bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XX MALE: A RARE CAUSE OF SHORT STATURE, INFERTILITY, GYNAECOMASTIA AND CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST
Authors: Hado HSH , Helmy SW , Klemm K , Miller P , Elhadd TA
Published: April 2023

We present a case of an XX male with carcinoma of the breast and primary infertility. He was admitted to hospital with recurrent chest pains, but a history of surgery for breast carcinoma, gynaecomastia and the finding of bilaterally atrophied testes, coupled with the fact that he had never fathered children, necessitated further investigations. Chromosomal analysis showed a 46, XX male genotype with a normal X chromosome and an abnormal X chromosome formed by translocation between the short arm of one X chromosome and the Y chromosome. By using fluorescence in situ hybridisation, the patient proved to be SRY positive, the sex‐determining region of the Y chromosome. In this rare genetic abnormality males retain normal phenotype but they are generally of short stature, have gynaecomastia, and may have genital anomalies. They are infertile and at increased risk of developing carcinoma of the breast. This seems to be the first documented case of carcinoma of the breast in an SRY positive XX male. This particular case illustrates the need for all cases of male breast cancer to undergo full endocrinological assessment, especially in the presence of genital anomaly or infertility. (Int J Clin Pract 2003; 57(9): 844–845)
NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA IN YOUNG PATIENTS
Authors: Lim LHY , Goh CHK , Loong SLE , Khin LW , Balakrishnan A , Wee J
Published: April 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is rare in under 20‐year‐olds. Early diagnosis greatly improves survival. A retrospective review of 12 young NPC patients (seven males, five females, mean age 16 years) was performed to identify differing patient and tumour characteristics from adult NPC. Seventy‐five per cent presented with neck lumps and 25% with headache. None had a family history of NPC or epistaxis. One patient had early stage NPC, and 11 had late stage NPC. Three late stage patients who received chemoradiotherapy had better clinical outcomes than six late stage patients receiving only radiotherapy. There were six deaths, five bony recurrences and one postnasal space recurrence. The 11 late stage patients' five‐year actuarial survival was only 29%. Headache is an important symptom for young NPC. Late stage presentation and distant recurrences are also more common, supporting an increased role of chemotherapy.
EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BRIMONIDINE, DORZOLAMIDE AND LATANOPROST AS ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY IN PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA
Authors: Sodhi PK , Pandey RM , Ratan SK
Published: April 2023

A double‐blind, randomised, controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of brimonidine, dorzolamide and latanoprost as an adjunctive therapy in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). A total of 200 males and 72 females with POAG uncontrolled with previous glaucoma therapy were randomly allocated to receive topical brimonidine 0.2% b.d. (n=90), topical dorzolamide 2% b.d. (n=91) or topical latanoprost 0.005% o.d. (n=91). One year post treatment, the mean percentage reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) between the three groups was statistically significant (p<0.0001). In an intergroup comparison of efficacy, there was a statistically significant difference between the brimonidine and dorzolamide groups (p=0.018) and between the dorzolamide and latanoprost groups (p=0.76) but the efficacy of brimonidine was not significantly higher than latanoprost in the brimonidine and latanoprost groups (p=0.002). Patients experiencing mild to severe side‐effects were statistically similar in the three groups. On an inter‐drug comparison of side‐effects, we found no statistically significant difference in the brimonidine and latanoprost groups (p=0.25); and the brimonidine and dorzolamide groups (p=0.067), while the number of side‐effects with latanoprost was significantly higher in the dorzolamide and latanoprost groups (p<0.003). All three drugs caused a significant reduction in the mean IOP from pretreatment values. The brimonidine group had a higher number of patients experiencing severe side‐effects necessitating alteration of therapy.
TESTIS‐SPARING SURGERY FOR BENIGN AND MALIGNANT TESTICULAR TUMOURS
Authors: Chandak P , Shah A , Taghizadeh A , Tiptaft R , Dasgupta P
Published: April 2023

We report the technique of testis‐sparing surgery in three young men with testicular tumours, two of which were found to be benign (Leydig cell tumour and benign teratoma) and one malignant (seminoma) on frozen section and final pathological evaluation. The principles of clamping the spermatic cord with a soft bowel clamp, testicular cooling with ice slush, tumour enucleation with clear margins, meticulous haemostasis and frozen section analysis were followed. Testicular preservation was successful in the patients with benign disease. The patient with seminoma was found to have a separate nodule of invasive, poorly differentiated seminoma in the residual testis, which had not been detected on preoperative ultrasound scanning. As a result he was converted to radical orchidectomy.
HYPERTRIGLYCERIDAEMIA AND NK CELL LYMPHOMA
Authors: Suryanarayanan S , Wierzbicki AS , Carr R , Ritter JM
Published: April 2023

This case report describes a patient who presented with pyrexia of unknown origin allied with hypertriglyceridaemia (16.2 mmol/l) but not hypercholesterolemia (4.1 mmol/l). Investigations identified the cause of the pyrexia as an adult T‐cell lymphoma of natural killer cell phenotype (CD3[+], CD7[+], anti‐TCR alpha/beta[+], CD8[+], CD56[+]). Hypertriglyceridaemia has been reported with non‐Hodgkins lymphoma, and an animal model suggests that antilipoprotein lipase antibodies may be made as an immunological response to the tumour. Lymphomas should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in type IV‐V hyperlipidaemia.
The Construction of EU Normative Power and the Middle East ‘Conflict’ … 16 Years on
Authors: Pace Michelle
Published: April 2023

