bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structural mechanism for transcription activation byCaulobacter crescentusGcrA
Authors: Wu Xiaoxian , Yu Chengzhi , Mu Wenhui , Gu Zhanxi , Feng Yu , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2023

Canonical bacterial transcription activators bind to their cognate cis elements at the upstream of transcription start site (TSS) in a form of dimer. Caulobacter crescentus GcrA, a non-canonical transcription activator, can activate transcription from promoters harboring its cis element at the upstream or downstream of TSS in a form of monomer. We determined two cryo-EM structures of C. crescentus GcrA-bound transcription activation complexes, GcrA TACU and GcrA TACD, which comprise GcrA, RNAP, σ70 and promoter DNA with GcrA cis elements at either the upstream or downstream of TSS at 3.6 and 3.8 Å, respectively. In the GcrA-TACU structure, GcrA makes bipartite interactions with both σ70 domain 2 (σ702) and its cis element, while in the GcrA-TACD structure, GcrA retains interaction with σ702 but loses the interaction with its cis element. Our results suggest that GcrA likely forms a functionally specialized GcrA-RNAP-σA holoenzyme, in which GcrA first locates its cis element and then facilitates RNAP to load on core promoter at its proximal region. The sequence-specific interaction of GcrA and DNA is disrupted either at the stage of RPo formation or promoter escape depending on the location of GcrA cis elements relative to TSS.
BBX24 Interacts with JAZ3 to Promote Growth by Reducing DELLA Activity in Shade Avoidance
Authors: Saura-Sánchez Maite , Chiriotto Tai Sabrina , Cascales Jimena , Gómez-Ocampo Gabriel , Hernández-García Jorge , Li Zheng , Pruneda-Paz José Luis , Blázquez Miguel Angel , Botto Javier Francisco
Published: January 2023

Shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) is a strategy of major adaptive significance and typically includes elongation of the stem and petiole, leaf hyponasty, reduced branching and phototropic orientation of the plant shoot toward canopy gaps. Both cryptochrome 1 and phytochrome B (phyB) are the major photoreceptors that sense the reduction in the blue light fluence rate and the low red:far-red ratio, respectively, and both light signals are associated with plant density and the resource reallocation when SAS responses are triggered. The B-box (BBX)-containing zinc finger transcription factor BBX24 has been implicated in the SAS as a regulator of DELLA activity, but this interaction does not explain all the observed BBX24-dependent regulation in shade light. Here, through a combination of transcriptional meta-analysis and large-scale identification of BBX24-interacting transcription factors, we found that JAZ3, a jasmonic acid signaling component, is a direct target of BBX24. Furthermore, we demonstrated that joint loss of BBX24 and JAZ3 function causes insensitivity to DELLA accumulation, and the defective shade-induced elongation in this mutant is rescued by loss of DELLA or phyB function. Therefore, we propose that JAZ3 is part of the regulatory network that controls the plant growth in response to shade, through a mechanism in which BBX24 and JAZ3 jointly regulate DELLA activity. Our results provide new insights into the participation of BBX24 and JA signaling in the hypocotyl shade avoidance response in Arabidopsis.
Elicitor-induced plant immunity relies on amino acids accumulation to delay the onset of bacterial virulence
Authors: Zhang Xiaomu , Tubergen Philip J , Agorsor Israel D K , Khadka Pramod , Tembe Connor , Denbow Cynthia , Collakova Eva , Pilot Guillaume , Danna Cristian H
Published: January 2023

Plant immunity relies on the perception of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) from invading microbes to induce defense responses that suppress attempted infections. It has been proposed that MAMP-triggered immunity (MTI) suppresses bacterial infections by suppressing the onset of bacterial virulence. However, the mechanisms by which plants exert this action are poorly understood. Here, we showed that MAMP perception in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) induces the accumulation of free amino acids in a salicylic acid (SA)-dependent manner. When co-infiltrated with Glutamine and Serine, two of the MAMP-induced highly accumulating amino acids, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 expressed low levels of virulence genes and failed to produce robust infections in otherwise susceptible plants. When applied exogenously, Glutamine and Serine directly suppressed bacterial virulence and growth, bypassing MAMP perception and SA signaling. In addition, an increased level of endogenous Glutamine in the leaf apoplast of a gain-of-function mutant of Glutamine Dumper-1 rescued the partially compromised bacterial virulence- and growth-suppressing phenotype of the SA-induced deficient-2 (sid2) mutant. Our data suggest that MTI suppresses bacterial infections by delaying the onset of virulence with an excess of amino acids at the early stages of infection.
Medicare Advantage Patterns of Poststroke Discharge to an Inpatient Rehabilitation or Skilled Nursing Facility: A Consideration of Demographic, Functional, and Payer Factors
Authors: Hayes Heather A , Mor Vincent , Wei Guo , Presson Angela , McDonough Christine
Published: January 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing the discharge to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) of people poststroke with Medicare Advantage plans.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with data from naviHealth, a company that manages postacute care discharge placement on behalf of Medicare Advantage organizations. The dependent variable was discharge destination (IRF or SNF). Variables included age, sex, prior living setting, functional status (Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care [AM-PAC]), acute hospital length of stay, comorbidities, and payers (health plans). Analysis estimated relative risk (RR) of discharge to SNF, while controlling for regional variation.

