bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human-prosthesis cooperation: combining adaptive prosthesis control with visual feedback guided gait
Authors: Fylstra Bretta L. , Lee I-Chieh , Li Minhan , Lewek Michael D. , Huang He
Published: December 2022

Background

Personalizing prosthesis control is often structured as human-in-the-loop optimization. However, gait performance is influenced by both human control and intelligent prosthesis control. Hence, we need to consider both human and prosthesis control, and their cooperation, to achieve desired gait patterns. In this study, we developed a novel paradigm that engages human gait control via user-fed visual feedback (FB) of stance time to cooperate with automatic prosthesis control tuning. Three initial questions were studied: (1) does user control of gait timing (via visual FB) help the prosthesis tuning algorithm to converge faster? (2) in turn, does the prosthesis control influence the user’s ability to reach and maintain the target stance time defined by the feedback? and (3) does the prosthesis control parameters tuned with extended stance time on prosthesis side allow the user to maintain this potentially beneficial behavior even after feedback is removed (short- and long-term retention)?

Methods

A reinforcement learning algorithm was used to achieve prosthesis control to meet normative knee kinematics in walking. A visual FB system cued the user to control prosthesis-side stance time to facilitate the prosthesis tuning goal. Seven individuals without amputation (AB) and four individuals with transfemoral amputation (TFA) walked with a powered knee prosthesis on a treadmill. Participants completed prosthesis auto-tuning with three visual feedback conditions: no FB, self-selected stance time FB (SS FB), and increased stance time FB (Inc FB). The retention of FB effects was studied by comparing the gait performance across three different prosthesis controls, tuned with different visual FB.

Results

(1) Human control of gait timing reduced the tuning duration in individuals without amputation, but not for individuals with TFA. (2) The change of prosthesis control did not influence users’ ability to reach and maintain the visual FB goal. (3) All participants increased their prosthesis-side stance time with the feedback and maintain it right after feedback was removed. However, in the post-test, the prosthesis control parameters tuned with visual FB only supported a few participants with longer stance time and better stance time symmetry.

Conclusions

The study provides novel insights on human-prosthesis interaction when cooperating in walking, which may guide the future successful adoption of this paradigm in prosthesis control personalization or human-in-the-loop optimization to improve the prosthesis user’s gait performance.
Sequential interventions to maintain the safety and service provisions of human milk banking in India: keeping up with the call to action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bhasin Maheshwar , Nangia Sushma , Kumar Gunjana , Parihar Abha , Goel Srishti
Published: December 2022

Background

WHO recommends donor milk as the next best choice if Mothers’ own milk (MOM) is unavailable. At our milk bank, during the COVID 19 pandemic, we observed a steep decline in the collection of donor milk, while Pasteurised Donor human milk (PDHM) demand increased. This called for active intervention.

Methods

We employed the quasi-experimental quality improvement initiative. During September 2020 (baseline period) the team members identified modifiable bottlenecks and suggested interventions (using WhatsApp to increase follow up, telehealth and digital tools) which were implemented in October 2020 and the impact was evaluated till March 2021. The SMART aim was “to meet the demand (estimated as 15,000 ml/month) of donor milk for adjoining 80-bedded NICU”. Process measures were; daily amount of donor milk collected, pasteurized donor milk disbursed to NICU, number of donors and frequency of donations. The balancing measure was that the collection of donor milk should not undermine the provision of freshly expressed MOM for babies.

Results

Collection of donor milk increased by 180% from baseline during the Intervention phase. This was sustained throughout the sustenance phase (November 2020 and March 2021) with an average monthly collection of 16,500 ml. Strikingly, the increased follow-up of mothers with emphasis on MOM decreased the NICU’s donor milk requirement from 13,300 ml (baseline) to 12,500 ml (intervention) to 8,300 ml (sustenance). Monitoring of daily MOM used in the NICU revealed a 32% surge from 20,000 ml (baseline) to 27,000 ml (intervention) sustained at 25,000 ml per month.