In this article, I revisit my 2007 piece on The Construction of EU Normative Power (NP) and the Middle East ‘conflict’ and bring in Manners' Arrival of NP in Planetary Politics' (NPA) frame to shed light on how the EU's southern neighbourhood and its social and political fragility becomes amplified by the ‘force multiplier’ of climate mitigation. For example, in 2018, Gaza sewage led to the closure of Israeli beaches and the shutdown of the desalination plant in Ashkelon, which supplies Israel with 15% of its drinking water. This is but one example of how Israel and Palestine are not only inter‐dependent but, perhaps more importantly, co‐dependent. This article therefore draws attention to the urgent need of thinking on the co‐constitution of all life on earth, particularly in a climate‐conflict scenario such as that of Israel and Palestine. Water scarcity, rising temperatures and electricity interruptions contribute to the region's instability. If policy‐makers from the region and beyond are to co‐ordinate policy interventions around water and food insecurity for instance, they cannot ignore intractable conflicts such as the Israeli–Palestinian issue and their ensuing implications for planetary politics. Such enduring ‘conflicts’ represent a microcosmic image of the planet as a whole. Along with the other contributions in this symposium, this piece invokes planetary politics as the space where we need – out of necessity – to think differently: Otherwise, others will be writing the script for us.
Effectiveness of mogamulizumab in patients with Mycosis Fungoides or Sézary syndrome: A multicentre, retrospective, real‐world French study
Authors: Beylot‐Barry M. , Quereux G. , Nardin C. , Duval‐Modeste A.‐B. , Dereure O. , Dalac‐Rat S. , Dobos G. , Pham‐Ledard A. , Ram‐Wolff C. , D'Incan M. , Grange F. , Braniste V. , Bagot M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Efficacy and safety of mogamulizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against C‐C chemokine receptor 4, were demonstrated in a previous multinational clinical trial conducted in patients with previously treated cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL): Sézary syndrome (SS) or Mycosis Fungoides (MF).

Objectives

The real‐world French OMEGA study aimed to describe effectiveness and tolerability of mogamulizumab in adult patients with CTCL, overall and according to the disease (SS or MF).

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients treated with mogamulizumab for SS or MF were included from 14 French expert centres. The overall response rate (ORR) under treatment was described (primary criterion), as well as treatment use and safety data.

Results

The 122 analysed patients (69 SS, 53 MF) were aged 66.6 ± 12.1 years at mogamulizumab initiation, and their median disease duration was 2.5 years (IQR: 1.3–5.6). Prior to treatment start, they received a median of three systemic CTCL therapies (2–5). Overall, 77.8% of patients suffered from advanced disease (Stage IIB–IVB), with frequent blood (B1/B2) involvement (67.5%). Over the treatment period (median: 4.6 months, 2.1–7.2), 96.7% of patients received all the planned mogamulizumab infusions. Among the 109 patients evaluable for effectiveness, ORR was 58.7% (95% CI [48.9–68.1]) overall, 69.5% [56.1–80.8] in SS and 46.0% [31.8–60.7] in MF. Compartmental response in the blood was observed in 81.8% [69.1–90.9] of SS patients. Skin responses were observed in 57.0% [47.0–66.5] of patients overall, 66.7% [52.9–78.6] in SS and 46.0% [31.8–60.7] in MF. The most common serious adverse drug reactions were rash (8.1% of patients) and infusion‐related reactions (2.4%) which led to treatment discontinuation in 7.3% and 0.8% of patients, respectively. One patient with SS died from mogamulizumab‐related tumour lysis syndrome.

Conclusions

This large French study confirmed the effectiveness and tolerability of mogamulizumab in SS and MF patients in routine medical practice.
Efficacy of anti‐IL‐23 and anti‐IL‐17 after adalimumab failure in psoriatic patients
Authors: Mastorino L. , Susca S. , Cariti C. , Sliquini N. , Verrone A. , Stroppiana E. , Ortoncelli M. , Dapavo P. , Ribero S. , Quaglino P.
Published: April 2023

Background

Many national guidelines at the European level recommend first‐line therapy based on the anti‐TNF‐alpha adalimumab for treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, mainly for economic reasons. Consequently, patients being treated with newer IL‐17 and IL‐23 inhibitors underwent previous unsuccessful first‐line adalimumab‐based therapy.

Objectives

Evaluate the efficacy and safety of IL‐17 and IL‐23 inhibitors after treatment with adalimumab compared to adalimumab‐naive psoriatic patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 1053 psoriatic patients treated with anti‐IL17 and anti‐IL23 agents, which included 68 and 24 adalimumab‐experienced and 399 and 260 bio‐naive patients. Efficacy was assessed with mean PASI, PASI90, PASI100, and <3.

