bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analytical method to convert between speech recognition thresholds and percentage-correct scores for speech-in-noise tests
Authors: Smits Cas , De Sousa Karina C. , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: August 2021

Speech-in-noise tests use fixed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) procedures to measure the percentage of correctly recognized speech items at a fixed SNR or use adaptive procedures to measure the SNR corresponding to 50% correct (i.e., the speech recognition threshold, SRT). A direct comparison of these measures is not possible yet. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate that these measures can be converted when the speech-in-noise test meets specific criteria. Formulae to convert between SRT and percentage-correct were derived from basic concepts that underlie standard speech recognition models. Information about the audiogram is not being used in the proposed method. The method was validated by comparing the direct conversion by these formulae with the conversion using the more elaborate Speech Intelligibility Index model and a representative set of 60 audiograms (r = 0.993 and r = 0.994, respectively). Finally, the method was experimentally validated with the Afrikaans sentence-in-noise test (r = 0.866). The proposed formulae can be used when the speech-in-noise test uses steady-state masking noise that matches the spectrum of the speech. Because pure tone thresholds are not required for these calculations, the method is widely applicable.
Acoustic scattering by a finite-length elastic elliptical cylinder in a plane wave
Authors: Li Shuyuan , Shi Jingyao , Gao Yuqi , Zhang Xiaofeng , Fan Jun , Wang Bin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, based on the deformed cylinder method, the expression of the far-field acoustic scattering form function of a finite-length elastic elliptical cylinder is obtained. The target strength of elastic aluminum and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) elliptical cylinders, with different lengths varying with dimensionless frequency ka, is studied for different incident angles. In addition, the change of the target strength of a PMMA elliptical cylinder with incident angle is explored theoretically and experimentally when the frequency range is 20–40 kHz. Simulation results show that there is almost no change in the peak of the curve of the backscattering target strength versus frequency for a finite-length elastic elliptical cylinder with different lengths. As the length decreases, the target strength gradually decreases. When the theoretical simulation results are compared with the experimental results, it is found that the theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the study will provide theoretical and experimental basis for the prediction and recognition of underwater targets.
Conjugation Inhibitors Effectively Prevent Plasmid Transmission in Natural Environments
Authors: Palencia-Gándara Carolina , Getino María , Moyano Gabriel , Redondo Santiago , Fernández-López Raúl , González-Zorn Bruno , de la Cruz Fernando
Published: August 2021

The spread of antibiotic resistance is considered one of the major threats for global health in the immediate future. A key reason for the speed at which antibiotic resistance spread is the ability of bacteria to share genes with each other.
SARS-CoV-2 Bearing a Mutation at the S1/S2 Cleavage Site Exhibits Attenuated Virulence and Confers Protective Immunity
Authors: Sasaki Michihito , Toba Shinsuke , Itakura Yukari , Chambaro Herman M. , Kishimoto Mai , Tabata Koshiro , Intaruck Kittiya , Uemura Kentaro , Sanaki Takao , Sato Akihiko , Hall William W. , Orba Yasuko , Sawa Hirofumi
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 uses its spike protein to enter target cells. The spike protein is cleaved by a host protease, and this event facilitates viral entry and broadens cell tropism.
Host Colonization as a Major Evolutionary Force Favoring the Diversity and the Emergence of the Worldwide Multidrug-Resistant
Escherichia coli
ST131
Authors: Bonnet Richard , Beyrouthy Racha , Haenni Marisa , Nicolas-Chanoine Marie-Hélène , Dalmasso Guillaume , Madec Jean-Yves
Published: August 2021

Until now, there has been no indication that the evolutionary dynamics of
Escherichia coli
ST131 may reflect independent and host-specific adaptation of this lineage outside humans. In contrast, the limited number of ST131 reports in animals supported the common view that it rather reflects a spillover of the human sector.
Campylobacter jejuni Triggers Signaling through Host Cell Focal Adhesions To Inhibit Cell Motility
Authors: Klappenbach Courtney M. , Negretti Nicholas M. , Aaron Jesse , Chew Teng-Leong , Konkel Michael E.
Published: August 2021

Campylobacter jejuni
is a major foodborne pathogen that causes severe gastritis. We investigated the dynamics of focal adhesion structure and function in
C. jejuni
-infected epithelial cells.
Caspases Switch off the m
6
A RNA Modification Pathway to Foster the Replication of a Ubiquitous Human Tumor Virus
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Yucheng , Maharjan Yunash , Sugiokto Febri Gunawan , Wan Jun , Li Renfeng
Published: August 2021

The discovery of an
N
6
-methyladenosine (m
6
A) RNA modification pathway has fundamentally altered our understanding of the central dogma of molecular biology. This pathway is controlled by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and specific m
6
A binding proteins (readers).
Protospacer-Adjacent Motif Specificity during Clostridioides difficile Type I-B CRISPR-Cas Interference and Adaptation
Authors: Maikova Anna , Boudry Pierre , Shiriaeva Anna , Vasileva Aleksandra , Boutserin Anaïs , Medvedeva Sofia , Semenova Ekaterina , Severinov Konstantin , Soutourina Olga
Published: August 2021