Conclusion

By improving the provisions of human milk banks, near-exclusive human milk feeding can be ensured even during the pandemic time.
Species-specific basecallers improve actual accuracy of nanopore sequencing in plants
Authors: Ferguson Scott , McLay Todd , Andrew Rose L. , Bruhl Jeremy J. , Schwessinger Benjamin , Borevitz Justin , Jones Ashley
Published: December 2022

Background

Long-read sequencing platforms offered by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) allow native DNA containing epigenetic modifications to be directly sequenced, but can be limited by lower per-base accuracies. A key step post-sequencing is basecalling, the process of converting raw electrical signals produced by the sequencing device into nucleotide sequences. This is challenging as current basecallers are primarily based on mixtures of model species for training. Here we utilise both ONT PromethION and higher accuracy PacBio Sequel II HiFi sequencing on two plants, Phebalium stellatum and Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, to train species-specific basecaller models with the aim of improving per-base accuracy. We investigate sequencing accuracies achieved by ONT basecallers and assess accuracy gains by training single-species and species-specific basecaller models. We also evaluate accuracy gains from ONT’s improved flowcells (R10.4, FLO-PRO112) and sequencing kits (SQK-LSK112). For the truth dataset for both model training and accuracy assessment, we developed highly accurate, contiguous diploid reference genomes with PacBio Sequel II HiFi reads.

Results

Basecalling with ONT Guppy 5 and 6 super-accurate gave almost identical results, attaining read accuracies of 91.96% and 94.15%. Guppy’s plant-specific model gave highly mixed results, attaining read accuracies of 91.47% and 96.18%. Species-specific basecalling models improved read accuracy, attaining 93.24% and 95.16% read accuracies. R10.4 sequencing kits also improve sequencing accuracy, attaining read accuracies of 95.46% (super-accurate) and 96.87% (species-specific).

Conclusions

The use of a single mixed-species basecaller model, such as ONT Guppy super-accurate, may be reducing the accuracy of nanopore sequencing, due to conflicting genome biology within the training dataset and study species. Training of single-species and genome-specific basecaller models improves read accuracy. Studies that aim to do large-scale long-read genotyping would primarily benefit from training their own basecalling models. Such studies could use sequencing accuracy gains and improving bioinformatics tools to improve study outcomes.
Transcoronary sinus repair of a severely dilated and tortuous right coronary artery fistulized to coronary sinus complicated with tricuspid valve insufficiency
Authors: Li Xuebiao , Qian Jianfang , Shen Zhonghua , Dong Aiqiang
Published: December 2022

Background

Right coronary artery (RCA) fistulized to the coronary sinus is rare condition in adult cardiac anomalies, and the management and operative indication are controversial.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 45-year female patient who presented with exertional dyspnea, accompanied by intermitted lower limbs and facial edema. She was diagnosed with severe tricuspid regurgitation second to a severely dilated RCA fistulized to the coronary sinus. After multidisciplinary discussion, she underwent surgery through routine medium sternotomy, the right atrium was opened under cardiopulmonary bypass. The coronary arteriovenous fistula from the distal portion of RC to a severely enlarged coronary sinus was found. Trans-coronary sinus closure of the fistula was performed with continuous stitching and a tricuspid ring annuloplasty was done. The patient recovered uneventful post operation.

