bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on surface roughness of ultrasonic assisted vapour smoothing of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene printed sample
Authors: Maidin Shajahan , Rajendran Thavinnesh Kumar , Shahrum Mohd Afiq , Norddin Mohd Fitri Mohd , Ismail Shafinaz , Kamarulnizam Mohd
Published: March 2024

Additive manufacturing offers many benefits, yet it is confronted with the challenge of rough surfaces resulting from the appearance of seam lines on the printed parts due to the layer-by-layer printing process. This study investigates the effect of ultrasonic-assisted vapor smoothing on the surface roughness of 3D-printed ABS samples. The ABS samples were printed with an open-source FDM printer. The vapour smoothing process was conducted by applying acetone and altering the ultrasonic frequencies and times to 0 kHz, 10 kHz, and 20 kHz for the frequencies and 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min for the times. The surface roughness measurements were performed using a Mitutoyo SJ-301 surface roughness tester. The findings demonstrated enhancements in the quality of the surface, reduction in the visibility of layer lines, and improved surface smoothness for all the samples. From the ANOVA analysis, the average value of Ra for 30 kHz frequency is 2.57 μm, which is better than 3.19 μm for 10 kHz frequency. The manipulation of ultrasonic frequencies and exposure durations decreased surface roughness parameters, suggesting enhancement of the time to attain smoother surfaces. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of ultrasonic-assisted vapour smoothing as a feasible post-processing technique for enhancing surface quality in 3D-printed ABS-printed parts.
Remarkable chromosomes and karyotypes: A top 10 list
Authors: Sullivan William
Published: March 2024

Chromosomes and karyotypes are particularly rich in oddities and extremes. Described below are 10 remarkable chromosomes and karyotypes sprinkled throughout the tree of life. These include variants in chromosome number, structure, and dynamics both natural and engineered. This versatility highlights the robustness and tolerance of the mitotic and meiotic machinery to dramatic changes in chromosome and karyotype architecture. These examples also illustrate that the robustness comes at a cost, enabling the evolution of chromosomes that subvert mitosis and meiosis.
Assessing the Accuracy of Systolic Aortic Pressure Estimation From a Brachial Cuff Alone: A Comparison With Radial Tonometry
Authors: Chemla Denis , Agnoletti Davide , Attal Pierre , Millasseau Sandrine , Blacher Jacques , Jozwiak Mathieu
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

A novel method for estimating central systolic aortic pressure (cSAP) has emerged, relying solely on the peripheral mean (MBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures. We aimed to assess the accuracy of this Direct Central Blood Pressure estimation using cuff alone (DCBPcuff = MBP2/DBP) in comparison to the use of a generalized transfer function to derive cSAP from radial tonometry (cSAPtono).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis involved the International Database of Central Arterial Properties for Risk Stratification (IDCARS) data (Aparicio et al., Am J Hypertens 2022). The dataset encompassed 10,930 subjects from 13 longitudinal cohort studies worldwide (54.8% women; median age 46.0 years; office hypertension: 40.1%; treated: 61.0%), documenting cSAPtono via SphygmoCor calibrated against brachial systolic BP (SBP) and DBP. Our analysis focused on aggregate group data from 12/13 studies (89% patients) where a full BP dataset was available. A 35% form factor was used to estimate MBP = (DBP + (0.35 × (SBP-DBP)), from which DCBPcuff was derived. The predefined acceptable error for cSAPtono estimation was set at ≤ 5 mm Hg.

RESULTS

The cSAPtono values ranged from 103.8–127.0 mm Hg (n = 12). The error between DCBPcuff and cSAPtono was 0.2 ± 1.4 mm Hg, with no influence of the mean. Errors ranged from −1.8 to 2.9 mm Hg across studies. No significant difference in errors was observed between BP measurements obtained via oscillometry (n = 9) vs. auscultation (n = 3) (P = 0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Using published aggregate group data and a 35% form factor, DCBPcuff demonstrated remarkable accuracy in estimating cSAPtono, regardless of the BP measurement technique. However, given that individual BP values were unavailable, further documentation is required to establish DCBPcuff’s precision.
scHybridBERT: integrating gene regulation and cell graph for spatiotemporal dynamics in single-cell clustering
Authors: Wei Zhang , Chenjun Wu , Feiyang Xing , Mingfeng Jiang , Yixuan Zhang , Qi Liu , Zhuoxing Shi , Qi Dai
Published: March 2024

Graph learning models have received increasing attention in the computational analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Compared with conventional deep neural networks, graph neural networks and language models have exhibited superior performance by extracting graph-structured data from raw gene count matrices. Established deep neural network-based clustering approaches generally focus on temporal expression patterns while ignoring inherent interactions at gene-level as well as cell-level, which could be regarded as spatial dynamics in single-cell data. Both gene–gene and cell–cell interactions are able to boost the performance of cell type detection, under the framework of multi-view modeling. In this study, spatiotemporal embedding and cell graphs are extracted to capture spatial dynamics at the molecular level. In order to enhance the accuracy of cell type detection, this study proposes the scHybridBERT architecture to conduct multi-view modeling of scRNA-seq data using extracted spatiotemporal patterns. In this scHybridBERT method, graph learning models are employed to deal with cell graphs and the Performer model employs spatiotemporal embeddings. Experimental outcomes about benchmark scRNA-seq datasets indicate that the proposed scHybridBERT method is able to enhance the accuracy of single-cell clustering tasks by integrating spatiotemporal embeddings and cell graphs.
pathMap: a path-based mapping tool for long noisy reads with high sensitivity
Authors: Wei Ze-Gang , Zhang Xiao-Dan , Fan Xing-Guo , Qian Yu , Liu Fei , Wu Fang-Xiang
Published: March 2024

