bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosome-level assembly, annotation and phylome of Pelobates cultripes, the western spadefoot toad
Authors: Liedtke Hans Christoph , Cruz Fernando , Gómez-Garrido Jèssica , Fuentes Palacios Diego , Marcet-Houben Marina , Gut Marta , Alioto Tyler , Gabaldón Toni , Gomez-Mestre Ivan
Published: May 2022

Genomic resources for amphibians are still hugely under-represented in vertebrate genomic research, despite being a group of major interest for ecology, evolution and conservation. Amphibians constitute a highly threatened group of vertebrates, present a vast diversity in reproductive modes, are extremely diverse in morphology, occupy most ecoregions of the world, and present the widest range in genome sizes of any major group of vertebrates. We combined Illumina, Nanopore and Hi-C sequencing technologies to assemble a chromosome-level genome sequence for an anuran with a moderate genome size (assembly span 3.09 Gb); Pelobates cultripes, the western spadefoot toad. The genome has an N50 length of 330 Mb with 98.6% of the total sequence length assembled into 14 super scaffolds, and 87.7% complete BUSCO genes. We use published transcriptomic data to provide annotations, identifying 32,684 protein-coding genes. We also reconstruct the P. cultripes phylome and identify 2,527 gene expansions. We contribute the first draft of the genome of the western spadefoot toad, P. cultripes. This species represents a relatively basal lineage in the anuran tree with an interesting ecology and a high degree of developmental plasticity, and thus is an important resource for amphibian genomic research.
Human milk oligosaccharides induce acute yet reversible compositional changes in the gut microbiota of conventional mice linked to a reduction of butyrate levels
Authors: Holst Andrea Qvortrup , Jois Harshitha , Laursen Martin Frederik , Sommer Morten O A , Licht Tine Rask , Bahl Martin Iain
Published: May 2022

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are glycans with prebiotic properties known to drive microbial selection in the infant gut, which in turn influences immune development and future health. Bifidobacteria are specialized in HMO degradation and frequently dominate the gut microbiota of breastfed infants. However, some species of Bacteroidaceae also degrade HMOs, which may prompt selection also of these species in the gut microbiota. To investigate to what extent specific HMOs affect the abundance of naturally occurring Bacteroidaceae species in a complex mammalian gut environment, we conducted a study in 40 female NMRI mice administered three structurally different HMOs, namely 6’sialyllactose (6'SL, n = 8), 3-fucosyllactose (3FL, n = 16), and Lacto-N-Tetraose (LNT, n = 8), through drinking water (5%). Compared to a control group receiving unsupplemented drinking water (n = 8), supplementation with each of the HMOs significantly increased both the absolute and relative abundance of Bacteroidaceae species in faecal samples and affected the overall microbial composition analyzed by 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing. The compositional differences were mainly attributed to an increase in the relative abundance of the genus Phocaeicola (formerly Bacteroides) and a concomitant decrease of the genus Lacrimispora (formerly Clostridium XIVa cluster). During a 1-week washout period performed specifically for the 3FL group, this effect was reversed. Short-chain fatty acid analysis of faecal water revealed a decrease in acetate, butyrate and isobutyrate levels in animals supplemented with 3FL, which may reflect the observed decrease in the Lacrimispora genus. This study highlights HMO-driven Bacteroidaceae selection in the gut environment, which may cause a reduction of butyrate-producing clostridia.
Effect of area ratio and Reynolds number on the distribution of discharge in dividing manifold
Authors: Jiang Yingzi , Alawee Wissam Hameed , Essa Fadl Abdelmonem , Abdullah Abdelkader saad , Omara Zakaria Mohamed , Ahmad Hijaz , Ali Rifaqat , Wang Fuzhang , Menni Younes
Published: May 2022

The goal of this study is to determine the role of the area ratio (AR) and the Reynolds number on the distribution of flow and pressure in the dividing manifold. For this purpose, five different models have been used to be analyzed under the test conditions. The first physical model is of 101.6 mm (4 in) in diameter for the master manifold in a regular longitudinal section and five sidelong of 50.8 (2 in) in diameter with a spacing of 220 mm. This model has been utilized to determine the magnitude of maldistribution inflow that usually takes place in such a design. Four other models have employed with different diameters of the header of 101.6, 76.2 and 50.8 mm and lateral of 50.8, 38.1 and 25.4 mm. These models used for the purpose of testing the stream and pressure allocation based on the AR. Three different values of 625, 790 and 950 l/min from of inlet flows examined with the employed models. The outcomes show that the AR parameter has a notable impact on the consistency of the stream from the manifold in which the uniformity of the flow distribution improves by 76% when the AR decreases from 0.48 to 0.13. It is found that the degree of uniformity of the mass discharge from the laterals is unaffected within tested Reynolds numbers of 50,000–200,000.
Study on the performance and economy of the building-integrated micro-grid considering photovoltaic and pumped storage: a case study in Foshan
Authors: Sun Haitao , Ren Qingzheng , Hou Jili , Zhao Zimo , Xie Donghuan , Zhao Wei , Meng Fanbin
Published: May 2022

