bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tablet‐based ‘ON/OFF’ pathway test can distinguish between rod‐ and cone‐dominated diseases
Authors: Hathibelagal Amithavikram R. , Bhutia Phuntsok , Das Mritunjoy , Babu Helna , Jalali Subhadra , Takkar Brijesh , Paremeswarappa Deepika C. , Ballae Ganeshrao Shonraj
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The photopic ON pathway defect is associated with nocturnal vision loss. However, the measurement of ON function to detect a rod‐dominated disease (rods affected more than cones) has not been explored. We evaluated whether the psychophysical evaluation of ON/OFF pathways can be used to distinguish cone‐dominated from rod‐dominated diseases.

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients with inherited retinal diseases were tested using the ‘EyeSpeed’ [iOS application] on an iPad. The test displayed a random number (1–3) of light or dark targets on a black‐and‐white noise background. Participants responded on a touch screen indicating the correct number of targets displayed. The outcome variables—reaction time, accuracy and performance index (speed [1/reaction time] * accuracy) to both light and dark targets were assessed for diagnostic ability using standard receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Mean ± standard deviation age and visual acuity for the cone‐ and rod‐dominated groups were 25.15 ± 11.74 years, 0.80 ± 0.25 logMAR and 28.3 ± 14.29 years, 0.48 ± 0.26 logMAR, respectively. The median reaction time to light targets in rod‐dominated disease [interquartile range] was 5.28 s [3.17], significantly greater than for patients with cone‐dominated disease (2.07 s [0.93]; Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Amongst all of the outcome variables evaluated, the reaction time to light targets (criterion of ≥2.98 s) exhibited the highest area under the ROC curve (area = 0.89 ± 0.11; p < 0.001), with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.4% and 85% respectively.

Conclusions

Reaction time to light targets using the ON/OFF pathway paradigm is a valid marker to differentiate between rod‐ and cone‐dominated retinal dystrophies. ON pathway function measured using a tablet‐based test could act as a supplemental test in the diagnosis of challenging photoreceptor‐specific inherited retinal diseases.
Complex Functional Posttraumatic Shoulder Reconstruction Using Shoulder Arthroplasty and a Pedicled Innervated Latissimus Dorsi Flap—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bota Olimpiu , Dragu Adrian , Bönke Florian , Tille Eric , Taqatqeh Feras , Nowotny Jörg
Published: November 2022

Background

The shoulder joint is one of the most freely movable joints in the human body and has therefore high importance for upper limb functionality. Several techniques have been developed to replace the glenohumeral joint including humeral hemiarthroplasty, anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, depending on the underlying pathology. For the soft tissue reconstruction, the innervated latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a reliable solution flap in shoulder and arm reconstruction.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 16‐year‐old male patient with a complete destruction of the shoulder joint and soft tissues after ballistic trauma. We performed the reconstruction of the shoulder joint using a humeral hemiarthroplasty with a mesh fixation to the remaining glenoid. The soft tissue coverage and the restoration of the deltoid muscle function were insured with a pedicled innervated latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. One year postoperatively, the patient showed a good function of the shoulder joint with an excellent aesthetical result and no pain.

Conclusion

The pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap can safely restore the shoulder function, while the humeral hemiarthroplasty with mesh fixation can be a reliable solution for the reconstruction of a completely destructed shoulder joint.
Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Intra‐articular Injection after Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Mao BeiNi , Pan YunLong , Zhang Zhong , Yu ZePing , Li Jian , Fu WeiLi
Published: November 2022

Objective

Hyaluronic acid (HA) intra‐articular injection after arthroscopic knee surgery has been widely applied but its efficacy and safety remain controversial. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the efficacy and safety of HA intra‐articular injection after arthroscopic knee surgery, and to compare the efficacy of HA with different molecular weights.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, Google scholar and the Cochrane library from inception to 16 September 2022 for English‐written articles, in order to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the clinical efficacy and/or safety of HA intra‐articular injection after arthroscopic knee surgery. Then we meta‐analyzed the outcomes of patients given intra‐articular HA injections postoperatively and control patients. We also evaluated the influence of HA with different molecular weights. In every calculation, sensitive analysis was performed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and adverse events were selected as the primary outcome measurements, while Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner score were selected as the secondary outcome measurements. Publication bias of every outcome was evaluated using egger test.

Results

Fifteen studies involving 951 knees were included and 12 of them were used to performed the meta‐analysis. The results showed no significant difference between the HA group and control group according to VAS, whether assessed at less (P = 0.90) or more than 6 months (P = 0.55). Besides, there were no statistical differences between the HA group and control group according to subgroup analysis (Ps = 0.77, 0.91 and 0.81 in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, meniscectomy and overall groups, respectively). Compared to control group, the overall effect of WOMAC score showed no significant differences (P = 0.25), nor did in two subgroups (P = 0.37 and P = 0.22). Outcomes measured by Lysholm (P = 0.13), IKDC (P = 0.86) and Tegner (P = 0.42) scores showed no significant differences, either. The analysis of the risk of adverse events indicated no increase in HA groups (P = 0.06). We found no significant differences between high‐ and low‐molecular‐weight HA at 6 (P = 0.96) or 12 months (P = 0.93) postoperatively. Two studies failed to pass the sensitive analysis and the reasons were discussed detailly and acceptable publication bias was observed.