Results

Concerning the achieving of PASI100, PASI90 and PASI < 3 in patients treated with anti‐IL17 agents, no significant differences were observed between adalimumab‐experienced and bio‐naive patients. In patients treated with an anti‐IL‐23 agent, a faster response was observed in bio‐naive patients, with PASI < 3 significantly higher than ADA‐experienced patients at 16 weeks (77% vs. 58% p = 0.048). In a sub‐analysis that evaluated the performance of anti‐IL17 and anti‐IL23 agents in adalimumab‐experienced patients with a history of secondary failure, no significant differences were found. In multivariate analysis of PASI100, only anti‐IL‐17 therapy appeared to have a negative impact at 52 weeks (OR: 0.54 p = 0.04) independently of previous treatment. For PASI90, type of treatment and bio‐naïve status did not seem to have an impact at any time point.

Conclusions

Anti‐IL 23 and anti‐IL 17 agents are not significantly different in terms of efficacy in bio‐naive patients or as second‐line therapy after failure with a biosimilar or originator adalimumab.
Clinical and histopathological investigation of symmetrical alopecia with associated chronic pruritus in tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella apella)
Authors: Petak Ana , Boras Jadranko , Bata Ingeborg , Ilić Ivana , Hohšteter Marko , Šoštarić‐Zuckermann Ivan‐Conrado
Published: April 2023

Background

Symmetrical alopecia is a common symptom of endocrine and autoimmune diseases, which are rarely manifested with pruritus. Increased levels of stress in primates have been presented with increased levels of pruritus and alopecia appearance.

Methods

A pruritic and alopecic disease was investigated in a group of tufted capuchin monkeys (N = 12), but due to ethical reasons, four random animals were further investigated by numerous diagnostic methods. The impact of food and enclosure enrichment was assessed and observed over a 2‐year period.

Results

Histopathology of four random tufted capuchin monkeys revealed lymphocytic perifolliculitis, with an appearance of a “swarm of bees” which was suggestive of alopecia areata. Etiological classification of pruritus excluded dermatological, systemic, and neurological causes, making it behavioral. Enclosure and food enrichment had a beneficial impact on pruritus (12/12) and alopecia (10/12).

Conclusion

The findings were suggestive of alopecia areata, while the pruritus was considered behavioral in origin. Alopecia and pruritus improved upon enclosure and food enrichment.
Evaluation of newborns with Down syndrome with weight less than 1500 g in the neonatal intensive care unit: A Japanese multicentre study
Authors: Ishida Shuji , Nakanishi Hidehiko , Kosaka Yukako , Yamaguchi Ayano , Ooka Mari ,   the Neonatal Research Network, Japan
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study aimed to clarify the characteristics and their mortality‐related factors in very low birthweight infants with Down syndrome (DS) in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study enrolled newborns with DS weighing <1500 g admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the perinatal centre registered with the Neonatal Research Network of Japan (NRNJ) database from 2008 to 2019. The clinical characteristics and their mortality‐related factors were compared among the Dead group (newborns with DS who died in the NICU), the Survival group (newborns with DS who were alive from the NICU) and the Control group (newborns without congenital or chromosomal condition).

Results

A total of 53 656 newborns weighing <1500 g were registered in the NRNJ database for 12 years. Of these, 310 (0.6%) were diagnosed with DS: 62 newborns in the Dead group, 248 in the Survival group and 49 786 in the Control group without chromosomal condition. Logistic analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in the mortality‐related factors in congenital anomalies, pulmonary haemorrhage and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn; the adjusted odds ratios were 8.6, 121 and 9.5, respectively. Newborns with DS weighing <1000 g showed the earliest death in the NICU on the Kaplan–Meier survival curve (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The mortality rate for newborns with DS weighing <1500 g was 20% (5% in the Control group). The mortality‐related factors were complications of congenital anomalies, pulmonary haemorrhage and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
Spirituality, disability, and quality of life
Authors: Carter Erik W.
Published: April 2023

Promoting the flourishing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) requires consideration of the same breadth of life domains that might matter to any other person. Like anyone else, many people with IDD (as well as their families) consider spirituality and religious participation to be central to their personal thriving. Yet, this dimension of their lives is often overlooked or ignored in the areas of assessment, planning, practice, and support. This article addresses the salience of spirituality and religion; their impact on QOL; the complexities of addressing these areas among people with IDD; the ways in which they can be conceptualized and assessed; and implications for policy and practice.
Association of poor sleep and HbA1c in metformin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes: Findings from the UK Biobank cohort study
Authors: Xue Pei , Tan Xiao , Benedict Christian
Published: April 2023

The American Diabetes Association recommends a glycated haemoglobin target of less than 7% for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it is still being determined if poor sleep affects this therapeutic goal, despite being treated with the blood‐glucose‐lowering medication metformin. Thus, we used data from 5703 patients on metformin monotherapy participating in the UK Biobank baseline investigation between 2006 and 2010. We combined self‐reported chronotype, daily sleep duration, insomnia, daytime sleepiness and snoring into a multidimensional poor sleep score ranging from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating a less healthy sleep pattern. With each point increase on the poor sleep score scale, the odds of patients having an glycated haemoglobin of ≥ 7% increased by 6% (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.06 [1.01, 1.11], p = 0.021). When examining the components of the poor sleep score separately, snoring was specifically associated with a glycated haemoglobin of ≥ 7% (1.12 [1.01, 1.25] versus no snoring, p = 0.038). However, adjusting for health and lifestyle conditions, such as body mass index, weekly physical activity level and hypertension status, eliminated the significant associations between the poor sleep score and snoring with glycated haemoglobin of ≥ 7%. Our findings suggest that poor sleep, specifically snoring, a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, may interfere with the therapeutic goal of achieving a glycated haemoglobin below 7%. However, other factors known to be promoted by poor sleep, such as high body mass index, low physical activity and hypertension, may also contribute to the link between poor sleep and higher glycated haemoglobin levels.
Beef and plant‐based burgers' mastication parameters depend on texture rather than on serving conditions
Authors: Ilic Jovan , Djekic Ilija , Tomasevic Igor , van den Berg Marco , Oosterlinck Filip
Published: April 2023