CRISPR-Cas systems provide prokaryotes with adaptive immunity for defense against foreign nucleic acid invaders, such as viruses or phages and plasmids. The CRISPR-Cas systems are highly diverse, and detailed studies of individual CRISPR-Cas subtypes are important for our understanding of various aspects of microbial adaptation strategies and for the potential applications.
Exploring Microbiome Functional Dynamics through Space and Time with Trait-Based Theory
Authors: Bittleston Leonora S. , Freedman Zachary B. , Bernardin Jessica R. , Grothjan Jacob J. , Young Erica B. , Record Sydne , Baiser Benjamin , Gray Sarah M.
Published: August 2021

Microbiomes play essential roles in the health and function of animal and plant hosts and drive nutrient cycling across ecosystems. Integrating novel trait-based approaches with ecological theory can facilitate the prediction of microbial functional traits important for ecosystem functioning and health.
How the Physical Environment Shapes the Microbiota
Authors: Tropini Carolina
Published: August 2021

Living systems from the micro- to the macro-scales are strongly impacted by physical factors such as temperature, pH, or concentration of compounds in their surrounding environment. When we think about the macro world, it is obvious that small changes in these parameters can have profound and even devastating impacts on an ecosystem.
Comprehensive Large-Scale Integrative Analysis of Omics Data To Accelerate Specialized Metabolite Discovery
Authors: Louwen Joris J. R. , van der Hooft Justin J. J.
Published: August 2021

Microbial specialized metabolites are key mediators in host-microbiome interactions. Most of the chemical space produced by the microbiome currently remains unexplored and uncharacterized.
Microbiota Perturbation or Elimination Can Inhibit Normal Development and Elicit a Starvation-Like Response in an Omnivorous Model Invertebrate
Authors: Vera-Ponce de León Arturo , Jahnes Benjamin C. , Otero-Bravo Alejandro , Sabree Zakee L.
Published: August 2021

Broadly accessible model organisms are essential for illustrating how microbes are engaged in the growth, development, and evolution of animals. We report that germfree rearing of omnivorous
Periplaneta americana
cockroaches resulted in growth defects and severely disrupted gene networks that regulate development, which highlights the importance of gut microbiota in these host processes.
Extended Plant Metarhizobiome: Understanding Volatile Organic Compound Signaling in Plant-Microbe Metapopulation Networks
Authors: Raza Waseem , Wei Zhong , Jousset Alexandre , Shen Qirong , Friman Ville-Petri
Published: August 2021

Plant rhizobiomes consist of microbes that are influenced by the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the plant root system. While plant-microbe interactions are generally thought to be local, accumulating evidence suggests that topologically disconnected bulk soil microbiomes could be linked with plants and their associated rhizospheric microbes through volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Lupus enteritis as a lone manifestation of SLE: rare but possible
Authors: Quintero Eduardo , Pelayo Jerald , Salacup Grace , Lo Kevin Bryan
Published: August 2021

A 28-year-old Southeast Asian non-pregnant woman with asthma and prior cholecystectomy presented to the emergency department with acute watery diarrhoea, intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting. Apart from abdominal tenderness, the rest of the physical examination was unremarkable. She had leucocytosis, alkaline phosphatase elevation and exudative ascites. Radiological imaging ruled out biliary leak and was only significant for circumferential small and large bowel thickening. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy showed normal duodenal and colonic mucosae. Both infectious and malignancy workup were also unremarkable. Bereft of other systemic symptoms, autoimmune pathology was initially deemed unlikely; however, autoimmune workup revealed positive antinuclear antibody, double-stranded DNA, anti-Smith antibody, antinuclear ribonucleoprotein and hypocomplementaemia. With multidisciplinary collaboration, the patient was initiated on high-dose steroids, which dramatically improved her symptoms. She was discharged home with a steroid taper, and at 3 months of follow-up with her rheumatologist, she was continued on steroids and hydroxychloroquine.
SARS-CoV-2-triggered lymphocytic colitis
Authors: Nassar Islam Osama , Langman Gerald , Quraishi Mohammed Nabil , Sharma Naveen
Published: August 2021

The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect the gastrointestinal tract is well described. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are believed to represent a disorganised immune response in genetically predisposed individuals, which are triggered by various environmental factors, notably infections. Here we report a case of chronic watery diarrhoea that was triggered by a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The work-up confirmed a new diagnosis of lymphocytic colitis, and the patient responded favourably to a course of oral budesonide. Clinicians should become vigilant to the possibility of triggered IBD in patients with persistent diarrhoea following a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Traumatic intracranial nail-gun injury of the right internal carotid artery causing pseudoaneurysm and caroticocavernous fistula
Authors: Brooks Christopher Alan , Dower Ashraf , Bonura Andrew , Manning Nathan , Van Gelder James
Published: August 2021

