bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental analysis on the consolidation of Tunis soft soil improved by multiple Prefabricated Vertical Drains
Authors: Ben Khalifa Marwa , Ben Salem Zeineb , Frikha Wissem
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally investigate the consolidation of the reconstituted Tunis soft soil ‘TSS’ improved by Prefabricated Vertical Drains PVD. After geotechnical characterization, a consolidation test with vertical loading is performed on a mutli-drains cell, i.e. cell with soil improved by three drains installed in triangular pattern. The PVD used in this study is the Mebradrain 88 (Mb88) type which is commonly used in previous soil improvement projects in Tunisia. The test is conducted through a specific laboratory test apparatus “consolidometer”. The settlements of soft soil specimen were measured during the consolidation test. Soil samples were extracted from different positions to measure water content ω variation after consolidation test. Results show that a significant water content reduction is observed after consolidation tests (approximately 64%) mainly at the vicinity of the PVD. Finally, the assessment of consolidation settlement was investigated using Asaoka’s method. It’s found that the ultimate settlement predicted by Asaoka method showed a good agreement with the measured value with difference less than 1%.
Factors affecting the deformation of facing elements for MSE wall design
Authors: Al Abbady Mohamed , Bahr Mohamed , Fouad Mohamed
Published: February 2023

The deformation of the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls is one of the key factors which control the design of the MSE walls. In many practical cases, the size of facing panels concrete bedding is increased for high MSE walls. In the present study the effect of the dimensions and stiffness properties of the facing panels concrete bedding on the deformation of the facing elements and the axial forces developed in the geogrid reinforcements are analysed and discussed.

The study has been conducted using a finite element analysis Plaxis-2D. The used model has been verified with data attested in the references, [1]. The geometry of model consists of MSE wall with precast concrete facing panels to support reinforced soil zone.

The results shed the light on the influence of the dimensions and stiffness properties of facing panels concrete bedding on the deformation of the MSE facing panels. The results showed that for the cases considered in the study, increasing the width dimension of facing panels concrete bedding will decrease the deformations of the facing elements without significant changes in the axial forces developed in the geogrid reinforcing elements.
The global challenges facing the water resources and irrigation sector
Authors: Ragab Ragab
Published: February 2023

Population growth has significantly increased while the water resources have not. In 1950, per capita water share was 12,050 m3/year, reduced to 7,310 m3/year in 2000 and is expected to be 4,580 m3/year by 2050. This is a significant reduction of 62% in per capita water share within a century. At the same time, water consumption is expected to increase by 50% by 2050. There is an urgent need for more water supply. In addition, according to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, DESA (www. un.org/en/desa), the world population is expected to increase from 8 billion in 2022 to 9.8 billion in 2050 and to 11.2 billion in 2100. Subsequently by 2050, the food demand is expected to increase by 100% requiring more irrigation water (globally, on average, irrigation consumes 70% of freshwater resources). More efficient irrigation networks and irrigation systems, as well as water saving technologies, are needed to meet this challenge. The future climate change predicts more frequent extreme events of flood and drought. Irrigation and food production requires a steady water supply throughout the year. Climate change predicted increased and reduced rainfall in different parts of the world. Reduced rainfall leads to reduced runoff, river flow and groundwater recharge. Steady water supply for irrigation and food production can only be met by more storage reservoirs. Currently, there is a gap between water supply and demand and it is continuously increasing. By 2030, a 40% overall gap between global water supply and demand is expected and this will increase further by 2050. The gap between water supply/availability and future demand is widening over time. We will need to increase water supply by using non-conventional water resources, increasing rainwater and runoff harvesting and store water in reservoirs. Dams and reservoirs provide a steady flow for the whole year enabling us to apply integrated water management for agriculture and food production under changing climate. For the future, multipurpose dams and reservoirs for water and energy security are preferred over single use dams and reservoirs. Improving the irrigation application and conveyance efficiencies by lining the canal network and reservoirs will help in reducing losses by seepage and leakage. Using more efficient irrigation systems can also help in water saving. Adopting the concept of Water-Energy-Food Nexus is necessary for a holistic management to produce more crop per drop per kilowatt per unit area of land.
Use of Bituminous Geomembrane (BGM) to Waterproof Large Canals
Authors: Breul Bertrand , Llinas Pau
Published: February 2023

Bituminous geomembranes (BGM) collaborate in the global challenge of improving water resources management by waterproofing hydraulic works. BGMs are multi-layered composite geomembranes with each of the components providing a technical benefit on large canals projects. These technical advantages include: A very low Manning coefficient for efficient water flow, extreme puncture resistance, which allows rapid deployment on rougher subgrades and permits many types of cover directly on top, excellent resistance to wind uplift due to their high surface mass, meaning installation can be done in strong winds up to 40 km/h. BGMs also have a very low coefficient of thermal expansion and do not wrinkle with changes in temperature like other polymeric membranes do. This is particularly useful in high heat projects when geomembrane is left exposed, providing a more secure project in the long run with less risk of wrinkle-induced cracks and failures.