Conclusion

According to current literatures, surgical treatment was adopted for this case, instead of endovascular intervention. The optimal approach for these cases should consider the heart’s anatomical characteristics. But we need to be aware of the occurrence of myocardial infarction and tricuspid regurgitation in the early and late stage after operation.
Towards FAIRification of sensitive and fragmented rare disease patient data: challenges and solutions in European reference network registries
Authors: dos Santos Vieira Bruna , Bernabé César H. , Zhang Shuxin , Abaza Haitham , Benis Nirupama , Cámara Alberto , Cornet Ronald , Le Cornec Clémence M. A. , ’t Hoen Peter A. C. , Schaefer Franz , van der Velde K. Joeri , Swertz Morris A. , Wilkinson Mark D. , Jacobsen Annika , Roos Marco
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Rare disease patient data are typically sensitive, present in multiple registries controlled by different custodians, and non-interoperable. Making these data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) for humans and machines at source enables federated discovery and analysis across data custodians. This facilitates accurate diagnosis, optimal clinical management, and personalised treatments. In Europe, twenty-four European Reference Networks (ERNs) work on rare disease registries in different clinical domains. The process and the implementation choices for making data FAIR (‘FAIRification’) differ among ERN registries. For example, registries use different software systems and are subject to different legal regulations. To support the ERNs in making informed decisions and to harmonise FAIRification, the FAIRification steward team was established to work as liaisons between ERNs and researchers from the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases.

Results

The FAIRification steward team inventoried the FAIRification challenges of the ERN registries and proposed solutions collectively with involved stakeholders to address them. Ninety-eight FAIRification challenges from 24 ERNs’ registries were collected and categorised into “training” (31), “community” (9), “modelling” (12), “implementation” (26), and “legal” (20). After curating and aggregating highly similar challenges, 41 unique FAIRification challenges remained. The two categories with the most challenges were “training” (15) and “implementation” (9), followed by “community” (7), and then “modelling” (5) and “legal” (5). To address all challenges, eleven types of solutions were proposed. Among them, the provision of guidelines and the organisation of training activities resolved the “training” challenges, which ranged from less-technical “coffee-rounds” to technical workshops, from informal FAIR Games to formal hackathons. Obtaining implementation support from technical experts was the solution type for tackling the “implementation” challenges.

Conclusion

This work shows that a dedicated team of FAIR data stewards is an asset for harmonising the various processes of making data FAIR in a large organisation with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, multi-levelled training activities are required to accommodate the diverse needs of the ERNs. Finally, the lessons learned from the experience of the FAIRification steward team described in this paper may help to increase FAIR awareness and provide insights into FAIRification challenges and solutions of rare disease registries.
Fathers and mothers’ parenting stress and adolescent depressive symptoms: the mediating roles of overt and covert coparenting conflict behaviors
Authors: Ren Yizhen , Zou Shengqi , Wang Hui , Ying Jiefeng , Wang Xinyi , Wu Xinchun
Published: December 2022

Background

It is yet to be clarified if and how parenting stress was linked to adolescent depressive symptoms during the pandemic.

Objectives

This study adopted an interdependent approach to examine the relationship between parenting stress and adolescent depressive symptoms in Chinese families. It then examined the mediating effects of overt and covert coparenting conflict behaviors.

Methods

As a national survey, data were obtained from different regions in China. Fathers, mothers, and adolescents from 1031 families participated in this study. The fathers and mothers reported parenting stress; the adolescents rated their fathers and mothers’ overt and covert coparenting conflict behaviors and their own depressive symptoms.

Results

Maternal parenting stress was related to adolescent depressive symptoms through the mediating effects of paternal overt and maternal covert coparenting conflict behaviors. Both paternal and maternal parenting stress were directly related to adolescent depressive symptoms. However, maternal parenting stress had a more substantial effect on adolescent depressive symptoms than paternal parenting stress.

Conclusions

The findings support the effects of parenting stress on adolescent depressive symptoms. The study also highlights the mediating roles of paternal overt and maternal covert coparenting conflict behaviors in relationships.
STRling: a k-mer counting approach that detects short tandem repeat expansions at known and novel loci
Authors: Dashnow Harriet , Pedersen Brent S. , Hiatt Laurel , Brown Joe , Beecroft Sarah J. , Ravenscroft Gianina , LaCroix Amy J. , Lamont Phillipa , Roxburgh Richard H. , Rodrigues Miriam J. , Davis Mark , Mefford Heather C. , Laing Nigel G. , Quinlan Aaron R.
Published: December 2022