Penetrating trauma due to nail gun is an uncommon yet important clinical entity. There are numerous case reports describing these injuries, yet few describe those resulting in cerebrovascular injury. Laceration of cerebral blood vessels may result in significant intracranial haemorrhage and cerebral ischaemia, with catastrophic consequences. In the present study, we report a female patient who was shot in the face with a nail gun in a domestic assault. The nail entered her right cavernous sinus and lacerated her right internal carotid artery causing a pseudoaneurysm and a caroticocavernous fistula. This report details the approach to, and pitfalls of, managing a cerebrovascular injury due to penetrating intracranial nail. Catheter cerebral angiography is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of these injuries. Best treatment and outcomes require clinicians with expertise in endovascular and surgical repair strategies.
Polymorphous adenocarcinoma of the submandibular gland
Authors: Rajan Shiv , Singh Ajay Kumar , Qayoom Sumaira , Niranjan Palavalasa , Chakrabarti Deep
Published: August 2021

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PA) of the salivary glands is a rare malignancy that predominantly affects the minor salivary glands of the palate. Major salivary gland involvement is rare (<5%). The submandibular gland is a highly unusual location for this tumour. Recently, the WHO has updated the classification of salivary gland tumours in which the PA subtype has been modified. We report a very uncommon case of a classical variant of PA involving the submandibular gland in a 49-year-old woman managed at our institute and discuss the most recent pathological criteria for diagnosis, management strategy and prognosis of PA.
Robot-assisted partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis: dual approach involving cystoscopy and robotic surgery
Authors: Bahadur Anupama , Mundhra Rajlaxmi , Sherwani Poonam , Kumar Sunil
Published: August 2021

Bladder endometriosis accounts for 70%–85% cases of urinary tract endometriosis. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose this condition as most women have associated pelvic and menstrual complaints. The presence of cyclical haematuria along with tender anterior vaginal wall should alert the gynaecologist or urologist to consider this rare entity. Treatment is medical therapy followed by surgery when needed. Transurethral resection of endometriotic spot is the commonly used approach but to completely excise the endometriotic nodule, bladder resection at the site of nodule is needed along with repair of cut bladder margins. Herein, we describe a dual surgical approach where the margins of the endometriotic spot were delineated and cut using cystoscopy, followed by robotic approach to completely excise the nodule along with bladder repair. Robotic approach seems safer and easier in this complex surgery owing to dense adhesions in such cases.
Unlocking the health system barriers to maximise the uptake and utilisation of molecular diagnostics in low-income and middle-income country setting
Authors: Ntinginya Nyanda Elias , Kuchaka Davis , Orina Fred , Mwebaza Ivan , Liyoyo Alphonce , Miheso Barbara , Aturinde Augustus , Njeleka Fred , Kiula Kiula , Msoka Elizabeth F , Meme Helen , Sanga Erica , Mwanyonga Simeon , Olomi Willyhelmina , Minja Linda , Joloba Moses , Mmbaga Blandina T , Amukoye Evans , Gillespie Stephen Henry , Sabiiti Wilber
Published: August 2021

Background

Early access to diagnosis is crucial for effective management of any disease including tuberculosis (TB). We investigated the barriers and opportunities to maximise uptake and utilisation of molecular diagnostics in routine healthcare settings.

Methods

Using the implementation of WHO approved TB diagnostics, XpertMycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin (MTB/RIF) and Line Probe Assay (LPA) as a benchmark, we evaluated the barriers and how they could be unlocked to maximise uptake and utilisation of molecular diagnostics.

Results

Health officers representing 190 districts/counties participated in the survey across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The survey findings were corroborated by 145 healthcare facility (HCF) audits and 11 policy-maker engagement workshops. Xpert MTB/RIF coverage was 66%, falling behind microscopy and clinical diagnosis by 33% and 1%, respectively. Stratified by HCF type, Xpert MTB/RIF implementation was 56%, 96% and 95% at district, regional and national referral hospital levels. LPA coverage was 4%, 3% below culture across the three countries. Out of 111 HCFs with Xpert MTB/RIF, 37 (33%) used it to full capacity, performing ≥8 tests per day of which 51% of these were level five (zonal consultant and national referral) HCFs. Likewise, 75% of LPA was available at level five HCFs. Underutilisation of Xpert MTB/RIF and LPA was mainly attributed to inadequate—utilities, 26% and human resource, 22%. Underfinancing was the main reason underlying failure to acquire molecular diagnostics. Second to underfinancing was lack of awareness with 33% healthcare administrators and 49% practitioners were unaware of LPA as TB diagnostic. Creation of a national health tax and decentralising its management was proposed by policy-makers as a booster of domestic financing needed to increase access to diagnostics.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest higher uptake and utilisation of molecular diagnostics at tertiary level HCFs contrary to the WHO recommendation. Country-led solutions are crucial for unlocking barriers to increase access to diagnostics.
Organising knowledge to prevent global health crises: a comparative analysis of pandemic preparedness indicators
Authors: Kentikelenis Alexander , Seabrooke Leonard
Published: August 2021