To illustrate this, this presentation will describe the composite structure of bituminous geomembranes and will explain its main advantages in the hydraulic field. All these will be presented with the description of test results in different types of large width canals: Canals for irrigation: in France, for the waterproofing of the Canal de Provence; in India, where the Maharashtra state decided to replace original concrete for a geomembrane lining system in Pench Canal. Navigable canals: in France where VNF (French Waterways) chose the BGM for waterproofing the repairs of its canals. A work near Montargis will be presented as well as waterways in England (Lancaster Canal) and Canada (Chambly Canal). Finally, hydroelectric power canals will be also described: at the Sankt Dyonisen power plant in the Alps in Austria and the Cumpeo power plant in the Maule region in Chile.
NPA Cells in the Marine Environment
Authors: Blatman Eyal
Published: February 2023

Novel Polymeric Alloy (NPA) cells are a cellular confinement system with the engineering properties required by international standards for long-term confinement in demanding infrastructure projects. Three-dimensional NPA cells are used as a cover protection system against channel, stream and shoreline erosion caused by flowing water and tractive forces. NPA cells enhance the performance of conventional erosion control materials and dissipate energy from flood, current and wave action for hydraulic and marine structures and are a best available technique for canals, channels, drainage, shorelines, riverbanks, sea-walls, dams and port infrastructure.

Soft or hard armor is used to optimize the erosion protection for natural or man-made channels, hydraulic structures and barriers. The surface treatment is dependent upon the geometry, hydraulic, site and environmental conditions along the water course, as well as optimization and cost-efficiencies. For example, sand infill is used for beachfront erosion control, vegetation for riverbank protection, gravel in sites subject to moderate flow velocities and concrete hard-armor in high velocity channels and walls subject to wave action. Reinforcement of load support structures in port applications can use sand, granular or recycled materials.

Whereas the suitability of a cellular confinement system is directly dependent on the key attributes of the cell as well as its geometry, cells made of Novel Polymeric Alloy (NPA) have measurable higher tensile strength, resistance to deformation and environmental durability to hydraulic forces and thermal cycling over the project lifespan than conventional HDPE-based soft-cells. This includes high resistance to photochemical degradation – leaching of additives, oxidation and UV light – to preserve confinement for the lifespan of the project.

Concrete solutions in non-erodible canals and walls are particularly advantageous with NPA cells. While the cellular mattress eliminates form work for fast construction, NPA cells add high tensile strength to the concrete. The creates a strong yet flexible mattress, which absorbs hydraulic forces and ground movement and resists cracking of the concrete for improved surface durability. Additionally, the high reinforcement factor of the NPA system also enables a reduction in concrete thickness to improve cost-effectiveness and sustainability. These properties also make NPA cells suitable to load support pavements used in marine ports, wharfs, terminals and container yards situated on soft, compressible and saturated soils, using sand for structural infill with no loss in structural stability.
Summary of the Soil Reinforcement Technical Committee Special Session (IGS TC-R)
Authors: Damians Ivan P. , Rimoldi Pietro , Miyata Yoshihisa , Detert Oliver , Uelzmann Stefan , Hoelzel Michael , Kirchner Andreas , Bathurst Richard J. , Naftchali Fahimeh M. , Cengiz Cihan , Zornberg Jorge G. , Morsy Amr M.
Published: February 2023

This document provides a summary of the different topics presented at the Special Session organized by the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) Technical Committee on Soil Reinforcement (TC-R). This Special Session brings together very interesting studies regarding soil reinforcement in the field of geosynthetics. Studies presented include topics both from theoretical and practical points of view of reinforcement geosynthetics including general products and applications, cases studies on road embankments under challenging site boundary conditions, research on deterministic and probabilistic design of reinforced fills over voids, numerical analysis of reinforced soil wall structures, encased granular column technique, and geosynthetic-reinforced bridge abutment behavior.
Peut-on affranchir la recherche biomédicale du modèle managérial ?
Authors: Gautron Laurent
Published: February 2023

L’article de Romain Brette, récemment publié dans médecine/sciences, décrivait le modèle managérial de la recherche biomédicale comme « profondément dysfonctionnel ». Nous souscrivons à cette critique et apportons dans ce nouvel article, des éléments de réflexion complémentaires quant à la légitimité du modèle managérial. Nous soulevons en outre la question de la possibilité de s’affranchir de ce modèle, à la faveur d’un « laboratoire antibureaucratique », un environnement au sein duquel la prise de décision reposerait sur les motivations intrinsèques du chercheur plutôt que sur la nécessité de rentrer dans le moule des critères appliqués par des comités d’évaluation. Il est également argumenté que l’avènement du « laboratoire antibureaucratique » serait favorisé par la création d’agences de financement qui seraient pluralistes. Il est également prédit que la recherche biomédicale ne sera sauvée qu’au prix d’une (r)évolution des mentalités de tous les acteurs de la recherche.
Kriterien zur Evaluation des Ansprechens auf Biologika bei schwerem Asthma – der Biologics Asthma Response Score (BARS)
Authors: Milger Katrin , Korn Stephanie , Feder Claudia , Fuge Jan , Mühle Andreas , Schütte Wolfgang , Skowasch Dirk , Timmermann Hartmut , Suhling Hendrik
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund Die Einführung monoklonaler Antikörper (Biologika) hat die Therapie des schweren Asthmas revolutioniert. Auch wenn die Mehrheit der Patienten ein Ansprechen zeigt, kann dieses unterschiedlich ausgeprägt sein. Bislang sind Kriterien zur Beurteilung des Ansprechens auf Biologika nicht einheitlich definiert.

