bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading patterns, reformulation and eye-voice span (IVS) in sight translation
Authors: Chmiel Agnieszka , Lijewska Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

The study examined how a required reformulation of a source text affects reading patterns in sight translation. We also tested how interpreters regulated their eye-voice span (IVS, understood as the delay between viewing the source language word and speaking it in the target language) in the task. Twenty-four professional conference interpreters sight translated (from Polish into English) a text with syntactically symmetrical sentences (that could be copied in the target language) or asymmetrical ones (that required reformulation). The participants’ output and eye movements were recorded. Mean IVS turned out to exceed 8s. Text viewing durations and IVS did not differ between symmetrical and asymmetrical sentences. In contrast, reformulated output structures generated larger IVS than the retained ones. Also, words appearing later in the text on the screen were associated with longer IVS. This shows that IVS is a complex construct and that reformulation affects reading patterns in sight translation.
Non-zero constraints in elliptic PDE with random boundary values and applications to hybrid inverse problems
Authors: Alberti Giovanni S
Published: October 2022

Hybrid inverse problems are based on the interplay of two types of waves, in order to allow for imaging with both high resolution and high contrast. The inversion procedure often consists of two steps: first, internal measurements involving the unknown parameters and some related quantities are obtained, and, second, the unknown parameters have to be reconstructed from the internal data. The reconstruction in the second step requires the solutions of certain PDE to satisfy some non-zero constraints, such as the absence of nodal or critical points, or a non-vanishing Jacobian.

In this work, we consider a second-order elliptic PDE and show that it is possible to satisfy these constraints with overwhelming probability by choosing the boundary values randomly, following a sub-Gaussian distribution. The proof is based on a new quantitative estimate for the Runge approximation, a result of independent interest.
An inertial bipedal piezoelectric actuator with integration of triple actuation modes
Authors: Deng Jie , Wang Weiyi , Zhang Shijing , Lu Fei , Liu Yingxiang
Published: October 2022

Piezoelectric actuators based on inertial principle have been widely studied and applied in ultraprecision fields due to their simple structures. In this work, we proposed a bipedal piezoelectric actuator, which could work in synchronous inertial actuation mode (SIAM), bipedal alternating inertial actuation mode (BAIAM) and inertial impact actuation mode (IIAM). The step size, motion speed and carrying load are measured, and the rollback ratios are calculated to evaluate the displacement linearity. The experimental results confirm that SAIM has a simple exciting strategy, BAIAM has a smooth motion and IIAM has better load characteristics. The rollback ratio working in BAIAM is 0.7% and that is 14.4%, 69% in SIAM and IIAM, respectively, which proves that BAIAM effectively improves the displacement linearity. When working in IIAM, the load mass varying from 100 g to 350 g, the speed does not change significantly (the maximum variation range is 4% compared with 23% in SAIM and BAIAM under 0–500 g load). The developed actuator can switch between the triple actuation modes by changing the excitation signal to obtain compatible performance, it has potential in applications where large range, stable carrying load capacity and smooth motions are required, such as cell surgery and micromanipulation.
Searching for sterile neutrino with X-ray intensity mapping
Authors: Caputo Andrea , Regis Marco , Taoso Marco
Published: October 2022

The cosmological X-ray emission associated to the possible radiative decay of sterile neutrinos is composed by a collection of lines at different energies. For a given mass, each line corresponds to a given redshift. In this work, we cross correlate such line emission with catalogs of galaxies tracing the dark matter distribution at different redshifts. We derive observational prospects by correlating the X-ray sky that will be probed by the eROSITA and Athena missions with current and near future photometric and spectroscopic galaxy surveys. A relevant and unexplored fraction of the parameter space of sterile neutrinos can be probed by this technique.
Engineering nonclassical SU(1,1) coherent states of light by multiphoton excitation
Authors: Javed Sunia , Bint Monir Hadiah , Amir Naila , Iqbal Shahid
Published: October 2022

Quantum optical systems with nonclassical features play a vital role in the physical implementation of a large variety of quantum technologies, such as quantum metrology, quantum information processing, and quantum computation protocols, and hence are important to exploit the quantum advantage. In this work, we construct a general class of nonclassical coherent states (CSs) of light and present a scheme to enhance their nonclassicality by multiphoton excitation. In particular, using various optical realizations of

s
u
(
1
,
1
)

Lie algebra, we construct CSs of light following Barut-Girardello formalism and then perform the multiphoton discrete excitation on these continuous-variable optical CSs. We investigate the nonclassical features by analyzing the photon-counting probability distribution, Mandel

Q
−

parameter, quadrature squeezing, and Wigner quasi-probability distribution. Our numerical results show that, for a particular set of parametric values, these multiphoton excited states exhibit sub-Poisson photon-counting statistics, quadrature squeezing, and negativity of Wigner distribution, which are indicators of nonclassicality. Moreover, it is shown that the nonclassical nature of these states gets enhanced as the photon-excitation number increases.
Synthesis of Zeolite as a Textile Dye Waste Adsorbent from Rice Husk Ash Using Microwave Heating Method
Authors: Karisma Achmad Dwitama , Altway Saidah , Agustiani Elly , Ningrum Eva Oktavia , Zuchrillah Daril Ridho
Published: October 2022