Preparing for the possibility of a global pandemic presents a transnational organisational challenge: to assemble and coordinate knowledge over institutionally diverse countries with high fidelity. The COVID-19 pandemic has laid these problems bare. This article examines the construction of the three main cross-national indicators of pandemic preparedness: a database with self-reported data by governments, external evaluations organised by the WHO and a global ranking known as the Global Health Security Index. Each of these presents a different model of collecting evidence and organising knowledge: the collation of self-reports by national authorities; the coordination of evaluation by an epistemic community authorised by an intergovernmental organisation and on the basis of a strict template; and the cobbling together of different sources into a common indicator by a transnational multi-stakeholder initiative. We posit that these models represent different ways of creating knowledge to inform policy choices, and each has different forms of potential bias. In turn, this shapes how policymakers understand what is ‘best practice’ and appropriate policy in pandemic preparedness.
Effect of phosphodiesterase-type 5 inhibitors on erectile function: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Mykoniatis Ioannis , Haidich Anna-Bettina , Tirta Maria , Talimtzi Persefoni , Kalyvianakis Dimitrios , Ouranidis Andreas , Hatzichristou Dimitrios
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Phosphodiesterase-type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are the recommended first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction. Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that they are a safe and effective option in many patient groups. Similarly, PDE5i may be effective as part of combination therapy in non-responders to PDE5i. We will generate an overview of systematic reviews, meta-analyses and network meta-analyses aiming to summarise the available knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of PDE5i in the general population and in multiple subgroups of patients.

Methods and analysis

This overview was designed in accordance with the PRIO-harms and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines and its protocol was registered at PROSPERO. We will systematically search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases from inception to November 2020 without any language restrictions. We will include systematic reviews or meta-analyses: (1) comparing the efficacy and safety of any dose of PDE5i with each other, with placebo or with other effective treatments for the management of erectile function; (2) exploring the use of any PDE5i alone or in combination with other treatment modalities in the general male population or in specific subgroups and (3) conducted with systematic procedures. Our overview will employ the AMSTAR 2 tool to evaluate the quality of the included studies and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the strength of evidence for all outcomes. We will construct forest plots of risk estimates with the corresponding CI for all outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

In this overview, we will undertake an extensive literature search in an attempt to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of treatment with one PDE5i versus another or versus placebo and provide recommendations for clinicians and policy-makers. No ethical approval is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020216754.
Methods for evaluating the benefits and harms of antenatal and newborn screening programmes adopted by health economic assessments: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Png May Ee , Yang Miaoqing , Roberts Nia , Taylor-Phillips Sian , Rivero-Arias Oliver , Petrou Stavros
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Complex organisational arrangements are required to deliver antenatal and newborn screening programmes. Decision-makers consider the benefits and harms of screening when reviewing the evidence about these programmes. Economic evaluations contribute one important part of this assessment process. However, it is not fully understood what approaches health economic assessments have adopted to measure and value benefits and harms. This study aims to systematically review and critique the published and grey literature on methods for identifying, measuring and valuing the benefits and harms of antenatal and newborn screening adopted by health economic assessments.

Methods and analysis

Nine bibliographic databases will be searched from 2000 onwards. These search strategies will be supplemented by manual reference searching of bibliographies, forward citation searching, contacts with experts, author searching and web searching for grey literature. Studies will be selected for review if they report health economic assessments of an antenatal or newborn screening programme. Assessments of title and abstracts and full reports will be undertaken independently with disagreements resolved through discussion. Data extraction will include fields to assess the reporting quality of the studies using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards statement and a bespoke ancillary form to assess how benefits and harms have been accounted for.

Ethics and dissemination

This is an evidence synthesis review from already published materials and hence ethics committee approval or written informed consent will not be required. Our results will be disseminated by publishing in high-impact peer-review journals and presenting at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020165236.
Occupational difference in use of heated tobacco products: a cross-sectional analysis of retail workers in Japan
Authors: Myagmar-Ochir Enkhtuguldur , Kaneko Makiko , Tomiyama Kiyomi , Zaitsu Masayoshi , Watanabe Shuichi , Nishino Yoshitaka , Takahashi Kyo , Haruyama Yasuo , Kobashi Gen
Published: August 2021

Objective

Although heated tobacco products (HTPs) have become popular worldwide, research on occupational differences in smoking HTPs remains scarce. We aimed to examine the prevalence of smoking HTPs among a working population in Japan.

Setting, design and participants

In 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study comprised of 7714 retail business workers in the service industry in Japan.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

For the definition of smoking HTPs, we identified current HTP smokers who only smoked HTPs, using five mutual categories of current smoking status (never, former, HTPs only, combustible cigarettes only and dual smokers who smoked both combustible cigarettes and HTPs). Occupational classes were classified into office workers (eg, upper non-manual workers) and other workers. ORs and 95% CIs of office workers were estimated for HTP usage, adjusted for age, sex, employment type and cigarette smoking-related health knowledge.

