima Kenio Costa
Published: November 2022

The effects of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) on the tooth development of infected children are not well known. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of CZS with dental alterations in children with microcephaly seen at a referral hospital in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The chronology and sequence of tooth eruption and the presence of dental alterations were evaluated by a single calibrated examiner (kappa > 0.80) in 62 children aged 7 to 35 months with microcephaly associated with CZS and other congenital infections. Medical data of the mother and child were collected from the records and the parents responded to a socioeconomic questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and Fisher’s exact test were used (5% significance level). The mean age of the children was 26.4 months (SD = 7.52). The mean weight and head circumference at birth were 2,593 g (SD = 0.60) and 29.6 cm (SD = 2.48), respectively. Microcephaly was associated with congenital Zika virus infection in 79% of cases and with other congenital infections in 21%. No significant association was found between CZS and alterations in the chronology (p = 1.00) or sequence of tooth eruption (p = 0.16) or changes in enamel development (p = 1.00). In conclusion, children with microcephaly exhibit a delay and alterations in the sequence of tooth eruption of primary teeth, as well as developmental defects of enamel, which are not associated with Zika virus infection.
Factors associated with ART adherence among HIV-positive adherence club members in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ndoro Tariro , Ndlovu Ntombizodwa , Nyasulu Peter
Published: November 2022

Background

HIV is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in South Africa that can be managed using antiretroviral therapy (ART). Adherence clubs are interventions that have been introduced to decentralize ART to improve ART adherence and provide social support for club members. However, ART adherence can be suboptimal even among adherence club members.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the factors affecting ART adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) attending adherence clubs in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Ordinal logistic regression was used in univariable and multivariable analyses to determine factors significantly associated with adherence scores. Factors included in the final model were age, comorbidity, ART regimen and club membership duration.

Results

The records of 730 participants were analysed. After adjusting for age, participants with comorbidities were half as likely to report high ART adherence scores compared to participants without comorbidities (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8, p = 0.005). The adjusted odds of reporting high levels of adherence among participants on cART were 1.8 times those on a single tablet regimen (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0–3.2; p = 0.033). There was a 20% reduction in the adjusted odds of reporting high ART adherence for each additional year of adherence club membership (AOR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.8–0.9, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Increasing years spent as adherence club members, single tablet ART regimens and the presence of comorbidities were all significantly associated with low ART adherence among study participants. Regular assessment of the quality of counselling sessions for ART adherence club members and questionnaires for early screening of treatment fatigue have been suggested as tools for improved adherence in ART adherence club settings.
Using drones to transport suspected COVID-19 samples; experiences from the second largest testing centre in Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Sylverken Augustina Angelina , Owusu Michael , Agbavor Bernadette , Kwarteng Alex , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Ofori Patrick , El-Duah Philip , Yeboah Richmond , Aryeetey Sherihane , Addo Asamoah Jesse , Ekekpi Rita Ziem , Oppong Morrah , Gorman Richmond , Brempong Kofi Adjei , Nyarko-Afriyie Emmanuella , Owusu Bonsu Felix , Larsen-Reindorf Rita , Rockson Adjei Michael , Boateng Gifty , Asiedu-Bekoe Franklin , Sarkodie Badu , Laryea Dennis O. , Tinkorang Emmanuel , Kumah Aboagye Patrick , Nsiah Asare Anthony , Obiri-Danso Kwasi , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , Phillips Richard Odame
Published: November 2022

Background

The declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11 2020, by the World Health Organisation prompted the need for a sustained and a rapid international response. In a swift response, the Government of Ghana, in partnership with Zipline company, launched the use of Unmanned Automated Vehicles (UAV) to transport suspected samples from selected districts to two foremost testing centres in the country. Here, we present the experiences of employing this technology and its impact on the transport time to the second largest testing centre, the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) in Kumasi, Ghana.

Methods

Swab samples collected from suspected COVID-19 patients were transported to the Zipline office by health workers. Information on the samples were sent to laboratory personnel located at KCCR through a WhatsApp platform to get them ready to receive the suspected COVID-19 samples while Zipline repackaged samples and transported them via drone. Time of take-off was reported as well as time of drop-off.