Ziel Definition von konkreten, einfachen und praxistauglichen Kriterien zur Bewertung des Ansprechens auf Biologika bei Patienten mit schwerem Asthma, um eine Entscheidungshilfe bzgl. Fortführung, Umstellung oder Beendigung der Therapie zu geben.

Methoden 8 Ärztinnen und Ärzte mit umfangreicher Erfahrung in dieser Indikation, unterstützt durch einen Data Scientist, erarbeiteten einen Experten-Konsens hinsichtlich Kriterien zur Evaluation des Ansprechens auf Biologika-Therapien bei Patienten mit schwerem Asthma.

Ergebnis Auf Basis aktueller Literatur, eigener Erfahrungen und Praktikabilität wurde ein kombinierter Score entwickelt. Dieser berücksichtigt als Hauptkriterien Exazerbationen, Dauertherapie mit oralen Steroiden (OCS) und Asthmakontrolle (Asthma Control Test, ACT). Schwellenwerte für die Einschätzung „gutes Ansprechen“, „Ansprechen“ und „unzureichendes Ansprechen“ wurden definiert und mit „2“, „1“ bzw. „0“ Punkten bewertet: jährliche Exazerbationen („0 oder Reduktion ≥ 75 %“, „Reduktion 50–74 %“, „Reduktion < 50 %“), Tagesdosis OCS („Absetzen oder Reduktion ≥ 75 %“, „Reduktion 50–74 %“, „Reduktion < 50 %“), Asthmakontrolle („ACT Anstieg ≥ 6 oder ≥ 3 mit Endwert ≥ 20“, „ACT Anstieg 3–5 mit Endwert < 20“, „ACT Anstieg < 3“). Zusätzliche individuelle Kriterien, wie Lungenfunktion und Komorbiditäten, können für die Bewertung des Therapieansprechens wichtig sein. Verträglichkeit und Ansprechen sollten nach 3, 6 und 12 Monaten erfasst werden. Anhand des Scores wurde ein praxisnahes Schema für die Entscheidung erarbeitet, ob ein Wechsel des Biologikums erwogen werden sollte.

Schlussfolgerung Der Biologics Asthma Response Score dient zur objektiven und einfachen Einschätzung des Ansprechens auf Therapie mit Biologikum auf Grundlage einer strukturierten Bewertung der drei Hauptkriterien Exazerbationen, oraler Steroidverbrauch und Asthmakontrolle. Eine Validierung des Scores wurde initiiert.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting as a Renal Mass: A Scarce Case Report with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Kumar Manjeet , Barwal Kailash Chander , Sharma Sunish , Chauhan Sanjeev , Raina Pamposh
Published: February 2023

Wegener granulomatosis (WG) now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an uncommon autoimmune disorder of undivulged etiology affecting the respiratory tract including paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, lungs, and kidneys predominantly. GPA presenting as a solitary renal mass is rarely seen. We present a case report of a 27-year-old female presenting with a right renal mass along with pain, low-grade fever, and arthralgia. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a hypodense low attenuated renal mass with indistinct margins. Ultrasound-guided biopsy revealed features typical of GPA. She was started on oral steroids (prednisolone 40 mg) and azathioprine. She developed pain, vomiting, and diarrhea after starting treatment with azathioprine. Azathioprine was stopped and rituximab 1 g weekly was started for 4 weeks followed by 500 mg 6 monthly injections. She got symptomatic relief at 4 weeks with a diminution of renal mass at 6 months follow-up. We report this rare entity of WG presenting as renal mass. Suspecting and diagnosing renal mass as a part of GPA prevented us from undertaking unnecessary surgical treatment in this patient. Medical treatment with steroids and rituximab is effective in inducing remission and maintenance.
1.9 Base-Metal-Catalyzed Carboxylation Using Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Fujihara T.
Published: February 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the final product of hydrocarbon oxidation and is thermodynamically and kinetically stable. Therefore, efforts to find methods to activate and reuse this material under mild reaction conditions are required. To achieve efficient conversion, one solution is the use of transition-metal catalysts. This chapter reviews the process of catalytic carboxylation with carbon dioxide via carbon–carbon bond formation involving base-metal complexes (copper, nickel, and cobalt) as catalysts. These reactions are organized based on the metal used, and the reactions using each metal are classified according to substrate and reaction pattern.
1.10 Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling Reactions
Authors: Shu X.-Z. , Pang X.
Published: February 2023

Nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling has become a powerful tool for the construction of molecules. These new bond-forming reactions bypass the requirement for the handling of organometallic reagents and are selectively orthogonal to classic cross couplings. This chapter provides a brief review of the achievements in this field. Selected methods for C—C coupling with a variety of reacting partners are presented. In addition to transformations involving a metal reductant, representative examples of nickel metallaphotocatalysis and electrochemical nickel catalysis are also discussed. Finally, expansion of this chemistry to the reactions of heavier group 14 electrophiles is described.
Polymer photosensitizing systems containing porphyrins, dinitrosyl iron complexes, and sodium alginate in the generation of singlet oxygen
Authors: Sadykova O V , Aksenova N A , Glagolev N N , Vanin A F , Shekhter A B , Fayzullin A l , Dubovik A S , Plashchina I G , Solovieva A B , Timashev P S
Published: February 2023

The activity of photosensitizing systems based on water-soluble photoditazine (PDZ) and hydrophobic fluorinated tetraphenylporphyrin (TPPF20) solubilized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (in the case PDZ) and pluronic F127 (in the case TPPF20) was studied in a model reaction of tryptophan (Trp) photooxidation. We also studied the effect of dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC) and sodium alginate (SA) polysaccharide on the photosensitizing activity of both PDZ in the presence of PVP and TPPF20 solubilized with pluronic F127 in a model reaction of Trp photooxidation. It was shown that TPPF20 solubilized with pluronic F127 exhibits high photocatalytic activity in the presence of both DNIC and SA. It was also shown that PVP is able to prevent the damaging effect exerted by active NO radicals produced during the photodecomposition of DNIC on PDZ molecules. Moreover, it was demonstrated that SA does not influence the photocatalytic activity of PDZ in the presence and absence of PVP. Using the dynamic light scattering method, it was found that SA macromolecules in the presence of PVP are capable of self-association, which, due to the ‘excluded volume’ effect, can cause a slight increase in the rate of photocatalytic reaction. The effectiveness of using PDZ in combination with PVP in the presence of SA and DNIC as a photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy was studied via in vivo experiments on a model of a full-layer planar wound in laboratory rats. Morphological studies have shown that under photodynamic action on wounds, the use of these systems (compared to photoexcitation of an aqueous solution of the initial PDZ) stimulates the transition of the inflammatory phase to the reparative (proliferative) phase. In addition, the process of cleansing wounds from microflora and devitalized tissues is accelerated, the disturbed microcirculation is restored, the proliferation of fibroblasts and blood vessels, and collagen synthesis are accelerated. It is suggested that the PDZ-PVP-SA-DNIC systems can be used in PDT procedures for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the skin and soft tissues.
Spatial mode analysis of optical beams carrying monstar disclinations
Authors: Vicuña-Hernández Verónica , Cardano Filippo , Darvehi Pegah , Marrucci Lorenzo , Rubano Andrea , Piccirillo Bruno
Published: February 2023

Asymmetric polarization disclinations, such as monstars, can be generated in two distinct ways: (a) by an inseparable superposition of three spatial modes bearing optical vortices with circular polarization states; (b) by using a modulated Poincaré beam, consisting of an inseparable superposition of a circularly-polarized fundamental Gaussian beam TEM00 and a second beam exhibiting an azimuthally-modulated vortex with an m-fold rotational symmetry and the opposite circular polarization. Based on the analysis of the spatial modes indirectly involved into the superposition through the latter method, we investigate its capability of spanning as many disclinations as possible, as well as its capability of enabling effective predictions about the generated patterns, such as relevant geometric features, already at the design stage.
On 𝑞-analogue of Euler–Stieltjes constants
Authors: Chatterjee Tapas , Garg Sonam
Published: February 2023

Kurokawa and Wakayama [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 132 (2004), pp. 935–943] defined a

q
q

-analogue of the Euler constant and proved the irrationality of certain numbers involving

q
q

-Euler constant. In this paper, we improve their results and prove the linear independence result involving

q
q

-analogue of the Euler constant. Further, we derive the closed-form of a

q
q

-analogue of the

k
k

-th Stieltjes constant

γ
k

(
q
)

\gamma _k(q)

. These constants are the coefficients in the Laurent series expansion of a

q
q

-analogue of the Riemann zeta function around

s
=
1

s=1

. Using a result of Nesterenko [C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris Sér. I Math. 322 (1996), pp. 909–914], we also settle down a question of Erdős regarding the arithmetic nature of the infinite series

∑

n
≥
1

σ
1

(
n
)

/

t
n

\sum _{n\geq 1}{\sigma _1(n)}/{t^n}

for any integer

t
>
1

t > 1

. Finally, we study the transcendence nature of some infinite series involving

γ
1

(
2
)

\gamma _1(2)