Results

Individuals discharged to an SNF were older (RR = 1.17), women (RR = 1.05), lived at home alone or in assisted living (RR = 1.13 and 1.39, respectively), had comorbidities impacting their function “some” or “severely” (RR = 1.43 and 1.81, respectively), and had a length of stay greater than 5 days (RR = 1.16). Individuals with better AM-PAC Basic Mobility (RR = 0.95) went to an IRF, and individuals with better Daily Activity (RR = 1.01) scores went to an SNF. There was a substantial, significant variation in discharge of individuals to SNF by payer group (RR range = 1.12–1.92).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that individuals poststroke are more likely to be discharged to an SNF than to an IRF. This study did not find a different discharge decision-making picture for those with Medicare Advantage plans than previously described for other insurance programs.

Impact

Medicare Advantage payers have varied patterns in discharge placement to an IRF or SNF for patients poststroke.
SEDIMENT RADIOACTIVITY LEVELS DETERMINATION WITH THE HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS IN CHEFA RIVER BASIN
Authors: Abate Tadesse , Eshete Sitotaw
Published: January 2023

The activities of the naturally occurring radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and 238U of the shore sediments in the South Gondar Zone were determined and used to evaluate radiation hazards in the study spots. The activities of 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and 238U range from 46 to 179, 62 to 140, 125 to 449 and 72–156 Bq/kg, with the overall average of 123.07 ± 7.90, 105.34 ± 4.27, 371.38 ± 13.53 and 115.52 ± 4.62 Bq/kg, respectively. These were analogous to concentrations of other states in worldwide. We recommend to all the concerned bodies about the environment that the farmers require use the necessary radiation protection method before deploying them for farming (irrigation) activities and preparing for construction. Therefore, accommodating a permanent protection method by talking to the concerning bodies (e.g. Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health) should be taken.
Automated cell segmentation for reproducibility in bioimage analysis
Authors: Robitaille Michael C , Byers Jeff M , Christodoulides Joseph A , Raphael Marc P
Published: January 2023

Live-cell imaging is extremely common in synthetic biology research, but its ability to be applied reproducibly across laboratories can be hindered by a lack of standardized image analysis. Here, we introduce a novel cell segmentation method developed as part of a broader Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) program aimed at characterizing engineered Dictyostelium cells. Standardizing image analysis was found to be highly challenging: the amount of human judgment required for parameter optimization, algorithm tweaking, training and data pre-processing steps forms serious challenges for reproducibility. To bring automation and help remove bias from live-cell image analysis, we developed a self-supervised learning (SSL) method that recursively trains itself directly from motion in live-cell microscopy images without any end-user input, thus providing objective cell segmentation. Here, we highlight this SSL method applied to characterizing the engineered Dictyostelium cells of the original IV&V program. This approach is highly generalizable, accepting images from any cell type or optical modality without the need for manual training or parameter optimization. This method represents an important step toward automated bioimage analysis software and reflects broader efforts to design accessible measurement technologies to enhance reproducibility in synthetic biology research.
Phylodynamics of deer tick virus in North America
Authors: McMinn Rebekah J , Langsjoen Rose M , Bombin Andrei , Robich Rebecca M , Ojeda Erick , Normandin Erica , Goethert Heidi K , Lubelczyk Charles B , Schneider Elizabeth , Cosenza Danielle , Meagher Molly , Prusinski Melissa A , Sabeti Pardis C , Smith Robert P , Telford Sam R , Piantadosi Anne , Ebel Gregory D
Published: January 2023

The burden of ticks and the pathogens they carry is increasing worldwide. Powassan virus (POWV; Flaviviridae: Flavivirus), the only known North American tick-borne flavivirus, is of particular concern due to rising cases and the severe morbidity of POWV encephalitis. Here, we use a multifaceted approach to evaluate the emergence of the II POWV lineage, known as deer tick virus (DTV), in parts of North America where human cases occur. We detected DTV-positive ticks from eight of twenty locations in the Northeast USA with an average infection rate of 1.4 per cent. High-depth, whole-genome sequencing of eighty-four POWV and DTV samples allowed us to assess geographic and temporal phylodynamics. We observed both stable infection in the Northeast USA and patterns of geographic dispersal within and between regions. A Bayesian skyline analysis demonstrated DTV population expansion over the last 50 years. This is concordant with the documented expansion of Ixodes scapularis tick populations and suggests an increasing risk of human exposure as the vector spreads. Finally, we isolated sixteen novel viruses in cell culture and demonstrated limited genetic change after passage, a valuable resource for future studies investigating this emerging virus.
Caring for People with Severe Brain Injuries: Improving Health Care Professional Communication and Practice Through Online Learning
Authors: Latchem-Hastings Julie , Latchem-Hastings Geraldine , Kitzinger Jenny
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Severe brain injuries can leave people in prolonged disorder of consciousness resulting in multifaceted medical, nursing, and rehabilitative needs that can be challenging for even the most experienced multidisciplinary team. The complexities of care, communication with families, and best interest decision-making about medical interventions means there is a need for ongoing training in clinical, social, ethical, and legal aspects.