Conclusions

Although HA injection after arthroscopic knee surgery is safe, the available evidence does not support its efficacy in pain relief and functional recovery. Therefore, the application of HA injection after arthroscopic knee surgery is not recommended.
Genetically engineered multicistronic allele of Pmel yielding highly specific CreERT2‐mediated recombination in the melanocyte lineage
Authors: Wilkinson Emma L. , Brennan Louise C. , Harrison Olivia J. , Crane‐Smith Zoe , Gautier Philippe , Keighren Margaret A. , Budd Peter , Swaminathan Karthic , Machesky Laura M. , Allinson Sarah L. , Jackson Ian J. , Mort Richard L.
Published: November 2022

Genetic approaches that allow lineage tracing are essential to our future understanding of melanocytes and melanoma. To date, the approaches used to label melanocytes in mice have relied on random integration of transgenes driven by the promoters of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome tautomerase genes, knock‐in to the Dopachrome tautomerase locus or knock‐in to the Mlana locus in a bacterial artificial chromosome. These strategies result in expression in other tissues such as telencephalon and other cell types such as nerves. Here we used homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate a targeted multicistronic allele of the Pmel locus that drives melanocyte‐specific expression of CreERT2, nuclear localised H2B‐Cerulean and membrane localised marcks‐mKate2 allowing live imaging of melanocytes and activation of other conditional alleles. We combined this allele with R26R‐EYFP mice allowing induction of EYFP expression on administration of tamoxifen or its metabolite 4‐OHT. The fluorescent proteins H2B‐Cerulean and marcks‐mKate2 label the cell nucleus and plasma membrane respectively allowing live imaging and FACS isolation of melanoblasts and melanocytes as well as serving to provide an internal control allowing estimation of recombination efficiency after administration of tamoxifen. We demonstrate the utility of the transgene in embryonic and adult tissues.
Trigeminal trophic syndrome in a pediatric patient with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Hoover Ezra , Jay Ryan , Witman Patricia
Published: November 2022

A 13‐year‐old girl with a history of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) suffered from progressively worsening facial ulcerations secondary to paresthesia‐induced self‐excoriation. She was diagnosed with trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) induced by DIPG and struggled to heal her lesions in the background of this excoriation disorder. A multidisciplinary approach that included mood disorder management with sertraline and amitriptyline helped diminish paresthesia, improve her quality of life, and promote healing of the ulcers despite the progression of her DIPG. This case highlights the multifactorial complexity of TTS in pediatric patients and the need for successful management strategies.
Associated factors of new subjective cognitive decline complaints after a 6‐month period among community‐dwelling older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Shigeya , Saida Kosuke , Murayama Akihiko , Higuchi Daisuke , Shinohara Tomoyuki
Published: November 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the number of new subjective cognitive decline (SCD) complaints and associated factors in community‐dwelling older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan.

Method

A prospective cohort study was conducted in two periods: May to June 2020, and November 2020 to January 2021. We mailed a questionnaire to 1953 older adults in the first survey, and received 700 responses in the second. We analysed 534 participants without SCD in the first survey. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics and administered the Questionnaire for Medical Checkup of Old‐Old (QMCOO) to assess respondents’ health condition. SCD was operationally defined using the QMCOO as reports of (1) forgetfulness, and (2) difficulty in naming dates. The subjects were divided into two groups by their condition at the second survey: an SCD (new SCD complaints) and a no‐SCD (no new SCD complaints) group.

Results

A total of 85 (15.9%) participants had new SCD complaints. The Mann–Whitney U‐test and chi‐squared test showed that the SCD group had significantly more risk factors of SCD: walking speed (P = 0.001), smoking (P = 0.001), and existence of person with whom the patient could consult when disordered (P = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that walking speed (odds ratio (OR) = 2.115, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.259–3.553) and the presence of person to consult (OR = 3.619, 95% CI: 1.553–8.433) were significant related factors of new SCD complaints.