The zeolite was synthesized from rice husk ash with high silica content using the microwave heating method. In the pre-treatment step, the silica content of rice husk ash was extracted by HCl at various concentrations. Zeolite was synthesized by the reaction of rice husk ash, the aqueous solution of NaOH and Al2O3 in the flask reactor, and was treated by microwave heating at various power from 100-200 W. The crystalline phase and the characteristic structure of the product were analyzed by XRD and SEM analysis. Moreover, the surface area of the product was analyzed by BET analysis. The result shows that with 2 M HCl as an acid treatment in the pre-treatment step, the high surface area of the zeolite was obtained, i.e., 266.7 m2/g. The adsorption efficiency of the product was analyzed using methylene blue, methyl orange, and methyl red as the textile dye waste. The result shows that the adsorption efficiency of the product on the methylene blue, methyl orange, and methyl red was 94.2%, 93.89%, and 94.7%, respectively.
Analysis of Silica Activity Index from Geothermal Silica Scaling
Authors: Mulyana Cukup , Mahmudah  , Faizal Ferry
Published: October 2022

Silica scaling causes problems in geothermal powerplants piping system such as clogging and reduction of pipe diameter. A suspended bulk sample was taken from Dieng powerplant Indonesia, with more than 80 % silica content. Before further utilization, the properties of the silica powder should be well understood to ensure for an example the correct usage of the application or another example choosing the efficent procedure in clogging prevention. The measure of the activity of silica powder can be expressed in the term of silica activity index (SAI). This index is the level of strength for the silica reactivity, it also indicated the increasing amount of amorphous phase relative to the amount of the crystal phase of silica. This study aims to determine SAI in variation with temperature of silica sample taken from suspended powder from geothermal brine. Experimental treatment on SAI determination consists of samples without preheating and with preheating at 400 °C, 500 °C, 650 °C, and 900 °C. The index was then calculated from the ratio of dissolved silica in the solution of 1 and 2 M 100 ml NaOH for 10 minutes. The experimental results show that the maximum value of SAI is 79% in the sample without heating at dissolving temperature 99 °C. The minimum value of SAI was 8% in samples with 900 °C preheated, treated with the same solution at dissolving temperature 80 °C. The XRD characterization result indicated that the sample without heating has an amorphous structure and tends to crystalize versus increasing heating temperature. At 900°C heating, the sample has a cristobalite and tridymite structure. The XRF analysis in the soluble fractions showed that the silica content in samples without heating is 0.52 wt% and the concentration also decreasing versus increasing temperature to 0.05 wt% for samples with 900°C heating. Hence, the silica activity index is influenced by sample crystallization during treatment with a strong base and heated dissolution.
Primary study of synthesis and dispersion of zirconia and silica nanoparticles for post-endodontic composite
Authors: Widodo Puji , Mulyawan Wawan , Djustiana Nina
Published: October 2022

Zirconia and silica-based composite are introduced as an alternative to post-core systems due to their high elastic modulus. The cast metal post-core systems in the application of dental material can cause stress concentration within the surrounding radicular dentin, resulting in root fractures. These materials provide more esthetical appealing and biocompatible restorations. However, the use of zirconia and silica nanoparticles as fillers tends to agglomerate in an organic solvent. The objective of the present report is to synthesize zirconia and silica nanoparticles by solgel method and subsequently, disperse them in an organic solvent by beads milling methods. The particle size distribution and stability were observed correspondingly using the particles size analyzer (PSA) and zeta potential. The initial average sizes of silica and zirconia particles in organic media were correspondingly 2.7 mm and 191 nm, respectively. After beads milling for 5 hours, silica and zirconia nanoparticles successfully were dispersed with average particles size of 91.5 nm and 124 nm, respectively. The zeta potentials of silica and zirconia suspensions were - 21.1 and -10.6 mV, respectively. The SEM image for both particles showed spherical morphology with agglomerated particles having primary particle sizes below 100 nm. Therefore, it was concluded that both particles can be applied as filler for a post-endodontic composite with an additional surfactant before polymerization.
The performance study of developed cost-effective Compton Camera based on Ce:GAGG scintillator using experimental measurements and CCMod of GATE simulation module
Authors: Zarei Hajar , Nagao Yuto , Yamamoto Kohei , Itoh Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Mitsutaka , Kawachi Naoki , Watabe Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