Methods:

Using a combination of group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires with learners, this article reports an evaluation of designing and delivering an interprofessional, online work-based course to health care professionals caring for prolonged disorder of consciousness patients.

Results:

There were challenges for staff uptake because of COVID-19, but engaging with it increased knowledge in defining and diagnosing patients' conditions, understanding multidisciplinary team roles, communicating with families, and navigating legal and ethical issues. Course participation also enhanced critical and reflective thinking skills, provided a sense of connection to other professionals, and generated plans to improve service provision.

Discussion:

Online learning that enables health care professionals to engage at their own pace and also come together as an interprofessional community can provide invaluable continuing professional development and help to enhance joined up, holistic patient care. However, achieving this requires significant investment in creating research-led, multimedia, learning materials, and courses that include synchronous and asynchronous delivery to combine flexible study with the opportunity for peer networks to form. It also depends on a commitment from organizations to support staff online continuing professional development.
The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Discharge and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Enterally Fed Patients Connected to Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Eskici İlgin Vesile , Özer Nadiye
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The present research was conducted to reveal the impact of abdominal massage on enteral nutrition–induced ventilator-associated pneumonia and the gastrointestinal system in mechanically ventilated patients.

Materials and Methods

The present research is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. This study was completed with 63 patients (31 in the experimental group and 32 in the control group). Data collection was performed using a patient information form, a patient follow-up form, and the Bristol Stool Scale. After patients were under mechanical ventilation for 48 hours, the data collection tools were filled out twice a day for 3 days by visiting the mechanical ventilation patients. The experimental group received 15 minutes of abdominal massage twice a day before nursing care was delivered in the morning and the evening.

Results

According to the intergroup evaluations, the experimental group had lower gastric residual volume and abdominal distension, types of stool closer to normal, and higher defecation frequency. Differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < .05). In accordance with the intragroup evaluations, the experimental group had lower gastric residual volume, abdominal distension, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. The difference between the groups was revealed to be statistically significant (P < .05).

Conclusion

Abdominal massage reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia development to a statistically significant degree. Furthermore, it decreases gastric residual volume and abdominal distension, causes stools to be closer to the normal/ideal stool, increases defecation frequency, and regulates bowel movements and excretion (P < .05).
Mobile Source Benzene Regulations and Risk of Childhood and Young Adult Hematologic Cancers in Alaska: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Nethery Rachel C. , Vega Sofia , Frazier A. Lindsay , Laden Francine
Published: January 2023

Background:

We aimed to evaluate the impact of the EPA’s Mobile Source Air Toxics rules (MSAT), which targeted benzene emissions, on childhood and young adult leukemia and lymphoma incidence in Alaska.

Methods:

MSAT was implemented in 2011 and produced a dramatic decline in ambient benzene in Alaska. Due to previous benzene-related regulations enacted in the continental United States, MSAT had relatively modest impacts in other states. This created quasi-experimental conditions leveraged in this study. Using 2-year state-level incidence rates of childhood and young adult leukemia and lymphoma for each US state 2001–2018, we examined MSAT-attributable changes in incidence by applying a difference-in-differences approach.

Results:

We found evidence of a substantial reduction associated with MSAT in incidence of childhood and young adult lymphoma (–1.23 [–1.84, –0.62] cases per 100,000), but not in leukemia (–0.13 [–0.77, 0.51] cases per 100,000).

Conclusions:

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that MSAT, which reduced benzene levels in Alaska, led to a decline in lymphoma incidence in children and young adults.
Roles of RNA m6A modification in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tan Jian , Wang Yue-fan , Dai Zhi-hui , Yin Hao-zan , Mu Chen-yang , Wang Si-jie , Yang Fu
Published: January 2023

NAFLD is a series of liver disorders, and it has become the most prevalent hepatic disease to date. However, there are no approved and effective pharmaceuticals for NAFLD owing to a poor understanding of its pathological mechanisms. While emerging studies have demonstrated that m6A modification is highly associated with NAFLD. In this review, we summarize the general profile of NAFLD and m6A modification, and the role of m6A regulators including erasers, writers, and readers in NAFLD. Finally, we also highlight the clinical significance of m6A in NAFLD.
Microbial Keratitis Isolates at a Midwestern Tertiary Eye Care Center
Authors: Kang Linda , Lu Ming-Chen , Niziol Leslie M. , Greenwald Miles F. , Mian Shahzad I. , Thibodeau Alexa , Pawar Mercy , Lephart Paul R. , Woodward Maria A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to describe the pathogen, antimicrobial susceptibility, and trends over time of microbial keratitis (MK) at a Midwestern tertiary eye center.