Conclusion

Maintenance of physical condition and social support were associated with new SCD complaints during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
How does one get around many of the confounding factors influencing the response to methacholine?
Authors: Coates Allan L.
Published: November 2022

See related article
Climate Scholarship Needs Du Bois: Climate Crisis through the Lens of Racial and Colonial Capitalism*
Authors: Ramanujam Archana
Published: November 2022

A large literature is proliferating on capitalism's role in driving climate breakdown. In this literature, capitalism is seen as the endless pursuit of growth, under which nature and its finite resources are exploited for profit. The climate crisis is the result of these processes. However, capitalism alone cannot explain the racial inequities produced by climate disruption, nor can it account for the disproportionately large contributions of Global North countries toward this crisis. In this article, I develop a Du Boisian approach to the climate crisis, showing how his conception of racial and colonial capitalism can develop our understanding of the causes, dimensions, and effects of the climate crisis. I explain how a Du Boisian approach furthers our understanding of racial and global inequalities in the development and impacts of global warming and in the production of fossil fuels, as well as how racism can shape climate inaction. Finally, I name some limitations of Du Bois' theory and elaborate on how a contemporary, decolonizing approach to the climate crisis might address these.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*08:302 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Wojciechowski Elodie , Visentin Jonathan
Published: November 2022

HLA‐B*08:302 differs from HLA‐B*08:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 116 in exon 3.
Gram‐negative bacteremia in solid organ transplant recipients: Clinical characteristics and outcomes as compared to immunocompetent non‐transplant recipients
Authors: Eichenberger Emily M. , Troy Jesse , Ruffin Felicia , Dagher Michael , Thaden Joshua T. , Ford Mandy L. , Fowler Vance G.
Published: November 2022

Background

Outcomes from Gram‐negative bacteremia (GNB) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are poorly understood.

Methods

This is a single center prospective cohort study comparing the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SOT recipients with GNB to immunocompetent non‐SOT patients with GNB between 1/1/2002 through 12/31/2018. Outcomes of interest included incidence of septic shock, respiratory failure, and time to death. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with incidence of septic shock and respiratory failure. Time to death was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

A total of 297 SOT and 1245 immunocompetent non‐SOT patients were included. Incidence of septic shock did not significantly differ between the groups (SOT 25.3% vs. non‐SOT 24.6%, p = .8225). Overall survival did not significantly differ by transplant status (30‐day survival: SOT 76%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 70, 92, non‐SOT 74%, 95% CI 71, 77: log rank: p = .76). SOT recipients taking three immunosuppressive medications had significantly lower odds of developing septic shock or respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation than those taking ≤1 agent (shock: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.29, 95% CI 0.09, 0.90, p = .0316; respiratory failure: aOR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.49, p = .0020).

Conclusions

SOT recipients with GNB do not experience higher rates of septic shock, respiratory failure, or mortality than immnon‐SOT recipients with GNB. Among SOT recipients, a greater number of immunosuppressive medications may be associated with improved outcomes during GNB. Future studies are needed to understand the potential relationship between levels of immunosuppression and clinical outcome in SOT recipients with GNB.

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A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma or immunoglobulin treatment for people with severe respiratory viral infections due to coronaviruses or influenza
Authors: Kimber Catherine , Lamikanra Abigail A. , Geneen Louise J. , Sandercock Josie , Dorée Carolyn , Valk Sarah J. , Estcourt Lise J.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of convalescent plasma (CP) or hyperimmune immunoglobulin (hIVIG) in severe respiratory disease caused by coronaviruses or influenza, in patients of all ages requiring hospital admission.

Methods

We searched multiple electronic databases for all publications to 12th October 2020, and RCTs only to 28th June 2021. Two reviewers screened, extracted, and analysed data. We used Cochrane ROB (Risk of Bias)1 for RCTs, ROBINS‐I for non‐RCTs, and GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

Results

Data from 30 RCTs and 2 non‐RCTs showed no overall difference between groups for all‐cause mortality and adverse events in four comparisons. Certainty of the evidence was downgraded for high ROB and imprecision. (1) CP versus standard care (SoC) (20 RCTS, 2 non‐RCTs, very‐low to moderate‐high certainty); (2) CP versus biologically active control (6 RCTs, very‐low certainty); (3) hIVIG versus SoC (3 RCTs, very‐low certainty); (4) early CP versus deferred CP (1 RCT, very‐low certainty). Subgrouping by titre improved precision in one outcome (30‐day mortality) for the ‘COVID high‐titre’ category in Comparison 1 (no difference, high certainty) and Comparison 2 (favours CP, very‐low certainty). Post hoc analysis suggests a possible benefit of CP in patients testing negative for antibodies at baseline, compared with those testing positive.

Conclusion

A minimum titre should be established and ensured for a positive biological response to the therapy. Further research on the impact of CP/hIVIG in patients who have not yet produced antibodies to the virus would be useful to target therapies at groups who will potentially benefit the most.
Pyogenic granuloma of the cornea in a pony: Uncommon complication of corneal wound healing
Authors: Regnier Alain , Landrevie Clara , Robin Marie‐Claire , Einsweiler Delphine , Douet Jean‐Yves , Raymond‐Letron Isabelle
Published: November 2022