With the rapid development of single-molecule sequencing (SMS) technologies, the output read length is continuously increasing. Mapping such reads onto a reference genome is one of the most fundamental tasks in sequence analysis. Mapping sensitivity is becoming a major concern since high sensitivity can detect more aligned regions on the reference and obtain more aligned bases, which are useful for downstream analysis. In this study, we present pathMap, a novel k-mer graph-based mapper that is specifically designed for mapping SMS reads with high sensitivity. By viewing the alignment chain as a path containing as many anchors as possible in the matched k-mer graph, pathMap treats chaining as a path selection problem in the directed graph. pathMap iteratively searches the longest path in the remaining nodes; more candidate chains with high quality can be effectively detected and aligned. Compared to other state-of-the-art mapping methods such as minimap2 and Winnowmap2, experiment results on simulated and real-life datasets demonstrate that pathMap obtains the number of mapped chains at least 11.50% more than its closest competitor and increases the mapping sensitivity by 17.28% and 13.84% of bases over the next-best mapper for Pacific Biosciences and Oxford Nanopore sequencing data, respectively. In addition, pathMap is more robust to sequence errors and more sensitive to species- and strain-specific identification of pathogens using MinION reads.
Enigmas no longer: using ultraconserved elements to place several unusual hawk taxa and address the non-monophyly of the genus Accipiter (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae)
Authors: Catanach Therese A , Halley Matthew R , Pirro Stacy
Published: March 2024

Hawks, eagles, and their relatives (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) are a diverse and charismatic clade of modern birds, with many members that are instantly recognized by the general public. However, surprisingly little is known about the relationships among genera within Accipitridae, and several studies have suggested that some genera (in particular, the megadiverse genus Accipiter) are not monophyletic. Here, we combine a large new dataset obtained from ultraconserved elements, generated from whole genome sequencing of 134 species, with publicly available legacy markers (i.e. a suite of commonly sequenced mitochondrial and nuclear genes) to infer a well-supported, time-calibrated phylogeny of 237 extant or recently extinct species. Our densely sampled phylogeny, which includes 90% of recognized species, confirms the non-monophyly of Accipiter and provides a sufficient basis to revise the genus-level taxonomy, such that all genera in Accipitridae represent monophyletic groups.
Leukocyte dysfunction and reduced CTLA-4 expression are associated with perianal Crohn’s disease
Authors: Duarte-Silva Murillo , Parra Rogério Serafim , Feitosa Marley Ribeiro , Nardini Viviani , Maruyama Sandra Regina , da Rocha José Joaquim Ribeiro , Feres Omar , de Barros Cardoso Cristina Ribeiro
Published: March 2024

Although perianal Crohn’s disease (PCD) is highly associated with the exacerbated inflammation, the molecular basis and immunological signature that distinguish patients who present a history of perianal lesions are still unclear. This paper aims to define immunological characteristics related to PCD. In this cross-sectional observational study, we enrolled 20 healthy controls and 39 CD patients. Blood samples were obtained for the detection of plasma cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were phenotyped by flow cytometry. Leukocytes were stimulated with LPS or anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies. Our results show that CD patients had augmented plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and LPS. However, their PBMC was characterized by decreased IL-6 production, while patients with a history of PCD produced higher IL-6, IL-8, and interferon-γ, along with decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). CD patients had augmented FoxP3 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) regulatory markers, though the PCD subjects presented a significant reduction in CTLA-4 expression. CTLA-4 as well as IL-6 and TNF responses were able to distinguish the PCD patients from those who did not present perianal complications. In conclusion, IL-6, TNF, and CTLA-4 exhibit a distinct expression pattern in CD patients with a history of PCD, regardless of disease activity. These findings clarify some mechanisms involved in the development of the perianal manifestations and may have a great impact on the disease management.
Skeleton coupling: a novel interlayer mapping of community evolution in temporal networks
Authors: Kilic Bengier Ülgen , Muldoon Sarah Feldt
Published: March 2024