Methods:

Patients with MK were identified in the electronic health record from August 2012 to December 2021. Diagnostic laboratory tests with an MK diagnosis were identified and classified as laboratory positive or laboratory negative. Laboratory-positive infections were categorized as bacterial (gram-positive, gram-negative, or acid-fast bacilli), fungal, viral, Acanthamoeba, or polymicrobial. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were obtained. Trends over time were assessed using linear regression.

Results:

Of 3288 patients with MK identified, 1012 (30.8%) had laboratory tests performed. Laboratory-positive infections (n = 499, 49.3%) were bacterial in 73.5% (n = 367) of cases, fungal in 7.8% (n = 39), viral in 1.6% (n = 8), Acanthamoeba in 1.4% (n = 7), and polymicrobial in 15.6% (n = 78). Of bacterial infections, 70% (n = 257) were gram-positive, with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS; 31%) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus; 23%) as the most common pathogens. Bacteria were acid-fast bacilli in 1.9% (n = 7) of cases and gram-negative in 28.1% (n = 103), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the predominant pathogen (47.7%). S. aureus showed antibiotic resistance from 0% (vancomycin and gentamicin) to 50% (erythromycin); CoNS from 0% (vancomycin, gentamicin, and moxifloxacin) to 64% (erythromycin). The rate of laboratory-negative MK significantly increased over time (slope estimate = 2.1% per year, P = 0.034). Rates of bacterial, fungal, viral, Acanthamoeba, and polymicrobial infections were stable over time (all slope P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Bacterial keratitis accounted for most MK cases. Gram-positive bacteria were the most common isolates. CoNS and S. aureus were universally susceptible to vancomycin. Rates of MK infection types were stable over time.
Therapeutics in chronic pruritus of unknown origin
Authors: Ju Teresa , Labib Angelina , Vander Does Ashley , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: January 2023

Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is a common condition that is underrecognized and underdiagnosed. Patients suffer from 6 or more weeks of pruritus with no identified cause, or with multiple potential causes, of which the primary cause cannot be determined. Despite being a common condition and prevalent in nearly 30% of the elderly in certain populations, most patients suffer from CPUO for years from inadequate treatments for itch and are made to undergo extensive diagnostics. There is no FDA-approved treatment for CPUO, and providers are often tasked to treat CPUO patients with limited knowledge and guidance on CPUO and its treatments. However, recent breakthroughs in antipruritic therapeutics have led to an increase in therapies available for CPUO patients. These include a variety of both pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, as well as topical and systemic therapies. Newer therapies such as biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors are currently under investigation due to their therapeutic effects in other pruritic diseases and are promising for treating CPUO. Here, we review the various therapeutic options that are currently available or are on the horizon, with a special emphasis on the therapies antipruritic mechanism, available clinical evidence of efficacy and safety, and the appropriate contexts for their application. By doing so, we hope to educate clinicians on the known treatments for pruritus and their applicability to CPUO to guide optimal management of this highly prevalent disease.
Descriptive Epidemiology of High School Swimming and Diving Injuries
Authors: Belilos Eleanor , Jow Steven , Maxwell Matthew
Published: January 2023

Objective:

Using data from a longitudinal national sports injury surveillance program, this study aimed to calculate injury rates and describe injury patterns across high school swimmers and divers.

Design:

Descriptive Epidemiological Study. Athletic trainers (ATs) from participating high schools reported injuries from swimming and diving programs for the High School Reporting Information Online system.

Setting:

Convenience sample of high school boys and girls' swimming and diving injuries during the 2008 to 2019 school years.

Patients or other Participants:

High school boy and girl swimmers and divers (aged ∼14-18 years).

Independent Variables:

Exposure data on gender, location of injury (practice vs competition), mechanism of injury, and sport (swimming vs diving).

Main Outcome Measures:

Injury rates, rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals, and other descriptive statistics were performed.

Results:

563 swimming and diving injuries occurred during 2 171 260 athlete exposures (0.26 per 1000 athlete exposures). Girls had higher injury rates than boys overall (RR 1.57, P < 0.05), in practice (RR 1.53, P < 0.05), and competition (RR 1.81, P < 0.05). In swimmers, most injuries were to the shoulder (48.6%), associated with the freestyle (67.3%), and classified as overuse/chronic (58.0%). Among divers, most injuries were to the head/face (36.6%) and from contact with the playing surface (68.3%).