Micro-grid is a promising technology for the energy reform in urban areas. This paper takes a building as a case study to construct a micro-grid system, which includes rooftop photovoltaic and pumped storage systems according to the characteristics of the building. Moreover, the cost–benefit analysis of the commercial building micro-grid system is also performed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the feasibility of the project. According to the characteristics of power load of commercial buildings, the working characteristics of the developed micro-grid and the mathematical model of optimal operation of micro-grid in commercial buildings is constructed. The calculation results from the mathematical model show that the dynamic payback period (PBP) of the micro-grid system of commercial buildings is 4.74 years, while the dynamic PBP of the micro-grid system of battery energy storage is 7.95 years. Therefore, the micro-grid system pumped storage has a much better economy than that with battery energy storage.
Establishing a centralized data mart from the Rakai community cohort study to improve HIV research in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Ndyanabo Anthony , Footer Kevin , Ahmed Tanvir , Glogowski Alex , Whalen Christopher , Ssekasanvu Joseph , Ssentongo Lloyd , Lutalo Tom , Nalugoda Fred , Ha Grace K , Rosenthal Alex
Published: May 2022

To improve timely access to quality HIV research data, the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) Data Mart was developed to store cohort study data from a legacy database platform in a modernized system using standard data management processes. The RHSP Data Mart was developed on a Microsoft SQL Server platform using Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services with custom data mappings and queries. The data mart stores 20+ years of longitudinal HIV research data and includes standard processes for managing data, data dictionary, training materials, and a library of queries to fulfill data requests and load new data from completed survey rounds. The RHSP Data Mart enables efficient querying and analysis of multidimensional research data by simplifying data integration and processing. A sustainable database platform with well-defined data management processes promotes data accessibility and reproducibility, enabling researchers to advance their understanding and management of infectious diseases.
Evaluation of a machine learning approach utilizing wearable data for prediction of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers
Authors: Hirten Robert P , Tomalin Lewis , Danieletto Matteo , Golden Eddye , Zweig Micol , Kaur Sparshdeep , Helmus Drew , Biello Anthony , Pyzik Renata , Bottinger Erwin P , Keefer Laurie , Charney Dennis , Nadkarni Girish N , Suarez-Farinas Mayte , Fayad Zahi A
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine whether a machine learning model can detect SARS-CoV-2 infection from physiological metrics collected from wearable devices.

Materials and Methods

Health care workers from 7 hospitals were enrolled and prospectively followed in a multicenter observational study. Subjects downloaded a custom smart phone app and wore Apple Watches for the duration of the study period. Daily surveys related to symptoms and the diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 were answered in the app.

Results

We enrolled 407 participants with 49 (12%) having a positive nasal SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test during follow-up. We examined 5 machine-learning approaches and found that gradient-boosting machines (GBM) had the most favorable validation performance. Across all testing sets, our GBM model predicted SARS-CoV-2 infection with an average area under the receiver operating characteristic (auROC) = 86.4% (confidence interval [CI] 84–89%). The model was calibrated to value sensitivity over specificity, achieving an average sensitivity of 82% (CI ±∼4%) and specificity of 77% (CI ±∼1%). The most important predictors included parameters describing the circadian heart rate variability mean (MESOR) and peak-timing (acrophase), and age.

Discussion

We show that a tree-based ML algorithm applied to physiological metrics passively collected from a wearable device can identify and predict SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion

Applying machine learning models to the passively collected physiological metrics from wearable devices may improve SARS-CoV-2 screening methods and infection tracking.
Shocks and dust formation in nova V809 Cep
Authors: Babul Aliya-Nur , Sokoloski Jennifer L , Chomiuk Laura , Linford Justin D , Weston Jennifer H S , Aydi Elias , Sokolovsky Kirill V , Kawash Adam M , Mukai Koji
Published: May 2022

The discovery that many classical novae produce detectable GeV γ-ray emission has raised the question of the role of shocks in nova eruptions. Here, we use radio observations of nova V809 Cep (nova Cep 2013) with the Jansky Very Large Array to show that it produced non-thermal emission indicative of particle acceleration in strong shocks for more than a month starting about 6 weeks into the eruption, quasi-simultaneous with the production of dust. Broadly speaking, the radio emission at late times – more than 6 months or so into the eruption – is consistent with thermal emission from $10^{-4}\, {\rm M}_\odot$ of freely expanding, 104 K ejecta. At 4.6 and 7.4 GHz, however, the radio light curves display an initial early-time peak 76 d after the discovery of the eruption in the optical (t0). The brightness temperature at 4.6 GHz on day 76 was greater than 105 K, an order of magnitude above what is expected for thermal emission. We argue that the brightness temperature is the result of synchrotron emission due to internal shocks within the ejecta. The evolution of the radio spectrum was consistent with synchrotron emission that peaked at high frequencies before low frequencies, suggesting that the synchrotron from the shock was initially subject to free–free absorption by optically thick ionized material in front of the shock. Dust formation began around day 37, and we suggest that internal shocks in the ejecta were established prior to dust formation and caused the nucleation of dust.
The lively accretion disc in NGC 2992 – II. The 2019/2021 X-ray monitoring campaigns
Authors: Middei R , Marinucci A , Braito V , Bianchi S , De Marco B , Luminari A , Matt G , Nardini E , Perri M , Reeves J N , Vagnetti F
Published: May 2022