In our previous work, a cost-effective Compton camera (CC)
using Ce doped Gd3(Al,Ga)5O12(Ce:GAGG) scintillator
consisting of two detectors, scatterer
(20.8 × 20.8 × 5 mm3) and absorber
(41.7 × 41.7 × 10 mm3), was developed to image
gamma rays having energy more than 511 keV. This study fabricated
a newly developed CC with a larger scatterer and thinner
absorber. The system consists of two detectors: a scatterer and an
absorber of Ce:GAGG scintillator. The size of the scatterer and
absorber is the same; a
40-mm × 40-mm × 5-mm array block consists
of 40 × 40 pixels. The size of each scintillator pixel is
0.85 mm × 0.85 mm for both systems. Imaging
experiments of Na-22 and Cs-137 point sources were performed to
investigate the imaging capability of the new camera, and then the
obtained data were compared to the previous CC. The current CC's
absolute detection efficiency (DE
a
) and photopeak detection
efficiency (DE
p
) are improved by 1.6 and 2 times greater than
the previous one. At the same time, both systems' spatial and
angular resolutions are almost the same value at 511 keV. The
Compton camera module (CCMod) in GATE v9.0 was employed for Monte
Carlo simulations to reproduce the experimental data showing a good agreement.
Existence of embeddings of smooth varieties into linear algebraic groups
Authors: Feller Peter , van Santen Immanuel
Published: October 2022

We prove that every smooth affine variety of dimension

d
d

embeds into every simple algebraic group of dimension at least

2
d
+
2

2d+2

. We do this by establishing the existence of embeddings of smooth affine varieties into the total space of certain principal bundles. For the latter we employ and build upon parametric transversality results for flexible affine varieties due to Kaliman. By adapting a Chow-group-based argument due to Bloch, Murthy, and Szpiro, we show that our result is optimal up to a possible improvement of the bound to

2
d
+
1

2d+1

.

In order to study the limits of our embedding method, we use rational homology group calculations of homogeneous spaces and we establish a domination result for rational homology of complex smooth varieties.
Projective manifolds whose tangent bundle contains a strictly nef subsheaf
Authors: Liu Jie , Ou Wenhao , Yang Xiaokui
Published: October 2022

Suppose that

X
X

is a projective manifold whose tangent bundle

T
X

T_X

contains a locally free strictly nef subsheaf. We prove that

X
X

is isomorphic to either a projective space or a projective bundle over a hyperbolic manifold of general type. Moreover, if the fundamental group

π
1

(
X
)

\pi _1(X)

is virtually solvable, then

X
X

is isomorphic to a projective space.
Phycological exploration of the global biodiversity hotspots of Northeast India: discovery of a new species of soil-dwelling cyanobacteria, Desikacharya kailashaharensis sp. nov
Authors: Pal Sagarika , Saraf Aniket , Kumar Naresh , Singh Prashant
Published: October 2022

A soil-dwelling cyanobacterial strain (KLS-BP-3A_PS), has been isolated from the biodiversity rich Northeast region of India and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain was collected from a field covered with grass, near a stream from the Unakoti district of Tripura. Upon culturing in the laboratory, initial studies indicated the strain to be showing typical Nostoc or Nostoc-like morphology. Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analyses using Neighbour joining, Maximum-likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods gave a distinct and stable positioning of the strain inside the genus Desikacharya. Upon recovery of the full-length operon of the 16S–23S ITS region with both tRNAs (tRNAIle and tRNAAla), the folded secondary structures revealed unique patterns of the D1-D1’, V2, Box-B, and V3 regions of the strain KLS-BP-3A_PS as compared to phylogenetically related species of the genus Desikacharya. The total evidence approach indicated conclusively that the strain under investigation is a new species of the genus Desikacharya, which we describe as Desikacharya kailashaharensis in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. Further, 16S rRNA gene phylogeny and evaluation of the 16S–23S ITS operons along with implying a re-examination of the family level affiliation of Desikacharya as well its generic limits may be in order. Notably, this study brings into focus the very less explored Northeast region of India which shares two global biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Conserved roles for Hnf4 family transcription factors in zebrafish development and intestinal function
Authors: Heppert Jennifer K , Lickwar Colin R , Tillman Matthew C , Davis Briana R , Davison James M , Lu Hsiu-Yi , Chen Wei , Busch-Nentwich Elisabeth M , Corcoran David L , Rawls John F
Published: October 2022

Transcription factors play important roles in the development of the intestinal epithelium and its ability to respond to endocrine, nutritional, and microbial signals. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 family nuclear receptors are liganded transcription factors that are critical for the development and function of multiple digestive organs in vertebrates, including the intestinal epithelium. Zebrafish have 3 hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 homologs, of which, hnf4a was previously shown to mediate intestinal responses to microbiota in zebrafish larvae. To discern the functions of other hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 family members in zebrafish development and intestinal function, we created and characterized mutations in hnf4g and hnf4b. We addressed the possibility of genetic redundancy amongst these factors by creating double and triple mutants which showed different rates of survival, including apparent early lethality in hnf4a; hnf4b double mutants and triple mutants. RNA sequencing performed on digestive tracts from single and double mutant larvae revealed extensive changes in intestinal gene expression in hnf4a mutants that were amplified in hnf4a; hnf4g mutants, but limited in hnf4g mutants. Changes in hnf4a and hnf4a; hnf4g mutants were reminiscent of those seen in mice including decreased expression of genes involved in intestinal function and increased expression of cell proliferation genes, and were validated using transgenic reporters and EdU labeling in the intestinal epithelium. Gnotobiotics combined with RNA sequencing also showed hnf4g has subtler roles than hnf4a in host responses to microbiota. Overall, phenotypic changes in hnf4a single mutants were strongly enhanced in hnf4a; hnf4g double mutants, suggesting a conserved partial genetic redundancy between hnf4a and hnf4g in the vertebrate intestine.
Gattaca as a lens on contemporary genetics: marking 25 years into the film’s “not-too-distant” future
Authors: Ogbunugafor C Brandon , Edge Michael D
Published: October 2022