Dynamic community detection (DCD) in temporal networks is a complicated task that involves the selection of a method and its associated hyperparameters. How to choose the most appropriate method generally depends on the type of network being analysed and the specific properties of the data that define the network. In functional temporal networks derived from neuronal spike train data, communities are expected to be transient, and it is common for the network to contain multiple singleton communities. Here, we compare the performance of different DCD methods on functional temporal networks built from synthetic neuronal time series data with known community structure. We find that, for these networks, DCD methods that utilize interlayer links to perform community carry over between layers outperform other methods. However, we also observe that DCD performance is highly dependent on the topology of interlayer links, especially in the presence of singleton and transient communities. We therefore define a novel way of defining interlayer links in temporal networks called skeleton coupling that is specifically designed to enhance the linkage of communities in the network throughout time based on the topological properties of the community history. We show that integrating skeleton coupling with current DCD methods improves the method’s performance in synthetic data with planted singleton and transient communities. The use of skeleton coupling to perform DCD will therefore allow for more accurate and interpretable results of community evolution in real-world neuronal data or in other systems with transient structure and singleton communities.
Field evaluation the effect of two transgenic Bt maize events on predatory arthropods in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize-growing region of China
Authors: Huang Jianrong , Li Guoping , Liu Bing , Gao Yu , Wu Kongming , Feng Hongqiang
Published: March 2024

To illustrate the impact of genetically modified (GM) Bt maize on the natural enemy communities in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize-growing region in China, the abundance of 7 common predator taxa (Geocoris pallidipennis Costa, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), lacewings, Orius sauteri (Poppius), Propylea japonica (Thunberg), spiders, and Staphylinidae) was quantitatively evaluated by comparing Bt-Cry1Ab DBN9936 and Bt-Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj Ruifeng 125 events to their near non-Bt isolines during the growing season from 2016 to 2019. A total of 10,302, 19,793, 13,536, and 5,672 individuals were observed during 4 years, and the abundance of each taxa on Bt maize varied between sample dates among those arthropod taxa. Shannon–Wiener diversity index of predator communities from 7 taxa showed very similar temporal dynamics and principal response curve analyses to examine community-level effects showed no significant differences in predator abundance in Bt maize compared with non-Bt maize. We conclude that the 2 Bt maize hybrids did not adversely affect the predator community in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize-growing region of China.
An extensive ion-pair/hydrogen-bond network contributes to the thermostability of the MutL ATPase domain from Aquifex aeolicus
Authors: Shibuya Ayaka , Yokote Maki , Suzuki Atsushi , Fukui Kenji , Yano Takato
Published: March 2024

Proteins from hyperthermophiles often contain a large number of ionic interactions. Close examination of the previously determined crystal structure of the ATPase domain of MutL from a hyperthermophile, Aquifex aeolicus, revealed that the domain contains a continuous ion-pair/hydrogen-bond network consisting of 11 charged amino acid residues on a β-sheet. Mutations were introduced to disrupt the network, showing that the more extensively the network was disrupted, the greater the thermostability of the protein was decreased. Based on urea denaturation analysis, a thermodynamic parameter, energy for the conformational stability, was evaluated, which indicated that amino acid residues in the network contributed additively to the protein stability. A continuous network rather than a cluster of isolated interactions would pay less entropic penalty upon fixing the side chains to make the same number of ion pairs/hydrogen bonds, which might contribute more favorably to the structural formation of thermostable proteins.
Transitions without Justice: Bhutanese Refugees in Nepal
Authors: Neikirk Alice , Nickson Ray
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT∞

Typically, human rights abusers are widely condemned by the international community in the context of transitional justice. But what happens when the transition to democracy generates refugees that are not permitted to return to what appears to now be a stable, peaceful democracy? This is the case of Bhutan, who forcefully expelled its largest minority community during a period of nation building, then successfully transitioned to democracy without any accountability for the crimes that occurred during that process. While approximately 100,000 Bhutanese refugees in camps awaited some measure of justice and hoped for repatriation, the international community provided them with a democratically grounded education to raise awareness of their rights. But this education was not matched by any pathways to exercise those rights or achieve justice. This article examines how particular challenges to transitional justice are experienced by refugee and diaspora communities, and how current justice structures frequently fail to meet their needs.
Periodicity of Hitchin’s Uniformizing Higgs Bundles
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Raju , Sheng Mao
Published: March 2024

Let $C$ be a smooth projective curve over ${{\mathbb{C}}}$. We link the periodicity of Hitchin’s uniformizing Higgs bundle of $C$ with the underlying arithmetic geometry of the curve. Some new relations are discovered. We also speculate on the whole class of periodic Higgs bundles.
The Koszul Complex and a Certain Induced Module for a Quantum group
Authors: Tanisaki Toshiyuki
Published: March 2024

We give a description of a certain induced module for a quantum group of type $A$. Together with our previous results this gives a proof of Lusztig’s conjectural multiplicity formula for non-restricted modules over the De Concini-Kac type quantized enveloping algebra of type $A_{n}$ at the $\ell $-th root of unity, where $\ell $ is an odd integer satisfying $(\ell ,n+1)=1$ and $\ell> n+1$.
Approximation by BV-extension Sets via Perimeter Minimization in Metric Spaces
Authors: Koivu Jesse , Lučić Danka , Rajala Tapio
Published: March 2024