Previous studies dealing with plant‐based meat analogs confirmed the potential of oral processing methods to identify options for improving those products. Knowing that sensory perception can be influenced by adding condiments, this short communication aimed to investigate the texture and oral processing of four plant‐based burger analogs and a beef burger when consumed in portions or as part of model meals with buns and sides. Texture profile analysis indicated that beef burgers and analog E were the toughest. Two analogs (B and S) showed textures close to beef, while one (analog D) displayed significantly lower values for hardness, toughness, cohesiveness, and springiness. The instrumental data was only partly reflected in the mastication parameters. Adaptations in mastication behavior were expected, but differences between the plant‐based analogs were smaller than anticipated, although clear differences were observed for consumption time, number of chews and number of swallows. On the whole, mastication patterns concurred within different consumption scenarios (portions, model burgers), and significant correlations with instrumental texture were obtained.
A comparison of diet quality and cardiovascular and inflammatory responses between aerobically trained male adults following either a long‐term vegan or omnivorous dietary pattern
Authors: Craddock Joel C. , Probst Yasmine C. , Neale Elizabeth P. , Geraghty Nicholas , Peoples Gregory E.
Published: April 2023

Vegan dietary patterns are increasingly being adopted by endurance athletes, yet research examining the influence of this dietary pattern on exercise‐related physiology is limited. This pilot study, therefore, aimed to explore nutrient status, diet quality and cardiovascular and inflammatory responses in aerobically trained adult males following vegan and omnivorous dietary patterns during aerobic exercise. An incremental ramp running test was used to assess peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) in males aged 18–55 years, engaging in >4 h training/week. Exercise testing was performed during walking and steady‐state running conditions (60% and 90% of VO2peak). Participants were grouped by dietary pattern type and were equivalent for age, training volume and VO2peak. When compared to the omnivorous group (n = 8, age 35.6 years, VO2peak 55.7 mL/kg/min), the vegan group (n = 12, age 33.4 years, VO2peak 56.4 m/kg/min) consumed more energy from carbohydrates (p = 0.007), and less energy from protein (p = 0.001) while exhibiting a higher overall diet quality score (p = 0.008). No differences in inflammatory biomarkers were observed before or after running. Total red blood cell count, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were lower in the vegan dietary group. In summary, aerobically trained males, following a long‐term vegan diet, can tolerate a short bout of running broadly comparatively to their omnivore counterparts. More arduous endurance exercise conditions should be explored to further uncover potential outcomes of consuming a vegan dietary pattern and exercise‐related physiology.
Autoimmune encephalitis presenting with atypical parkinsonism: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ono Yoya , Higashida Kazuhiro , Takekoshi Akira , Kimura Akio , Shimohata Takayoshi
Published: April 2023

An 81‐year‐old man developed axial rigidity, bradykinesia, and cognitive impairment within 6 weeks. On initial examination, he was misdiagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintensities in the bilateral mesial temporal lobes and basal ganglia. Neuronal antibodies previously reported in autoimmune encephalitis mimicking PSP were negative. Immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical analysis revealed the autoantibodies recognized neuronal surface and intracellular antigens. The diagnostic criteria for probable autoimmune encephalitis were fulfilled. We diagnosed him with autoimmune encephalitis. Intravenous immunoglobulin and steroid therapy improved his symptoms. The presence of novel autoantibodies causing autoimmune encephalitis presenting with atypical parkinsonism was suggested.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy causing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in a Chinese intensive care unit
Authors: Shen Yan , Wang Xujuan , Yao Yeying , Zhou Xingmei
Published: April 2023

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare but severe condition associated with high rates of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Timely discontinuation of pregnancy, professional supervision and appropriate management are helpful for a successful discharge. This article reports the presentation and nursing care of a pregnant woman who was diagnosed with AFLP and discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) after a prolonged hospitalization. The patient was admitted to the ICU on the first day after a caesarean section, with deterioration of liver, kidney and coagulation function. On day 1 of ICU admission, she underwent transnasal high‐flow oxygen therapy. Owing to worsening respiratory status and oxygen saturation <85%, the patient was intubated on day 3 in the ICU. Her urine output decreased significantly, her bilirubin level progressively increased, and she was treated with bilirubin adsorption and haemodialysis. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome occurred, along with many other complications, including subarachnoid haemorrhage and lower extremity venous thrombosis. The patient was finally extubated on day 7, and haemodialysis was discontinued on day 42, with a daily urine output of approximately 2000 mL. The patient was discharged from the ICU 43 days after admission. Treatment and care activities under qualified nursing care, including managing haemorrhage and anticoagulation in haemodialysis, pain care based on psychological support, early rehabilitation and nutrition and providing appropriate care for respiratory support, contributed to the successful discharge of the patient from the ICU. During the patient's 43‐day stay in the ICU, strict monitoring and personalized nursing care were implemented.
Lower tear meniscus height measured by optical coherence tomography in children
Authors: Martin‐García Beatriz , Palomo‐Álvarez Catalina , Piedrahita‐Alonso Elena , Gomez‐de‐Liaño Rosario , Ferrer Manuel Enrique Fuentes , Arriola‐Villalobos Pedro
Published: April 2023