Results

The overall prevalence of smoking HTPs was 3.0% (male 5.0%, female 2.2%). The prevalence of HTP smokers differed across occupational classes (5.6% in office workers vs 2.5% in others; p<0.05). Compared with other workers, the adjusted odds of office workers for smoking HTPs remained elevated (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.40 to 2.77). Sensitivity analyses with workers of all smoking status showed the same pattern. When stratified by sex, the occupational difference only remained significant in male workers.

Conclusions

We found a positive occupational difference in smoking HTPs, particularly among male workers in the retail sector in Japan. National tobacco control should explicitly address this occupational gap and further encourage individuals to quit smoking.
Ethical impact of suboptimal referrals on delivery of care in radiology department
Authors: Chilanga Catherine Chilute , Lysdahl Kristin Bakke
Published: August 2021

The referral is the key source of information that enables radiologists and radiographers to provide quality services. However, the frequency of suboptimal referrals is widely reported. This research reviews the literature to illuminate the challenges suboptimal referrals present to the delivery of care in radiology departments. The concept of suboptimal referral includes information, that is; missing, insufficient, inconsistent, misleading, hard to interpret or wrong. The research uses the four ethical principles ofnon-maleficence, beneficence, AutonomyandJusticeas an analytic framework.

Suboptimal referrals can causeharmby hindering safe contrast-media administration, proper radiation protection by justification of procedures, and compassionate patient care. Suboptimal referrals also hinder promoting patientbenefitsfrom the correct choice of imaging modality and protocol, an optimal performed examination, and an accurate radiology report. Additionally, patientautonomyis compromised from the lack of information needed to facilitate benefit–risk communication. Finally, suboptimal referrals challengejusticebased on lack of reasonable patient prioritising and the unfairness caused by unnecessary examinations.

These findings illuminate how suboptimal referrals can inhibit good health and well-being for patients in relation to safety, missed opportunities, patient anxiety and dissatisfaction. The ethical challenges identified calls for solutions. Referral-decision support tools and artificial intelligence may improve referral quality, when implemented. Strategies addressing efforts of radiology professionals are inevitable, including gatekeeping, shared decision-making and inter-professional communication; thereby raising awareness of the importance of good referral quality and promoting commitment to ethical professional conduct.
The inhibition rate estimated using VerifyNow can help to predict the thromboembolic risk of coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Kim Young Deok , Kwon O-Ki , Ban Seung Pil , Won Yu Deok , Bang Jae Seung , Kim Tackeun , Lee Si Un , Jo Hyun Jun , Oh Chang Wan
Published: August 2021

Background

The role of the inhibition rate of VerifyNow in assessing the thromboembolic risk of coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms is unclear.

Objective

To carry out a retrospective study to determine whether the inhibition rate could provide additional help in predicting thromboembolic events when it was used for patients with a P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) level of 220 or lower.

Methods

Patients who underwent coil embolization for unruptured aneurysms with an appropriate PRU level (PRU 220 or lower) between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 were analyzed. A total of 954 patients with 1020 aneurysms were included in this study. The primary outcome was the thromboembolic events occurring within 30 days after coil embolization. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were obtained to determine the quantitative predictive ability of the inhibition rate. The optimal cut-off value was derived using the Youden index.

Results

Thromboembolic events developed in 11 patients (1.08% of 1020 procedures). The AUC of the ROC curve was 0.83. The optimal cut-off value of the inhibition rate derived using the maximum Youden index was 22.0%. A sensitivity test using a multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the inhibition rate was a significant variable for predicting thromboembolic events.

Conclusions

The inhibition rate can be used to determine high thromboembolic risks for patients with PRU levels of 220 or lower. The optimal cut-off value of the inhibition rate was 22.0% when the PRU level was 220 or less.
Use of Walrus balloon-guide catheter through sheathless radial approach for mechanical thrombectomy of right middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Dossani Rimal H , Waqas Muhammad , Rai Hamid H , Monteiro Andre , Almayman Faisal , Cappuzzo Justin M , Davies Jason M
Published: August 2021

The literature demonstrates a favorable first pass effect with balloon-guide catheter (BGC) for mechanical thrombectomy. An 8F BGC is routinely used with femoral access. We present the first video report of 8F BGC advanced through the radial artery using a sheathless technique (video 1). An approximately 70-year-old patient presented with left-sided hemiplegia, neglect, and dysarthria. A CT angiogram demonstrated right M1 occlusion, and the patient underwent urgent mechanical thrombectomy. Radial approach was preferred owing to patient history of anticoagulation. A 6F Sim Select intermediate catheter was used to minimize the step off as the 8F BGC was advanced into the radial artery over an 035 exchange-length Advantage Glidewire. A skin nick over the Glidewire Advantage facilitated the introduction of the 8F BGC into the radial artery. Standard mechanical thrombectomy using a combination of stent retriever and aspiration catheter (Solumbra technique) was performed, and thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 recanalization was achieved after a single pass. The National Institutes of Health Scale score improved from 12 to 4, with mild left facial droop, dysarthria, and decreased speech fluency. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 2. Ultrasound should be used for immediate assessment of radial artery size and conversion to femoral access without delay if the radial artery is less than 2.5 mm.