.
Incarnations of XXX ̂𝔰𝔩_{𝔑} Bethe ansatz equations and integrable hierarchies
Authors: Krichever Igor , Varchenko Alexander
Published: February 2023

We consider the space of solutions of the Bethe ansatz equations of the

s
l

N

^

\widehat {\frak {sl}_N}

XXX quantum integrable model, associated with the trivial representation of

s
l

N

^

\widehat {\frak {sl}_N}

. We construct a family of commuting flows on this space and identify the flows with the flows of coherent rational Ruijesenaars-Schneider systems. For that we develop in full generality the spectral transform for the rational Ruijesenaars-Schneider system.
The Kowalewski separability conditions
Authors: Magri Franco
Published: February 2023

The paper is an introduction to a novel viewpoint on the theory of separable systems of Classical Mechanics, based on a set of separability conditions called " Kowalewski separability conditions ". The aim is to illustrate the geometric meaning of these conditions, and to explain their relations to some classical results by Jacobi, Neumann, Stäckel, and Kowalewski.
Flat coordinates on orbit spaces: from Novikov algebras to cyclic quotient singularities
Authors: Strachan Ian
Published: February 2023

The Gauss-Manin equations are solved for a class of flat-metrics defined by Novikov algebras, this generalizing a result of Balinskii and Novikov who solved this problem in the case of commutative Novikov algebras (where the algebraic conditions reduce to those of a Frobenius algebra). The problem stems from the theory of first-order Hamiltonian operators and their reduction to a constant, or Darboux, form. The monodromy group associated with the Novikov algebra gives rise to an orbit space, which is, for a wide range of Novikov algebras, a cyclic quotient singularity.
Geometry from Donaldson-Thomas invariants
Authors: Bridgeland Tom
Published: February 2023

We introduce geometric structures on the space of stability conditions of a three-dimensional Calabi-Yau category which encode the Donaldson-Thomas invariants of the category. We explain in detail a close analogy between these structures, which we call Joyce structures, and Frobenius structures. In the second half of the paper we give explicit calculations of Joyce structures in three classes of examples.
On Harish-Chandra theory of global nonsymmetric functions
Authors: Cherednik Ivan
Published: February 2023

This paper is devoted to the Harish-Chandra-type decomposition of the global nonsymmetric spherical functions (defined via nonsymmetric Macdonald polynomials) in terms of their asymptotic expansions; the

q
,
t

q,t

–generalization of the celebrated Harish-Chandra

c
c

–function is an important ingredient. This is for any reduced root systems in the

q
,
t

q,t

–setting; we pay special attention to the case of

A
1

A_1

, where this decomposition is very explicit.
Symmetries of genus zero modular operad
Authors: Combe Noémie , Manin Yuri
Published: February 2023

In this article combining survey and certain research results, we introduce a categorical framework for description of symmetries of genus zero modular operad. This description merges the techniques of recent “persistence homology” studies and the classical formalism of groupoids. We show that the contravariant “poset in groupoids” embodying these symmetries, provides a new avatar of profinite Grothendieck–Teichmüller group acting upon this operad but seemingly not related with representations of the Galois group of all algebraic numbers.
Grothendieck-Teichmüller group, operads and graph complexes: a survey
Authors: Merkulov Sergei
Published: February 2023

The paper offers a more or less self-contained introduction into the theory of the Grothendieck-Teichmüller group and Drinfeld associators using the theory of operads and graph complexes.
A preauricular erythematous indurated plaque
Authors: Mumford Blake P , Unglik Gary A , Khamu Tim T , Chong Alvin H
Published: February 2023

A 55-year-old woman presented with a 7-month history of an erythematous plaque affecting the right preauricular skin and ipsilateral swelling of the ear. Biopsy of the right preauricular plaque revealed a perivascular infiltrate of polyclonal plasma cells, lymphocytes and eosinophils.
The impact of a phototherapy service on carbon emissions and suggestions for the future delivery of sustainable care
Authors: Beatty Paula , Costa Blasco Marta , McFeely Orla , Doyle Claire , Andrawis Madonna , Wolinska Anna , Day Annemarie , Tobin Anne-Marie
Published: February 2023

A cross-sectional study of the carbon emissions generated by patients attending a tertiary dermatology centre for phototherapy.
Genome-wide analysis reveals novel regulators of synaptic maintenance in Drosophila
Authors: Sidisky Jessica M , de Paula Moreira Danielle , Okumus Meryem , Caratenuto Russell , Drost Cassidy , Connors Bali , Hussain Sarrah , Alkhatib Stephanie , Babcock Daniel T
Published: February 2023