A 6‐year‐old miniature Shetland pony mare was referred for evaluation of a left corneal mass, which developed from the healing tissue of a corneal traumatic ulceration that had occurred 4 weeks previously. On gross examination, a spherical, smooth‐surfaced, and pink‐colored lesion of about 1 cm in diameter was protruding from the left palpebral fissure. Ophthalmic examination revealed that it was attached to the scar tissue of the cornea, and that one corpora nigra was adherent to the posterior face of corneal wounded area, without sign of uveitis. The remainder of the ophthalmic examination was unremarkable. The mass was excised, and cryotherapy was used as an adjunctive therapy. Histopathology of the resected mass was consistent with a pyogenic granuloma on the basis of radially oriented proliferating capillaries, embedded in immature granulation tissue containing an infiltrate of neutrophils, plasma cells and eosinophils. There were no histological features of malignancy. 2 months after surgery, the ventral part of the fibrotic corneal scar was slightly raised by a pink tissue, suggesting possible recurrence of the initial lesion. A second cryotherapy was performed over the leukoma area. No recurrence has been noted for a follow‐up period of more than 25 months. Pyogenic granuloma is a benign proliferative fibrovascular response that typically develops after trauma or surgery. Corneal involvement is rare in humans, and to the authors' knowledge has never been documented in veterinary ophthalmology.
Preclosure povidone‐iodine lavage in total hip replacement surgery: Infection outcomes and cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Israel Sarah K. , Jaramillo Ericka , Liska William D.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To report the outcomes and cost–benefit analysis of preclosure povidone‐iodine lavage (PrePIL) used to reduce the risk of infection following total hip replacement (THR) surgery.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

One thousand six hundred ninety‐nine dogs, 17 cats.

Methods

The medical records of 2213 consecutive THR cases were reviewed to determine the incidence of infection. The last 102 were treated with PrePIL using a commercially sourced 0.035% povidone‐iodine solution. Postoperative infection rates were compared. A cost–benefit analysis was used to calculate if a PrePIL protocol is economically feasible.

Results

Twenty‐one THRs out of 2111 (0.99%) that did not have PrePIL developed infection. Infection occurred in none of the 102 PrePIL cases. Cost analysis revealed a PrePIL break‐even cost at $49.74 and a break‐even infection rate of 0.949%. No complications were identified related to the use of PrePIL.

Conclusion

Preclosure povidone‐iodine lavage appeared to be efficacious in lowering THR infection rates, and it appeared to be safe for this use based on our 102 consecutive cases. The cost of the PrePIL was minimal compared to the overall cost to resolve THR infection and the potential effect on hip function prognosis. The math formulas developed can be used by surgeons to calculate cost effectiveness and break‐even cost based on their THR infection rate, and to compare to the cost of a THR revision and infection resolution.

Clinical significance

At current costs, PrePIL can be used in 2415 THR cases at a similar cost of a single revision surgery and resolution of a periprosthetic infection.
Outcome in 38 dogs surgically treated for hepatic abscessation
Authors: Dickerson Vanna , Poses Breanna , Hyndman Philip , McPhetridge Jourdan , Scharf Valery , Matz Brad , Singh Ameet , Grimes Janet A.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To report outcomes following surgical treatment of hepatic abscessation in dogs.

Study design

Retrospective.

Animals

Thirty‐eight dogs.

Methods

Records from 6 institutions were evaluated for dogs undergoing surgical treatment for hepatic abscessation between 2010 and 2020. Signalment, clinical signs, medical therapy, surgical treatment, and postoperative outcome was obtained from medical records. Long‐term outcome was recorded when possible. Median survival time was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier product‐limit method.

Results

Peritoneal effusion was documented in 32/38 dogs preoperatively, with septic peritonitis confirmed in 21/23 samples. Liver lobectomy was the most common surgery (27 dogs). A single organism was cultured in 24/35 dogs, most commonlyEscherichia coli. Hepatic neoplasia was identified in 11/36 dogs. Dogs were hospitalized for a median of 5 days (range, 3‐17) with complications recorded in 21 dogs (regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia, and pancreatitis most commonly). Two dogs died intraoperatively, and 6 dogs died prior to discharge. Median survival time for dogs surviving to discharge was 638 days. Of these, 19 were lost to follow up a median of 301 (range, 3‐1418) days postoperatively and 11 died a median of 291 (range, 7‐1292) days postoperatively. No abscess recurrence was noted.

Conclusion

Septic peritonitis was a common sequela to hepatic abscessation. Perioperative complications were recorded in approximately one‐third of dogs. In dogs surviving the postoperative period, long‐term prognosis was good.

