bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the fracture resistance and failure types of different CAD‐CAM ceramic crowns supported by angled titanium abutments
Authors: Yüksel Merve , Saygin Ayşegül Göze , Bolayir Giray
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the fatigue resistance of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) single‐ceramic crowns which were applied on angled implant abutments after thermomechanical aging.

Materials and Methods

Titanium abutments (N = 72, MODE Medical Dental Implant, Turkey) with three different angles (0˚, 15°, and 25°) were restored using different materials (monolithic zirconia [Zir], lithium silicate ceramic reinforced by zirconia [VS], and hybrid ceramic [VE]). Crowns in the maxillary first premolar form were cemented to abutments using resin cement (Panavia 2.0 Introkit). Dynamic loading and thermomechanical aging were applied to the specimens (120,000 cycles, 49 N, 5‐55°C). Fracture resistance values were measured in the universal test machine and fracture types were determined. Two‐way ANOVA and Tukey test were used for statistical analysis (Jamovi version 2.3.5).

Results

Both the abutment angle and the type of material had a significant effect on fracture resistance (F = 3.295, p < 0.05). The highest fracture resistance was obtained in Group 0˚‐Zir, and the lowest fracture resistance was obtained in Group 15˚‐VE. Fracture resistance showed significant differences between Group 0˚ and Group 15˚ for the Zir and VE materials, and between Group 0˚ and Group 25˚ for VS (p < 0.05); no statistical significance was determined between the other groups (p>0.05). When failure types were evaluated, they were seen to be full or partial crown fractures, and abutment deformation was found in some samples.

Conclusions

Monolithic crowns may be preferred on angled abutments. The fracture resistance of CAD‐CAM materials decreases as the angle of abutments increases. Monolithic zirconia has higher fracture resistance than other materials.
Effects of applying nutritional programming at different early stages of Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, Lacepède) development on growth and dietary plant protein utilization
Authors: Schwepe Connor , Wojno Michal , Molinari Giovanni S. , Kwasek Karolina
Published: September 2022

Plant protein (PP) utilization in fish is limited due to lower digestibility compared to fishmeal (FM) and the presence of antinutritional factors. Its utilization can be improved by nutritional programming (NP), a method wherein a fish is provided a nutritional stimulus early in life which can alter their physiology. NP has been shown to be effective but methods of applying NP are varied and have been applied at different stages of development with different outcomes. To find the optimal timeframe to perform NP in fish early stages Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, Lacepède) were nutritionally programmed at three different ages in early development. In this study bass were programmed with: (1) live food enriched with soybean meal (SBM) from 6 to 15 days post‐hatch (dph) (NPL), (2) SBM‐based formulated diet from 16 to 25 dph (NPD1) and (3) formulated SBM‐diet from 26 to 35 dph (NPD2). After programming, each group was fed FM‐diet before being refed SBM‐diet from 100 to 172 dph. A positive control (PC) was fed FM‐diet throughout. Final average body weight of PC was significantly higher than NPD1 and NPD2 but did not significantly differ from NPL. Overall NPL showed much improved growth and utilization of PP compared to NPD1 and was similar to growth achieved by PC. This study showed an optimum window of time exists wherein NP of Largemouth bass yields the best impact on growth in the larval stage and later in life when fed SBM‐diet. Programming should be performed right after mouth opening using enriched live food and can result in growth similar to non‐programmed fish fed FM‐based diet. Programming effects similar to that of the live food approach can be achieved with formulated diet, however it is crucial that Largemouth bass are of a proper age and sufficiently developed when programmed with dry food or severe impacts on growth can occur.
The Good Sleeper Scale‐15 items: a questionnaire for the standardised assessment of good sleepers
Authors: Manners Jack , Appleton Sarah L. , Reynolds Amy C. , Melaku Yohannes Adama , Gill Tiffany K. , Lovato Nicole , Sweetman Alexander , Bickley Kelsey , Adams Robert , Lack Leon , Scott Hannah
Published: September 2022

Research with ‘good sleepers’ is ubiquitous, yet there are no standardised criteria to identify a ‘good sleeper’. The present study aimed to create and validate a questionnaire for identifying good sleepers for use in research studies known as the Good Sleeper Scale‐15 items (GSS‐15). Data were derived from a population‐based survey of Australian adults (n = 2,044). A total of 23 items were chosen for possible inclusion. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on ~10% of the survey dataset (n = 191) for factor identification and item reduction. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on the remaining data (n = 1,853) to test model fit. Receiver operating characteristic curves and correlations were conducted to derive cut‐off scores and test associations with sleep, daytime functioning, health, and quality‐of‐life. The EFA identified six factors: ‘Sleep Difficulties’, ‘Timing’, ‘Duration’, ‘Regularity’, ‘Adequacy’, and ‘Perceived Sleep Problem’. The CFA showed that model fit was high and comparable to other sleep instruments, χ2 (63) = 378.22, p < 0.001, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, with acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.76). Strong correlations were consistently found between GSS‐15 global scores and outcomes, including ‘a good night′s sleep’ (r = 0.7), ‘feeling un‐refreshed’ (r = −0.59), and ‘experienced sleepiness’ (r = −0.51), p < 0.001. Cut‐off scores were derived to categorise individuals likely to be a good sleeper (GSS‐15 score ≥40) and those very likely to be a good sleeper (GSS‐15 score ≥45). The GSS‐15 is a freely available, robust questionnaire that will assist in identifying good sleepers for the purpose of sleep research. Future work will test relationships with other sleep measures in community and clinical samples.
Collective and harmonized high throughput barcoding of insular arthropod biodiversity: Toward a Genomic Observatories Network for islands
Authors: Emerson Brent C. , Borges Paulo A. V. , Cardoso Pedro , Convey Peter , deWaard Jeremy R. , Economo Evan P. , Gillespie Rosemary G. , Kennedy Susan , Krehenwinkel Henrik , Meier Rudolf , Roderick George K. , Strasberg Dominique , Thébaud Christophe , Traveset Anna , Creedy Thomas J. , Meramveliotakis Emmanouil , Noguerales Víctor , Overcast Isaac , Morlon Hélène , Papadopoulou Anna , Vogler Alfried P. , Arribas Paula , Andújar Carmelo
Published: September 2022