We show that every bounded domain in a metric measure space can be approximated in measure from inside by closed $BV$-extension sets. The extension sets are obtained by minimizing the sum of the perimeter and the measure of the difference between the domain and the set. By earlier results, in PI spaces the minimizers have open representatives with locally quasiminimal surface. We give an example in a PI space showing that the open representative of the minimizer need not be a $BV$-extension domain nor locally John.
An integrative biology approach to understanding keratinocyte collective migration as stimulated by bioglass
Authors: Siegfreid Joseph , Crampton Ali , Saghazadeh Saghi , Christensen Randilynn , Notbohm Jacob , Bjork Jason , Baker Bryan
Published: March 2024

A critical phase of wound healing is the coordinated movement of keratinocytes. To this end, bioglasses show promise in speeding healing in hard tissues and skin wounds. Studies suggest that bioglass materials may promote wound healing by inducing positive cell responses in proliferation, growth factor production, expression of angiogenic factors, and migration. Precise details of how bioglass may stimulate migration are unclear, however, because the common assays for studying migration in wound healing focus on simplified outputs like rate of migration or total change in wound area. These outputs are limited in that they represent the average behavior of the collective, with no connection between the motion of the individual cells and the collective wound healing response. There is a need to apply more refined tools that identify how the motion of the individual cells changes in response to perturbations, such as by bioglass, and in turn affects motion of the cell collective. Here, we apply an integrative biology strategy that combines an in vitro wound healing assay using primary neonatal human keratinocytes with time lapse microscopy and quantitative image analysis. The resulting data set provides the cell velocity field, from which we define key metrics that describe cooperative migration phenotypes. Treatment with growth factors led to faster single-cell speeds compared to control, but the migration was not cooperative, with cells breaking away from their neighbors and migrating as individuals. Treatment with calcium or bioglass led to migration phenotypes that were highly collective, with greater coordination in space compared to control. We discuss the link between bioglass treatment and observed increases in free calcium ions that are hypothesized to promote these distinct coordinated behaviors in primary keratinocytes. These findings have been enabled by the unique descriptors developed through applying image analysis to interpret biological response in migration models.

Insight Box/Paragraph Statement: Bioglasses are important materials for tissue engineering and have more recently shown promise in skin and wound healing by mechanisms tied to their unique ionic properties. The precise details, however, of how cell migration may be affected by bioglass are left unclear by traditional cell assay methods. The following describes the integration of migration assays of keratinocytes, cells critical for skin and wound healing, with the tools of time lapse microscopy and image analysis to generate a quantitative description of coordinated, tissue-like migration behavior, stimulated by bioglass, that would not have been accessible without the combination of these analytical tools.
Understanding the Determinants of ICC Involvement: Legal Mandate and Power Politics
Authors: Prorok Alyssa K , Appel Benjamin , Minhas Shahryar
Published: March 2024

What explains the initiation and escalation of International Criminal Court (ICC) involvement in a situation? In light of growing charges of bias against the court, understanding the determinants of ICC involvement is critically important. Building upon research on bounded discretion at international courts, we argue that two potentially competing forces influence the court. While prioritizing impartiality should lead the court to target perpetrators of the gravest violations of human rights in states with domestic impunity, prioritizing powerful states’ interests suggests that the court may avoid involvement in powerful states and those with close ties to powerful countries. We test these arguments using original data on ICC involvement and a novel estimator that accounts for the sequential nature of ICC activity. We find that the court acts more in accordance with the legal mandate when initiating preliminary examinations, but power politics play a more dominant role at the formal investigation stage. These findings have several implications for academic and policy work on both the ICC and international courts more generally.
Seasonal population fluctuation and life history in different temperatures of Myzus cerasi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on cherry trees: a field and laboratory study
Authors: Kök Şahin , Kasap İsmail
Published: March 2024

This study determined the seasonal population fluctuation of Myzus cerasi (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in cherry orchards and the effect of different temperatures on the life-history parameters of these aphids under laboratory conditions. Our field results showed that the population fluctuations and densities of M. cerasi on cherry trees were positively affected by the temperature increase between seasons. Also, our laboratory results showed that M. cerasi survived and reproduced at all temperatures tested under laboratory conditions. Female longevity was observed as 19.00 ± 2.38, 18.72 ± 0.49, and 12.59 ± 0.74 days, and fecundity was 10.14 ± 2.26, 9.36 ± 0.59, and 7.27 ± 0.84 offspring/female at 20, 25, and 30 °C, respectively. Although the highest net reproductive rate (R0) was observed numerically at 25 °C (7.80 offspring/female), there was no significant difference compared to 20 °C (7.10 offspring/female). The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the highest finite rate of increase (λ) were calculated at 30 °C (0.15 ± 0.01 and 1.16 ± 0.01 day−1, respectively), and there was no significant difference compared to 25 °C. The mean generation time (T) of M. cerasi showed a significant difference at all temperatures tested and decreased from 22.59 ± 0.33 days at 20 °C to 12.78 ± 0.37 days at 30 °C. Consequently, our results revealed that the seasonal population fluctuation and the life history of M. cerasi in the field and laboratory conditions were affected significantly by different temperatures. Our data obtained in the field and the laboratory will contribute to the understanding of M. cerasi biology and to the management of the pest.
Lost in wonder: a response to Schinkel’s ‘deep’ wonder in education
Authors: Mountbatten-O’Malley Eri
Published: March 2024