Conclusions:

Girls had statistically significantly higher injury rates than boys. The shoulder and head/face were the most injured body parts in swimmers and divers, respectively. Swimming injuries were most frequently of an overuse etiology, whereas diving injuries were more likely traumatic. Coaches and ATs should be aware of these findings to develop targeted strategies for injury prevention.
Expanding access to difficult urinary catheter insertion services through a novel nurse practitioner-led team
Authors: Hackett Anna , Wells Celia , Drew Lora , Curto Joseph , Ennis-Welch Petrona , Zafra Kimberly , Bass Kathryn , Rosen Daniel , Gupta Rohit , Kohli-Seth Roopa
Published: January 2023

Background:

Within the United States health care system, one of the most common procedures performed daily is urinary catheterization. Oftentimes, the urinary catheter is placed by nursing personnel without any difficulty. Although the procedure is usually simple and routine, there are instances in which placement can be problematic.

Local Problem:

Urology is one of the smallest surgical subspecialties, with intermittent availability given active commitments in the operating room and clinic. This opened an opportunity for nurse practitioners (NPs) at an urban quaternary care hospital to further enhance their skill set in the care of these patients.

Methods:

Fifteen Rapid Response Team NPs were selected based on specific criteria. Their roles expanded to include consults for difficult urinary catheter insertions.

Intervention:

A 2-step training program was implemented for NPs to develop proficiency in inserting urinary catheters in patients with new or known urologic conditions.

Results:

Of the 391 catheter consults made to the NP group, 73 (18.7%) of them required urology follow-up.

Conclusion:

This program can benefit patients by potentially reducing catheter-related complications and associated length of stay.
Efficacy of Video-based Education in Improving Understanding of Pediatric Fertility Preservation
Authors: Hanna Maria T. , Handa Nicole , Laronda Monica M. , Rowell Erin E.
Published: January 2023

Eighty percent of children diagnosed with cancer in childhood survive into adulthood. Fertility preservation (FP) is an important consideration, and procedures are available to reduce the risk of infertility following gonadotoxic therapies. Discussing FP options eases decision-making and minimizes regret; however, poor comprehension of these topics remains a challenge. This study evaluates if video-based educational tools increase understanding of FP options among pediatric patients and families. Videos were first tested among participants not at risk of infertility to ensure objective utility and optimize quality. In part 1, parents of pediatric surgical patients were randomized to view 2 publicly available educational videos on FP in differing orders. Each group completed pre-surveys and post-surveys assessing the comprehension and perception of video quality. In part 2, the parent and patient participants completed a comprehension assessment before and after viewing our institution-specific educational video, designed based on participant feedback from part 1. Part 1 results demonstrated a significant increase in participant knowledge and perceived understanding after viewing the videos (P<0.001), regardless of order. In part 2, the post-test comprehension scores were significantly improved for all participants and all subgroups, P<0.01. Results suggest that video-based educational tools may help to reduce barriers to FP in pediatric oncology.
Prevalence and Correlates of Hair Pulling Disorder and Skin Picking Disorder in an Acute Psychiatric Sample
Authors: Snorrason Ivar , Keuthen Nancy J. , Beard Courtney , Björgvinsson Thröstur
Published: January 2023

Hair pulling disorder (HPD; trichotillomania) and skin picking disorder (SPD; excoriation disorder) are understudied psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of HPD and SPD in an acute psychiatric sample. Semistructured interviews and self-report measures were administered to patients in a psychiatric partial hospital (N = 599). The past-month prevalence of HPD and SPD was 2.3% and 9%, respectively. HPD and SPD had highly similar clinical characteristics and a strong co-occurrence. Patients with HPD/SPD were significantly younger than other patients and more likely to be female. Logistic regression controlling for age and sex showed that diagnosis of HPD/SPD was not significantly associated with suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviors, nonsuicidal self-injury, or emotional disorder diagnoses (e.g., borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder). HPD/SPD status was significantly associated with an increased risk of generalized anxiety disorder. However, patients with HPD/SPD did not differ from other patients on self-report measures of generalized anxiety, depression, and distress intolerance. HPD and SPD are common and frequently co-occurring disorders in psychiatric settings.
Association Between Cannabis and Violence in Community-Dwelling Patients With Severe Mental Disorders
Authors: Hudon Alexandre , Dellazizzo Laura , Phraxayavong Kingsada , Potvin Stéphane , Dumais Alexandre
Published: January 2023

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify cannabis-related features and other characteristics predictive of violence using a data-driven approach in patients with severe mental disorders (SMDs). A Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regularization regression model was used on the database consisting of 97 patients with SMD who completed questionnaires measuring substance use and violence. Cannabis use, particularly related to patients' decision to consume or time spent using, was a key predictor associated with violence. Other patterns of substance use and personality traits were identified as strong predictors. Regular patterns of cannabis use and interpersonal issues related to cannabis/stimulant abuse were inversely correlated to violence. This study identified the effect of several predictors correlated to violence in patients with SMD using a regularization regression model. Findings open the door to better identify the profiles of patients that may be more susceptible to perpetrate violent behaviors.
Spontaneous Recanalization of Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Zhang Sarah Y. , Blacquiere Dylan , Dewar Brian , Stotts Grant , Dowlatshahi Dar
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Spontaneous recanalization of an occluded internal carotid artery (ICA) is thought to be unlikely. However, there has been a growing number of reports describing this phenomenon. Despite this, the frequency, time course, and mechanism of spontaneous recanalization remain unknown. In this paper, we describe a patient with a symptomatic recanalization of an occluded left ICA.