Clinical significance

Dogs treated surgically for hepatic abscessation have a high risk of perioperative complications but favorable long‐term prognosis and apparent low risk of recurrence.
Adoption of Cyber Insurance in Malaysian Organisations
Authors: Abd Rahman Nur Hidayah , Raju Rajeswari , Ariffin Suriyani , Abdul Hamid Nor Hasnul Azirah , Ahmad Atif
Published: November 2022

As businesses have embraced more and more technology, cyber risk has become one of the essential components of a risk management initiative that seeks to mitigate and analyze the multitude of new risks. One risk mitigation process is investing in cyber insurance to safeguard the organisations’ assets from cyber threats by transferring them to the insurer. For businesses to decide on cyber insurance, choosing the right insurance plan and policy is crucial. To do so, they need to consider the factors of its implementation. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the adoption of cyber insurance in Malaysian organisations, thus further exploring the organisations' perceptions of the factors of adopting cyber insurance. A qualitative study is conducted to understand and describe Malaysian organisations’ needs, obstacles, and processes related to cyber insurance adoption by interviewing cybersecurity professionals and cyber insurance personnel to explore valuable insight into the existing knowledge. 30% of the respondents have adopted cyber insurance. While 40% of the respondents were unsure, the other 30% did not adopt cyber insurance in their organisation respectively. These insights include the factors in adopting cyber insurance among Malaysian organisations, which might be crucial for informing future research and practice in the cyber insurance industry. The novelty of this research is the overview of knowledge gaps and perceptions related to the adoption of cyber insurance in Malaysian organisations. Also, this research aims to consider the advantages of the relevant obstacles that influence the decision makers to adopt cyber insurance.
Drone Aerial Image Identification of Tropical Forest Tree Species using the Mask R-CNN
Authors: Hamzah Robiah , Md. Noor Mohammad Faizuddin
Published: November 2022

Tropical forests have a wide variety of species and support environmental activities. The drone's image resolution is 90% more accurate than satellite data. It boosted productivity, safety, and the capacity to make better decisions by comparing archived and prospective images. Labeling tree species in heavily forested locations is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive. This research seeks to design a new model for classifying tree species based on drone imagery, then test and assess its effectiveness. This study shows that drone technology can diminish productivity per hectare compared to conventional ground approaches. The study shows drones are more productive than ground approaches. The approach is feasible since it targets commercial timber species in the forest's higher stratum. Drones are cheaper than satellite data, therefore they're being used more in forest management and deep learning. Drones allow flexible, high-resolution data collection. This research uses Mask R-CNN to recognize and segment trees. This study uses high-resolution RGB images of tropical forests. The mAP, recall, and precision all performed well. Our suggested method yields a solid prediction model for detecting tree species, validated by 75% of ground truth data. This strategy can help plan and execute forest inventory, as shown. This initiative's success may lead to the first phase of a forest inventory, affecting the region's logging and forest management.
Operational Impact Excitation Method for Milling Robot End Frequency Response Function Identification Under Movement State and Pose-Dependent Dynamic Compliance Analysis
Authors: Tang Xiaowei , Li Zepeng , Yan Rong , Peng Fangyu , Fan Zheng
Published: November 2022

Robot milling has become an important means of machining large structural parts, and the dynamic compliance of the robot end is the key factor affecting machining quality and efficiency. The dynamic characteristics of the milling robot end are different in movement state and static state and have significant pose dependence. In order to effectively evaluate the dynamic compliance of the robot end in the workspace under the movement state, the operational impact excitation method for robot joint relative frequency response function (FRF) identification based on operational modal analysis (OMA) used in machine tool is established, the inertial force generated by the joint acceleration and deceleration movements is used as the excitation force, the robot end relative dynamic compliance index (RERDCI) is proposed to evaluate the dynamic compliance of robot end in different poses, and verified by cutting experiments. Based on RERDCI, the effect of the robot pose on end dynamic compliance is analyzed, and some theoretical guidance for improvement of dynamic performance to resist vibration in milling is given.
Control of Rotatory Decoupled Antagonistic SMA Actuators
Authors: Gorges Tom , Molitor Philipp , Britz Rouven , Goergen Yannik , Motzki Paul
Published: November 2022

For repeated actuation in shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, a restoring force is needed to return to the initial starting position after activation. Therefore, SMA wires are often coupled with mechanical springs, which lengthen said wires again after activation through heating and resulting contraction. In more advanced SMA actuation systems a second SMA wire is used as an actively controllable restoring element instead of passively working spring forces. A disadvantage of these antagonistic SMA actuator systems is that after activation of the first SMA wire, the return movement cannot be carried out immediately by the antagonistic partner. This delay caused by the first SMA wire’s cooling time leads to longer cycle times. To compensate for this disadvantage, a decoupled antagonistic SMA actuator has been developed. This enables the actuator to move back to its initial position immediately, regardless of the state of the antagonistic SMA wire. This work deals with the construction as well as the control of two rotatory decoupled antagonistic SMA actuators. The first actuator enables a 90° rotational movement through 2 mm of SMA wire stroke via a gear drive. The second actuator contains a bistable element to enable two energy-free switching positions. This bistable element serves as output device of the actuator and an output stroke of 8 mm is realized by an SMA wire stroke of 1.9 mm.
Rotavirus NSP1 Subverts the Antiviral Oligoadenylate Synthetase-RNase L Pathway by Inducing RNase L Degradation
Authors: Dai Jin , Yi Guanghui , Philip Asha A. , Patton John T.
Published: November 2022