Current understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes underlying island biodiversity is heavily shaped by empirical data from plants and birds, although arthropods comprise the overwhelming majority of known animal species, and as such can provide key insights into processes governing biodiversity. Novel high throughput sequencing (HTS) approaches are now emerging as powerful tools to overcome limitations in the availability of arthropod biodiversity data, and hence provide insights into these processes. Here, we explored how these tools might be most effectively exploited for comprehensive and comparable inventory and monitoring of insular arthropod biodiversity. We first reviewed the strengths, limitations and potential synergies among existing approaches of high throughput barcode sequencing. We considered how this could be complemented with deep learning approaches applied to image analysis to study arthropod biodiversity. We then explored how these approaches could be implemented within the framework of an island Genomic Observatories Network (iGON) for the advancement of fundamental and applied understanding of island biodiversity. To this end, we identified seven island biology themes at the interface of ecology, evolution and conservation biology, within which collective and harmonized efforts in HTS arthropod inventory could yield significant advances in island biodiversity research.
A case of peripheral‐type facial palsy with dysgeusia due to pontine infarction: A case report
Authors: Fukunaga Daiki , Jun Fujinami , Toru Kishitani , Naoki Tokuda , Soichiro Numa , Nagakane Yoshinari
Published: September 2022

We describe an 83‐year‐old woman who presented with an acute onset of hemifacial droop. The patient's neurological examination showed peripheral‐type facial palsy with dysgeusia of the right anterior two‐thirds of her tongue. However, MRI revealed an anterior inferior cerebellar artery lesion, diagnosed as brain stem infarction. Peripheral‐type facial palsy has been reported in some stroke cases, with these cases not presenting with dysgeusia. Thus, this finding usually helps differentiate facial nerve palsy from peripheral‐type facial palsy caused by brain stem lesions. Despite the cerebral infarction, our patient presented with peripheral facial nerve palsy with taste disorder. This is because the lesion not only involved the pons but also the middle cerebellar peduncle. Therefore, patients with multiple vascular risk factors need to be carefully diagnosed.
Anteroposterior Cannulated Screw Fixation of Coronoid Fractures in Terrible Triad Injuries: A Simple Syringe‐guided Technique
Authors: Cooper Tokai B. , Luo Xiaobin , Chen Yiheng , Chen Xinglong , Yan Hede , Zhou Feiya
Published: September 2022

Objective

The fixation of the coronoid fractures in terrible triad injuries is quite challenging. In this study, we introduce a minimally invasive technique using a syringe as a guide for insertion of the cannulated screw in an anterior to posterior fashion to fix the coronoid fracture in patients with terrible triad injuries.

Methods

In this retrospective study, clinical data of patients suffering from terrible triad injuries between 2012 and 2019 were analyzed. Fifteen patients with an average age of 38.2 years old (21–56 years) were enrolled in this study, of which 12 were males and three were females. The Regan–Morrey type II and type III coronoid fractures in these patients were treated with cannulated screws, inserted anteriorly using a 1 mL syringe as a guide. Outcome measures included pain, range of motion, stability and daily function using Mayo Elbow Performance scores (MEPs). The anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were used for evaluating a healing fracture.

Results

After a mean follow up of 44.2 months (range 13–80), the mean elbow flexion was 128.2°, extension was 12.3°, forearm pronation was 74.6° and supination was 73.6°. A concentric reduction was maintained without severe pain, stiffness, and radiographic evidence of instability in all patients during the follow‐up period. The mean MEPs was 89.7 points.

Conclusion

The anteroposterior cannulated screw fixation via simple syringe guide is a minimally invasive and safe option for surgical treatment of coronoid fractures in terrible triad injuries.
Associations between pre‐ and postnatal antibiotic exposures and early allergic outcomes: A population‐based birth cohort study
Authors: Kelderer Fanny , Mogren Ingrid , Eriksson Catharina , Silfverdal Sven‐Arne , Domellöf Magnus , West Christina E.
Published: September 2022

Background

Early life antibiotic treatment is one likely exposure influencing allergy risk. The objective was to investigate associations between pre‐ and postnatal antibiotic exposures and the development of allergic manifestations until age 18 months.