Maintaining synaptic communication is required to preserve nervous system function as an organism ages. While much work has been accomplished to understand synapse formation and development, we understand relatively little regarding maintaining synaptic integrity throughout aging. To better understand the mechanisms responsible for maintaining synaptic structure and function, we performed an unbiased forward genetic screen to identify genes required for synapse maintenance of adult Drosophila neuromuscular junctions. Using flight behavior as a screening tool, we evaluated flight ability in 198 lines from the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with a progressive loss of flight ability with age. Among the many candidate genes identified from this screen, we focus here on 10 genes with clear human homologs harboring SNPs that are most highly associated with synaptic maintenance. Functional validation of these genes using mutant alleles revealed a progressive loss of synaptic structural integrity. Tissue-specific knockdown of these genes using RNA interference (RNAi) uncovered important roles for these genes in either presynaptic motor neurons, postsynaptic muscles, or associated glial cells, highlighting the importance of each component of tripartite synapses. These results offer greater insight into the mechanisms responsible for maintaining structural and functional integrity of synapses with age.
A Globally Distributed Insecticide Resistance Allele Confers a Fitness Cost in the Absence of Insecticide in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), the Yellow Fever Mosquito
Authors: Fisher Cera R , Dressel Anastacia E , Silva Juan J , Scott Jeffrey G
Published: February 2023

The cosmopolitan mosquito Aedes aegypti is a vector of harmful arboviruses. Pyrethroid insecticides are used to reduce adult populations and prevent the spread of disease. Pyrethroids target the insect voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC). Collectively, mutations in Vgsc that confer resistance are referred to as knock-down resistance or kdr. There are numerous kdr mutations found in A. aegypti Vgsc, and there is co-occurrence of some mutations. Full-length cDNA sequences have identified nine known kdr (e.g., 1534C) alleles. The 1534C allele is among the most common kdr alleles, but allele frequencies between populations vary considerably. We used the 1534C:RK strain, which has the 1534C (kdr) allele in the genetic background of the insecticide susceptible Rockefeller (ROCK) strain, and conducted population cage experiments to assess the potential intrinsic fitness cost of the 1534C allele relative to the susceptible allele (F1534) in the ROCK strain. Individuals were genotyped across generations using allele specific PCR. A fitness cost of the 1534C allele was detected across seven generations of mosquitos reared in the absence of insecticide selection pressure. The decrease in allele frequency was not due to drift. Comparison of our results to previous studies suggests that the magnitude of the fitness cost of kdr alleles in the absence of insecticide is disconnected from the level of resistance they confer, and that the fitness costs of different kdr alleles can be variable.
Noise Reduction of Low-Count STEM-EDX Data by Low-Rank Regularized Spectral Smoothing
Authors: Ozawa Keisuke
Published: February 2023

Statistically weighted principal component analysis (wPCA) is widely used to reduce the noise of scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray (STEM-EDX) spectroscopic data. It is beneficial to retain the spatial resolution of observation in each step of the analysis, but the direct application of wPCA without preprocessing, such as spatial averaging, often fails against low-count STEM-EDX data. To enhance the applicability of wPCA while retaining spatial resolution, a step-by-step noise reduction method is considered in this study. Specifically, a numerical optimization is developed to simultaneously characterize the smoothness of EDX spectra and the low rankness of the data. In the presented approach, low-count data are first spectrally smoothed by solving this optimization problem, and then further denoised by using wPCA to project onto a subspace rigorously spanned by a small number of components. A challenging example is provided, and the improved noise reduction performance is demonstrated and compared to existing spectral smoothing techniques.
Instrument Evaluation: Attitudes Toward Older Adults and Intent to Work in Geriatrics
Authors: Denison Samantha R. , Van Son Catherine R. , Graves Janessa
Published: February 2023

Despite the increasing demand for nurses in geriatrics, interest lags in working with older adults. The Carolina Opinions on the Care of Older Adults instrument assesses attitudes toward older adults, with one subscale assessing intention to work with older adults. The instrument was used in a pretest/posttest study with prelicensure students enrolled in a gerontological nursing course. Posttest scores showed an improvement in attitudes toward older adults. The geriatric career choice subscale showed no pretest/posttest changes. The Carolina Opinions on the Care of Older Adults instrument is a suitable measure to assess changes in attitudes and intention to work with older adults.
Disseminated Protothecosis Due to Prototheca zopfii and Literature Review
Authors: Chen Feifan , Saab-Chalhoub Mario , Tao Joy , Harrington Amanda T. , Albarillo Fritzie S. , Crone Andrew S. , Clark Nina M. , Speiser Jodi J.
Published: February 2023

Prototheca species are achlorophyllic algae that are a rare cause of infection in humans. It most commonly causes localized cutaneous disease and rarely disseminated infection. Immunocompromised patients have the highest risk of disseminated protothecosis, with a higher mortality rate than localized cutaneous infections. At the species level, infections caused by Prototheca zopfii are reported less frequently than those caused by Prototheca wickerhamii. The diagnosis can be made using histopathology, culture, and molecular testing. There is no definitive evidence for an effective treatment, which currently consists of antifungals (primarily amphotericin B). With only a handful of cases of disseminated protothecosis reported worldwide that are caused by P. zopfii, we herein present an additional case of a postbone marrow transplant patient in the Midwest of the United States.
Parental Sexuality Disclosure, Discrimination, and Depression Among Black Sexual Minority Men and Black Transgender Women
Authors: Turpin Rodman E. , Dangerfield Derek T. , Oke Temitope , Hickson DeMarc A.
Published: February 2023