Introduction

While optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of the lower tear meniscus height (LTMH) have been reported in adults, here we obtained LTMH measurements through Fourier Domain OCT in healthy children and compared these with values obtained in healthy adults.

Methods

Participants were children 7–17 years of age and a control group of adults 20–40 years of age. Inclusion criteria were no abnormal eye conditions or the use of contact lenses. Candidates who fulfilled the TFOS DEWS II criteria for dry eye disease (DED) were excluded. All subjects underwent LTMH measurement (OCT Spectralis) and tests for non‐invasive tear break‐up time and ocular surface staining. Participants also completed the ocular surface disease index questionnaire.

Results

A total of 86 children and 27 adults were included. Mean LTMH values in the children and adult groups were 217.40 ± 71.40 μm and 225.0 ± 54.86 μm, respectively; p = 0.53. However, 59.3% of the children had an LTMH ≤210 μm suggestive of DED, compared with only 33.3% of adults (p = 0.02). For the children, no significant differences in LTMH were observed with sex or for those more or less than 12 years of age.

Conclusions

Optical coherence tomography‐derived LTMH measurements were obtained in healthy children. While values were similar in children and adults, a greater proportion of children had an LTMH compatible with a diagnosis of DED. More studies in different paediatric populations are required to establish a complete set of normative LTMH measurements.
Hidradenitis suppurativa presenting as mammillary fistula in a teenage girl
Authors: Barker Catherine , Duff David , Wine Lee Lara
Published: April 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a common skin disease in children and young adults. In this report, we describe an unusual case of HS presenting as a mammillary fistula (MF) in a teenage female. A thorough dermatologic history and exam resulted in diagnosis of HS. Identifying the underlying disease is key to appropriate treatment of a relapsing MF in the setting of HS.
The effects of sports‐related concussion history on female adolescent brain activity and connectivity for bilateral lower extremity knee motor control
Authors: Zuleger Taylor M. , Slutsky‐Ganesh Alexis B. , Anand Manish , Kim HoWon , Warren Shayla M. , Grooms Dustin R. , Barber Foss Kim D. , Riley Michael A. , Yuan Weihong , Gore Russell K. , Myer Gregory D. , Diekfuss Jed A.
Published: April 2023

Sports‐related concussions (SRCs) are associated with neuromuscular control deficits in athletes following return to play. However, the connection between SRC and potentially disrupted neural regulation of lower extremity motor control has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate brain activity and connectivity during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) lower extremity motor control task (bilateral leg press) in female adolescent athletes with a history of SRC. Nineteen female adolescent athletes with a history of SRC and nineteen uninjured (without a history of SRC) age‐ and sport‐matched control athletes participated in this study. Athletes with a history of SRC exhibited less neural activity in the left inferior parietal lobule/supramarginal gyrus (IPL) during the bilateral leg press compared to matched controls. Based upon signal change detected in the brain activity analysis, a 6 mm region of interest (seed) was defined to perform secondary connectivity analyses using psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses. During the motor control task, the left IPL (seed) was significantly connected to the right posterior cingulate gyrus/precuneus cortex and right IPL for athletes with a history of SRC. The left IPL was significantly connected to the left primary motor cortex (M1) and primary somatosensory cortex (S1), right inferior temporal gyrus, and right S1 for matched controls. Altered neural activity in brain regions important for sensorimotor integration and motor attention, combined with unique connectivity to regions responsible for attentional, cognitive, and proprioceptive processing, indicate compensatory neural mechanisms may underlie the lingering neuromuscular control deficits associated with SRC.
Poverty decompositions with counterfactual income and inequality dynamics
Authors: Hartmann Vanessa , Wacker Konstantin M.
Published: April 2023

Traditional poverty accounting decomposes changes in a country's poverty headcount ratio into changes in income and inequality. We argue that this approach is unsatisfactory from the perspective of policy analysis because it compares a country in two points of time without taking the country's initial situation, and hence its potential for poverty reduction, into account. We thus suggest comparing traditional poverty decompositions with a counterfactual situation. This counterfactual indicates what a country starting from its initial situation could be expected to achieve in terms of income, inequality, and, hence, poverty developments. We construct those counterfactuals by modeling income and inequality trends characterized by convergence and a “Kuznets” relationship between inequality and development. Parameters in those relationships are estimated using PovcalNet survey data from 144 countries and we construct our counterfactual poverty predictions for 71 developing countries. While there is overall a tight relationship between actual developments and counterfactuals, we identify several cases, where both deviate from each other and discuss the policy implications. We also check for commonalities in differently performing countries and find that those who fell particularly short of expectations often underwent political transition and state fragility.
New closed‐form efficient estimator for multivariate gamma distribution
Authors: Jang Yu‐Hyeong , Zhao Jun , Kim Hyoung‐Moon , Yu Kyusang , Kwon Sunghoon , Kim SungHwan
Published: April 2023