For productive infection, rotavirus and other RNA viruses must suppress interferon (IFN) signaling and the expression of IFN-stimulated antiviral gene products. Particularly important is inhibiting the interferon (IFN)-inducible 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS)-RNase L pathway, as activated RNase L can direct the nonspecific degradation of viral and cellular RNAs, thereby blocking viral replication and triggering cell death pathways.
Maxillary unicystic ameloblastoma: a rare presentation
Authors: Imase Ryo , Watanabe Takuma
Published: November 2022

Unicystic ameloblastoma (UAM), a rare variant of ameloblastoma, is an odontogenic epithelial neoplasm typically appearing in the mandible. We report an extremely rare case of maxillary UAM with an impacted canine and supernumerary tooth. The patient was a woman in her late 30s who presented with a slight expansion of the left anterior maxilla due to a cystic lesion with impacted teeth. Under a clinical diagnosis of dentigerous cyst, the cystic lesion was completely enucleated by extracting the impacted teeth. Based on the clinical features and pathological findings, the final diagnosis was intraluminal UAM in the anterior maxilla. In the present case, despite the rarity of UAM with impacted teeth in the anterior maxilla, it should be considered during differential diagnosis. Careful clinical examination is required for diagnostic accuracy since the clinical findings of tooth-containing ameloblastoma and dentigerous cyst are very similar.
Management of early graft candidiasis in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Tan Jaimee , Wild Abigail , Reid Graeme , Shantier Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Balancing adequate immunosuppression with the risk of infection after renal transplantation remains a challenge. The presence of comorbidities adds to the challenge. Although infrequent, invasive fungal infections result in high morbidity and mortality risk in renal transplant recipients. This can be attributed to the intense immunosuppression in the first 6 months after renal transplantation, minimal symptomatology and the high mortality associated with fungal infections.

Due to minimal available evidence, clinical judgement guides management of graft candidiasis. There is a need to develop evidence-based management guidelines for the treatment of fungal infections in renal transplants. Here, we report a case of early-onset candidiasis in a transplanted kidney and present the histological findings, multidisciplinary discussions and treatment given.
Likelihood of germline mutation with solitary retinoblastoma based on tumour location at presentation
Authors: Dockery Philip W , Ruben Megan , Duffner Emily R , Levin Hannah J , Lally Sara E , Shields Jerry A , Shields Carol L
Published: November 2022

Background/aims

To evaluate the likelihood of germline mutation in patients presenting with solitary retinoblastoma based on tumour location at first examination.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of solitary unilateral retinoblastoma for likelihood of germline mutation (family history of retinoblastoma and/or genetic testing indicating germlineRB1mutation and/or development of additional new or bilateral tumours) based on tumur location at presentation (macular vs extramacular).

Results

Of 480 consecutive patients with solitary retinoblastoma, 85 were in the macula (18%) and 395 were extramacular (82%). By comparison (macular vs extramacular tumours), macular tumours had smaller basal diameter (12.7 mm vs 18.9 mm, p<0.001) and smaller tumour thickness (6.1 mm vs 10.7 mm, p<0.001). Patients with macular tumours demonstrated greater likelihood for germline mutation (23% vs 12%, OR=2.18, p=0.011), specifically based on family history of retinoblastoma (13% vs 2%, OR=4.64, p=0.004), genetic testing showing germlineRB1mutation (27% vs 15%, OR=2.04 (95% CI 1.04 to 4.01), p=0.039), development of new tumours (13% vs 3%, OR=5.16 (95% CI 2.06 to 12.87), p=0.001) and/or development of bilateral disease (9% vs 2%, OR=4.98 (95% CI 1.70 to 14.65), p=0.004).

Conclusions

Among patients with solitary unilateral retinoblastoma, those presenting with macular tumour (compared with extramacular tumour) show 2.18 times greater likelihood for germline mutation and an even higher likelihood of development of subsequent tumours. Solitary macular retinoblastoma should raise an index of suspicion for likely germline mutation and multifocal disease.
Determinants of depressive symptoms increase in older persons during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Czech cohort study using repeated assessments
Authors: Dalecká Andrea , Pikhart Hynek , Bartošková Anna , Čapková Naděžda , Bobák Martin
Published: November 2022

Background

Numerous studies reported higher levels of mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic but only a minority used repeated measurements. We investigated change in depressive symptoms in the Czech ageing cohort and the impact of pre-existing and COVID-19-related stressors.

Methods

We used data on 2853 participants (mean age 73.4 years) from the Czech part of the prospective Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe cohort that participated in postal questionnaire surveys before (September 2017–June 2018) and during the pandemic (October 2020–April 2021). Participants reported their depressive symptoms using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale including 10 (CESD-10) tool. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to create representative components of the pandemic-related stressors. The impact of the stressors on change in depressive symptoms was tested using multivariable linear regression, after adjustment for age and potential confounders.