Expansions of short tandem repeats (STRs) cause many rare diseases. Expansion detection is challenging with short-read DNA sequencing data since supporting reads are often mapped incorrectly. Detection is particularly difficult for “novel” STRs, which include new motifs at known loci or STRs absent from the reference genome. We developed STRling to efficiently count k-mers to recover informative reads and call expansions at known and novel STR loci. STRling is sensitive to known STR disease loci, has a low false discovery rate, and resolves novel STR expansions to base-pair position accuracy. It is fast, scalable, open-source, and available at:github.com/quinlan-lab/STRling.
Somatostatin receptor saturation after administration of high peptide amounts of [177Lu]Lu-HA-DOTATATE: when enough is enough
Authors: Siebinga Hinke , Veerman Chayenne H. A. M. , de Wit-van der Veen Linda , Stokkel Marcel P. M. , Hendrikx Jeroen J. M. A. , Aalbersberg Else A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Receptor saturation during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) could result in altered [177Lu]Lu-HA-DOTATATE uptake in tumors and organs. Therefore, receptor expression status and effects of different (unlabeled) administered peptide amounts during PRRT need to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess potential receptor saturation during PRRT by comparing organ and tumor uptake after administration of [177Lu]Lu-HA-DOTATATE with low, standard and high administered peptide amounts in patients with advanced metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

Methods

Data of NET patients that received 7.4 GBq 177-Lutetium labeled to a low or high amount of HA-DOTATATE were retrospectively included. From included patients other PRRT cycles, containing standard administered peptide amounts, were included for intra-patient comparison. Uptake quantification was performed for spleen, liver, kidney, bone marrow, blood pool and tumor lesions on post-treatment SPECT/CT scans. A paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to determine uptake differences between two adjacent cycles for each patient.

Results

Thirteen patients received [177Lu]Lu-HA-DOTATATE with a high administered peptide amount (mean 346 µg vs 178 µg standard peptide amount). Low peptide amounts were administered to fifteen patients (mean 109 µg vs 202 µg standard peptide amount). High administered peptide amount resulted in significantly lower [177Lu]Lu-HA-DOTATATE uptake in the spleen (p = 0.00012), kidney (p = 0.013) and tumor lesions (p < 0.0001) versus standard peptide amounts. For low administered peptide amount, uptake was increased in the spleen (p = 0.015), while tumor uptake was significantly reduced (p = 0.015) compared to uptake after administration of standard peptide amounts.

Conclusions

These findings confirmed a peptide amount-dependent organ and tumor accumulation for [177Lu]Lu-HA-DOTATATE, with receptor saturation in spleen for high and standard peptide amounts, while tumor and kidney receptor saturation occur only with high administered peptide amounts. A high peptide amount (~ 350 µg) is not recommended for standard-dose PRRT and standard amounts (~ 200 µg) seem more suitable to achieve optimal tumor accumulation with limited organ uptake.
Enabling real time big data solutions for manufacturing at scale
Authors: Cakir Altan , Akın Özgün , Deniz Halil Faruk , Yılmaz Ali
Published: December 2022

Today we create and collect more data than we have in the past. All this data comes from different sources, including social media platforms, our phones and computers, healthcare gadgets and wearable technology, scientific instruments, financial institutions, the manufacturing industry, news channels, and more. When these data are analyzed in a real-time nature, it offers businesses the opportunity to take quick action in business-development processes (B2B, B2C), gain a different perspective, and better understand applications, creating new opportunities. While changing their sales and marketing strategies, businesses are now able to manage the data they collect in real-time to transform themselves, to record them in a healthy way, to analyze and evaluate data-based processes, and to determine their digital transformation roadmaps, their interactions with their customers, sectoral diffraction, application, and analysis. They want to accelerate the transformation processes within the technology triangle. Thus, big data, recently called as small and wide data, is at the center of everything and becomes an important application for digital transformation. Digital transformation helps companies embrace change and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. The value of big data in manufacturing, independent from sectoral variations, comes from its ability to combine both in an organization’s efforts to both digitize and automate its end-to-end business operations. In this study, the current digitalization and automation applications of one of the plastic injection-based manufacturing companies at scale will be discussed. Presented open-source-based big data analytics platform, DataCone, that increases data processing efficiency, storage optimization, encourages innovation for real time monitorization and analytics, and support new business models in different industry segments will be demonstrated and discussed. Thus, development and applied ML solutions will be discussed providing important prospects for the future.
Image quality assessment along the one metre axial field-of-view of the total-body Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT system for 18F-FDG
Authors: Rausch Ivo , Mannheim Julia G. , Kupferschläger Jürgen , la Fougère Christian , Schmidt Fabian P.
Published: December 2022