We report on the short- and long-term X-ray properties of the bright nearby Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 2992, which was extensively observed with Swift, XMM–Newton, and NuSTAR. Swift targeted the source more than 100 times between 2019 and 2021 in the context of two monitoring campaigns. Both time-averaged and time-resolved analyses are performed, and we find that the short-to-long term spectral properties of NGC 2992 are dominated by a highly variable nuclear continuum. The source varied in the 2–10 keV energy band from 0.6 to 12 × 10−11 erg cm−2 s−1 during the two year long Swift monitoring. The fastest 2–10 keV flux change (by a factor of $\sim 60{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) occurred on a time-scale of a few hours. The overall emission spectrum of the source is consistent with a power law-like continuum (Γ = 1.69 ± 0.01) absorbed by a constant line-of-sight column density NH = (7.8 ± 0.1) × 1021$\rm cm^{-2}$. The reflected emission is likely due to matter with an average column density NH = (9.6 ± 2.7) × 1022$\rm cm^{-2}$, thus NGC 2992 appears to have a globally Compton-thin circumnuclear medium. This scenario is fully supported by an independent analysis of the fractional variability and by XMM–Newton multiyear spectra.
Accelerated Domestication of New Crops: Yield is Key
Authors: Luo Guangbin , Najafi Javad , Correia Pedro M P , Trinh Mai Duy Luu , Chapman Elizabeth A , Østerberg Jeppe Thulin , Thomsen Hanne Cecilie , Pedas Pai Rosager , Larson Steve , Gao Caixia , Poland Jesse , Knudsen Søren , DeHaan Lee , Palmgren Michael
Published: May 2022

Sustainable agriculture in the future will depend on crops that are tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses, require minimal input of water and nutrients and can be cultivated with a minimal carbon footprint. Wild plants that fulfill these requirements abound in nature but are typically low yielding. Thus, replacing current high-yielding crops with less productive but resilient species will require the intractable trade-off of increasing land area under cultivation to produce the same yield. Cultivating more land reduces natural resources, reduces biodiversity and increases our carbon footprint. Sustainable intensification can be achieved by increasing the yield of underutilized or wild plant species that are already resilient, but achieving this goal by conventional breeding programs may be a long-term prospect. De novo domestication of orphan or crop wild relatives using mutagenesis is an alternative and fast approach to achieve resilient crops with high yields. With new precise molecular techniques, it should be possible to reach economically sustainable yields in a much shorter period of time than ever before in the history of agriculture.
Plant Hormonomics: A Key Tool for Deep Physiological Phenotyping to Improve Crop Productivity
Authors: Hirayama Takashi , Mochida Keiichi
Published: May 2022

Agriculture is particularly vulnerable to climate change. To cope with the risks posed by climate-related stressors to agricultural production, global population growth, and changes in food preferences, it is imperative to develop new climate-smart crop varieties with increased yield and environmental resilience. Molecular genetics and genomic analyses have revealed that allelic variations in genes involved in phytohormone-mediated growth regulation have greatly improved productivity in major crops. Plant science has remarkably advanced our understanding of the molecular basis of various phytohormone-mediated events in plant life. These findings provide essential information for improving the productivity of crops growing in changing climates. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in plant hormonomics (multiple phytohormone profiling) and discuss its application to crop improvement. We present plant hormonomics as a key tool for deep physiological phenotyping, focusing on representative plant growth regulators associated with the improvement of crop productivity. Specifically, we review advanced methodologies in plant hormonomics, highlighting mass spectrometry- and nanosensor-based plant hormone profiling techniques. We also discuss the applications of plant hormonomics in crop improvement through breeding and agricultural management practices.
Covered Interest Parity Arbitrage
Authors: Rime Dagfinn , Schrimpf Andreas , Syrstad Olav
Published: May 2022

To understand deviations from covered interest parity (CIP), it is crucial to account for heterogeneity in funding costs across both banks and currency areas. For most market participants, the no-arbitrage relation holds fairly well when implemented using marginal funding costs and risk-free investment instruments. However, a few high-rated banks do enjoy CIP-arbitrage opportunities. Dealers avert inventory imbalances stemming from lower-rated banks’ usage of FX swaps to obtain dollar funding by inducing opposite (arbitrage) flows from high-rated banks. Arbitrage trades are difficult to scale, however, because funding costs increase as soon as arbitrageurs increase positions.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Biological and clinical insights from a randomized phase 2 study of an anti-oncostatin M monoclonal antibody in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Denton Christopher P , del Galdo Francesco , Khanna Dinesh , Vonk Madelon C , Chung Lorinda , Johnson Sindhu R , Varga John , Furst Daniel E , Temple Jane , Zecchin Chiara , Csomor Eszter , Lee Amy , Wisniacki Nicolas , Flint Shaun M , Reid Juliet
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The cytokine oncostatin M (OSM) is implicated in the pathology of SSc. Inhibiting OSM signalling using GSK2330811 (an anti-OSM monoclonal antibody) in patients with SSc has the potential to slow or stop the disease process.