The 1997 film Gattaca has emerged as a canonical pop culture reference used to discuss modern controversies in genetics and bioethics. It appeared in theaters a few years prior to the announcement of the “completion” of the human genome (2000), as the science of human genetics was developing a renewed sense of its social implications. The story is set in a near-future world in which parents can, with technological assistance, influence the genetic composition of their offspring on the basis of predicted life outcomes. The current moment—25 years after the film’s release—offers an opportunity to reflect on where society currently stands with respect to the ideas explored in Gattaca. Here, we review and discuss several active areas of genetic research—genetic prediction, embryo selection, forensic genetics, and others—that interface directly with scenes and concepts in the film. On its silver anniversary, we argue that Gattaca remains an important reflection of society’s expectations and fears with respect to the ways that genetic science has manifested in the real world. In accompanying supplemental material, we offer some thought questions to guide group discussions inside and outside of the classroom.
A unified approach for relationships among Green's function, normal modes and dispersion spectrum in layered elastic half-space, with corrected misconceptions on surface wave dispersion and testing
Authors: Lin Chih-Ping , Pan Ernian , Tran Quoc Kinh , Wu Tsai-Jung
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the global stiffness matrix [K] and the Fourier–Bessel series methods are proposed to derive the accurate Green's function and dynamic response in a form that is directly related to the dispersion curve and experimental dispersion spectrum. Detailed analyses are carried out for the two-layered half-space with different velocity profiles, including the homogeneous half-space as a special case. Our studies indicate that, in Rayleigh wave analysis, the original Rayleigh equation, instead of the rationalized Rayleigh equation as previously derived and used, should be used since the latter would contain extra non-physical roots. We further reveal and characterize three distinct types of leaky waves: the intrinsic surface leaky wave, the apparent Rayleigh mode with a frequency gap associated with a low-velocity half-space and the fast-guided P–SV wave in the layered medium with a high VS contrast between the upper layer and the lower half-space. All leaky modes can be captured by local minima of |det[K]| instead of tracing complex roots in other existing approaches. In the experimental estimation of dispersion curves for practical applications, we have observed that the truncation effect is the major source of uncertainty regardless of the wavefield transformation method utilized. Furthermore, the truncation effect is both location- and model-dependent, without a unique optimal near offset. As such, in order to reduce the uncertainty from the truncation effect, the receiver layout should be considered in the inversion of dynamic response, instead of relying on ensuring a minimum near offset. This becomes possible with the present fast and accurate complete dynamic Green's function by which all wave phenomena (including different types of leaky waves) and receiver locations can be considered in the wavefield transformation.
Walking the International
Authors: Youatt Rafi
Published: October 2022

Walking is a nearly universal activity, even given the many contrivances invented to avoid it, yet it is widely absent from the sedentarist disciplines of politics and international relations. This absence is perhaps not surprising, given that so much political thought and practice are deeply tethered to the inventions of the boot and the chair that remove walking from our view, as Tim Ingold has observed. Yet, given the significance of events such as forced death marches as parts of war and genocide; formative collective walks such as Gandhi's march to the sea, the Long March in China, or the Selma to Montgomery marches; or the everyday politics of walking in global cities, such absence might be mistaken. This article suggests instead that walking be understood as integral to the operation of internationality. In particular, it argues that walking is part of a mobile field of power and agency that generates, stabilizes, and unsettles internationality in equal parts. The article diagrams some key conceptual nodes of walking and political power, and then traces their operation in the case of the Long Walk of the Navajo.
Evaluation of Serum FGL1 as Diagnostic Markers for HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Xin , Tang Dongling , Chen Juanjuan , Li Huan , Zhang Pingan
Published: October 2022

Objective

Based on the current difficulties in early diagnosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC), we assessed the values of preoperative serum fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) by itself and in combination with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for the diagnosis of HBV-HCC.

Methods

We used ELISA and chemiluminescence assays to detect the serum levels of FGL1 and AFP, respectively.

Results

Serum FGL1 level in the HBV-HCC group was significantly higher than in the chronic HBV (CHBV) group, the liver cirrhosis (LC) group, and the healthy control (HC) group. Serum FGL1 had an outstanding performance in distinguishing AFP-negative HBV-HCC from different control conditions. In the patients with AFP-negative HBV-HCC, the sensitivity of serum FGL1 was high. Moreover, serum FGL1 had a stronger performance than AFP in distinguishing early-stage HBV-HCC.