Racial and sexuality-based discrimination can induce depressive symptoms among Black sexual minority men and transgender women (BSMM/BTW). BSMM and BTW who disclose their sexuality to parents may be better prepared to cope with discrimination. We explored the relationship between discrimination and depression among BSMM and BTW and whether parental disclosure modified this relationship. Secondary analysis of The MARI Study was used to test the relationship between discrimination and depression modified by level of disclosure of sexuality to parents among 580 BSMM and BTW in Jackson, Mississippi, and Atlanta, Georgia. Bivariate tests and linear regression models were stratified by sexuality disclosure to parents. Discrimination was associated with greater depression, with significant dose-response modification across levels of disclosure. After adjustment, maximum discrimination scores were associated with depression scores 10.7 units higher among participants with very open disclosure (95% CI, 10.4-11.8), 15.3 units higher among participants with somewhat open disclosure (95% CI, 3.7-26.9), and 19.5 units higher among participants with no disclosure (95% CI, 10.2-26.8). Disclosure of sexuality to supportive parents can substantially benefit the mental health of BSMM and BTW. Future studies should explore intervention approaches to providing social support for BSMM and BTW in unsupportive families.
The Burden of COVID-19 on Surgeons’ Financial Relationship with the Industry
Authors: Siotos Charalampos , Ferraro Jennifer , Arnold Sydney H. , Siotou Kalliopi , Lopez Joseph , Dorafshar Amir H.
Published: February 2023

The healthcare system has been greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to compare pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 payments between industry and medical providers for all surgeons and subspecialized surgeons. Payment information was obtained from the Open Payments Program database for the 2019 and 2020 reported periods for three physician groups: all physicians, all surgeons, and each surgical subspecialty. Comparison and analysis of payment amount and type between these years was performed for each cohort. Physicians experienced a 36% decrease in industry payments with surgeons experiencing a 30.4% decrease. All surgical subspecialties, including plastic surgery (−30.5%; P < 0.01), experienced a significant decrease in industry payments except for transplant surgery, trauma surgery, and neurological surgery. Charitable contributions and compensation for services other than consulting were the only payment types that increased from 2019 to 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted industry physician payments across all medical and surgical fields with payment decreases across almost all surgical subspecialties.
Subfoveal choroidal tuberculoma in a healthy young woman caused by Mycobacterium bovis.
Authors: Schopp Maya J. , Strzalkowski Piotr , Dithmar Stefan
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

To describe a case of a macular tuberculoma in a young and healthy woman after developing a tuberculous lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium bovis.

Methods:

Retrospective case report.

Results:

Tuberculous lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium bovis was detected after biopsy and histological examination as well as PCR testing of cervical lymph nodes in a 20 year-old patient. An interferon gamma was positive. Shortly starting anti-tubercular therapy (ATT), the patient developed visual deterioration caused by a single yellowish subretinal structure in the macula of the right eye. Optical coherence tomography showed a dome-shaped, hyperreflective, subfoveal choroidal lesion with subtle subretinal fluid. ATT with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide was performed, and the de-escalation therapy with isoniazid and rifampicin was extended to 7 months. Further examinations showed regression of choroidal tuberculoma to a scar.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported case of choroidal tuberculoma after tuberculous lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium bovis.
Brain death-like changes: A case report of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome
Authors: Tian Jia , Zhou Yi , Cui Hemei , Zhang Limiao , Xue Yan , Liu Lidou
Published: February 2023

Rationale:

Anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome originates in the peripheral nervous system or the central nervous system. Various overlapping syndromes and atypical manifestations are also seen in clinic. It is rare to see multiple sites (almost all targets) of central and peripheral damage at the same time, resulting in brain death-like changes in patient.

Patient concerns:

This is a 55-year-old female patient, with a history of prodromal upper respiratory tract infection, began with headache, quickly developed body paralysis, eye paralysis, disturbance of consciousness, apnea, and tested positive for anti-GQ1b antibody. The patient is diagnosed clearly, the disease progresses rapidly, and almost all GQ1b sites in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system are involved, which is rare.

Diagnoses:

Anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome.

Interventions and outcomes:

The patient was treated with tracheal intubation, ventilator assisted breathing, and immunoglobulin. The patient recovered quickly and was discharged after about 30 days in hospital.

Lessons:

The concept of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome is not only beneficial for clinical diagnosis, but also beneficial for understanding the continuous disease spectrum with the same etiology and different clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis of each subtype has not been fully defined. There are mild patients with isolated syndromes and severe patients with multiple subtypes overlapping. Encounter severe patients but also active response, the general prognosis is good.
Design and application of personalized exercise prescription for primary osteoporosis
Authors: Li Yongjie , Zhang Dakuan , Fu Shenyu , Liu Mengling , Liu Hongju
Published: February 2023

Background:

Regular exercise has been shown to have a beneficial effect on primary osteoporosis (POP). However, current exercise prescriptions have limitations such as insufficient individualized features and low participant compliance, which in turn limit their application in clinical practice. In this study, we propose to establish a personalized exercise prescription based on the Chinese traditional exercise—Yi Jin Jing, combined with treadmill exercises and strength training, and then observe its effects on pain, muscle strength, balance, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolic indexes in patients with POP.