Methods

We included 1387 mother–child dyads from the prospective, population‐based NorthPop birth cohort study. Data on antibiotic exposures in pregnancy and childhood were collected by web‐based questionnaires. Until the child turned 18 months old, parents (n = 1219) reported symptoms of wheeze, eczema, and physician‐diagnosed asthma; parents (n = 1025) reported physician‐diagnosed food allergy. At age 18 months, serum immunoglobulin E levels to inhalant (Phadiatop) and food (Food mix fx5) allergens were determined. Associations were estimated using bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions.

Results

Prenatal antibiotic exposure was positively associated with food sensitization in the crude (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.01–3.26) but not in the adjusted analyses (aOR 1.58, 0.82–3.05). A borderline significant association was found between prenatal exposure and wheeze (aOR 1.56, 0.95–2.57). Postnatal antibiotics were positively associated with wheeze (aOR 2.14, 1.47–3.11), asthma (aOR 2.35, 1.32–4.19), and eczema (aOR 1.49, 1.07–2.06). Postnatal antibiotics were negatively associated with food sensitization (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25–0.83) but not with food allergy nor sensitization to inhalants.

Conclusion

Pre‐ and postnatal antibiotic exposure demonstrated positive associations with allergic manifestations and the former also with food sensitization. In contrast, there was a negative association between postnatal antibiotics and food sensitization. Food sensitization is often transient but may precede respiratory allergies. Future studies should investigate the relationship between antibiotic exposure and food sensitization later in childhood.
The emergence noise reduction quality improvement initiative to enhance patient safety and quality of care
Authors: Crockett Christy J. , Nylander Veronica E. , Wooten Elizabeth J. , Menser Carrie C.
Published: September 2022

Background

Operating room noise levels may hinder staff communication and cause distractions for providers, endangering patient safety. Owing to concerns of unacceptable noise levels during emergence from general anesthesia, our institution developed a quality improvement project. The SMART aim of this initiative was to decrease the average decibel noise level measured during emergence from general anesthesia in our operating rooms from 65.65 to 63 decibels and the maximum decibel noise level from 81.64 to 75 decibels over approximately 3 months.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team completed this project utilizing improvement science methodology from The Model for Improvement, including interventions tested via Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles. Data were measured, collected manually, and entered in an Excel spreadsheet. Data were analyzed using statistical process control methods, including a Run Chart. Our measures were the average and maximum decibel noise levels during emergence from general anesthesia.

Results

Several interventions were associated with a decrease in the average and maximum decibel noise levels. Interventions included educational presentations to perioperative staff; the operating room nurse taking the role of pausing any music; and the utilization of an audible and visual decibel alarm meter to sound and blink lights when the noise level is too high. During the initiative, the average (and maximum) decibel noise levels during emergence from general anesthesia in our operating rooms decreased from 65.65 (81.84) to 61.5 (76.44).

Conclusions

This improvement project was associated with a decrease in decibel noise levels during emergence. We enhanced a process and encouraged culture change at an academic pediatric hospital to enhance the safety of our care.
Summary of the worldwide available crop disease risk simulation studies that were driven by climate change scenarios and published during the past 20 years
Authors: Juroszek Peter , Bartsch Lisa , Fontaine Jean Fred , Racca Paolo , Kleinhenz Benno
Published: September 2022

Here, published crop disease risk simulations are summarized, which were driven by climate change scenarios on a timescale terminating between 2001 and 2100. Thirty different agricultural and horticultural crops were specifically considered. Wheat diseases (mainly leaf rust) were most often simulated, followed by rice diseases (mainly leaf blast), grapevine diseases (mainly downy mildew) and potato diseases (mainly late blight). Most simulations suggest that within the projection period simulated, crop disease risk will more often increase (86 simulations) than decrease (45 simulations) or remain similar (12 simulations). The majority of crop disease risk simulations focus on Europe and Brazil. For example, there is agreement across crop disease risk simulations that in Europe the risk of leaf rust of wheat will increase. In other cases, there is disagreement across crop disease risk simulations, for example, due to contemporary climatic differences of locations. Therefore, it is risky to extrapolate results across locations. Mitigation and adaptation methods should be more often integrated in the crop disease risk simulations in order to inform about potential methods to reduce disease risk in future.
PhRHMs play important roles in leaf and flower development and anthocyanin synthesis in petunia
Authors: Sang Lina , Chen Guoju , Cao Jiahao , Liu Juanxu , Yu Yixun
Published: September 2022