Results

Three patterns of the pandemic-related stressors (‘financial stressors’, ‘social and perception stressors’ and ‘death and hospitalisation stressors’) were extracted from the PCA. The mean CESD-10 score increased from 4.90 to 5.37 (p<0.001). In fully adjusted models, significantly larger increases in depression score were reported by older people (β=0.052; p=0.006), those with poor self-rated health (β=0.170; p<0.001), those who experienced death or hospitalisation of a close person (β=0.064; p<0.001), social deprivation (β=0.057; p<0.001), delays in healthcare (β=0.048; p=0.005) and those who suffered from COVID-19 (β=0.045; p=0.008).

Conclusion

This study confirms an increase in depressive symptoms in older persons during the pandemic and identified several pandemic-related risk factors suggesting that public health policies should address this vulnerable group by adopting the preventing strategies.
‘VaxTax’: a follow-up proposal for a global vaccine pandemic response fund
Authors: Germani Federico , Holzer Felicitas , Ortiz Ivette , Biller-Andorno Nikola , März Julian W
Published: November 2022

Equal access to vaccines has been one of the key ethical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most scholars consider the massive purchase and hoarding of vaccines by high-income countries, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, to be unjust towards the vulnerable living in low-income countries. A recent proposal by Andreas Albertsen of a vaccine tax has been put forward to remedy this problem. Under such a scheme, high-income countries would pay a contribution, conceptualised as a vaccine tax, dedicated to buying vaccines and distributing them to low and middle-income countries. Proceeding from this proposal, we critically assess the feasibility of a vaccine tax and suggest how to conceptualise and implement a vaccine tax in practice. We present our ‘VaxTax model’ and explore its comparative advantages and disadvantages while considering other possible measures to address the global vaccine access problem, also in view of future pandemics and disease outbreaks.
Primitivity index bounds in free groups, and the second Chebyshev function
Authors: Kapovich Ilya , Simon Zachary
Published: November 2022

Motivated by results about “untangling” closed curves on hyperbolic surfaces, Gupta and Kapovich introduced the primitivity and simplicity index functions for finitely generated free groups, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], and obtained some upper and lower bounds for these functions. In this paper, we study the behavior of the sequence [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text]. Answering a question from [17], we prove that this sequence is unbounded and that for [Formula: see text], we have [Formula: see text]. By contrast, we show that for all [Formula: see text], one has [Formula: see text]. In addition to topological and group-theoretic arguments, number-theoretic considerations, particularly the use of asymptotic properties of the second Chebyshev function, turn out to play a key role in the proofs.
Higher Order Trust Ranking of LinkedIn Accounts with Iterative Matrix Methods
Authors: Drakopoulos Georgios , Kafeza Eleanna , Mylonas Phivos , Al Katheeri Haseena
Published: November 2022

Trust is a fundamental sociotechnological mainstay of the Web today. There is substantial evidence about this since netizens implicitly or explicitly agree to trust virtually every Web service they use ranging from Web-based mail to e-commerce portals. Moreover the methodological framework for trusting individual netizens, primarily their identity and communications, has considerably progressed. Nevertheless, the core of fact checking for human generated content is still far from being substantially automated as most proposed smart algorithms capture inadequately fundamental human traits. One such case is the evaluation of the profile trustworthiness of LinkedIn members based on publicly available attributes available from the platform itself. A trusted profile may indirectly indicate a more suitable candidate since its contents can be easily verified. In this article a first order graph search mechanism for discovering LinkedIn trusted profiles based on a random walker is extended to higher order ranking based on a combination of functional and connectivity patterns. Results are derived for the same benchmark dataset and the first- and higher-order approaches are compared in terms of accuracy.
Towards Algorithms for Argumentation Frameworks with Higher-order Attacks
Authors: Doutre Sylvie , Lafages Mickaël , Lagasquie-Schiex Marie-Christine
Published: November 2022