Methods:

This trial is a single-center, randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled clinical study. We will recruit 40 patients with POP and assign them to the control group and the experimental group in a 1:1 ratio according to the intended protocol. The control group received 24 weeks of conventional medication and health promotion, and the experimental group received 24 weeks of personalized exercise prescription intervention (Yijinjing, treadmill exercises, and strength training). Outcome measures include pain (visual analogue scale), muscle strength (bilateral upper limb grip strength and isometric muscle strength of the trunk, hip, and knee), balance (Balance test with eyes open and closed while standing on one leg), and BMD (Lumbar spine 2–4 and femoral neck). In addition, bone metabolism indicators include parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH) 2D3), type I procollagen aminoterminal peptide and type I collagen carboxy-terminal peptide. Outcome measures will be assessed before and after 24 weeks of intervention. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS22.0.

Discussion:

This trial aimed to enrich the content and form of exercise rehabilitation prescriptions for patients with POP, which is conducive to improving the exercise rehabilitation effect and quality of life in this population.
Diagnostic value of cell-free DNA in thyroid cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hou Fei , Sun Xiao-Dan , Deng Zhi-Yong
Published: February 2023

Objective:

An increasing number of studies have shown the potential diagnostic value of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a new biomarker in the management of thyroid cancer (TC); however, the accuracy of research results is inconsistent. This meta-analysis is the first to synthesize published results and evaluate the application value of circulating cfDNA in the diagnosis of TC.

Methods:

A search strategy was developed according to PICO (P: Patient; I: Intervention; C: Comparison; O: Outcome) principles. We searched 5 databases until October 2022. Original studies that examined cfDNA for the diagnosis of TC and used pathology as the gold standard were included in this meta-analysis. A random-effects model was used to pool the data extracted from individual studies, including the number of patients and the numbers of true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives.

Results:

A total of 622 patients with TC, 547 patients with benign thyroid nodules, and 98 healthy individuals were included in 20 studies reported in 14 articles. The types of cfDNA included in the research include specific mutations of cfDNA, methylation of cfDNA, the content of cfDNA, and cfDNA index. After rigorous statistical analysis, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.85), 0.87 (95% CI 0.78–0.93), 5.08 (95% CI 3.3–10.3), 0.28 (95% CI 0.17–0.46), 21 (95% CI 9–49), and 0.89 (95% CI 0.86–0.91), respectively. The meta-regression results showed that the number of cfDNAs, cfDNA methylation status, and sample size were the sources of heterogeneity in the specificity of the study. A subgroup analysis showed that the quantitative analysis group (cfDNA level) had a higher diagnostic accuracy than that of the qualitative analysis group (cfDNA methylation, mutation, or integrity index), with a sensitivity of 0.84, specificity of 0.89, and area under the curve of 0.91.

Conclusions:

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that cfDNA has value as an adjunct for the diagnosis of TC. Quantitative detection of cfDNA can achieve relatively high diagnostic accuracy. However, due to heterogeneity, the test results based on cfDNA for TC should be interpreted with caution.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5-related autoimmune encephalitis with reversible splenial lesion syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lian Baorong , Yang Shiwei , Huang Xuming , Zhou Yanxia , Cao Liming
Published: February 2023

Rationale:

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5)-related autoimmune encephalitis (AE) has been rarely reported; however, there are no reports on mGluR5-related AE with reversible splenial lesion syndrome following vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Patient concerns:

A 29-year-old man was admitted with a history of headache and fever for 9 days and 6 days, respectively.

Diagnosis:

He was initially diagnosed with an intracranial infection, however the final diagnosis was corrected as anti-mGluR5-related AE with reversible splenial lesion syndrome.

Interventions:

He had received an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine 3 weeks prior to the examination and was initially diagnosed with an intracranial infection. Physical examination revealed bilateral horizontal nystagmus, ataxia, and neck rigidity. Antiinfective therapy was minimally helpful. An analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid did not reveal pathogens for sequencing. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed abnormal signals in the splenium of the corpus callosum.

Outcomes:

We identified mGluR5 antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Subsequently, intravenous methylprednisolone pulse and gamma-globulin pulse therapies were administered, which substantially improved the symptoms. Follow-up did not reveal abnormal neurological symptoms, and the lesion in the corpus callosum had resolved.

Lessons:

AE with mGluR5 antibodies could arise from SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, which warrants the awareness of healthcare workers. Reversible splenial lesion syndrome may accompany mGluR5-related AE and mimic intracranial infection. Thus, early treatment can prevent serious residual signs and symptoms.