Maximum likelihood estimation is used widely in classical statistics. However, except in a few cases, it does not have a closed form. Furthermore, it takes time to derive the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) owing to the use of iterative methods such as Newton–Raphson. Nonetheless, this estimation method has several advantages, chief among them being the invariance property and asymptotic normality. Based on the first approximation to the solution of the likelihood equation, we obtain an estimator that has the same asymptotic behavior as the MLE for multivariate gamma distribution. The newly proposed estimator, denoted as , is also in closed form as long as the ‐consistent initial estimator is in the closed form. Hence, we develop some closed‐form ‐consistent estimators for multivariate gamma distribution to improve the small‐sample property. is an alternative to MLE and performs better compared to MLE in terms of computation time, especially for large datasets, and stability. For the bivariate gamma distribution, the is over 130 times faster than the MLE, and as the sample size increasing, the is over 200 times faster than the MLE. Owing to the instant calculation of the proposed estimator, it can be used in state–space modeling or real‐time processing models.
A non‐canonical function of Arabidopsis ERECTA proteins and a role of the SWI3B subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in gibberellin signaling
Authors: Sarnowska Elzbieta , Kubala Szymon , Cwiek Pawel , Sacharowski Sebastian , Oksinska Paulina , Steciuk Jaroslaw , Zaborowska Magdalena , Szurmak Jakub M. , Dubianski Roman , Maassen Anna , Stachowiak Malgorzata , Huettel Bruno , Ciesla Monika , Nowicka Klaudia , Rolicka Anna T. , Alseekh Saleh , Bucior Ernest , Franzen Rainer , Skoneczna Anna , Domagalska Malgorzata A. , Amar Samija , Hajirezaei Mohammad‐Reza , Siedlecki Janusz A. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Davis Seth J. , Sarnowski Tomasz J.
Published: April 2023

The Arabidopsis ERECTA family (ERf) of leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases (LRR‐RLKs) comprising ERECTA (ER), ERECTA‐LIKE 1 (ERL1), and ERECTA‐LIKE 2 (ERL2) controls epidermal patterning, inflorescence architecture, and stomata development and patterning. These proteins are reported to be plasma membrane associated. Here we show that the er/erl1/erl2 mutant exhibits impaired gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis and perception alongside broad transcriptional changes. The ERf kinase domains were found to localize to the nucleus where they interact with the SWI3B subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex (CRCs). The er/erl1/erl2 mutant exhibits reduced SWI3B protein level and affected nucleosomal chromatin structure. Similar to swi3c and brm plants with inactivated subunits of SWI/SNF CRCs, it also does not accumulate DELLA RGA and GAI proteins. The ER kinase phosphorylates SWI3B in vitro, and the inactivation of all ERf proteins leads to the decreased phosphorylation of SWI3B protein in vivo. The identified correlation between DELLA overaccumulation and SWI3B proteasomal degradation, and the physical interaction of SWI3B with DELLA proteins indicate an important role of SWI3B‐containing SWI/SNF CRCs in gibberellin signaling. Co‐localization of ER and SWI3B on GID1 (GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF 1) DELLA target gene promoter regions and abolished SWI3B binding to GID1 promoters in er/erl1/erl2 plants supports the conclusion that ERf‐SWI/SNF CRC interaction is important for transcriptional control of GA receptors. Thus, the involvement of ERf proteins in the transcriptional control of gene expression, and observed similar features for human HER2 (epidermal growth family receptor member), indicate an exciting target for further studies of evolutionarily conserved non‐canonical functions of eukaryotic membrane receptors.
Blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of the efficacy of bupivacaine liposomal suspension using static bodyweight distribution and subjective pain scoring in dogs after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgery
Authors: Aldrich Lauren A. , Upchurch David A. , Roush James K.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To compare the analgesic effect of surgical wound infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) to saline placebo in dogs after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

Study design

Blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical prospective study.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned dogs receiving LB and 17 dogs receiving an equivalent volume of saline placebo, all with confirmed unilateral cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency.

Methods

Preoperatively and up to 48 h after surgery, Glasgow Composite Measure Short Form (CMPS‐SF) pain scores were assigned and using a weight distribution platform, static bodyweight distribution (%BWdist) to the operated limb was measured. Postoperatively, dogs also received carprofen 2.2 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 h. Rescue analgesia was provided. Treatment success was defined as not requiring rescue analgesia over the 48‐h postoperative period.

Results

There was no difference between treatment success, postoperative opioid consumption, CMPS‐SF pain scores, or %BWdist in dogs that received surgical wound infiltration with LB compared with those receiving saline placebo, following TPLO. There was no linear correlation between CMPS‐SF pain scores and %BWdist.

Conclusion

For the population of dogs that underwent TPLO and received postoperative carprofen at our institution, LB did not provide an analgesic effect discernable by success/failure analysis, CMPS‐SF pain scores, or %BWdist measurement using a weight distribution platform, compared with saline placebo.