Methods

This multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled participants ≥18 years of age with active dcSSc. Participants were randomized 3:1 (GSK2330811:placebo) in one of two sequential cohorts to receive GSK2330811 (cohort 1: 100 mg; cohort 2: 300 mg) or placebo s.c. every other week for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was safety; blood and skin biopsy samples were collected to explore mechanistic effects on inflammation and fibrosis. Clinical efficacy was an exploratory endpoint.

Results

Thirty-five participants were randomized to placebo (n = 8), GSK2330811 100 mg (n = 3) or GSK2330811 300 mg (n = 24). Proof of mechanism, measured by coordinate effects on biomarkers of inflammation or fibrosis, was not demonstrated following GSK2330811 treatment. There were no meaningful differences between GSK2330811 and placebo for any efficacy endpoints. The safety and tolerability of GSK2330811 were not favourable in the 300 mg group, with on-target, dose-dependent adverse events related to decreases in haemoglobin and platelet count that were not observed in the 100 mg or placebo groups.

Conclusion

Despite a robust and novel experimental medicine approach and evidence of target engagement, anticipated SSc-related biologic effects of GSK2330811 were not different from placebo and safety was unfavourable, suggesting OSM inhibition may not be a useful therapeutic strategy in SSc.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03041025; EudraCT, 2016-003417-95.
Bayesian Analyses of Comparative Data with the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Model: Potential Pitfalls
Authors: Cornuault Josselin
Published: May 2022

The Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) model is widely used in comparative phylogenetic analyses to study the evolution of quantitative traits. It has been applied to various purposes, including the estimation of the strength of selection or ancestral traits, inferring the existence of several selective regimes, or accounting for phylogenetic correlation in regression analyses. Most programs implementing statistical inference under the OU model have resorted to maximum-likelihood (ML) inference until the recent advent of Bayesian methods. A series of issues have been noted for ML inference using the OU model, including parameter nonidentifiability. How these problems translate to a Bayesian framework has not been studied much to date and is the focus of the present article. In particular, I aim to assess the impact of the choice of priors on parameter estimates. I show that complex interactions between parameters may cause the priors for virtually all parameters to impact inference in sometimes unexpected ways, whatever the purpose of inference. I specifically draw attention to the difficulty of setting the prior for the selection strength parameter, a task to be undertaken with much caution. I particularly address investigators who do not have precise prior information, by highlighting the fact that the effect of the prior for one parameter is often only visible through its impact on the estimate of another parameter. Finally, I propose a new parameterization of the OU model that can be helpful when prior information about the parameters is not available. [Bayesian inference; Brownian motion; Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model; phenotypic evolution; phylogenetic comparative methods; prior distribution; quantitative trait evolution.]
Association Between Resident Race and Ethnicity and Clinical Performance Assessment Scores in Graduate Medical Education
Authors: Klein Robin , Ufere Nneka N. , Schaeffer Sarah , Julian Katherine A. , Rao Sowmya R. , Koch Jennifer , Volerman Anna , Snyder Erin D. , Thompson Vanessa , Ganguli Ishani , Burnett-Bowie Sherri-Ann M. , Palamara Kerri
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To assess the association between internal medicine (IM) residents’ race/ethnicity and clinical performance assessments.

Method

The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis of clinical performance assessment scores at 6 U.S. IM residency programs from 2016 to 2017. Residents underrepresented in medicine (URiM) were identified using self-reported race/ethnicity. Standardized scores were calculated for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies. Cross-classified mixed-effects regression assessed the association between race/ethnicity and competency scores, adjusting for rotation time of year and setting; resident gender, postgraduate year, and IM In-Training Examination percentile rank; and faculty gender, rank, and specialty.

Results

Data included 3,600 evaluations by 605 faculty of 703 residents, including 94 (13.4%) URiM residents. Resident race/ethnicity was associated with competency scores, with lower scores for URiM residents (difference in adjusted standardized scores between URiM and non-URiM residents, mean [standard error]) in medical knowledge (−0.123 [0.05], P = .021), systems-based practice (−0.179 [0.05], P = .005), practice-based learning and improvement (−0.112 [0.05], P = .032), professionalism (−0.116 [0.06], P = .036), and interpersonal and communication skills (−0.113 [0.06], P = .044). Translating this to a 1 to 5 scale in 0.5 increments, URiM resident ratings were 0.07 to 0.12 points lower than non-URiM resident ratings in these 5 competencies. The interaction with faculty gender was notable in professionalism (difference between URiM and non-URiM for men faculty −0.199 [0.06] vs women faculty −0.014 [0.07], P = .01) with men more than women faculty rating URiM residents lower than non-URiM residents. Using the 1 to 5 scale, men faculty rated URiM residents 0.13 points lower than non-URiM residents in professionalism.