Video 1
Empirical correlation of the modified wheel tracker (MWT) and the dynamic creep test for evaluating the permanent deformation of hot mix asphalt (HMA)
Authors: Roy-Chowdhury Abhirup B. , Saleh Mofreh F. , Moyers-Gonzalez Miguel
Published: August 2021

The wheel tracking test (WTT) has been extensively used for laboratory characterization of permanent deformation of hot mix asphalt (HMA). However, the fully-confined setup of the device is unable to capture the tertiary zone where shear deformation takes place. This makes the permanent deformation resistance characteristics of HMA difficult to analyze. Hence, a modified wheel tracker (MWT), with unconfined lateral sides along the wheel tracking direction was utilized in this study, which can capture the tertiary flow (referred to as the flow number (FN)). The dynamic creep test, which yields FN, is a common laboratory test which has the ability to characterize permanent deformation considering the shear behavior. The study investigated the relationship of the MWT and the dynamic creep test utilizing the permanent deformation and permanent microstrain data from the respective tests. A novel parameter, FN-Index was explored. The permanent deformation parameters derived from the MWT were well correlated with the dynamic creep test. The MWT showed promising repeatability for the FNs.
Stimulation of mitochondrial hydrogen sulfide and glutathione production improves the Frank–Starling response of the rat heart via a nitric oxide–dependent pathway
Authors: Goshovska Yulia V. , Fedichkina Raisa A. , Korkach Yulia P. , Sagach Vadym F.
Published: August 2021

The Frank–Starling response of the heart is known to be mediated by nitric oxide (NO) signaling, which is regulated by reduced glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). We hypothesized that stimulation of endogenous H2S or GSH synthesis would improve the Frank–Starling response. Wistar male rats were injected with propargylglycine (PAG; 11.3 mg/kg, 40 min, n = 12), an inhibitor of H2S-producing enzyme (cystationine-γ-lyase), and l-cysteine (121 mg/kg, 30 min, n = 20), a precursor of H2S and GSH. Pretreatment with PAG or l-cysteine separately slightly improved the pressure-volume (P-V) dependence of the isolated rat heart, but the combination of PAG and l-cysteine (n = 12) improved heart contractile activity. H2S content, Ca2+-dependent NOS activity (cNOS) activity, nitrate reductase activity, and nitrite content increased by 2, 3.83, 2.5, and 1.3 times in cardiac mitochondria, and GSH and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels increased by 2.24 and 1.86 times in the heart homogenates of the PAG + l-cysteine group compared with the control (all P < 0.05). Inhibition of glutathione with DL-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO; 22.2 mg/kg, 40 min, n = 6) drastically decreased Frank–Starling response of the heart and prevented PAG + l-cysteine–induced increase of GSH and GSSG levels (BSO + PAG + l-cysteine, n = 9). Inhibition of NOS, N-nitro-l-arginine-methylester hydrochloride (l-NAME; 40 min, 27 mg/kg) abolished positive inotropy induced by PAG+l-cysteine pretreatment (l-NAME + PAG + l-cysteine, n = 7). Thus, PAG + l-cysteine administration improves the Frank–Starling response by upregulating mitochondrial H2S, glutathione, and NO synthesis, which may be a promising approach in the treatment of myocardial dysfunction.
Open charm and charmonium states in strong magnetic fields
Authors: Mishra Amruta , Misra S. P.
Published: August 2021

The mass modifications of the open charm ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) mesons, and their effects on the decay widths [Formula: see text] as well as of the charmonium state, [Formula: see text] to open charm mesons ([Formula: see text]), are investigated in the presence of strong magnetic fields. These are studied accounting for the mixing of the pseudoscalar ([Formula: see text]) and vector ([Formula: see text]) mesons ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] mixings), with the mixing parameter, [Formula: see text] of a phenomenological three-point ([Formula: see text]) vertex interaction determined from the observed radiative decay width of [Formula: see text]. For charged [Formula: see text] mixing, this parameter is dependent on the magnetic field, because of the Landau level contributions to the vacuum masses of these mesons. The masses of the charged [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons modified due to [Formula: see text] mixing, in addition, have contributions from the lowest Landau levels in the presence of a strong magnetic field. The effects of the magnetic field on the decay widths are studied using a field theoretical model of composite hadrons with quark (and antiquark) constituents. The matrix elements for these decays are evaluated using the light quark–antiquark pair creation term of the free Dirac Hamiltonian for the constituent quark field, with explicit constructions for the charmonium state [Formula: see text], the open charm ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) mesons and the pion states in terms of the constituent quark fields. The parameter for the charged [Formula: see text] mixing is observed to increase appreciably with increase in the magnetic field. This leads to dominant modifications to their masses, and hence the decay widths of charged [Formula: see text] as well as [Formula: see text] at large values of the magnetic field. The modifications of the masses and decay widths of the open and hidden charm mesons in the presence of strong magnetic fields should have observable consequences on the production of the open charm ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) mesons as well as of the charmonium states resulting from noncentral ultra-relativistic heavy ion collision experiments.
ARIMA Model Estimation Based on Genetic Algorithm for COVID-19 Mortality Rates
Authors: Deif Mohanad A. , Solyman Ahmed A. A. , Hammam Rania E.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a forecasting model for the mortality rates of COVID-19 in six of the top most affected countries depending on the hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (GA-ARIMA). It was aimed to develop an advanced and reliable predicting model that provides future forecasts of possible confirmed cases and mortality rates (Total Deaths per 1 million Population of COVID-19) that could help the public health authorities to develop plans required to resolve the crisis of the pandemic threat in a timely and efficient manner. The study focused on predicting the mortality rates of COVID-19 because the mortality rate determines the prevalence of highly contagious diseases. The Genetic algorithm (GA) has the capability of improving the forecasting performance of the ARIMA model by optimizing the ARIMA model parameters. The findings of this study revealed the high prediction accuracy of the proposed (GA-ARIMA) model. Moreover, it has provided better and consistent predictions compared to the traditional ARIMA model and can be a reliable method in predicting expected death rates as well as confirmed cases of COVID-19. Hence, it was concluded that combining ARIMA with GA is further accurate than ARIMA alone and GA can be an alternative to find the parameters and model orders for the ARIMA model.
Whose smartphone is it?
Authors: Larus James R.
Published: August 2021