Clinical significance

LB may not provide detectable analgesia during the first 48 h for dogs recovering from TPLO and receiving only postoperative carprofen.
Control Oriented Modeling, Experimentation, and Stability Analysis of an Autorotating Samara
Authors: McConnell Jonathan , Das Tuhin
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a control-oriented model for describing the steady-state and dynamic behavior of a single-winged samara seed-pod in autorotative descent. A negligible lateral center of mass motion and constant, prescribed roll-angle to develop a simplified and compact model. Spanwise aerodynamic dependence is exchanged for an independent blade element representation with two tuned parameters to account for the effects of leading-edge vortex phenomena. The resulting model is a fourth-order nonlinear dynamical system. The accuracy of this model is established by validating it against our own experimental data as well as against those reported in the literature by other researchers. The validation exercise reveals that zero roll-angle is a viable assumption that significantly reduces model complexity while retaining accuracy. A necessary condition is derived for the existence of steady autorotation of the samara under free descent. Furthermore, a stability analysis is conducted suggesting that the eigenvalues of the fourth-order system, linearized about the autorotational equilibrium, can be well-represented by those of two decoupled two-dimensional systems. The analysis reveals the critical parameters that determine stability of sustained autorotation. Such stability analysis provides a platform for similar analytical exploration of future model improvements. The validity of this compact model suggests the plausibility of designing and controlling simple autorotative mechanisms based on these dynamics.
Heat and Mass Transfer, Quality, Performance Analysis, and Modeling of Thin Layer Drying Kinetics of Banana Slices
Authors: Kushwah Anand , Kumar Anil , Gaur Manoj Kumar , Pal Amit
Published: April 2023

In this study, experimental works were carried out in three different drying methods named heat exchanger-evacuated tube-assisted drying system (HE-ETADS), greenhouse solar dryer (GHSD), and open sun drying (OSD) to compare thin-layer drying kinetics, concept of mass transfer, and quality assessment of banana slices. Initial moisture content (MC) of banana slices was obtained as 78 ± 2.0% (wb), which decreased to 23.2 ± 2.0% (wb), 25.6 ± 2.0% (wb), and 28.8 ± 2.0% (wb) in all three drying systems, respectively, in 9 h of drying time. Average drying rate was evaluated as 7.89, 7.65, and 7.25 g water/g solid h in HE-ETADS, GHSD, and OSD, respectively. Weibull model (WM) defines thin-layer drying kinetics of banana slices in all three drying processes. Maximum hardness and shrinkage factor of dried banana slices were obtained as 373.6 g and 75%, respectively, in HE-ETADS. Effective moisture diffusivity, activation energy, and mass transfer coefficient were computed as 1.11–2.48 × 10−07 m2 s−1, 30.25 kJ/mole, and 3.21–1.0 × 10−04 m/s, in HE-ETADS. Similarly, in GHSD and OSD, these factors were observed as 1.21–2.34 × 10−07 m2 s−1, 41.25 kJ/mole, 3.15–1.0 × 10−04 m/s and 1.3–2.21 × 10−07 m2 s−1, 56.89 kJ/mole, 3.01–1.0 × 10−04 m/s. Maximum total color changes were noted in OSD. Hence, HE-ETADS can potentially dry high moisture content crops effectively within a minimum drying period.
Underwater Propulsion Using Forced Excitation of a Flexible Beam
Authors: Aspelund Sanders , Abdullatif Mahmoud , Mukherjee Ranjan , Hellum Aren
Published: April 2023

Aquatic animals commonly oscillate their fins, tails, or other structures to propel and control themselves in water. These elements are not perfectly rigid, so the interplay between their stiffness and the fluid loading dictates their dynamics. We examine the propulsive qualities of a tail-like flexible beam actuated by a dynamic moment over a range of frequencies and flow speeds. This is accomplished using the equations of fluid-immersed beams in combination with a set of tractable expressions for thrust and efficiency. We solve these expressions over the velocity–frequency plane and show that the flexible propulsor has regions of both positive and negative thrust. We also show the behavior of a sample underwater vehicle with fixed drag characteristics as an illustration of a realizable system.
PARC: Physics-aware recurrent convolutional neural networks to assimilate meso scale reactive mechanics of energetic materials
Authors: Nguyen Phong C. H. , Nguyen Yen-Thi , Choi Joseph B. , Seshadri Pradeep K. , Udaykumar H. S. , Baek Stephen S.
Published: April 2023

The thermo-mechanical response of shock-initiated energetic materials (EMs) is highly influenced by their microstructures, presenting an opportunity to engineer EM microstructures in a “materials-by-design” framework. However, the current design practice is limited, as a large ensemble of simulations is required to construct the complex EM structure-property-performance linkages. We present the physics-aware recurrent convolutional (PARC) neural network, a deep learning algorithm capable of learning the mesoscale thermo-mechanics of EM from a modest number of high-resolution direct numerical simulations (DNS). Validation results demonstrated that PARC could predict the themo-mechanical response of shocked EMs with comparable accuracy to DNS but with notably less computation time. The physics-awareness of PARC enhances its modeling capabilities and generalizability, especially when challenged in unseen prediction scenarios. We also demonstrate that visualizing the artificial neurons at PARC can shed light on important aspects of EM thermos-mechanics and provide an additional lens for conceptualizing EM.
Unidirectional imaging using deep learning–designed materials
Authors: Li Jingxi , Gan Tianyi , Zhao Yifan , Bai Bijie , Shen Che-Yung , Sun Songyu , Jarrahi Mona , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: April 2023