Anthocyanins, vital metabolites in plants, are formed by anthocyanidins combined with various monosaccharides, including glucose, rhamnose, and arabinose. Rhamnose contributes greatly to the glycosylation of anthocyanidins. There are two kinds of rhamnose synthase (RS): rhamnose biosynthesis (RHM), and nucleotide‐RS/epimerase‐reductase (UER1). Nevertheless, no RS isoform was reported to be involved in anthocyanin synthesis. Here, three homologous PhRHM genes, namely PhRHM1, PhRHM2, and PhRHM3, and one PhUER1 gene from petunia were cloned and characterized. Green fluorescent protein fusion protein assays revealed that PhRHMs and PhUER1 are localized in the cytoplasm. We obtained PhRHM1 or/and PhRHM2 or PhUER1 silenced petunia plants and did not attempt to obtain PhRHM3 silenced plants since PhRHM3 mRNA was not detected in petunia organs examined. PhRHM1 and PhRHM2 (PhRHM1‐2) silencing induced abnormal plant growth and decreased the contents of l‐rhamnose, photosynthetic pigments and total anthocyanins, while PhUER1 silencing did not cause any visible phenotypic changes. Flavonoid metabolome analysis further revealed that PhRHM1‐2 silencing reduced the contents of anthocyanins with rhamnose residue. These results revealed that PhRHMs contribute to the biosynthesis of rhamnose and that PhRHMs participate in the anthocyanin rhamnosylation in petunia, while PhUER1 does not.
Cytokinins as boron deficiency signals to sustain shoot development in boron‐efficient oilseed rape
Authors: Pommerrenig Benjamin , Faber Maximilian , Hajirezaei Mohammad‐Reza , von Wirén Nicolaus , Bienert Gerd Patrick
Published: September 2022

Boron (B) deficiency is a highly prominent nutrient disorder. While B‐efficient accessions have recently been identified in the highly B‐demanding crop oilseed rape, it remained unclear which physiological processes underlie B efficiency and which signaling pathways trigger an efficient B‐deficiency response. Here, we compared, under three different B supply conditions, two Brassica napus accessions with contrasting B efficiency. Shoot biomass formation, B distribution patterns and metabolic dynamics of different phytohormone species were studied using a combination of mass spectrometry‐based analyses and physiological measurements. Our results show that the B‐efficient accession CR2267 does not differ from the B‐inefficient accession CR2262 in terms of B accumulation and subcellular B‐partitioning, although it displays no morphological B‐deficiency symptoms under severe B‐deficient conditions. Investigating phytohormone metabolism revealed a strong accumulation of cytokinins in CR2267 at a developmental stage when striking B‐dependent differences in biomass and organ formation emerge in the two B. napus accessions. In contrast, elevated levels of the stress hormone abscisic acid as well as bioactive auxins, representing functional antagonists of cytokinins in shoots, were detected only in CR2262. Our results indicate that superior B efficiency in CR2267 relies on a higher B utilization efficiency that builds on an earlier and higher cytokinin biosynthesis required for the maintenance of the shoot meristem activity and proper leaf development. We further conclude that an elevated abundance of cytokinins is not a consequence of better plant growth but rather a presumption for better plant growth under low‐B conditions.
Large‐scale simultaneous inference under dependence
Authors: Tian Jinjin , Chen Xu , Katsevich Eugene , Goeman Jelle , Ramdas Aaditya
Published: September 2022

Simultaneous inference allows for the exploration of data while deciding on criteria for proclaiming discoveries. It was recently proved that all admissible post hoc inference methods for the true discoveries must employ closed testing. In this paper, we investigate efficient closed testing with local tests of a special form: thresholding a function of sums of test scores for the individual hypotheses. Under this special design, we propose a new statistic that quantifies the cost of multiplicity adjustments, and we develop fast (mostly linear‐time) algorithms for post hoc inference. Paired with recent advances in global null tests based on generalized means, our work instantiates a series of simultaneous inference methods that can handle many dependence structures and signal compositions. We provide guidance on the method choices via theoretical investigation of the conservativeness and sensitivity for different local tests, as well as simulations that find analogous behavior for local tests and full closed testing.
Error detection and filtering of incompressible flow simulations for aeroacoustic predictions of human voice
Authors: Schoder Stefan , Kraxberger Florian , Falk Sebastian , Wurzinger Andreas , Roppert Klaus , Kniesburges Stefan , Döllinger Michael , Kaltenbacher Manfred
Published: September 2022

The presented filtering technique is proposed to detect errors and correct outliers inside the acoustic sources, respectively, the first time derivative of the incompressible pressure obtained from large eddy simulations with prescribed vocal fold motion using overlay mesh methods. Regarding the perturbed convective wave equation, the time derivative of the incompressible pressure is the primary sound source in the human phonation process. However, the incompressible pressure can be erroneous and have outliers when fulfilling the divergence-free constraint of the velocity field. This error is primarily occurring for non-conserving prescribed vocal fold motions. Therefore, the method based on a continuous stationary random process was designed to detect rare events in the time derivative of the pressure. The detected events are then localized and treated by a defined window function to increase their probability. As a consequence, the data quality of the non-linearly filtered data is enhanced significantly. Furthermore, the proposed method can also be used to assess convergence of the aeroacoustic source terms, and detect regions and time intervals, which show a non-converging behavior by an impulse-like structure.
A lumped parameter model of the longitudinal NiMnGa transducer based on piezomagnetic equations
Authors: Lan Yu , Wang Houqi , Lu Wei , Sun Hao
Published: September 2022