Case Report:

A 70-year-old woman presented with transient speech arrest and right upper extremity weakness related to an occluded ICA. After 3 days, her weakness and aphasia reappeared and worsened transiently. A repeat computed tomography angiography revealed recanalization of the occluded ICA, as well as new ischemic changes in the previously hypoperfused left insular region. This finding changed the management from medical management to revascularization with a stent, after which the patient was discharged home with acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel.

Conclusions:

Although previously thought to be a rare occurrence, spontaneous recanalization is not uncommon. Further research into this phenomenon as proper identification and characterization of this phenomenon can influence follow-up and management.
The Influence of Pterygium on Meibomian Glands and Dry Eye Parameters
Authors: Devebacak Ali , Teker M. Esat , Palamar Melis
Published: January 2023

Significance

Mechanical factors are also associated with Meibomian gland dysregulation in patients with pterygium. Dry eye parameters were assessed, and the results support the association between pterygium and dry eye disease.

Purpose

To investigate how Meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye parameters relate to the existence of pterygium.

Methods

Patients with pterygium and healthy volunteers of similar age and demographic characteristics were included. Schirmer 1 test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, fluorescein tear film break-up time and ocular surface staining scores (Oxford score) were recorded. Meiboscores were estimated based on Meibomian gland loss rate on infrared meibography (SL-D701; Topcon, Netherlands). The symmetry of Meibomian gland loss with respect to eyelid midline was assessed.

Results

54 eyes with pterygium (Group 1) and 50 eyes of healthy volunteers (Group 2) were included. The mean ages were 54.0 ± 12.3 and 52.3 ± 8.0 years, respectively. Schirmer 1 test results and tear film break-up time were lower in Group 1 (P = .007, p < .001). Oxford and OSDI scores were significantly higher in Group 1 (P = .009, p < .001). The mean meiboscores were significantly higher in Group 1 (P < .001). There was Meibomian gland depletion in 90.7% (49:54) of Group 1 and 32% (16:50) of Group 2 (P < .001). Meibomian gland loss region was distributed asymmetrically in 75.5% (37:49) of the eyes in Group 1, but not in any of the eyes in Group 2. The asymmetry was located on the side where the pterygium was detected in 94.5% (35:37) of these eyes.

Conclusions

Meibomian glands are influenced morphologically and functionally in eyes with pterygium. The overlap of the pterygium location and Meibomian gland abnormality suggests a direct mechanical relationship. In managing pterygium patients, the possibility of Meibomian gland dysfunction and associated evaporative dry eye should be considered.
Relapse of Eosinophilic Esophagitis on Dupilumab
Authors: Buendia Matthew A. , Choksi Yash A. , Hiremath Girish
Published: January 2023

Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We report a teenager with difficult-to-treat EoE on topical corticosteroids (TS) who achieved clinical and histological remission when initiated on dupilumab for a primary indication of atopic dermatitis. However, when his TS were weaned after achieving remission, his disease relapsed with worsening of his dysphagia and a peak eosinophilic count (PEC) of 55 eosinophils per high power field (eos/hpf). Upon restarting TS to his ongoing dupilumab, symptoms fully resolved, and he achieved histologic remission (PEC 10 eos/hpf). This report underscores the: (1) importance of longitudinal monitoring for EoE patients on dupilumab, (2) unmet need for guidance on how to transition EoE patients on traditional therapies to dupilumab, and (3) need for longitudinal follow-up data on dupilumab to help personalize therapy for EoE patients.
Intraobserver and Interobserver Consistency Evaluation of Carotid Plaque Volume Measured by Different 3-Dimensional Ultrasound Methods
Authors: Ren Ling , Yan Lin , Fei Xiang , Luo Yukun
Published: January 2023

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the semiautomatic planimetric measurement (SAPM) method and the necessity of manually adjusted boundary measurement in 3-dimensional ultrasound measurement of plaque volume. A total of 50 patients with 82 plaques in the common carotid arteries between December 2020 and March 2021 were included in this study. Two observers measured the 3-dimensional volume of plaque for each patient in 3 different methods (contour tracing method [CTM], SAPM method without manually adjusted boundary [SAPM1], and SAPM method with manually adjusted boundary [SAPM2]). The difference in measurement time between the 3 methods was evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis H test. Intraclass correlation coefficient and 95% confidence interval were used to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the 3 measurement modes. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement, which was expressed as the mean difference with the 95% limits of agreement (LOA). The difference in measurement time between the 3 methods was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Both observers' intraobserver and interobserver reliability showed well in the 3 methods (all of the intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.75). The mean differences of the plaque volume measurement were 38.17, 26.42, and 11.75 mm3, respectively. The agreement between CTM and SAPM2 was the best, and LOA was −57.00 to 80.51. The agreement between SAPM1 and SAPM2 and the agreement between SAPM1 and CTM were similar, and the LOAs were −126.10 to 202.40 and −158.00 to 210.80, respectively. The SAPM method may be recommended to measure plaque volume in clinical practice.
Solitary-like and modulated wavepackets in the Couette–Taylor flow with a radial temperature gradient
Authors: Kang Changwoo , Yoshikawa Harunori N. , Ntarmouchant Ziad , Prigent Arnaud , Mutabazi Innocent
Published: January 2023