Conclusions

Serum FGL1 is significantly elevated among patients with HBV-HCC, including those with negative AFP and with disease at an early stage. Hence, serum FGL1 may serve as a potential diagnostic marker in the early diagnosis of HBV-HCC.
Fascia Lata Grafting Combined with Gluteal Flaps for Pelvic Floor Reconstruction after Oncologic Resection
Authors: Mashiko Takanobu , Eguchi Tomoaki , Kiyama Maiko , Matoba Shuichiro , Hanaoka Yutaka , Toda Shigeo , Kuroyanagi Hiroya
Published: October 2022

Background:

Although recent methods of pelvic reconstruction using myocutaneous flaps have reduced postoperative morbidities‚ including pelvic abscess, the complication rates are still high due to the presence of a large dead cavity and poorly vascularized tissues secondary to preoperative chemoradiation therapy. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness and benefit of fascia lata autografting for pelvic floor reconstruction as a supplemental procedure for gluteal flap closure of perineal wounds.

Methods:

Our retrospective study included 144 consecutive patients who underwent rectal cancer resection with or without pelvic reconstruction, from 2010 to 2020. For reconstruction, fascia lata autografts were harvested from the thigh and affixed to the pelvic floor. The perineal wound was closed using gluteal advancement flaps.

Results:

The study included 33 reconstructed and 111 nonreconstructed patients (average age: 69.5 years). The reconstructed group was more likely to have undergone preoperative chemotherapy (81.8% versus 40.5%, P < 0.001) and radiotherapy (78.8% versus 48.6%, P = 0.002), compared with the nonreconstructed group. Additionally, the reconstructed group underwent fewer abdominoperineal resections (63.6% versus 94.6%, P < 0.001) and more pelvic exenterations (36.4% versus 5.4%). The mean size of fascia lata autografts was 8.3 × 5.9 cm. There were significant differences between the reconstructed and nonreconstructed groups, in the incidences of complications (15.2% versus 33.3%, P = 0.044) and pelvic abscess (3.0% versus 16.2%, P = 0.049).

Conclusion:

Combination of fascia lata autografts and gluteal flaps is considered an effective method of pelvic reconstruction for its low incidence of complications and stable outcomes.
Our Experience in Using Lateral Chest Flap to Treat Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Lahham Salim Al , Aljassem Ghanem , Omari Rand Y. , Kilic Fatma , Alyazji Zaki , Sada Ruba , Asnaf Ayman A.H. , Mostafa Sara , Albasti Habib
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects apocrine gland-bearing areas‚ causing abscesses and sinuses. Multimodality treatment is suggested for management. The surgical option is becoming more widely used, especially in drug-resistant cases. In this article, we describe a series of bilateral axillary hidradenitis cases which we treated with wide local excision and immediate reconstruction with lateral chest flap.

Methods:

Fourteen patients presented to our clinic with bilateral hidradenitis suppurativa of the axilla. The cases were all resistant to medical treatment. They were managed by excision and simultaneous reconstruction with lateral chest flaps.

Results:

At 3 months postoperatively, all patients had full shoulder range of motion and were completely satisfied with the aesthetic outcome, except for one patient who complained of the bulky look of his axilla. Liposuction was performed for him‚ with a pleasant resultant outcome.

Conclusions:

Our patients underwent wide local excision of bilateral disease plus reconstruction with lateral chest flaps in the same session. Our aim was to introduce a treatment option for moderate to severe axillary hidradenitis suppurativa that offers good aesthetic and functional outcomes.
The Rehabilitation of Individuals With Gastrointestinal Issues Beyond Pelvic Floor Muscle Function: Considering a Larger Picture for Best Practice
Authors: Wood Andrea , Glynn Teresa K. , Cahalin Lawrence P.
Published: October 2022

Pelvic health physical therapy's primary role in gastroenterology-related care has been primarily viewed as biofeedback therapy of the pelvic floor muscles in the medical literature; however, emerging research suggests that expanding this role toward a whole-body approach may be optimal. Common gastroenterology-related referrals to pelvic health physical therapy include chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, levator ani syndrome, and mixed presentations of those mentioned previously. Many of these common referral diagnoses fall under the umbrella of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) and have associated impairments involving multiple bodily systems. Pelvic health physical therapists have a robust knowledge of multiple bodily systems and are well-positioned providers for individuals with DGBIs as part of an interdisciplinary team and can incorporate an expanded plan of care outside of direct pelvic floor muscle interventions for best practice. Additional components of a plan of care for individuals with DGBIs that the following article reviews include the incorporation of physical activity and targeting cardiopulmonary measures, mental health considerations, and nutrition-based advice.
Predicting Fragmented Care
Authors: Timmins Lori , Kern Lisa M. , Ghosh Arkadipta , Urato Carol , Rich Eugene
Published: October 2022

Background:

Understanding what drives fragmented ambulatory care (care spread across multiple providers without a dominant provider) can inform the design of future interventions to reduce unnecessary fragmentation.