Aim

Recently, total-body PET/CT systems with an extended axial field-of-view (aFOV) became commercially available which allow acquiring physiologic information of multiple organs simultaneously. However, the nominal aFOV may clinically not be used effectively due to the inherently reduced sensitivity at the distal ends of the aFOV. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of the useful aFOV of the Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT system.

Methods

A NEMA image quality (IQ) phantom mimicking a standard [18F]FDG examination was used. Image contrast and noise were assessed across the 106 cm aFOV of the Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT system (Siemens Healthineers). Phantom acquisitions were performed at different axial positions. PET data were rebinned to simulate different acquisition times for a standard injected activity and reconstructed using different filter settings to evaluate the noise and images along the axial direction.

Results

Image noise and contrast were stable within the central 80 cm of the aFOV. Outside this central area, image contrast variability as well as image noise increased. This degradation of IQ was in particular evident for short acquisition times of less than 30 s. At 10 min acquisition time and in the absence of post-reconstruction filtering, the useful aFOV was 100 cm. For a 2 min acquisition time, a useful aFOV with image noise below 15% was only achievable using Gaussian filtering with axial extents of between 83 and 103 cm when going from 2 to 6 mm full-width-half-maximum, respectively.

Conclusion

Image noise increases substantially towards the ends of the aFOV. However, good IQ in compliance with generally accepted benchmarks is achievable for an aFOV of > 90 cm. When accepting higher image noise or using dedicated protocol settings such as stronger filtering a useful aFOV of around 1 m can be achieved for a 2 min acquisition time.
Nitrous oxide intoxication: systematic literature review and proposal of new diagnostic possibilities
Authors: Luigi Cipolloni , Stefania De Simone
Published: December 2022

Background

Nitrous oxide (N2O), also called “laughing gas,” is the most commonly used inhalation anesthetic in dentistry. The N2O is no longer used, because of the long-term neurologic and cardiovascular sequelae. Due to its sedative and euphoric properties, N2O is often used for recreational use or in some erotic activities. Accidental deaths are mainly associated with the uses of N2O: death can occur from sudden cardiac arrhythmia or, most commonly, acute asphyxiation due to hypoxia. This paper aims to study the literature concerning deaths due to N2O intoxication and highlight pathological findings useful for diagnosis when the crime scene investigation does not reveal any evidence.

Materials and methods

The authors conducted the literature search by PubMed and Scopus databases, searching for articles from 1 January 1970 to 1 March 2020 using the key terms: “Nitrous oxide,” “Laughing gas,” “Hypoxic damage,” “Nitrous oxide anesthesia,” and “Nitrous oxide death.”

Results and discussion

A total of 244 articles were collected. Only 26 articles were included in the systematic review. Most of the deaths from intoxication are due to asphyxiation; the diagnosis is often difficult and immunohistochemistry could be helpful. Nitrous oxide increases the intracellular adhesion molecule expression, E- and P-Selectin (markers of the early inflammatory response), and HIF-1 α (indicative of oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion).