We have performed numerical and experimental studies of the flow in a large aspect ratio Couette–Taylor system with a rotating inner cylinder and a fixed radial temperature gradient. The base flow state is a superposition of an azimuthal flow induced by rotation and an axial large convective cell induced by the temperature gradient. For a relatively large temperature gradient, the rotation rate of the inner cylinder destabilizes the convective cell to give rise to travelling wave pattern through a subcritical bifurcation. This wave pattern is associated with a temperature mode and it consists of helical vortices travelling in the annulus. In a small range of the rotation rate, helical vortices have longitudinal meandering leading to the formation of kinks randomly distributed, leading to spatio-temporal disordered patterns. The flow becomes regular for a large interval of rotation rate. The friction, the momentum and the heat transfer coefficients are computed and found to be independent of the heating direction.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor's seminalPhilosophical Transactionspaper (part 1)’.
End effects in low aspect ratio Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Wiswell H. , Snow B. , Tricouros F. A. , Smits A. J. , Van Buren T.
Published: January 2023

Taylor–Couette flow with a low aspect ratio cylinder suffers from end effects due to the finite-span of the gap between the cylinder sides and the secondary flow in the region below the inner cylinder. We experimentally explore these end effects by varying the cylinder aspect ratio between 6.67 and 40 for a range of wall gap widths and bottom gap heights. For these geometries, end effects (i.e. non-ideal Taylor–Couette flow) can be substantial due to both features of the finite-span and the bottom secondary flow. In some cases, the finite-span effects extended between 20% and 30% of the way into the Taylor–Couette flow region, and the secondary flow at the bottom accounted for nearly half of the total measured torque. By taking these effects into consideration, our high aspect ratio results agreed well with those obtained by Taylor (Taylor 1936
Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A
157
, 546–564. (doi:
10.1098/rspa.1936.0215
)) at considerably higher aspect ratios.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminal
Philosophical Transactions
paper (part 1)’.
Ferrofluidic wavy Taylor vortices under alternating magnetic field
Authors: Altmeyer Sebastian A.
Published: January 2023

Many natural and industrial flows are subject to time-dependent boundary conditions and temporal modulations (e.g. driving frequency), which significantly modify the dynamics compared with their static counterparts. The present problem addresses ferrofluidic wavy vortex flow in Taylor–Couette geometry, with the outer cylinder at rest in a spatially homogeneous magnetic field subject to an alternating modulation. Using a modified Niklas approximation, the effect of frequency modulation on nonlinear flow dynamics and appearing resonance phenomena are investigated in the context of either period doubling or inverse period doubling.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminalPhilosophical Transactionspaper (part 1)’.
Generalized quasi-linear approximation and non-normality in Taylor–Couette spiral turbulence
Authors: Oishi Jeffrey S. , Baxter Morgan
Published: January 2023

Taylor–Couette flow is well known to admit a spiral turbulence state in which laminar and turbulent patches coexist around the cylinder. This flow state is quite complex, with delicate internal structure, and it can be traced into certain regimes of linear stability. This behaviour is believed to be connected to the non-normality of the linear operator, which is itself a function of the control parameters. Using spiral turbulence in both linearly stable and unstable regimes, we investigate the effectiveness of the generalized quasi-linear approximation (GQL), an extension of quasi-linear theory designed to capture the essential aspects of turbulent flows. We find that GQL performs much better in the supercritical regime than the subcritical. By including only a small number of modes in the nonlinear interactions, GQL simulations maintain a turbulent-like state when in the supercritical regime. However, a much larger number is required to avoid returning to the laminar state when in the subcritical regime.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminal
Philosophical Transactions
paper (part 1)’.
Recent developments of turbulent emulsions in Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Yi Lei , Wang Cheng , Huisman Sander G. , Sun Chao
Published: January 2023