A unidirectional imager would only permit image formation along one direction, from an input field-of-view (FOV) A to an output FOV B, and in the reverse path, B → A, the image formation would be blocked. We report the first demonstration of unidirectional imagers, presenting polarization-insensitive and broadband unidirectional imaging based on successive diffractive layers that are linear and isotropic. After their deep learning–based training, the resulting diffractive layers are fabricated to form a unidirectional imager. Although trained using monochromatic illumination, the diffractive unidirectional imager maintains its functionality over a large spectral band and works under broadband illumination. We experimentally validated this unidirectional imager using terahertz radiation, well matching our numerical results. We also created a wavelength-selective unidirectional imager, where two unidirectional imaging operations, in reverse directions, are multiplexed through different illumination wavelengths. Diffractive unidirectional imaging using structured materials will have numerous applications in, e.g., security, defense, telecommunications, and privacy protection.
Alternative splicing of
GSDMB
modulates killer lymphocyte–triggered pyroptosis
Authors: Kong Qing , Xia Shiyu , Pan Xingxin , Ye Kaixiong , Li Zhouyihan , Li Haoyan , Tang Xiaoqiang , Sahni Nidhi , Yi S. Stephen , Liu Xing , Wu Hao , Elowitz Michael B. , Lieberman Judy , Zhang Zhibin
Published: April 2023

Granzyme A from killer lymphocytes cleaves gasdermin B (GSDMB) and triggers pyroptosis in targeted human tumor cells, eliciting antitumor immunity. However, GSDMB has a controversial role in pyroptosis and has been linked to both anti- and protumor functions. Here, we found that
GSDMB
splicing variants are functionally distinct. Cleaved N-terminal (NT) fragments of GSDMB isoforms 3 and 4 caused pyroptosis, but isoforms 1, 2, and 5 did not. The nonfunctional isoforms have a deleted or modified exon 6 and therefore lack a stable belt motif. The belt likely contributes to the insertion of oligomeric GSDMB-NTs into the membrane. Consistently, noncytotoxic GSDMB-NTs blocked pyroptosis caused by cytotoxic GSDMB-NTs in a dominant-negative manner. Upon natural killer (NK) cell attack, GSDMB3-expressing cells died by pyroptosis, whereas GSDMB4-expressing cells died by mixed pyroptosis and apoptosis, and GSDMB1/2-expressing cells died only by apoptosis. GSDMB4 partially resisted NK cell-triggered cleavage, suggesting that only GSDMB3 is fully functional.
GSDMB1-3
were the most abundant isoforms in the tested tumor cell lines and were similarly induced by interferon-γ and the chemotherapy drug methotrexate. Expression of cytotoxic
GSDMB3/4
isoforms, but not
GSDMB1/2
isoforms that are frequently up-regulated in tumors, was associated with better outcomes in bladder and cervical cancers, suggesting that GSDMB3/4-mediated pyroptosis was protective in those tumors. Our study indicates that tumors may block and evade killer cell-triggered pyroptosis by generating noncytotoxic GSDMB isoforms. Therefore, therapeutics that favor the production of cytotoxic GSDMB isoforms by alternative splicing may improve antitumor immunity.
Shallow and deep subsurface sediment remobilization and intrusion in the Middle Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous Agardhfjellet Formation (Svalbard)
Authors: Ogata Kei , Weert Annelotte , Betlem Peter , Birchall Thomas , Senger Kim
Published: April 2023

Sedimentary injectites are increasingly documented in many hydrocarbon plays at various scales, either interpreted as potential risks (e.g., topseal bypass, a drilling hazard) or benefits (e.g., reservoir interconnection, increased hydrocarbon volumes) for production operations. As such, they have potential critical implications for the assessment of suitability for CO2 injection and sequestration. Detailed characterization of such units, especially in terms of diagenesis and (paleo) fluid flow, is directly achievable at outcrop scale, overcoming dimensional and time constraints otherwise unresolvable at seismic scale.

Two sedimentary injection complexes have been recognized in the succession of the Middle Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Agardhfjellet Formation exposed at Deltaneset, central Spitsbergen, Norway, at different stratigraphic levels. The upper complex comprises two main clastic dikes characterized by different orientation and consolidation, tapering out vertically (upward and downward) within a stratigraphic thickness and lateral extent of more than 50 m and 200 m, respectively. The lower complex is coarser grained, made up by a network of interconnected dikes and sills, shooting off from isolated lenticular and morphologically articulated bodies, interpreted as sedimentary intrusions linked to seafloor extrusion (sand volcano). Petrographic and micromorphological analyses were used to identify the underlying lithologies of the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic Wilhelmøya Subgroup as the possible source of this remobilized material for both the upper and lower complexes. This subsurface remobilization and consequent intrusion were first achieved in the lower complex during the Late Jurassic at shallow burial conditions, and then at higher confinement pressure for the upper complex, probably during the Late Cretaceous. These results highlight how field data can be used to constrain longlived spatiotemporal relationships of sedimentary intrusions, allowing a finely tuned upscaling of seismic data and interpretations.