Computation and decision problems related to argumentation frameworks with higher-order attacks have not received a lot of attention so far. This paper is a step towards these issues. First, it provides a labelling counterpart for the structure semantics of Recursive Argumentation Frameworks (RAF). Second, it investigates the complexity of decision problems associated with RAF. This investigation shows that, for the higher expressiveness offered by these enriched systems, the complexity is the same as for classical argumentation frameworks. As a side contribution, a new semantics for RAF, the semi-stable semantics, and a new process for translating RAF into Argumentation Frameworks without higher-order attacks (AF), are introduced. Finally, new notions which are the counterparts of equivalent notions already existing for AF (among them, the Strongly Connected Components — SCC) are defined and investigated in order to involve them in the future development of algorithms for computing RAF labelling semantics.
Quasi-particle production during gravitational collapse of a Reissner–Nordström–AdS domain wall
Authors: Greenwood Eric
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we investigate the gravitational collapse of a Reissner–Nordström–AdS domain wall for both a nonextremal and overcharged collapse. During the collapse, we investigate the quasi-particle production that arises due to the time-dependent metric by coupling a complex scalar field to the background of the collapsing domain wall. The analysis is done by making use of the Ermakov equations which lead to an exact solution for the auxiliary function found in the Milne–Pinney equation. In the nonextremal case, we find that assuming the domain wall is positively charged, where the negatively charged particle production is suppressed compared to the positively charged particles due to the Coulomb attraction and repulsion of the particles with the domain wall itself. The induced quasi-particles approach thermality as time goes to infinity in the IR region of the spectrum, however the UV region of the spectrum remains nonthermal for all time. In the overcharged case, the domain wall oscillates about a radius outside of the naked singularity, abiding by the cosmic censorship conjecture, due to the competition between the Coulomb repulsion and the gravitational attraction. Due to the periodic behavior of the collapsing domain wall, the quasi-particle production acquires a generalized Berry Phase, which is a real and measurable phase. The generalized Berry phase leads to a suppression of the UV region of the spectrum.
Aerodynamic Characteristics and Dynamic Performance of the Moving Train Under Crosswind
Authors: Liu Ye , Han Yan , Li Chunguang , Wang Xiangjun , Cai C. S.
Published: November 2022

The aerodynamic characteristics (research on the aerodynamic coefficients and surface pressure coefficients of trains at different wind yaw angles) and dynamic performance (research on the safety and comfort of train operation at different wind speeds and train speeds) of moving trains need to be explored to accurately evaluate their safety in a more realistic scenario. However, tests for a moving train model are costly and difficult to implement. In this paper, numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics and dynamic performance of moving and stationary trains. The surface pressure distribution and aerodynamic coefficients of the train are analyzed in detail. The results show that the three-component force coefficients of the stationary train are larger than those of the moving train when the wind yaw angle is less than 30°. At different train speeds and wind speeds, the running safety index based on the aerodynamic characteristics of the stationary train is larger (safer) than that of the moving train. However, the result of the comfort evaluation based on the aerodynamic characteristics of the stationary train may be too conservative. Moreover, the traditional formula is improved to more precisely predict the aerodynamic coefficients of the train within a wide range of wind yaw angles. Compared with the traditional formula, the improved formula only requires the three-component force coefficient of the vehicle at a 45° wind yaw angle, and the wind load of the train is independent of its speed. Hence, it is simpler and more convenient to calculate the wind load of the train. This work proves that it is feasible to estimate the aerodynamic force coefficients of moving trains by static wind tunnel tests combined with the improved formula.
Fused Lasso Algorithm Based on Novel Non-Convex Regularization in Sparse Domain for Audio Signal Enhancement
Authors: Kittisuwan Pichid , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot
Published: November 2022

In this work, we present the fused lasso algorithm in the wavelet domain for audio signal enhancement. The fused lasso algorithm gives more efficiency than other methods because this algorithm comprises two parts. The first part is called as the total variation method (TVM), and the second part is known as the penalized least squares regression (PLSR). The prominent point of the TVM is based on decreasing the pseudo-Gibbs phenomena. On the other hand, the PLSR with the convex condition, also called as the convex PLSR, gives the advantage in reducing noise. A lot of works study and develop the TVM; therefore, we focus on developing the convex PLSR in this work. In fact, the bias which is the gap between the estimated and noisy signals at the large magnitude of the noisy signal affects the performance of the convex PLSR. If this bias is small, also known as the small bias, then the convex PLSR gives better efficiency than other forms. Therefore, we present the novel non-convex regularization which can build the convex PLSR in the closed-form solution and the small bias. Here, the convex PLSR of the proposed regularization is presented not only in the closed-form solution and the small bias but also in the relationship to the group of wavelet coefficients, also called as the multivariate case. In the signal enhancement problem, experimental results show that the fused lasso algorithm and the convex PLSR based on the proposed regularization outperform state-of-the-art techniques in both the error of the [Formula: see text] norm (L2E) and visual quality.
Can Investors Profit from Utilizing Technical Trading Rules During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Day Min-Yuh , Huang Paoyu , Cheng Yirung , Ni Yensen
Published: November 2022

In the past, it was believed that investors may generate abnormal returns (AR) for trading stocks by employing technical trading rules. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, stock markets around the world seem to suffer a serious impact. Therefore, whether investors can beat the markets by applying technical trading rules during the period of COVID-19 pandemic becomes an important issue for market participants. The purpose of this study is to examine the profitability of trading stocks with the use of technical trading rules under the COVID-19 pandemic. By trading the constituent stocks of DJ 30 and NASDAQ 100, we find that almost all of the trading rules employed in this study fail to beat the market during the COVID-19 pandemic period, which is different from the results in 2019. The revealed findings of this study may shed light on that investors should adopt technical trading with care when stock markets are seriously affected by black swan events like COVID-19.