The NiMnGa alloy is a typical magnetic shape memory alloy with up to 6% immense strain, high energy density, and low effective elastic modulus. These comprehensive characteristics make it possible to realize a low-frequency underwater acoustic transducer. To describe the field-induced dynamic strain, an equivalent circuit model (ECM) of a longitudinal NiMnGa transducer is presented as a lumped parameter model, which couples magnetics, mechanics, and acoustics. In this paper, we focus on the piezomagnetic equations as the constitutive relationship of the NiMnGa element with a dynamic magnetic field. Furthermore, combined with the dynamic kinetic equation, the equivalent circuit is derived, and it has the advantage of containing acoustical terminals. The proposed model can predict the resonance frequency, effective stiffness, and input impedance of the NiMnGa transducer. Finally, a finite element model (FEM) is developed to verify the lumped parameter model. The results indicate that the spring's stiffness increases the resonance frequency, while the mass load is on the contrary, and they both agree well with the results of ECM. In addition, the FEM and ECM can also predict the dynamic responses, which provide a guideline for the design of longitudinal NiMnGa transducers.
Unstable Osteochondral Fracture of the Talus, Osteochondritis Dissecans, and Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability in an Adolescent Athlete: A Case Report
Authors: Brooks Toby J. , Crawford Kevin , Curry Eugene E.
Published: September 2022

A 15-year-old multisport athlete with chronic left ankle pain and instability 2 years following initial injury was diagnosed with an unstable osteochondral fracture of the lateral talar dome, osteochondritis dissecans, and lateral ligament instability. The patient underwent open surgical repair consisting of loose body excision, lateral ligament reconstruction, and talar dome debridement and microfracture followed by postoperative therapeutic exercise for 7 months. The patient successfully returned to competitive sports within a calendar year. Although not considered particularly rare among adult populations, osteochondral fracture of the talus is relatively rare in adolescents. This case demonstrates that a diagnosis of unstable osteochondral fracture and/or gross lateral ligament instability should be considered in cases involving adolescent athletes with significant ankle injury and prolonged pain and/or loss of function.
The Impact of an Online Sport Psychology Intervention for Middle-Distance Runners: Should Self-Regulation or Mindfulness Be Prioritized?
Authors: Lasnier Jonathan , Durand-Bush Natalie
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the impact of an online self-regulation intervention (SI) and mindfulness intervention (MI) in improving exercise-induced-pain (EIP) management, mental performance (i.e., SI and MI), and mental health. A sample of 16 middle-distance runners who participated in an 8-week SI or MI was purposefully selected based on the participants’ high, moderate, and low pre–post intervention evolution scores. Findings, which were generated by performing a codebook thematic analysis, suggest that both the SI and MI positively impacted EIP management, mental performance, and mental health. EIP literacy enabled the participants from both interventions to more effectively manage EIP. Furthermore, screening for mental illness symptoms and referring athletes in a timely manner to appropriate mental health practitioners was perceived as essential for them to receive the care and support they needed. Finally, a hybrid delivery format may be the most effective when providing online sport psychology interventions.
Genomic Surveillance of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from a Major Public Health Hospital in Singapore
Authors: Teo Jocelyn Qi-Min , Tang Cheng Yee , Tan Si Hui , Chang Hong Yi , Ong Sze Min , Lee Shannon Jing-Yi , Koh Tse-Hsien , Sim James Heng-Chiak , Kwa Andrea Lay-Hoon , Ong Rick Twee-Hee
Published: September 2022

In this study, we characterized carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolates collected over a 12-year period in the largest public acute-care hospital in Singapore using whole-genome sequencing. The results of this study demonstrate significant genomic diversity with the presence of well-known epidemic, multidrug-resistant clones amid a diverse pool of nonepidemic lineages.
An Insight into the Endophytic Bacterial Community of Tomato after Spray Application of Propiconazole and Bacillus subtilis Strain NBRI-W9
Authors: Yadav Udit , Bano Nasreen , Bag Sumit , Srivastava Suchi , Singh Poonam C.
Published: September 2022

Endophytes are plant inhabitants acting as its extended genome. The present study highlights the importance of maintaining plant endophytes for sustainable disease resistance in plants.
A Multicenter Clinical Diagnostic Accuracy Study of SureStatus, an Affordable, WHO Emergency Use-Listed, Rapid, Point-Of-Care Antigen-Detecting Diagnostic Test for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Krüger Lisa J. , Lindner Andreas K. , Gaeddert Mary , Tobian Frank , Klein Julian , Steinke Salome , Lainati Federica , Schnitzler Paul , Nikolai Olga , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Seybold Joachim , Corman Victor M. , Jones Terry C. , Pollock Nira R. , Knorr Britta , Welker Andreas , Weber Stephan , Sethurarnan Nandini , Swaminathan Jayanthi , Solomon Hilda , Padmanaban Ajay , Thirunarayan Ma , L Prabakaran , de Vos Margaretha , Ongarello Stefano , Sacks Jilian A. , Escadafal Camille , Denkinger Claudia M. , Assaad Kholoud , Fuhs Andrea , Harter Christopher , Schulze Cristopher , Schmitt Gunter , Fink Martina , Schirmer Maximilian , Small Annika , Meinlschmidt Matthias , Dürr Valerie , Schuckert Alina , Steinke Salome , Ellinghaus Henrik , Penning Alexander , Abutaima Loai , Kollatzsch Mandy , Wintel Mia , Kausch Franka , Hommes Franziska , Bölke Alisa , Bernhard Julian , Hülso Claudia , Linzbach Elisabeth , Rössig Heike , Gertler Maximilian , Burock Susen , von dem Busche Katja , Stephanie Stephanie
Published: September 2022