Conclusions

Resident race/ethnicity was associated with assessment scores to the disadvantage of URiM residents. This may reflect bias in faculty assessment, effects of a noninclusive learning environment, or structural inequities in assessment.
Surfactant Protein D Influences Mortality During Abdominal Sepsis by Facilitating Escherichia coli Colonization in the Gut
Authors: Varon Jack , Arciniegas Rubio Antonio , Amador-Munoz Diana , Corcoran Alexis , DeCorte Joseph A. , Isabelle Colleen , Pinilla Vera Miguel , Walker Katherine , Brown Luke , Cernadas Manuela , Bry Lynn , Yang Haopu , Kitsios Georgios D. , McVerry Bryan J. , Morris Alison , Lee Hyunwook , Howrylak Judie , Englert Joshua A. , Baron Rebecca M.
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Determine the role of surfactant protein D (SPD) in sepsis.

DESIGN:

Murine in vivo study.

SETTING:

Research laboratory at an academic medical center.

PATIENTS:

SPD knockout (SPD−/−) and wild-type (SPD+/+) mice.

INTERVENTIONS:

SPD−/− and SPD+/+ mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). After CLP, Escherichia coli bacteremia was assessed in both groups. Cecal contents from both groups were cultured to assess for colonization by E. coli. To control for parental effects on the microbiome, SPD−/− and SPD+/+ mice were bred from heterozygous parents, and levels of E. coli in their ceca were measured. Gut segments were harvested from mice, and SPD protein expression was measured by Western blot. SPD−/− mice were gavaged with green fluorescent protein, expressing E. coli and recombinant SPD (rSPD).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

SPD−/− mice had decreased mortality and decreased E. coli bacteremia compared with SPD+/+ mice following CLP. At baseline, SPD−/− mice had decreased E. coli in their cecal flora. When SPD−/− and SPD+/+ mice were bred from heterozygous parents and then separated after weaning, less E. coli was cultured from the ceca of SPD−/− mice. E. coli gut colonization was increased by gavage of rSPD in SPD−/− mice. The source of enteric SPD in SPD+/+ mice was the gallbladder.

CONCLUSIONS:

Enteral SPD exacerbates mortality after CLP by facilitating colonization of the mouse gut with E. coli.
Evaluation of Quality of Life (BREAST-Q) and Scar Quality (POSAS) after Breast Augmentation
Authors: Jawanrudi Pedram , Bender Richard , Pennig Dietmar , Taskin Berivan , Schäller Sebastian , Al-Malat Tarek , Mannil Lijo
Published: May 2022

Background:

This study examines the effects of breast augmentation on women who underwent surgery in Germany regarding their quality of life (QOL) and scar quality using patient-reported surveys. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an increase in women’s QOL after surgery compared with preoperative, and to evaluate their postoperative scar quality.

Methods:

A prospective monocentric study was conducted on 50 women who underwent breast augmentation with nanotextured silicone-filled implants between October 2018 and December 2020. Of these women, 21 (42%) participated in the preoperative survey (BREAST-Q), and 50 (100%) participated in the postoperative survey (BREAST-Q and POSAS). We used the BREAST-Q questionnaire to measure patients’ QOL and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale to determine the scar quality.

Results:

Psychosocial well-being increased by 34.3 points according to the Q-score, sexual well-being increased by 35.7, and satisfaction with breasts increased by 48.8. Physical well-being decreased by 12 points. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale mean scores, according to the patient/observer, are 3.8/2.5 for inframammary scars and 4.4/3.1 for periareolar scars.

Conclusions:

In this study, we discovered that aesthetic breast augmentation with nanotextured silicone-filled breast implants is associated with significantly higher scores for patient satisfaction, which indicates an improvement in women’s QOL.
Facial Anthropometry and Analysis in Egyptian Women
Authors: El Minawi Hisham , El Saloussy Yasmeen , Sabry Mohamed , Wahdan Wessam , El Sharkawy Omar
Published: May 2022

Background:

Human facial analysis can be considered both an art and a science, and is used extensively to measure soft tissue proportions. Remarkable changes exist in anthropometric measures due to changes over centuries of geographical, genetic, and environmental factors, as well as waves of migration causing facial proportions to vary among the different ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to establish facial soft tissue norms for the Egyptian female population between the ages of 18 and 50, as well as several age-related changes in facial measurements that are described fairly scarcely in the literature.

Methods:

A prospective study was carried out on 300 Egyptian women between June 2019 and December 2020. All were volunteers and between 18 and 50 years old. Facial measurements were obtained by both direct (caliper-based) and indirect (3D Crisalix software) anthropometric analysis. Anthropometric measurements used in the study included seventeen facial measurements derived from different anthropometric soft tissue landmarks from each subject and eight measurements for analysis.

Results:

Our results were able to describe the average facial and nasal measurements of the Egyptian female population, as well as the horizontal and vertical analysis of facial proportions. We also determined similarities with other Middle Eastern female measurements, with subtle differences in facial width and nasal height and width compared with Turkish and Iranian women.