Should two private companies have complete control over the world's cellphones?
Finding the art in systems conversions, naming
Authors: Meil Doug , Aoun Mario Antoine
Published: August 2021

The
Communications
website, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

Doug Meil considers a third distinct type of development, while Mario Antoine Aoun ponders alternate names for ACM.
A model restoration
Authors: Krakovsky Marina
Published: August 2021

The architect of the Sagrada Familia appears to have done parametric modeling in his head; software is helping to complete the structure a century later.
Playing with, and against, computers
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: August 2021

2019 ACM Computing Prize recipient David Silver on developing the AlphaGo algorithm, his fascination with Go, and on teaching computers to play.
WinoGrande
Authors: Sakaguchi Keisuke , Bras Ronan Le , Bhagavatula Chandra , Choi Yejin
Published: August 2021

Commonsense reasoning remains a major challenge in AI, and yet, recent progresses on benchmarks may seem to suggest otherwise. In particular, the recent neural language models have reported above 90% accuracy on the Winograd Schema Challenge (WSC), a commonsense benchmark originally designed to be unsolvable for statistical models that rely simply on word associations. This raises an important question---whether these models have truly acquired robust commonsense capabilities or they rely on spurious biases in the dataset that lead to an overestimation of the true capabilities of machine commonsense.

To investigate this question, we introduce WinoGrande, a large-scale dataset of 44k problems, inspired by the original WSC, but adjusted to improve both the scale and the hardness of the dataset. The key steps of the dataset construction consist of (1) large-scale crowdsourcing, followed by (2) systematic bias reduction using a novel AFLITE algorithm that generalizes human-detectable
word associations
to machine-detectable
embedding associations.
Our experiments demonstrate that state-of-the-art models achieve considerably lower accuracy (59.4%-79.1%) on WINOGRANDE compared to humans (94%), confirming that the high performance on the original WSC was inflated by spurious biases in the dataset.

Furthermore, we report new state-of-the-art results on five related benchmarks with emphasis on their dual implications. On the one hand, they demonstrate the effectiveness of WINOGRANDE when used as a resource for transfer learning. On the other hand, the high performance on all these benchmarks suggests the extent to which spurious biases are prevalent in all such datasets, which motivates further research on algorithmic bias reduction.
How music and programming led me to build digital microworlds
Authors: Sorensen Andrew
Published: August 2021

Computing enabled me to …
Events
Authors: Samarasinghe Dilini
Published: August 2021

This section features information about upcoming events relevant to the readers of AI Matters, including those supported by SIGAI. We would love to hear from you if you are are organizing an event and would be interested in cooperating with SIGAI. For more information about conference support visit sigai.acm.org/activities/requesting sponsorship.html.
Learning natural language interfaces with neural models
Authors: Dong Li
Published: August 2021

Language is the primary and most natural means of communication for humans. The learning curve of interacting with various services (e.g., digital assistants, and smart appliances) would be greatly reduced if we could talk to machines using human language. However, in most cases computers can only interpret and execute formal languages.
The Gut Microbiome, Metformin, and Aging
Authors: Induri Sri Nitya Reddy , Kansara Payalben , Thomas Scott C. , Xu Fangxi , Saxena Deepak , Li Xin
Published: August 2021

Metformin has been extensively used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and it may also promote healthy aging. Despite its widespread use and versatility, metformin's mechanisms of action remain elusive. The gut typically harbors thousands of bacterial species, and as the concentration of metformin is much higher in the gut as compared to plasma, it is plausible that microbiome-drug-host interactions may influence the functions of metformin. Detrimental perturbations in the aging gut microbiome lead to the activation of the innate immune response concomitant with chronic low-grade inflammation. With the effectiveness of metformin in diabetes and antiaging varying among individuals, there is reason to believe that the gut microbiome plays a role in the efficacy of metformin. Metformin has been implicated in the promotion and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome and reduces many age-related degenerative pathologies. Mechanistic understanding of metformin in the promotion of a healthy gut microbiome and aging will require a systems-level approach.
A New Old Target: Androgen Receptor Signaling and Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Westaby Daniel , Fenor de La Maza Maria de Los Dolores , Paschalis Alec , Jimenez-Vacas Juan M. , Welti Jon , de Bono Johann , Sharp Adam
Published: August 2021