Objectives:

To identify the characteristics of beneficiaries, primary care physicians, primary care practice sites, and geographic markets that predict highly fragmented ambulatory care in the United States.

Research Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of Medicare claims data for beneficiaries attributed to primary care physicians and practices in 2018. We used hierarchical linear models with random intercepts and an extensive list of explanatory variables to predict the likelihood of high fragmentation.

Subjects:

A total of 3,540,310 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries met the inclusion criteria, attributed to 26,344 primary care physicians in 9300 practice sites, and 788 geographic markets.

Measures:

We defined high care fragmentation as a reversed Bice-Boxerman Index score above 0.85.

Results:

Explanatory variables explained only 6% of the variation in highly fragmented care. Unobserved differences between primary care physicians, between practice sites, and between markets together accounted for 4%. Instead, 90% of the variation in high fragmentation was unobserved residual variance. We identified the characteristics of beneficiaries (age, reason for original Medicare entitlement, and dually eligible for Medicaid insurance), physicians (comprehensiveness of care), and practices (size, being part of a system/hospital) that had small associations with high fragmentation.

Conclusions:

Variation in fragmentation was not explained by observed beneficiary, primary care provider, practice site, or market characteristics. Instead, the aggregate behavior of diverse health care providers beyond primary care, along with unmeasured patient preferences and behaviors, seem to be important predictors.
Gastroduodenal injury and repair: novel targets for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Hagen Susan J.
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

Although the mucosal barrier serves as a primary interface between the environment and host, little is understood about the repair of acute, superficial lesions or deeper, persistent lesions that if not healed, can be the site of increased permeability to luminal antigens, inflammation and/or neoplasia development.

Recent findings

Recent studies have focused on focal adhesion kinase, which regulates controlled matrix adhesion during restitution after superficial injury. Actin polymerization regulates cell migration and the importance of actin-related proteins was also highlighted. Work on SARS-CoV-2 infection lent important new insights on gastroduodenal mucosal injury in patients with Covid-19 infection and work done with organoids and intestine-on-a-chip contributed new understanding about how coronaviruses infect gastrointestinal tissues and its resulting barrier dysfunction. A novel risk stratification paradigm was proposed to assist with decision making about repeat endoscopy for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers and new therapeutic options were studied for ulcer disease. Lastly, work to support the mechanism of metaplasia development after deep injury and parietal cell loss was provided using novel transgenic mouse models.

Recent studies highlight novel molecular targets to promote mucosal healing after injury of the gastroduodenal mucosa.
Understanding Delayed Presentation to Emergency Care in Pediatric Patients With Neutropenic Fever
Authors: Fraser Nisa , Wilson Melissa L. , Chan Randall Y.
Published: October 2022

We investigated social and logistic factors eg, distance from the medical center, language barriers, other children to care for, number of caregivers, etc.) for families to delay seeking immediate emergency care for neutropenic fever in a retrospective cohort study of all pediatric hematology-oncology patients who presented for fever in the setting of neutropenia to our emergency department or clinic from 2015 to 2020. Patients with a history of at least 2 prior admissions for neutropenic fever waited more often for a second fever before presenting versus those without such history (odds ratio 5.00, 95% CI 1.26 to 19.84, P=0.04). No other significant associations were found.
Evaluation of Cribriform Plate Dimensions and Middle Turbinate Length in Patients With Vomeral Agenesis: A Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Kumbul Yusuf Ç. , Evrimler Şehnaz , Yasan Hasan , Akin Vural , Kiyat Serhad , Sivrice Mehmet E.
Published: October 2022

The cribriform plate and attachment area of the middle turbinate are anatomical structures that may potentially be injured during septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare the cribriform plate and middle turbinate length dimensions between patients with vomer agenesis (VA) and the control group using paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT). Paranasal sinus CTs performed in our hospital between January 2011 and January 2021 were evaluated and patients with VA were identified. A control group was created from patients who underwent paranasal sinus CT for various reasons during the same date interval. The cribriform plate and middle turbinate lengths were statistically compared between the groups. A total of 10,095 paranasal sinus CTs were evaluated and 54 patients with VA were identified. Seven patients with VA were excluded from the study because their measurements could not be made accurately. Forty-seven VA patients were included in the study group, while 94 patients were included in the control group. There was no statistical difference in cribriform plate dimensions (medial ethmoid roof plate height, cribriform plate height, cribriform plate lateral lamella height and width) between the groups (for all dimensions P>0.05). The middle turbinate length was significantly higher in the VA group (for right and left P=0.020 and 0.011, respectively). These findings theoretically suggest that the risk of cribriform plate injury during septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery is similar in patients with or without VA.
The TUDOR domain of SMN is an H3K79me1histone mark reader
Authors: Binda Olivier , Ishimwe Aimé Boris Kimenyi , Galloy Maxime , Jacquet Karine , Corpet Armelle , Fradet-Turcotte Amélie , Côté Jocelyn , Lomonte Patrick
Published: October 2022

Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality and results from the loss of functional Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein by either deletion or mutation of theSMN1gene. SMN is characterized by a central TUDOR domain, which mediates the association of SMN with arginine methylated (Rme) partners, such as COILIN, FIBRILLARIN, and RNApolII. Herein, we biochemically demonstrate that SMN also associates with histone H3 monomethylated on lysine 79 (H3K79me1), defining SMN as the first known H3K79me1histone mark reader, and thus the first histone mark reader to recognize both methylated arginine and lysine residues. Mutational analyzes provide evidence that SMNTUDORassociates with H3 via an aromatic cage. Importantly, most SMNTUDORmutants found in SMA (SMNST) patients fail to associate with H3K79me1.

Summary Blurb

Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutation or deletion ofSMN1gene. Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein associates with histone H3 mono-methylated on lysine 79 (H3K79me1) through its central TUDOR domain. SMA-linked mutations occur within the TUDOR domain and prevent association with histone H3.
High levels of all-cause mortality among people who inject drugs in Greece in 2018–2022
Authors: Rousssos Sotirios , Angelopoulos Theodoros , Cholongitas Evangelos , Savvanis Spyridon , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Kapatais Andreas , Hounta Athina , Ioannidou Panagiota , Deutsch Melani , Manolakopoulos Spilios , Sevastianos Vasileios , Papageorgiou Maria-Vasiliki , Vlachogiannakos Ioannis , Mela Maria , Elefsiniotis Ioannis , Vrakas Spyridon , Karagiannakis Dimitrios , Pliarchopoulou Fani , Chaikalis Savvas , Tsirogianni Effrosyni , Psichogiou Mina , Kalamitsis Georgios , Leobilla Foteini , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Malliori Meni , Goulis Ioannis , Papatheodoridis Georgios , Hatzakis Angelos , Sypsa Vana
Published: October 2022

Aims

To estimate all-cause mortality in a cohort of people who inject drugs (PWID) over the period 2018–2022 in the two major cities of Greece (Athens and Thessaloniki).

Methods

PWID were recruited from two community-based seek-test-treat programs for HCV and HIV infections in Athens and Thessaloniki. Participants provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, injection practices, social security number, access to harm reduction and treatment. Data on the vital status and date of death were identified from the national HCV treatment registry. All-cause mortality rates (CMR) were estimated as well as age-, gender- and calendar-year standardized mortality ratios (SMR). Determinants of mortality were assessed using a Cox proportional-hazards model.

Results

Of 2,433 PWID, 243 (10.0%) died over a total of 6,649 person-years (PYs) of follow-up. The CMR [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 3.50 (3.08–3.97) deaths per 100 PYs; 3.03 (2.58–3.57) in Athens and 4.56 (3.74–5.57) in Thessaloniki. An increasing trend in CMR was identified over the period 2018–2022 in Athens (p for trend=0.004). The overall SMR (95% CI) was 17.17 (15.14–19.47) per 100 PYs in the combined cohort; 15.10 (12.85–17.75) in Athens and 21.72 (17.78–26.53) in Thessaloniki. The SMR was particularly increased in younger ages, females, those injecting daily, and HIV-infected PWID. Older age, living in Thessaloniki, Greek origin, homelessness, daily injecting drug use, HIV, and HCV infections were independently associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

All-cause mortality among PWID in Greece during 2018–2022 is high with the population in Thessaloniki being particularly affected. The increasing trend in mortality in Athens might be the long-term impact of the pandemic on the health of PWID. Preventive programs such as take-home naloxone distribution and community involvement to increase harm reduction, screening, and uptake of antiretroviral and chronic hepatitis C treatment are urgently needed.
3d virtual histology reveals pathological alterations of cerebellar granule cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Frost Jakob , Schmitzer Bernhard , Töpperwien Mareike , Eckermann Marina , Franz Jonas , Stadelmann Christine , Salditt Tim
Published: October 2022

We investigate structural properties of neurons in the granular layer of human cerebellum with respect to their involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS). To this end we analyze data recorded by X-ray phase contrast tomography from tissue samples collected post mortem from a MS and a healthy control group. Using automated segmentation and histogram analysis based on optimal transport theory (OT) we find that the distributions representing nuclear structure in the granular layer move to a more compact nuclear state, i.e. smaller, denser and more heterogeneous nuclei in MS. We have previously made a similar observation for neurons of the dentate gyrus in Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that more compact structure of neuronal nuclei which we attributed to increased levels of heterochromatin, may possibly represent a more general phenomenon of cellular senescence associated with neurodegeneration.
Pre-pandemic cross-reactive humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ioannidis John P.A. , Contopoulos-Ioannidis Despina G.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To assess the evidence on the presence of antibodies cross-reactive with SARS-CoV-2 antigens in pre-pandemic samples from African populations.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating pre-pandemic African samples using pre-set assay-specific thresholds for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity.