In this paper, I aim to clarify the role of ‘wonder’ in education. Most of us who work in education want to provide valuable experiences for our students, and we want them to be driven by intrinsic values such as truth and recognition of the dignity of human existence. However, whilst I echo many of the sentiments espoused by advocates of the utility and ethical significance of wonder, I contend that some recent developments—and in particular, Schinkel’s argument that ‘deep’ (‘contemplative’ or ‘cosmic’) wonder has a ‘fundamental’ role in education—are misconceived. This is, I argue, because any concept deployable within educational spaces (whether formal or informal) must pay due regard to the conceptual constraints of the concept of ‘education’; that is, attention must be paid to the role of ‘learning’. Schinkel’s proposals are, I suggest, vulnerable to a critique of sentimentalism and excessive romanticism. As such, they offer little in terms of practical import for educators. As I will propose, if we are to take ‘wonder’ seriously in educational contexts, we must pay attention to the purpose of wonder as an epistemic emotion; namely, aiming for knowledge and understanding, and getting there requires sensitivity to practical know-how and conceptual competence.
Risk of thoracic soft tissue sarcoma after breast cancer radiotherapy: a population-based cohort study in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Ikawa Toshiki , Kuwabara Yoshihiro , Nakata Kayo , Kanayama Naoyuki , Morimoto Masahiro , Miyashiro Isao , Konishi Koji
Published: March 2024

Postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer reportedly increases the risk of thoracic soft tissue sarcomas, particularly angiosarcomas; however, the risk in the Japanese population remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the incidence of thoracic soft tissue sarcoma among patients with breast cancer in Japan and determine its association with radiotherapy. This retrospective cohort study used data from the population-based cancer registry of the Osaka Prefecture. The inclusion criteria were female sex, age 20–84 years, diagnosis of breast cancer between 1990 and 2010, no supraclavicular lymph node or distant metastasis, underwent surgery and survived for at least 1 year. The primary outcome was the occurrence of thoracic soft tissue sarcomas 1 year or later after breast cancer diagnosis. Among the 13 762 patients who received radiotherapy, 15 developed thoracic soft tissue sarcomas (nine angiosarcomas and six other sarcomas), with a median time of 7.7 years (interquartile range, 4.0–8.6 years) after breast cancer diagnosis. Among the 27 658 patients who did not receive radiotherapy, four developed thoracic soft tissue sarcomas (three angiosarcomas and one other sarcoma), with a median time of 11.6 years after diagnosis. The 10-year cumulative incidence was higher in the radiotherapy cohort than in the non-radiotherapy cohort (0.087 vs. 0.0036%, P < 0.001). Poisson regression analysis revealed that radiotherapy increased the risk of thoracic soft tissue sarcoma (relative risk, 6.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.4–24.4). Thus, although rare, breast cancer radiotherapy is associated with an increased risk of thoracic soft tissue sarcoma in the Japanese population.
Surgical resection of brain and adrenal gland metastases from gastric cancer: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kitano Yuto , Ohyama Shigekazu , Yagi Yasumichi , Onishi Ichiro , Kayahara Masato
Published: March 2024

The prognosis of recurrent gastric cancer is generally poor, and aggressive surgical treatment is rarely performed. Herein, we present the case of a patient who underwent resection of cerebellar and adrenal gland metastases from gastric cancer. The patient was treated for gastric cancer with distal gastrectomy at 23 years and for remnant gastric cancer with completion gastrectomy at 48 years. At 59 years old, she experienced vertigo and nausea and was diagnosed with cerebellar and left adrenal gland tumours. First, the cerebellar tumours were resected and diagnosed as metastases of gastric cancer. After 1 month, the adrenal gland tumour was resected and diagnosed as metastatic. She underwent whole-brain radiotherapy and subsequent chemotherapy with S-1. One year after the surgery, the patient died of meningitis carcinomatosa. There are few reports on long-term survival after the resection of brain metastases. Herein, we report our experience along with a review of the literature.
Pirogoff amputation is a viable option to maintain ambulation in chronic limb-threatening ischemia with extensive midfoot tissue loss: a report of two cases
Authors: Sano Masaya , Morii Hokuto , Endo Takashi , Kimura Masaru , Yamamoto Satoshi , Hashimoto Takuya , Deguchi Juno
Published: March 2024

Eliminating necrotic and infected tissues is crucial for limb salvage in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). However, extensive lesions that involve the midfoot frequently result in transtibial amputation, restricting ambulation and independent life. The Modified Pirogoff amputation, which includes a 90° rotation of the calcaneus and fixation with the tibia, has good functional outcomes in trauma cases. Here, we report two patients with CLTI successfully managed by a combination of revascularization and modified Pirogoff amputation, resulting in preserved ambulation without a prosthesis. Modified Pirogoff amputation may be a viable option in revascularized CLTI with extensive tissue loss of the midfoot.
Efficacy of in-office lysis of clitoral adhesions with excision of keratin pearls on clitoral pain and sexual function: a pre-post interventional study
Authors: Krapf Jill M , Kopits Isabella , Holloway Jessica , Lorenzini Sylvia , Mautz Theodora , Goldstein Andrew T
Published: March 2024

Background

Keratin pearls are foci of central keratinization within concentric layers of squamous cells that can form under the clitoral prepuce and cause pain (clitorodynia); in-office removal of keratin pearls may reduce clitoral pain and improve sexual function.