Our manufacturer-independent, prospective diagnostic accuracy study assessed clinical performance in participants presumed to have a SARS-CoV-2 infection at three study sites in two countries. We assessed the accuracy overall and in predefined subgroups (

C
T

values and symptom duration).
The Possibility of Studying the Processes of Interconversion of Volatile Compounds of Needles on the Basis of Static Data
Authors: Tikhonova I. V.
Published: September 2022

The results of a study of the population structure of biochemical features (a large number of volatile needle terpenoids) on large samples of Scots pine trees are presented. Data were analyzed using correlation, cluster, and principal component analysis. Significant conjugation of the content of all isolated needle compounds was shown. Features of the correlation structure of terpenoids indicate that the processes of their group synthesis can be simultaneously triggered in plants. It is concluded that it is possible to use static data obtained on large samples of trees for a preliminary study of the processes of interconversions of terpenoid compounds in coniferous plants, which are characterized by high reactivity and the complexity of their study by chemical methods.
Nodular basal cell carcinoma masquerading as traumatic laceration
Authors: Ahmed Sohail , Sahota Dilraj , Ghosh Yajati
Published: September 2022

A woman in her 80s was referred to us as an emergency for repair of a traumatic laceration. She had a history of hypertension and dementia and lived alone; she had an increasing frequency of falls recently and presented to her local hospital following another fall. The medical team noted a left medial canthus defect with bleeding and unopposed edges. This was suspected to have been secondary to her fall. She was referred to us for emergency repair of the supposed laceration. Ophthalmic review revealed a large ulcerated lesion at the left medial canthus with indurated edges and oozing of blood. Rather than a traumatic aetiology, clinically it appeared more like basal cell carcinoma (BCC), so, instead of repair, punch biopsies were taken: histology later confirmed BCC. This highlights the variable clinical presentation of BCC and the importance of keeping a high index of suspicion for all periocular lesions.
Management of concurrent aortic stenosis and pheochromocytoma
Authors: Kolyvas Peter , Ramadurai Govind , Al Hawasli Hazem , Kolyvas Chris
Published: September 2022

A man in his mid 60s with known aortic stenosis developed progressive symptoms. Echocardiography confirmed severe calcific aortic stenosis. Further evaluation revealed an elevated white blood cell count leading to a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. CT of the abdomen revealed a left adrenal mass, confirmed by MRI. 24-hour urine catecholamines were elevated, confirming the diagnosis of a pheochromocytoma.

This case was complicated by the concurrent aortic stenosis and pheochromocytoma, requiring considerable multidisciplinary teamwork to develop a safe management strategy. A decision to perform a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with alpha and beta blockade with monitored anaesthesia care followed by laparoscopic adrenalectomy and postoperative haemodynamic control was made. A successful TAVR procedure was performed, complicated only by postoperative transient atrial tachycardia followed 6 weeks later by a laparoscopic robotic-assisted left adrenalectomy. The patient recovered fully and was discharged 2 days later.
Laser speckle contrast imaging enables perfusion monitoring of the anterior segment during strabismus surgery: a study on the horizontal rectus muscles
Authors: Engqvist Linn , Sheikh Rafi , Albinsson John , Blohmé Jonas , Lindstedt Sandra , Dahlstrand Ulf
Published: September 2022

Background

A dreaded complication of strabismus surgery is anterior segment ischaemia (ASI), caused by damage to the anterior ciliary arteries. To avoid ASI, a maximum of two rectus muscles are operated on at a time. However, these surgical protocols are based on empirical observations of clinical outcome, rather than objective perfusion measurements. There is no method available for perioperative, real-time perfusion measurements during ocular muscle surgery. The aims of this study were to investigate whether laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) could be used for such measurements, and to monitor perfusion during strabismus surgery on one or two horizontal rectus muscles.

Methods

Forty-four eyes in 44 patients with horizontal strabismus underwent corrective surgery involving medial and/or lateral rectus muscle detachment. Perfusion in the adjacent paralimbal and iris tissue was monitored with LSCI.

Results

When the first horizontal rectus muscle was detached perfusion in the adjacent paralimbal tissue decreased by 23% (p<0.0001), and by 12% (p<0.0001) when the second muscle was detached. The iris perfusion decreased by 5% (p<0.05) when the first muscle was detached but showed no significant decrease as the second muscle was cut.