Results

26 articles with 156 datasets were eligible, including 3,437 positives among 29,923 measurements (11.5%) with large between-dataset heterogeneity. Positivity was similar for anti-N (14%) and anti-S antibodies (11%), higher for anti-S1 (23%) and lower for anti-RBD antibodies (7%). Positivity was similar, on average, for IgM and IgG. Positivity was seen prominently in countries where malaria transmission occurs throughout and in datasets enriched in malaria cases (14%, 95% CI, 12-15% versus 2%, 95% CI 1-2% in other datasets). Substantial SARS-CoV-2 reactivity was seen in high malaria burden with or without high dengue burden (14% and 12%, respectively), and not without high malaria burden (2% and 0%, respectively). Lower SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactivity was seen in countries and cohorts of high HIV seroprevalence. More sparse individual-level data showed associations of higher SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactivity withPlasmodiumparasitemia and lower SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactivity with HIV seropositivity.

Conclusions

Pre-pandemic samples from Africa show high levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Levels of cross-reactivity tracks especially with malaria prevalence.
A Third Dose COVID-19 Vaccination in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients
Authors: Watanabe Marika , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Funakoshi Yohei , Ohji Goh , Ichikawa Hiroya , Sakai Hironori , Hojo Wataru , Saeki Miki , Hirakawa Yuri , Matsumoto Sakuya , Sakai Rina , Nagao Shigeki , Kitao Akihito , Miyata Yoshiharu , Koyama Taiji , Saito Yasuyuki , Kawamoto Shinichiro , Yamamoto Katsuya , Ito Mitsuhiro , Murayama Tohru , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Minami Hironobu
Published: October 2022

We previously reported that a second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was safe and effective for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. However, some of these patients did not achieve seroconversion. Here, we investigated the safety and efficacy of a third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in Japanese allogeneic HSCT patients. Antibody titers against the S1 spike protein were measured using the QuaResearch COVID-19 Human IgM IgG ELISA kit. The previous study included 25 allogeneic HSCT patients who received two doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Following the exclusion of three patients because of the development of COVID-19 (n = 2) and loss to follow-up (n = 1), the study evaluated 22 allogeneic HSCT patients who received a third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2 [n = 15] and mRNA-1273 [n = 7]). Median age at the time of the first vaccination was 56 (range, 23–71) years. Median time from HSCT to the third vaccination and from the second to the third vaccination was 1842 (range, 378–4279) days and 219 (range, 194–258) days, respectively. Five patients were receiving immunosuppressants at the third vaccination, namely calcineurin inhibitors (CI) alone (n = 1), steroids alone (n = 2), or CI combined with steroids (n = 2). Median optical density of S1 IgG titers before and after the third dose was 0.099 (range, 0.001–0.713) and 1.315 (range, 0.006–1.730), respectively. Among 22 evaluable patients, 21 (95%) seroconverted after the third dose. Four of the five patients treated with steroids or CI seroconverted after the third vaccination. One patient with a serum IgG level of 173 mg/dL who received steroids did not achieve seroconversion. On one-week follow-up, none of our patients had>grade 3 or serious adverse events, new-onset graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), or GVHD exacerbation after vaccination. The most frequent adverse event was mild pain at the injection site. A third dose of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines was safe and effective for allogeneic HSCT patients.
Estimating the effects of reduced sunlight due to solar geoengineering on suicide in the United States
Authors: Tanaka Shinsuke , Matsubayashi Tetsuya
Published: October 2022

Background

Solar geoengineering, whereby sunlight is reflected back into space at the outer atmosphere to reduce incoming sunlight, is increasingly considered a viable option to mitigate global warming, yet the health consequences of reducing incoming sunlight remain poorly quantified.

Objectives

This study examines the effects of sunlight exposure on the rate of suicide across the United States over nearly three decades and projects the impact of geoengineering-induced reductions in sunlight on suicides by 2100.

Methods

The analysis relates sunlight exposure, as measured by solar insolation, to the suicide rate at the county-by-month level in the United States between 1979 and 2004 (N = 444,861), after adjusting for temperature, precipitation, county-by-month effects, and state-by-year effects. We project the excess suicides due to the negative radiative forcing required to keep the temperature rise below 1.5 °C by 2100.

Results

We find that suicide rates increase by 6.99% (95% CI: 3.86, 10.13) as sunlight decreases by one standard deviation, which is almost equivalent to the difference in sunlight between the lowest (Vermont) and highest (Arizona) state-level averages. The effects are similar across an extensive set of county characteristics and over time, suggesting limited adaptation to sunlight exposure in suicidal behavior. We also find that insufficient sunlight exposure increases the searches containing depressive language on Google Trends. These estimates suggest that solar geoengineering could result in 1.26–3.18 thousand additional suicides by 2100 under the business-as-usual scenario, which could more than offset the suicides averted by temperature fall.

Discussion

Our findings highlight the substantial benefits of sunlight exposure on the incidence of suicide and mental well-being, thus calling for climate policy to better balance the potential benefits and harms of solar geoengineering.