Conclusion

The macroscopic and microscopic signs of N2O intoxication are non-specific, but N2O has been proven to cause hypoxic damage to the brain. The suspicion of the presence of the gas in the environment should guide the pathologist. Tissue analyzes provide important information; immunohistochemical stains can confirm hypoxic damage through the use of markers such as HIF-1 α, E-Selectin, and P-Selectin.
Choking together with aspiration of gastric contents: rare form of maternal death
Authors: Vadysinghe Amal Nishantha , Nayakarathne Tharanga Bandara , Banda Ilangarathne , Perera Ranasinghe Arachchilage Erandathi I
Published: December 2022

Background

The common causes of early postpartum maternal deaths are cardiomyopathies, obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and sepsis. However, a maternal death from choking together with aspiration of gastric contents is a rare occurrence to be diagnosed at the autopsy examination.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old previously healthy lady developed breathlessness 48 h after delivery, while on supine position, 1 h after meals, and pronounced death on admission. Autopsy was insignificant except for large amount of gastric contents in the air ways. Microscopic examination revealed bronchioles filled with eosinophilic materials and a significant number of neutrophil infiltrations at the margin. Alveoli were free from edema fluid and inflammatory cells. Some alveoli were expanded with broken septae. Cause of death was airway obstruction due to choking together with aspiration of gastric contents.

Conclusions

Aspiration of gastric contents can cause sudden unexpected death at postpartum, and it is recommended to educate immediate and early postpartum mothers regarding the risk of aspiration.
Association of the ANGPTL3 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes with cardiovascular diseases in Birjand longitudinal aging study (BLAS)
Authors: Poursalehi Forough , Aghasizadeh Malihe , Ghorbanzadeh Somaye , heydari Farzaneh , Kazemi Tooba , Sharifi Farshad , Moodi Mitra , Fakrzadeh Hossen , Miri-Moghaddam Ebrahim
Published: December 2022

Subject

Cardiovascular disease is now well established as an interaction between genetic and environmental components. Newly identified single nucleotide polymorphisms of angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) influence lipid concentrations and risk of coronary artery disease. The current study aimed to determine the association between ANGPTL3 gene variants with incident CVDs in elderly population of the Birjand longitudinal aging study (BLAS).

Method

Totally, 360 individuals were recruited in baseline of BLAS including 128 patients with CVD and 153 control subjects. DNA extraction of samples and genotyping were performed by Tetra-ARMS PCR (amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction). The association between three polymorphisms of ANGPTL3 gene (rs1748195, rs11207997, and rs10789117 variants) with CVD and its risk factors were evaluated using multivariate analysis.

Results

Univariate and multiple analyses showed that individuals carrying the GG genotype of rs1748195 and those carrying the TT genotype of rs11207997 directly increased the risk of CVD. CC genotype of rs1748195 and rs11207997 polymorphisms had a significant negative relationship with the disease. In addition, the findings of this study indicate a significant difference in LDL, HDL, cholesterol levels between different genotypes of the rs1748195 and rs10789117 in the healthy group. Individuals with haplotypes CAC, CCC and CCT showed a significant positive relationship with CVD, CVA, AMI and CHD. As well as haplotype was associated with a 1.7-fold increase in risk of CVA, AMI, and CHD.

Conclusion

We found that polymorphism of ANGPTL3 gene might support to identify individuals with a cardiometabolic and genetic disorders susceptibility. Three haplotypes CAC, CCC and CCT associated with CVD, CVA, AMI and CHD were reported.
Attention-deficit hyperkinetic disorder among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aly Hanan Hassan , AbdelAziz Eman Amin , Mousa Mohamed Abdullah , AbdelRaouf Batoul Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Background

Type 1 diabetes is a common childhood disease that is affected by and affects every aspect in the life of the child or adolescent with diabetes. Data on attention-deficit hyperkinetic disorder (ADHD) among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ADHD among a cross-sectional sample of 70 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes as compared to 70 matched controls and to assess the glycemic control of included patients. For a comprehensive evaluation, assessment was done using Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC, the 35 item), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—the fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria, and Conners comprehensive behavior rating scale—revised for parents/caregivers. Glycemic control of all included patients was also evaluated by HbA1c %.