Emulsions are common in many natural and industrial settings. Recently, much attention has been paid to understanding the dynamics of turbulent emulsions. This paper reviews some recent studies of emulsions in turbulent Taylor–Couette flow, mainly focusing on the statistics of the dispersed phase and the global momentum transport of the system. We first study the size distribution and the breakup mechanism of the dispersed droplets for turbulent emulsions with a low volume-fraction (dilute) of the dispersed phase. For systems with a high volume-fraction (dense) of the dispersed phase, we address the detailed response of the global transport (effective viscosity) of the turbulent emulsion and its connection to the droplet statistics. Finally, we will discuss catastrophic phase inversions, which can happen when the volume-fraction of the dispersed phase exceeds a critical value during dynamic emulsification. We end the manuscript with a summary and an outlook including some open questions for future research.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminal
Philosophical Transactions
paper (part 1)’.
Experimental insights into elasto-inertial transitions in Taylor–Couette flows
Authors: Boulafentis T. , Lacassagne T. , Cagney N. , Balabani S.
Published: January 2023

Since the seminal work of Taylor in 1923, Taylor–Couette (TC) flow has served as a paradigm to study hydrodynamic instabilities and bifurcation phenomena. Transitions of Newtonian TC flows to inertial turbulence have been extensively studied and are well understood, while in the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in TC flows of complex, viscoelastic fluids. The transitions to elastic turbulence (ET) or elasto-inertial turbulence (EIT) have revealed fascinating dynamics and flow states; depending on the rheological properties of the fluids, a broad spectrum of transitions has been reported, including rotating standing waves, flame patterns (FP), and diwhirls (DW). The nature of these transitions and the relationship between ET and EIT are not fully understood. In this review, we discuss experimental efforts on TC flows of viscoelastic fluids. We outline the experimental methods employed and the non-dimensional parameters of interest, followed by an overview of inertia, elasticity and elasto-inertia-driven transitions to turbulence and their modulation through shear thinning or particle suspensions. The published experimental data are collated, and a map of flow transitions to EIT as a function of the key fluid parameters is provided, alongside perspectives for the future work.

This article is part of the theme issue 'Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminalPhilosophical Transactionspaper (part 1)'.
Turbulent Taylor–Couette flow of dilute polymeric solutions: a 10-year retrospective
Authors: Song Jiaxing , Zhu Yabiao , Lin Fenghui , Liu Nansheng , Khomami Bamin
Published: January 2023

This retrospective aims to present a coherent history of important findings in direct numerical simulations and experiments in turbulent Taylor–Couette (TC) flow of dilute polymeric solutions in the last decade. Specifically, the sequence of flow transitions due to a continuous increase of fluid elasticity from classical Newtonian, to inertially and in turn to elastically dominated, and finally to the inertialess purely elastic turbulence, is presented. In each elastically modified flow state, the drag modification, coherent flow structures, velocity and elastic stress statistics, mechanism of turbulent kinetic energy production, spectral features as well as the self-sustaining cycles of turbulence, are discussed. Finally, to provide a broader perspective, an overview of important similarities and differences between elastically induced turbulence in prototypical curvilinear and rectilinear shear flows including the curvature-free limit of TC flow, namely, the spanwise-rotating plane Couette flow, is presented.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminal
Philosophical Transactions
paper (part 1)’.
Instabilities and routes to turbulence in rotating disc boundary layers and cavities
Authors: Martinand D. , Serre E. , Viaud B.
Published: January 2023

Studied for more than a century, first in the field of geophysics, flows over rotating discs present a great diversity of complex instability behaviours that are not yet fully understood. While the primary instabilities are now well characterized experimentally, theoretically and numerically, their role in the transition mechanisms to turbulence remains an open question that still challenges the scientific community. This article brings together the main results of the literature related to the instabilities over rotating discs, but also in the connected problem of rotating cavities, and reviews the main scenarios currently assumed to describe the flow breakdown to turbulence. A particular focus is on more recent studies of generic flows in rotating cavities bounded by two coaxial rotating discs, that occur in many industrial systems, the performances of which and their improvement are linked to a better understanding of these mechanisms.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor's seminal
Philosophical Transactions
paper (part 1)’.
Unified torque scaling in counter-rotating suspension Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Alam Meheboob , Ghosh Manojit
Published: January 2023

Torque measurements are reported for the Taylor–Couette flow of a neutrally buoyant non-colloidal suspension in the counter-rotation regime up to a particle volume fraction of

ϕ
=
0.2

. A unified scaling relation for the dimensionless torque (the pseudo-Nusselt number) of the form

Nu

ω
0

=
(

α
0

+

α
1

Ta

1

∗

α
2

)

Ta

(
0
)

k

μ
r

(
ϕ
)

n

is shown to hold over a range of Taylor numbers

Ta

c
1

≤

Ta

≤
 

10
6

that covers primary, secondary and tertiary bifurcating states; here,

Ta

1
∗

=

Ta

(
ϕ
)

/

Ta

c
1

(
ϕ
)

is the reduced Taylor number,

Ta

c
1

is the critical Taylor number at primary bifurcation and

μ
r

(
ϕ
)
=
μ
(
ϕ
)

/

μ
(
0
)

is the relative viscosity of the suspension. Possible effects of flow transitions and inhomogeneous distribution of particles on torque scaling are discussed.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminal
Philosophical Transactions
paper (part 1)’.