Conclusion

This is the first study showing that perfusion of the anterior segment can be monitored non-invasively with LSCI during strabismus surgery. In this cohort, two horizontal rectus muscles were detached with only a small decrease in the anterior segment circulation. Future studies are required for complete mapping of the effect of surgery on multiple ocular muscles on the anterior segment circulation.
Systematic review of electronic health records to manage chronic conditions among displaced populations
Authors: Buford Anna , Ashworth Henry Charles , Ezzeddine Farrah Lynn , Dada Sara , Nguyen Eliza , Ebrahim Senan , Zhang Amy , Lebovic Jordan , Hamvas Lena , Prokop Larry J , Midani Sally , Chilazi Michael , Alahdab Fares
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of electronic health records (EHRs) on health outcomes and care of displaced people with chronic health conditions and determine barriers and facilitators to EHR implementation in displaced populations.

Design

A systematic review protocol was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Systematic Reviews.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Health Technology Assessment, Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was searched from inception to 12 April 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selected studies

Inclusion criteria were original research articles, case reports and descriptions of EHR implementation in populations of displaced people, refugees or asylum seekers with related chronic diseases. Grey literature, reviews and research articles unrelated to chronic diseases or the care of refugees or asylum populations were excluded. Studies were assessed for risk of bias using a modified Cochrane, Newcastle-Ottawa and Joanna Briggs Institute tools.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently extracted data from each study using Covidence. Due to heterogeneity across study design and specific outcomes, a meta-analysis was not possible. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo V.12 (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). An inductive analysis was used in order to uncover patterns and themes in the experiences, general outcomes and perceptions of EHR implementation.

Results

A total of 32 studies across nine countries were included: 14 in refugee camps/settlements and 18 in asylum countries. Our analysis suggested that EHRs improve health outcomes for chronic diseases by increasing provider adherence to guidelines or treatment algorithms, monitoring of disease indicators, patient counselling and patient adherence. In asylum countries, EHRs resource allocation to direct clinical care and public health services, as well as screening efforts. EHR implementation was facilitated by their adaptability and ability to integrate into management systems. However, barriers to EHR development, deployment and data analysis were identified in refugee settings.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that well-designed and integrated EHRs can be a powerful tool to improve healthcare systems and chronic disease outcomes in refugee settings. However, attention should be paid to the common barriers and facilitating actions that we have identified such as utilising a user-centred design. By implementing adaptable EHR solutions, health systems can be strengthened, providers better supported and the health of refugees improved.
Surgical and clinical efficacy of minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion surgery: a meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Anton Gustavo , Beladi Roxana , Lawless Michael , Yoon Elise , Tong Doris , Soo Teck M
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction has been shown to cause significant morbidity. Current treatment includes conservative management and surgical intervention. Previously published data reporting clinical and surgical outcomes reached conflicting conclusions. This protocol aims to conduct a meta-analysis to determine fusion rates and patient-reported outcomes of minimally invasive (MIS) SIJ fusions compared with conservative treatment.

Methods and analysis

We drafted our protocol according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. We will search PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by manual search when necessary. Two independent reviewers will screen for eligibility by title/abstract, then full text, arbitrated by a third reviewer if necessary. The two reviewers will carry out a risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool for randomised controlled trial and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies tool for observational cohort studies. A third reviewer will arbitrate any disagreement. We will perform data synthesis using Review Manager (RevMan for Windows, V.5.4.1, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (V.3.3.070). Meta-bias will be evaluated and confidence determined using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this review will not be required as no patient data is being collected. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021273481.
Causal inference and effect estimation using observational data
Authors: Igelström Erik , Craig Peter , Lewsey Jim , Lynch John , Pearce Anna , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal
Published: September 2022

Observational studies aiming to estimate causal effects often rely on conceptual frameworks that are unfamiliar to many researchers and practitioners. We provide a clear, structured overview of key concepts and terms, intended as a starting point for readers unfamiliar with the causal inference literature. First, we introduce theoretical frameworks underlying causal effect estimation methods: the counterfactual theory of causation, the potential outcomes framework, structural equations and directed acyclic graphs. Second, we define the most common causal effect estimands, and the issues of effect measure modification, interaction and mediation (direct and indirect effects). Third, we define the assumptions required to estimate causal effects: exchangeability, positivity, consistency and non-interference. Fourth, we define and explain biases that arise when attempting to estimate causal effects, including confounding, collider bias, selection bias and measurement bias. Finally, we describe common methods and study designs for causal effect estimation, including covariate adjustment, G-methods and natural experiment methods.
Harmonizing multi-temporal airborne laser scanning point clouds to derive periodic annual height increments in temperate mixedwood forests
Authors: Riofrío José , White Joanne C. , Tompalski Piotr , Coops Nicholas C. , Wulder Michael A.
Published: September 2022