Results

A screening PSC score was significantly higher for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes than controls (p < 0.001). Significantly larger number of cases with type 1 diabetes fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for inattentive or hyperactive or mixed type ADHD (14.3%, 17.1% and 18.6%, respectively) as compared to controls (4.3%, 5.7%, and 7.1% respectively, p < 0.05). Also, a significantly larger number (more than half, 57.14%) had a Conners score above 70, and the mean scores on Conners parent rating scale were also significantly higher for children with type 1 diabetes than controls (p < 0.001). Most of the included patients did not achieve adequate glycemic control (47.14% of patients were in poor control and only about one fifth achieved a HbA1c < 7.5%).

Conclusion

ADHD is more common among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes than in healthy controls. It is important to perform psychiatric evaluation of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes especially those in poor metabolic control to assess for associated neuro-behavioral disorders such as ADHD. This is crucial to be able to properly design insulin therapy for such a group of patients who may suffer hypo- or hyper-glycemia due to inattention, forgetfulness, or hyperactivity and to properly select educational material that take the easy distractibility of ADHD patients into account as well as to be able to properly manage such cases given the extra stresses entailed in having a diagnosis of diabetes.
Simple division of rectourethral fistula as an alternative to ligation during laparoscopic repair of anorectal malformation
Authors: Al Matar Zahra , Maqbool Sabreen , Zakaria Habib , Alassiri Ali
Published: December 2022

Background

Various techniques are described to manage the rectourethral fistula during laparoscopic repair of anorectal malformation (LAARP). The fistula can be ligated with sutures, clips, staplers, or simply divided flushed with the urethra.

Objective

The aim of our study is to share our experience of simply dividing the rectourethral fistula during LAARP without ligation.

Patients and methods

A retrospective chart review conducted between January 2005 and April 2020 including male children with rectourethral fistula. The fistula was managed by laparoscopic simple division without ligation along with temporary urinary diversion.

Results

Twenty-six patients were included. None of the patients had short- or long-term urinary complications due to the technique used. All patients had a regular follow-up for a minimum of 1 year.

Conclusion

Simple division of rectobulbar or rectoprostatic fistula is a safe, easier alternative to ligation of the fistula during laparoscopic repair of ARM.
Effectiveness of oral corticosteroids (prednisolone) in sensorineural hearing loss post COVID-19
Authors: Essawy Wessam Mostafa
Published: December 2022

Background

Numerous infections can result in neurological symptoms, including anosmia, facial paralysis, and abrupt sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). During the earlier SARS pandemic, coronaviruses were linked to a loss of smell and taste due to brain damage.

Purpose

To clinically detect corticosteroid treatment effectiveness in SSNHL post-COVID-19 infection and to detect the factors that affect the prognosis for these patients for better diagnosis and earlier management.

Subjects and method

Subjects included 20 subjects diagnosed by PCR as COVID-19 virus positive, complaining of sudden onset hearing loss post viral infection in different durations. All subjects had basic audiological evaluation done pre-treatment and repeated after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month after treatment with methylprednisolone 21-acetate tablets.

Results

Onset of hearing loss post-COVID infection ranged from 1 to 3 months. As regards the improvement recognized with treatment course, thirteen patients (65%) of all twenty patients showed complete improvement at 1 month after starting treatment, and seven patients (35%) showed no improvement even after 1 month.

Conclusion

SSNHL has been widely recognized in the context of COVID-19 to date. Early corticosteroid therapy could help in the recovery of hearing, especially if the beginning of therapy was early in the first 2 weeks.
Experimental construction of a symmetric three-qubit entangled state and its utility in testing the violation of a Bell inequality on an NMR quantum simulator
Authors: Singh Dileep , Gulati Vaishali , Arvind  , Dorai Kavita
Published: December 2022