Conclusions:

The current study is valuable because it delivers facial anthropometric measures for Egyptian female faces. This can provide a database for a multitude of uses, including operative planning, postoperative measurements, and forensic and ergonomic purposes.
Efficacy and Safety of the Preserflo Microshunt With Mitomycin C for the Treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Ibarz Barberá Marta , Martínez-Galdón Fátima , Caballero-Magro Elena , Rodríguez-Piñero Marta , Tañá-Rivero Pedro
Published: May 2022

Précis:

The Preserflo Microshunt (PSM) is a safe and effective glaucoma microfiltering implant that significantly reduces the intraocular pressure (IOP), either alone or in combination with phacoemulsification, during the first year after surgery.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the PSM for the treatment of open angle glaucoma with 0.2 mg/mL mitomycin C, either alone or in combination with cataract surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective, open-label study of 64 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma that underwent PSM implantation and were followed up for at least 9 months. Success was defined as IOP 6–17 mm Hg and a reduction of at least 20%, complete without hypotensive medication, and qualified with medication. Safety was assessed by the incidence of adverse events. Secondary endpoints included mean hypotensive medications, visual acuity, and incidence of needling and surgical revision.

Results:

A total of 51 eyes underwent PSM alone and 13 underwent PSM+phacoemulsification. In the overall population of the study, the mean IOP was significantly reduced from 22.03±0.7 mm Hg at baseline to 12.7±0.4 mm Hg at the final visit, P<0.0001 (mean follow-up: 11±1.4 mo). The IOP was significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.0001). Ocular hypotensive medication was reduced significantly from 2.7±0.7 to 0.2±0.5 (P<0.0001). No significant differences were found in IOP-lowering medication between groups (PSM alone, 0.2±0.08; PSM+phacoemulsification, 0.1±0.1; P=0.2). At the final visit, 70.3% were considered as complete success and 12.5% as qualified success. The most common adverse event was clinical hypotony (7.8%) followed by hyphema (4.7%), and anterior chamber reformation (1.6%). Overall, 1.6% required needling and 15.6% surgical revision to restore the flow.

Conclusion:

Glaucoma surgery with the PSM and mitomycin C was efficacious and safe in the short term, either alone or in combination with cataract surgery, and may be considered a surgical option for lowering IOP in primary open angle glaucoma.
Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands in the spinal cord
Authors: Liu Honglei , Wang Can , Lou Lei , Li Yuehong , Yi Li
Published: May 2022

Rationale:

Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands (GTNI) is a distinctive neoplasm located in the cerebrum. Moreover, spinal GTNI is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of spinal GTNI and review the related literature.

Patient concerns:

A 38-year-old Chinese woman presented to our hospital with a 6-month history of neck pain and a 1-month history of dizziness.

Diagnoses:

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large intramedullary mass spanning the length of the spinal cord from C1 to C4. Microscopic and immunohistochemical examinations of the tumor tissue revealed findings typical of GTNI.

Interventions:

The patient underwent C1 to C4 intraspinal gross tumor resection.

Outcomes:

Follow-up results showed that the patient had no recurrence 6 months after tumor resection.

Lessons:

GTNI in the spinal cord is a highly rare neoplasm with poor prognosis. Therefore, clinicians and pathologists should differentiate GTNI from other benign glioneuronal tumors, and long-term follow-up of patients with spinal GTNI is necessary.
Anatomical breast imaging-derived parameters do not provide incremental information in prediction of nonvisualization of sentinel lymph nodes on lymphoscintigraphy
Authors: Chahid Youssef , Verberne Hein J. , Poel Edwin , Hendrikse N. Harry , Booij Jan
Published: May 2022

Objective

Accurate sentinel lymph node (SLN) staging is essential for both prognosis and treatment in patients with breast cancer. However, the preoperative lymphoscintigraphy may fail to visualize the SLN. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether parameters derived from anatomical breast imaging can predict SLN nonvisualization on lymphoscintigraphy.

Methods

For this retrospective study, all data of mammography, breast MRI, and lymphoscintigraphy of SLN procedures from January 2016 to April 2021 were collected and reviewed from the Amsterdam UMC database.

Results

A total of 758 breast cancer patients were included in this study. SLN nonvisualization on planar lymphoscintigraphy at 2-h postinjection (pi) was 29.7% and was reduced after a second injection to 7.5% at late lymphoscintigraphy 4-h pi. Multivariable analysis showed that age ≥ 70 years (P = 0.019; OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.10–3.01), BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (P = 0.031; OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.04–2.43), and nonpalpable tumors (P = 0.034; OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.03–2.04) were independent predictors of SLN nonvisualization. Differences in tumor size, Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System classification, or breast density were not significantly associated with SLN nonvisualization.

Conclusion

This study shows that, by using a multivariable analysis, risk factors for SLN nonvisualization in breast cancer patients during preoperative lymphoscintigraphy at 2-h pi are age ≥ 70 years, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and nonpalpable tumors. Parameters derived from mammography or breast MRI, however, are not useful to predict SLN nonvisualization on lymphoscintigraphy.
Effect of Group Logotherapy on Anxiety About Death and Existential Loneliness in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Heidary Maedeh , Heshmati Rasoul , Hayes Joseph
Published: May 2022

Background

Although logotherapy has been shown to relieve other psychological symptoms of patients with cancer, no studies have specifically investigated the effect of logotherapy on anxiety about death and existential loneliness in these patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of group logotherapy on anxiety about death and existential loneliness in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

Sixty-three patients who were in the advanced stage of cancer were recruited from 2 hospital oncology services and were randomly assigned to either experimental (n = 31) or control group (n = 32). The intervention group received 10 weekly 2-hour group logotherapy. Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale and ELQ were completed pre- and posttreatment.