When combining multi-temporal airborne laser scanning (ALS) data sets, forest height growth assessments can be compromised due to variations in ALS acquisitions. Herein, we demonstrate the importance of assessing and harmonizing the vertical alignment of multi-temporal ALS data sets used for height growth calculations. Using four ALS acquisitions (2005–2018) in a temperate mixedwood forest, we developed an ALS data harmonization approach and quantified the impact of the harmonization on derived height periodic annual increment (PAI), comparing the ALS-derived PAI to PAI derived from non-harmonized ALS data sets and field measurements. We found significant differences in PAI derived from harmonized and non-harmonized data, and these differences were greater for shorter growth intervals. Data harmonization resulted in a consistent PAI series that reduced uncertainties associated with the different ALS acquisitions. Although overall there was a strong relationship between field and ALS height measures ( R2 ≥ 0.88), we found a weak relationship between the field- and ALS-derived PAI ( R2 = 0.12). We identified systematic errors in field-based tree height measures in plots with complex crowns, tall trees, and restricted visibility. We demonstrate the need for harmonizing multi-temporal ALS data sets for the generation of PAI and, likewise, highlight the need of carefully scrutinize field-measured heights and associated increments.
Counting Homomorphic Cycles in Degenerate Graphs
Authors: Gishboliner Lior , Levanzov Yevgeny , Shapira Asaf , Yuster Raphael
Published: September 2022

Since counting subgraphs in general graphs is, by and large, a computationally demanding problem, it is natural to try and design fast algorithms for restricted families of graphs. One such family that has been extensively studied is that of graphs of bounded degeneracy (e.g., planar graphs). This line of work, which started in the early 80’s, culminated in a recent work of Gishboliner et al., which highlighted the importance of the task of counting homomorphic copies of cycles (i.e., cyclic walks) in graphs of bounded degeneracy.

Our main result in this paper is a surprisingly tight relation between the above task and the well-studied problem of
detecting (standard) copies
of directed cycles in
general directed
graphs. More precisely, we prove the following:

One can compute the number of homomorphic copies of

C
2k

and

C
2k+1

in
n
-vertex graphs of bounded degeneracy in time Õ(

n

d
k

), where the fastest
known
algorithm for detecting directed copies of

C
k

in general
m
-edge digraphs runs in time Õ(

m

d
k

).

Conversely, one can transform any

O(n

b
k

)

algorithm for computing the number of homomorphic copies of

C
2k

or of

C
2k+1

in
n
-vertex graphs of bounded degeneracy, into an Õ(

m

b
k

) time algorithm for detecting directed copies of

C
k

in general
m
-edge digraphs.

We emphasize that our first result does not use a black-box reduction (as opposed to the second result which does). Instead, we design an algorithm for computing the number of

C
k

-homomorphisms in degenerate graphs and show that one part of its
analysis
can be reduced to the analysis of the fastest known algorithm for detecting directed cycles in general digraphs, which was carried out in a recent breakthrough of Dalirrooyfard, Vuong and Vassilevska Williams. As a by-product of our algorithm, we obtain a new algorithm for detecting
k
-cycles in directed and undirected graphs of bounded degeneracy that is faster than all previously known algorithms for 7 ≤
k
≤ 11, and faster for all
k
≥ 7 if the matrix multiplication exponent is 2.
Editorial: Special Issue on Data Quality and Ethics
Authors: Firmani Donatella , Tanca Letizia , Torlone Riccardo
Published: September 2022

This editorial summarizes the content of the Special Issue on Data Quality and Ethics of the Journal of Data and Information Quality (JDIQ). The issue accepted submissions from June 1 to July 30, 2021.
Monotone Edge Flips to an Orientation of Maximum Edge-Connectivity à la Nash-Williams
Authors: Ito Takehiro , Iwamasa Yuni , Kakimura Naonori , Kamiyama Naoyuki , Kobayashi Yusuke , Maezawa Shun-Ichi , Nozaki Yuta , Okamoto Yoshio , Ozeki Kenta
Published: September 2022

We initiate the study of
k
-edge-connected orientations of undirected graphs through edge flips for
k
≥ 2. We prove that in every orientation of an undirected
2k
-edge-connected graph, there exists a sequence of edges such that flipping their directions one by one does not decrease the edge connectivity, and the final orientation is
k
-edge connected. This yields an “edge-flip based” new proof of Nash-Williams’ theorem: A undirected graph
G
has a
k
-edge-connected orientation if and only if
G
is
2k
-edge connected. As another consequence of the theorem, we prove that the edge-flip graph of
k
-edge-connected orientations of an undirected graph
G
is connected if
G
is
(2k+2)
-edge connected. This has been known to be true only when
k=1
.
Random Walk Sampling in Social Networks Involving Private Nodes
Authors: Nakajima Kazuki , Shudo Kazuyuki
Published: September 2022

Analysis of social networks with limited data access is challenging for third parties. To address this challenge, a number of studies have developed algorithms that estimate properties of social networks via a simple random walk. However, most existing algorithms do not assume private nodes that do not publish their neighbors’ data when they are queried in empirical social networks. Here we propose a practical framework for estimating properties via random walk-based sampling in social networks involving private nodes. First, we develop a sampling algorithm by extending a simple random walk to the case of social networks involving private nodes. Then, we propose estimators with reduced biases induced by private nodes for the network size, average degree, and density of the node label. Our results show that the proposed estimators reduce biases induced by private nodes in the existing estimators by up to 92.6% on social network datasets involving private nodes.
The July 2022 issue
Authors: Uhlig Steve
Published: September 2022

This July 2022 issue contains one technical paper and two editorial notes.