Aim

This study aims to investigate clitoral pain and sexual function in women with partial clitoral phimosis and keratin pearls before and after in-office lysis of clitoral adhesions with keratin pearl excision (LCA-KPE).

Methods

A pre-post interventional study evaluated patients who underwent LCA-KPE between January 2017 and February 2023 in 2 metropolitan gynecology clinics specializing in vulvar pain. Patients presenting with keratin pearls and partial clitoral phimosis identified through retrospective chart review were asked to complete postprocedure questionnaires and provide subjective responses on clitoral discomfort, sexual function, sexual distress, and their experience with in-office LCA-KPE. Bivariate analyses with paired t tests were conducted to determine the effect of LCA-KPE. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic coding.

Outcomes

An 11-point pain visual analog scale was utilized to determine pre- and postprocedure clitoral discomfort and difficulty with orgasm. Female sexual dysfunction was measured with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised.

Results

A total of 32 of 74 patients who met inclusion criteria completed postprocedure surveys (43% response rate). Mean clitoral pain for respondents was 6.91 at baseline and 2.50 after LCA-KPE (P < .001). Mean difficulty with orgasm was significantly decreased from 5.45 at baseline to 3.13 after LCA-KPE (P < .001). Participants had a mean FSFI total score of 17.68 after treatment compared with a mean total baseline FSFI of 12.12 (P = .017). The mean FSFI score for pain was 2.43 at follow-up compared with 1.37 at baseline (P = .049). There was no significant difference in the mean Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised score before vs after the procedure (P = .27). Qualitative themes described the procedure as painful but worthwhile, with 77% of participants reporting the overall experience as positive. Recurrence rate overall was 28%, with a median of 2 repeat procedures.

Clinical Implications

Recognizing keratin pearls as a structural cause of clitoral pain and offering in-office treatment is an important tool in addressing clitorodynia and improving sexual function.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the largest study to date documenting the occurrence, identifying associated pain conditions, and evaluating procedural outcomes for clitoral keratin pearls. This study was limited by a relatively small sample size.

Conclusion

In-office LCA-KPE significantly reduced clitoral discomfort and difficulty with orgasm.
Self-Perception of Risk for HIV Acquisition and Calculated Risk for HIV Acquisition Among Active Duty Air Force Members With Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection
Authors: Schmid Audie B , Okulicz Jason F , Mika Walter , Hakre Shilpa , Yabes Joseph M
Published: March 2024

Introduction

There have been nearly 1,600 new diagnoses of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) across the US Armed Forces between 2017 and 2022. While treatment has improved overall survival, self-perception of acquiring HIV may not align with actual risk of acquiring HIV, thus slowing diagnosis and treatment. We aim to evaluate self-perceived risk (SPR) versus calculated risk (CR) of HIV infection in US Air Force (USAF) members with incident HIV diagnosis.

Methods

All USAF members with new HIV diagnosis evaluated at a specialty care military medical center between January 2015 and March 2020 with case report forms were included (n = 142). SPR was compared to CR using the Denver HIV Risk Score (DHRS). The study was approved by the Army Public Health Center’s Public Health Review Board (#14-311) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Human Subjects Protection Branch (#1861E).

Results

Patients were predominantly male (98%), with a median age of 26 (IQR 22-30) years, and the majority (85%) reported same-sex partners. Most patients reported a low SPR (n = 78; 55%). A higher proportion of low SPR patients were married or partnered than high SPR patients (29% versus 14%; P = 0.04). Both groups had median DHRS scores in the highest risk category with similar results by reason for HIV screening.

Conclusion

The majority of USAF members with incident HIV infection reported a low SPR despite risk factors and CRs identical to high SPR patients. In order to inform HIV prevention strategies in the military, further efforts are needed to educate the military population and providers about HIV risk perception.
Interfacility Transfer Teams: A Pilot Study to Assess Viability as a Skill Sustainment Platform
Authors: Medenbach Andrew J , Nguyen Alexandre , Raetz Emily , Morrison Theodore , Walrath Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

A US Naval hospital in the remote Pacific region has developed interfacility transfer (IFT) teams staffed by active duty personnel out of necessity due to a large percentage of critically ill patients requiring IFT and a lack of local resources. The IFT program underwent significant improvements in training and quality assurance in 2017. We sought to assess patient safety when transport was performed by our locally sourced and trained IFT teams. En route care (ERC) is a recognized critical capability gap in the US Navy requiring clinicians with current knowledge and skills to maintain competency. IFT programs may be a viable skill sustainment program for ERC clinicians.

Materials and Methods

A database was created as part of the quality assurance program to collate information on patient demographics, level of care provided, reason for transport, and interventions provided by the transporting team. A retrospective review of these data was conducted with emphasis on the appropriateness of patient management and skill sustainment for active duty personnel. The project was deemed institutional review board exempt.