Results

A 2 × 2 mixed analysis of variance was used to determine the effect of the treatment on each of the dependent variables. The analyses revealed that patients in the logotherapy group reported a significant decrease in anxiety about death and existential loneliness after (vs before) the treatment. No significant decreases were observed in the waitlist control group.

Conclusions

These results have implications for treating death anxiety and feelings of existential loneliness among patients with advanced cancer. They suggest that group logotherapy is highly effective in reducing these existential concerns. Limitations and avenues for future research are discussed.

Implications for Practice

The study emphasizes that group logotherapy can be considered in oncology care programs by healthcare professionals and in educational curriculums and is suggested for use among caregivers and patients with advanced cancer.
Ultrasound-guided lumbar medial branch blocks and intra-articular facet joint injections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ashmore Zachary M. , Bies Michael M. , Meiling James B. , Moman Rajat N. , Hassett Leslie C. , Hunt Christine L. , Cohen Steven P. , Hooten W. Michael
Published: May 2022

There is great interest in expanding the use of ultrasound (US), but new challenges exist with its application to lumbar facet–targeted procedures. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the risk of incorrect needle placement associated with US–guided lumbar medial branch blocks (MBB) and facet joint injections (FJI) as confirmed by fluoroscopy or computerized tomography (CT). An a priori protocol was registered, and a database search was conducted. Inclusion criteria included all study types. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood tool for assessing risk bias for observational cohort studies. Pooled analysis of the risk difference (RD) of incorrect needle placement was calculated. Pooled analysis of 7 studies demonstrated an 11% RD (P < 0.0009) of incorrect needle placement for US-guided MBB confirmed using fluoroscopy with and without contrast. Pooled analysis of 3 studies demonstrated a 13% RD (P < 0.0001) of incorrect needle placement for US-guided FJI confirmed using CT. The time to complete a single-level MBB ranged from 2.6 to 5.0 minutes. The certainty of evidence was low to very low. Ultrasound-guided lumbar MBB and FJI are associated with a significant risk of incorrect needle placement when confirmed by fluoroscopy or CT. The technical limitations of US and individual patient factors could contribute to the risk of incorrect needle placement.
A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Examination of Positive Health Check: Implementation Results From a Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Trial
Authors: Garner Bryan R. , Burrus Olivia , Ortiz Alexa , Tueller Stephen J. , Peinado Susana , Hedrick Haley , Harshbarger Camilla , Galindo Carla , Courtenay-Quirk Cari , Lewis Megan A.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Positive Health Check is an evidence-based video doctor intervention developed for improving the medication adherence, retention in care, and viral load suppression of people with HIV receiving clinical care.

Setting:

Four HIV primary care clinics within the United States.

Methods:

As part of a type 1 hybrid trial, a mixed-methods approach was used to longitudinally assess the following 3 key implementation constructs over a 23-month period: innovation-values fit (ie, the extent to which staff perceive innovation use will foster the fulfillment of their values), organizational readiness for change (ie, the extent to which organizational members are psychologically and behaviorally prepared to implement organizational change), and implementation climate (ie, the extent to which implementation is expected, supported, and rewarded). Quantitative mixed-effects regression analyses were conducted to assess changes over time in these constructs. Qualitative analyses were integrated to help provide validation and understanding.

Results:

Innovation-values fit and organizational readiness for change were found to be high and relatively stable. However, significant curvilinear change over time was found for implementation climate. Based on the qualitative data, implementation climate declined toward the end of implementation because of decreased engagement from clinic champions and differences in priorities between research and clinic staff.

Conclusions:

The Positive Health Check intervention was found to fit within HIV primary care service settings, but there were some logistical challenges that needed to be addressed. Additionally, even within the context of an effectiveness trial, significant and nonlinear change in implementation climate should be expected over time.
Assessment of Functional Outcomes of an Autospreader Flap and Spreader Graft in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Aydoğdu Imran , Bayram Ali Alper , Aydoğdu Zeynep
Published: May 2022

Objective:

Nasal obstruction after rhinoplasty occurs due to narrowing of the internal nasal valve. Narrowing is due to osteotomy performed to close the open roof of nose after dorsum hump resection. Spreader grafts and autospreader flaps are used to prevent such narrowing. in this study, we aimed to compare the effects of these 2 rhinoplasty techniques on olfactory function, nasal air passage opening, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 48 rhinoplasty patients were randomly divided into 2 groups according to graft technique used, either spreader graft or autospreader flap. These 2 groups were compared for patient satisfaction. The sinonasal outcome test-22, peak nasal flowmetry, and Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test were applied to all patients before and 8 weeks after surgery.