Owing to the development of multiple novel therapies, there has been major progress in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer over the last two decades; however, the disease remains invariably fatal. Androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) play a critical role in prostate carcinogenesis, and targeting the AR signaling axis with abiraterone, enzalutamide, darolutamide, and apalutamide has improved outcomes for men with this lethal disease. Targeting the AR and elucidating mechanisms of resistance to these agents remain central to drug development efforts. This review provides an overview of the evolution and current approaches for targeting the AR in advanced prostate cancer. It describes the biology of AR signaling, explores AR-targeting resistance mechanisms, and discusses future perspectives and promising novel therapeutic strategies.
In Situ pH Monitoring in Turbid Coastal Waters Based on Self-Electrodeposition Ir/IrO2 Electrode
Authors: Zhou Zhengwen , Pan Dawei , Wang Chenchen , Han Haitao , Wei Hong , Pan Fei
Published: August 2021

Direct and accurate monitoring of pH in turbid waters is a challenging task for environmental monitoring and analysis. In this study, iridium oxide (IrO2) with selective sensing ability toward H+ was produced on the surface of iridium (Ir) electrode by rapid self-electrodeposition. IrO2 was deposited on electrode surface by atomic force, which could decrease the adverse effect of the suspended particles in turbid water. Properties of the Ir/IrO2 electrode were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical technology. The sensitivity and response time of the Ir/IrO2 electrode for pH determination were assessed, and a rapid and linear pH response of approximately 65 ± 3.5 mV pH−1 was observed across a wide pH range between 1.8 and 11.9. Moreover, the electrode exhibited a good temperature linearity (20 °C–60 °C), low potential drift (0.75 mV h−1), high accuracy (±0.05), and a long life span (up to 30 d). The practical investigation revealed faster equilibrium rate and higher stability of the Ir/IrO2 electrode than that of traditional glass pH electrode. Furthermore, the Ir/IrO2 electrode was successfully used for in situ pH monitoring in 750 formazin turbidity units (FTU) for turbid coastal river water. Therefore, the developed Ir/IrO2 pH electrode offers large applicability for in situ pH monitoring in turbid environmental water matrices.
Evolution of MSCP-Enabled Healthcare Ecosystem: A Case of China
Authors: Liu Yang , Tian Liwei
Published: August 2021

This paper considers a case that Chinese healthcare organizations in China leverage mobile smart cloud platform (MSCP) to build a self-sustaining healthcare ecosystem, which presents an evolutionary process of three phases. Multiple elements have been involved in the system, which has reinforced one another. Finally, an ecosystem is formed, which is economically sustainable and scalable nationwide. The study adds to the understanding of the ecosystem-based approach to address complex problems. It offers important implications for designing healthcare MSCPs which may help transform the healthcare industry.
Structural Bicortical Autologous Iliac Crest Bone Graft Combined with the Tunnel Bone Tamping Method for the Depressed Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Wang Zhongzheng , Zhu Yanbin , Deng Xiangtian , Xin Xing  , Tian Siyu , Fu Lei , Yan Xiaoli , Chen Wei , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Yingze
Published: August 2021

Background. Clinically, autologous iliac crest bone grafts (ICBG) and bone tamping methods are often applied to manage depressed tibial plateau fractures (DTPFs). The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the technique of using structural bicortical autologous ICBG combined with the tunnel bone tamping method (TBTM) for treating DTPFs. Methods. All patients with DTPFs who underwent structural bicortical autologous ICBG combined with TBTM from January 2016 to February 2018 were prospectively analysed. Demographics, injury, surgery, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes were recorded. All patients were followed up for more than 30 months. Postoperative radiography and CT were employed to assess fracture healing and the reduction quality. Results. Forty‐three of the included patients completed the follow‐up. No malreduction was observed. Based on the immediate postoperative imaging, the intra‐articular step‐off was significantly reduced (8.19 mm preoperatively vs. 1.30 mm immediate postoperatively, P < 0.001). From the immediate operation to the latest follow‐up, the reduction was maintained significantly well, with a nonnegligible absolute difference (0.18 mm, P = 0.108). A remarkable secondary loss of reduction (intra‐articular step off > 3 mm) was found in two elderly patients (2/43, 4.65%). The incidence of complications related to the bone‐graft donor and bone‐graft site was 2.33% and 4.65%, respectively. At the final follow‐up, the mean Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score of the knee was 98.19 ± 2.89, and the mean 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) score was 95.65 ± 4.59. Conclusion. Structural bicortical autologous ICBG combined with TBTM is radiologically effective and stable in terms of complications for the DTPFs.