Results

Of the 1,193 patient care reports reviewed, interventions were required in 128 (10.7%) of patients and 58 (4.9%) required ventilator management. Medical deterioration occurred during 22 (1.8%) of the transports, with 20 (90.9%) of the deterioration episodes managed appropriately. No patient harm occurred.

Conclusions

IFT teams with local training were able to safely transport critically ill patients with no adverse outcomes, defined as direct harm to the patients as a result of transport. Patient care during transports included routine interventions, ventilator management, and troubleshooting of patient deteriorations. Our data further suggest IFT programs may be a viable skill sustainment platform for ERC clinicians.
Search for protostellar jets with UWISH2 in the molecular cloud complexes Vulpecula and IRDC G53.2
Authors: Chauhan Manish , Samal Manash , Tej Anandmayee , Froebrich Dirk
Published: March 2024

Jets and outflows are the early signposts of stellar birth. Using the UKIRT Wide Field Infrared Survey for H2 (UWISH2) at 2.12 μm, 127 outflows are identified in molecular cloud complexes Vulpecula OB1 and IRDC G53.2 covering 12 square degrees of the Galactic plane. Using multiwavelength data sets, from 1.2 to 70 μm, 79 young stellar objects (YSOs) are proposed as potential driving sources, where ∼79  per cent are likely Class 0/I protostars, 17  per cent are Class II YSOs, and the remaining 4 per cent are Class III YSOs. The outflows are characterized in terms of their length, flux, luminosity, and knot-spacing. The identified outflows have a median lobe length of 0.22 and 0.17 pc for outflows in Vulpecula OB1 and IRDC G53.2, respectively. Our analysis, from the knot spacing, reveals a typical ejection frequency of ∼1.2 kyr suggesting an intermediate type between the FU-Ori and EX-Ori type of eruptions in both cloud complexes. Furthermore, the physical parameters of the driving sources are obtained by performing radiative transfer modelling to the observed spectral energy distributions, which suggest that the outflows are driven by intermediate mass stars. Various observed trends between the outflow properties and the corresponding driving sources, and various interesting outflows and star forming sites, including sites of triggered star formation and protocluster forming clump with clusters of jets, are discussed. The obtained results and the identified jet-bearing protostellar sample will pave the way to understand many aspects of outflows with future high-resolution observations.
An inorganic liquid crystalline dispersion with 2D ferroelectric moieties
Authors: Huang Ziyang , Zhang Zehao , Zhang Rongjie , Ding Baofu , Yang Liu , Wu Keyou , Xu Youan , Zhong Gaokuo , Ren Chuanlai , Liu Jiarong , Hao Yugan , Wu Menghao , Ma Teng , Liu Bilu
Published: March 2024

Electro-optical effect-based liquid crystal devices have been extensively used in optical modulation techniques, in which the Kerr coefficient reflects the sensitivity of the liquid crystals and determines the strength of the device’s operational electric field. The Peterlin–Stuart theory and the O'Konski model jointly indicate that a giant Kerr coefficient could be obtained in a material with both a large geometrical anisotropy and an intrinsic polarization, but such a material is not yet reported. Here we reveal a ferroelectric effect in a monolayer two-dimensional mineral vermiculite. A large geometrical anisotropy factor and a large inherent electric dipole together raise the record value of Kerr coefficient by an order of magnitude, till 3.0 × 10−4 m V−2. This finding enables an ultra-low operational electric field of 102–104 V m−1 and the fabrication of electro-optical devices with an inch-level electrode separation, which has not previously been practical. Because of its high ultraviolet stability (decay <1% under ultraviolet exposure for 1000 hours), large-scale production, and energy efficiency, prototypical displayable billboards have been fabricated for outdoor interactive scenes. This work provides new insights for both liquid crystal optics and two-dimensional ferroelectrics.
COVID-19 and worker mental distress
Authors: Sundaram-Stukel Reka , Kesebir Pelin , Vidaver Regina , Davidson Richard J
Published: March 2024

Background

This analysis posits that COVID-19-related worker mental distress may be different for those continuously employed and for those who faced temporary job loss.

Methods

Mental distress during COVID-19 is characterized using two nationally representative surveys, the American Trend Panel (ATP) and the Household Pulse Survey (HPS). Using a probit model, we examine workplace perceptions for the mentally distressed in the ATP sample. We use graphical analysis to identify barriers to seeking mental healthcare using the 2021–22 HPS sample.

Results

In October 2020, the probability of mental distress increased between 7.1 and 9.1 percentage points in response to worsening work–life balance, lowered job security, lowered work productivity and lowered work satisfaction. Workers’ perception of advancement denial and poor connectivity with coworkers increased the probability of mental distress by 3.0–5.8 percentage points. In October 2021, over 40% of workers who had experienced job loss reported mental distress as compared to 20% of those with jobs. Only 25% of those with mental distress sought counseling. These high levels of mental distress continued into October 2022.