Results:

The study enrolled 48 patients. Nasal airflow increased in both groups postoperatively. in the preoperative and postoperative comparison of odor functions, postoperative odor functions were similar in both groups. In the autospreader flap group, the preoperative rhinoplasty outcome evaluation questionnaire score was 4.1 ± 2.2 versus 21.3 ± 2.6 in the third postoperative month. The preoperative rhinoplasty outcome evaluation score was 3.9 ± 2.1 in the spreader graft group and 19.7 ± 1.9 in the third postoperative month.

Conclusions:

In the present study, postoperative nasal airflow improved in the patients in both the spreader graft and autospreader flap groups. in the patient satisfaction surveys after rhinoplasty, the satisfaction of the patients in the autospreader flap group was higher than that of the patients in the spreader graft group.
New Technology: Compound Abnormal Muscle Response During Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Zhong Wenxiang , Ying Tingting , Li Shiting , Zhu Jin , Tang Yinda , Yuan Yan
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To discuss effect of intraoperative compound abnormal muscle response (AMR) in patients undergoing microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS).

Methods:

Eighty-six HFS patients were underwent single or compound AMR monitoring during MVD. Single AMR recording was from the frontal muscle by stimulation of the marginal mandibular branch. Compound AMR recordings were obtained from the orbicularis oris and mentalis muscles by electrical stimulation of the temporal branch of the facial nerve, and from the frontal and orbicularis oculi muscles by stimulation of the marginal mandibular branch. Clinical outcome was compared with compound AMR results at the completion of MVD.

Results:

Forty-two of 45 patients’ AMR were recorded by compound AMR monitoring and 34 of 41 patients’ AMR were recorded by single AMR monitoring during MVD. Hemifacial spasm resolved completely in 41 patients whose compound AMR was recorded and in 26 patients whose single AMR was recorded. Compound AMR gained a sensitivity of 96.3% and a specificity of 97.2%. Correspondingly, single AMR gained a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 86.3%.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that compound AMR is more suitable than single AMR in MVD for HFS.
Clinical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy With Double-Flap Reconstruction for Tumors in the Upper Third of the Stomach
Authors: Long Vo Duy , Hai Nguyen Viet , Thong Dang Quang , Dat Tran Quang , Quoc Ho Le Minh , Minh Tran Anh , Anh Nguyen Vu Tuan , Huong Tran Nguyen Giang , Nunobe Souya , Bac Nguyen Hoang , Vuong Nguyen Lam
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) has been a standard surgery for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach and large esophagogastric junction gastrointestinal stromal tumor. However, how to reconstruct the stomach after LPG is still debated. This study aimed to evaluate the results of LPG with double-flap reconstruction.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed with 14 patients undergoing LPG with double-flap reconstruction for early gastric cancer or large tumors in the upper third of the stomach from 2018 to 2021. We evaluated postoperative complications, gastroesophageal reflux and the gastric remnant’s function using endoscopy in accordance with the Los Angeles and Residue-Gastritis-Bile classifications, and patients’ quality of life by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire.

Results:

Median age was 54 years and 10 patients were male. There were 7 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor, 4 with leiomyoma and 3 with early-stage adenocarcinoma. No patient had major complications or required conversion to open surgery. During a median follow-up period of 24.6 months, 1 patient had late anastomotic stricture, 2 had metastasis, and 1 died. Endoscopic evaluation at 6 and 12 months showed good function of the gastric remnant in most patients. Patients’ quality of life improved over time: mean GSRS score was 26.9±12.6, 20.3±7.2, and 18.8±4.2 at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively.

Conclusions:

LPG with double-flap reconstruction is feasible and safe for early gastric cancer or large tumors in the upper third of the stomach. The long-term functional outcomes and patients’ quality of life were acceptable.
Factors Influencing Suture Difficulty of T-tube Fixation and Closure in Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration
Authors: Wang Lei , Hou Hui , Zhou Dachen , He Liang , Yu Zongfan
Published: May 2022

Background:

Suture under the laparoscopy was considered as one of the most difficult and time-consuming tasks in laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration. Difficult suturing can lead to prolonged suturing time and decreased suturing quality. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative factors associated with the difficulty of T-tube suture following laparoscopic bile duct exploration.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who experienced successful laparoscopic CBD exploration with T-tube drainage were collected. Perioperative outcomes and short-term and long-term complications were recorded. Associations of the average suture time per stitch with preoperative demographic data and laboratory tests in patients were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 106 cases (46 males and 60 females) were included in this study. The average suture time per stitch was between 3 and 7.5 minutes with a median of 4.5 minutes (4, 5). There were no biliary leakage and other T-tube-related complications in all patients during follow-up. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that biliary tract reoperation (r=0.384, P<0.0001) and a higher body mass index (r=0.486, P<0.0001) were positively correlated with the average suture time per stitch, while there was no association between the average suture time per stitch and other preoperative demographic data and preoperative blood parameters, including CBD diameter, age, sex, operative time, preoperative white cell count, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.

Conclusions:

We have identified 2 preoperative variables (biliary tract reoperation and a higher body mass index) that were positively associated with the suture difficulty under laparoscopy. An adequately powered prospective multicentre study is needed to validate our findings.