Results

A total of 2537 COVID-19 suspected samples were received via drone transport from 10 districts between April 2020 to June 2021 in 440 deliveries. Ejura-Sekyedumase District Health Directorate delivered the highest number of samples (765; 30%). The farthest district to use the drone was Pru East, located 270 km away from KCCR in Kumasi and 173 km to the Zipline office in Mampong. Here, significantly, it took on the average 39 minutes for drones to deliver samples compared to 117 minutes spent in transporting samples by road (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The use of drones for sample transport during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the travel time taken for samples to be transported by road to the testing site. This has enhanced innovative measures to fight the pandemic using technology.
A novel combination of corneal confocal microscopy, clinical features and artificial intelligence for evaluation of ocular surface pain
Authors: Kundu Gairik , Shetty Rohit , D’Souza Sharon , Khamar Pooja , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Sethu Swaminathan , Roy Abhijit Sinha
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To analyse various corneal nerve parameters using confocal microscopy along with systemic and orthoptic parameters in patients presenting with ocular surface pain using a random forest artificial intelligence (AI) model.

Design

Observational, cross-sectional.

Methods

Two hundred forty eyes of 120 patients with primary symptom of ocular surface pain or discomfort and control group of 60 eyes of 31 patients with no symptoms of ocular pain were analysed. A detailed ocular examination included visual acuity, refraction, slit-lamp and fundus. All eyes underwent laser scanning confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) and their nerve parameters were evaluated. The presence or absence of orthoptic issues and connective tissue disorders were included in the AI. The eyes were grouped as those (Group 1) with symptom grade higher than signs, (Group 2) with similar grades of symptoms and signs, (Group3) without symptoms but with signs, (Group 4) without symptoms and signs. The area under curve (AUC), accuracy, recall, precision and F1-score were evaluated.

Results

Over all, the AI achieved an AUC of 0.736, accuracy of 86%, F1-score of 85.9%, precision of 85.6% and recall of 86.3%. The accuracy was the highest for Group 2 and least for Group 3 eyes. The top 6 parameters used for classification by the AI were microneuromas, immature and mature dendritic cells, presence of orthoptic issues and nerve fractal dimension parameter.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that various corneal nerve parameters, presence or absence of systemic and orthoptic issues coupled with AI can be a useful technique to understand and correlate the various clinical and imaging parameters of ocular surface pain.
A VPS15-like kinase regulates apicoplast biogenesis and autophagy by promoting PI3P generation in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Rawat Rahul Singh , Bansal Priyanka , Sharma Pushkar
Published: November 2022

Phosphoinositides are important second messengers that regulate key cellular processes in eukaryotes. While it is known that a single phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) catalyses the formation of 3’-phosphorylated phosphoinositides (PIPs) in apicomplexan parasites like Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, how its activity and PI3P formation is regulated has remained unknown. Present studies involving a unique Vps15 like protein (TgVPS15) in Toxoplasma gondii provides insight into the regulation of phosphatidyl-3-phosphate (PI3P) generation and unravels a novel pathway that regulates parasite development. Detailed investigations suggested that TgVPS15 regulates PI3P formation in Toxoplasma gondii, which is important for the inheritance of the apicoplast-a plastid like organelle present in most apicomplexans and parasite replication. Interestingly, TgVPS15 also regulates autophagy in T. gondii under nutrient-limiting conditions as it promotes autophagosome formation. For both these processes, TgVPS15 uses PI3P-binding protein TgATG18 and regulates trafficking and conjugation of TgATG8 to the apicoplast and autophagosomes, which is important for biogenesis of these organelles. TgVPS15 has a protein kinase domain but lacks several key residues conserved in conventional protein kinases. Interestingly, two critical residues in its active site are important for PI3P formation and parasitic functions of this kinase. Collectively, these studies unravel a signalling cascade involving TgVPS15, a novel effector of PI3-kinase in T. gondii and possibly other Apicomplexa, that regulate critical processes like apicoplast biogenesis and autophagy.
Imposter syndrome: A case study on the experiences and perspectives of a teenage feminist indie band
Authors: McArton Lloyd
Published: November 2022

This research article features the perspectives of two young women who create and perform as an indie band together. Their stories demonstrate a stark contrast between their relative success in this early stage of their career and the obstacles that they continue to face. Linked to an underlying feeling of imposter syndrome, they reveal an ongoing struggle with confidence as musicians, resentment of the gentrification and closure of music venues, unsupportive high school teachers and administration and age-related barriers to the indie music scene. Encounters with sexism and ageism within the music scene and industry allude to systemic issues resulting in a dearth of musical spaces in which young artists can participate safely. Through interrogation of existing pathways to musical experiences and deeper understanding of young artists and their experiences within these avenues, attention to these discrepancies is critical in all settings of music education.
Music Business Careers: Career Duality in the Creative Industries, Cheryl Slay Carr (2019)
Authors: Missena Sol Elisa Martinez
Published: November 2022

Review of: Music Business Careers: Career Duality in the Creative Industries, Cheryl Slay Carr (2019)

New York and London: Routledge, 220 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-13848-227-2, p/bk, $37.56