Conclusions

Mitigation strategies for worker mental health should include prosocial nudges, attention to employment history, managerial sensitivity and worker resilience training.
In vitro and in vivo degradation, biocompatibility and bone repair performance of strontium-doped montmorillonite coating on Mg–Ca alloy
Authors: Sun Wenxin , Yang Kaining , Zou Yuhong , Ren Yande , Zhang Lin , Zhang Fen , Zeng Rongchang
Published: March 2024

Poor bone growth remains a challenge for degradable bone implants. Montmorillonite and strontium were selected as the carrier and bone growth promoting elements to prepare strontium-doped montmorillonite coating on Mg–Ca alloy. The surface morphology and composition were characterized by SEM, EDS, XPS, FT-IR and XRD. The hydrogen evolution experiment and electrochemical test results showed that the Mg–Ca alloy coated with Sr-MMT coating possessed optimal corrosion resistance performance. Furthermore, in vitro studies on cell activity, ALP activity, and cell morphology confirmed that Sr-MMT coating had satisfactory biocompatibility, which can significantly avail the proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion of osteoblasts. Moreover, the results of the 90-day implantation experiment in rats indicated that, the preparation of Sr-MMT coating effectively advanced the biocompatibility and bone repair performance of Mg–Ca alloy. In addition, The Osteogenic ability of Sr-MMT coating may be due to the combined effect of the precipitation of Si4+ and Sr2+ in Sr-MMT coating and the dissolution of Mg2+ and Ca2+ during the degradation of Mg–Ca alloy. By using coating technology, this study provides a late-model strategy for biodegradable Mg alloys with good corrosion resistance, biocompatibility. This new material will bring more possibilities in bone repair.
Cuprorivaite/hardystonite/alginate composite hydrogel with thermionic effect for the treatment of peri-implant lesion
Authors: Xia Yiru , Zhang Zhaowenbin , Zhou Kecong , Lin Zhikai , Shu Rong , Xu Yuze , Zeng Zhen , Chang Jiang , Xie Yufeng
Published: March 2024

Peri-implant lesion is a grave condition afflicting numerous indi-viduals with dental implants. It results from persistent periodontal bacteria accumulation causing inflammation around the implant site, which can primarily lead to implant loosening and ultimately the implant loss. Early-stage peri-implant lesions exhibit symptoms akin to gum disease, including swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums surrounding the implant. These signs indicate infection and inflammation of the peri-implant tissues, which may result in bone loss and implant failure. To address this problem, a thermionic strategy was applied by designing a cuprorivaite–hardystonite bioceramic/alginate composite hydrogel with photothermal and Cu/Zn/Si multiple ions releasing property. This innovative approach creates a thermionic effect by the release of bioactive ions (Cu2+ and Zn2+ and SiO32−) from the composite hydrogel and the mild heat environment though the photothermal effect of the composite hydrogel induced by near-infrared light irradiation. The most distinctive advantage of this thermionic effect is to substantially eliminate periodontal pathogenic bacteria and inhibit inflammation, while simultaneously enhance peri-implant osseointegration. This unique attribute renders the use of this composite hydrogel highly effective in significantly improving the survival rate of implants after intervention in peri-implant lesions, which is a clinical challenge in periodontics. This study reveals application potential of a new biomaterial-based approach for peri-implant lesion, as it not only eliminates the infection and inflammation, but also enhances the osteointegration of the dental implant, which provides theoretical insights and practical guidance to prevent and manage early-stage peri-implant lesion using bioactive functional materials.
Surface-modified deproteinized human demineralized tooth matrix for bone regeneration: physicochemical characterization and osteoblast cell biocompatibility
Authors: Chokwattananuwat Natwara , Suttapreyasri Srisurang
Published: March 2024

Tooth presents an intriguing option as a bone graft due to its compositional similarity to bone. However, the deproteinized human demineralized tooth matrix (dpDTM), developed to overcome the limited availability of autologous tooth grafts, has suboptimal pore size and surface roughness. This study aimed to fabricate a surface-modified dpDTM using acid etching and collagen coating, followed by in vitro evaluation of physicochemical and biological properties. The dpDTM was modified into two protocols: Acid-modified dpDTM (A-dpDTM) and collagen-modified dpDTM (C-dpDTM). Results demonstrated that A-dpDTM and C-dpDTM had increased pore sizes and rougher surfaces compared to dpDTM. Collagen immobilization was evidenced by nitrogen presence exclusively in C-dpDTM. All groups had a Ca/P molar ratio of 1.67 and hydroxyapatite as the sole constituent, with 65–67% crystallinity. Degradation rates significantly increased to 30% and 20% for C-dpDTM and A-dpDTM, respectively, compared to 10% for dpDTM after 120 days. Cumulative collagen release of C-dpDTM on Day 30 was 45.16 µg/ml. Osteoblasts attachment and proliferation were enhanced on all scaffolds, especially C-dpDTM, which displayed the highest proliferation and differentiation rates. In conclusion, surface modified of dpDTM, including A-dpDTM and C-dpDTM, significantly enhances bioactivity by altering surface properties and promoting osteoblast activity, thereby demonstrating promise for bone regeneration applications.