We designed a quantum circuit to prepare a permutation-symmetric maximally entangled three-qubit state called the

state and experimentally created it on an NMR quantum processor. The presence of entanglement in the state was certified by computing two different entanglement measures, namely negativity and concurrence. We used the

state in conjunction with a set of maximally incompatible local measurements, to demonstrate the maximal violation of inequality number 26 in Sliwa's classification scheme, which is a tight Bell inequality for the (3, 2, 2) scenario, i.e., the three-party, two-measurement-settings and two-measurement-outcomes scenario.
Liquid foam under simple shear: Local flows in the films
Authors: Poryles R. , Bussonnière A. , Schaub E. , Cantat I.
Published: December 2022

Predicting the effective viscosity of a foam as a function of its bubble size, liquid fraction and chemical composition is still an open question. The confinement of the liquid phase between the bubbles is expected to strongly enhance the local deformation rates. However, these local deformations are induced by interfacial stresses, which are limited by the surface tension accessible range: above a critical bubble size and/or shear rate, it is impossible to shear the whole film separating the bubbles. In this paper, we investigate this large bubble regime by imposing a simple shear to a minimal foam made of five interconnected films. We present a new local deformation pattern, with a relaxation process lasting long after the motor stops, that we characterize for a large range of shear rate and for different foaming solutions. A direct evidence of the absence of shear during the relaxation has been obtained for one solution. At 10 s−1, this original large bubble regime should be relevant for foams with bubbles larger than 300 microns.
Primordial germ cells adjust their protrusion type while migrating in different tissue contexts in vivo
Authors: Truszkowski Lukasz , Batur Dilek , Long Hongyan , Tarbashevich Katsiaryna , Vos Bart E. , Trappmann Britta , Raz Erez
Published: December 2022

In both physiological processes and disease contexts, migrating cells have the ability to adapt to conditions in their environment. As an in vivo model for this process, we use zebrafish primordial germ cells that migrate throughout the developing embryo. When migrating within an ectodermal environment, the germ cells form fewer and smaller blebs when compared with their behavior within mesodermal environment. We find that cortical tension of neighboring cells is a parameter that affects blebbing frequency. Interestingly, the change in blebbing activity is accompanied by the formation of more actin-rich protrusions. These alterations in cell behavior that correlate with changes in RhoA activity could allow the cells to maintain dynamic motility parameters, such as migration speed and track straightness, in different settings. In addition, we find that the polarity of the cells can be affected by stiff structures positioned in their migration path

This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
A theory of rapid evolutionary change explaining the de novo appearance of megakaryocytes and platelets in mammals
Authors: Martin John F. , Paolo D'Avino Pier
Published: December 2022

Platelets are found only in mammals. Uniquely, they have a log Gaussian volume distribution and are produced from megakaryocytes, large cells that have polyploid nuclei. In this Hypothesis, we propose that a possible explanation for the origin of megakaryocytes and platelets is that, ∼220 million years ago, an inheritable change occurred in a mammalian ancestor that caused the haemostatic cell line of the animal to become polyploid. This inheritable change occurred specifically in the genetic programme of the cell lineage from which the haemostatic cell originated and led, because of increase in cell size, to its fragmentation into cytoplasmic particles (platelets) in the pulmonary circulatory system, as found in modern mammals. We hypothesize that these fragments originating from the new large haemostatic polyploid cells proved to be more efficient at stopping bleeding, and, therefore, the progeny of this ancestor prospered through natural selection. We also propose experimental strategies that could provide evidence to support this hypothesis.
Harassment of game makers: Prevalence and impact
Authors: Kowert Rachel , Crevoshay Eve
Published: December 2022

Background: Online harassment is a relatively commonplace occurrence in the video gaming industry and player communities. A lack of diversity has unquestionably contributed to the high levels of such incidences.

Methods: In this paper, we take an exploratory approach, via a cross-sectional observational study, to evaluate the harassment of game industry professionals on social media. In this new sphere of growing concern, there is evidence of significant harm for game makers and their radius of impact. We will discuss the prevalence rates, nature of harassment, and the ways in which a lack of diversity has contributed to this phenomenon.

Results: In total, 282 video game industry professionals completed the survey in its entirety. More than half of all participants reported experiencing harassment on social media (59.6%) and nearly all reported witnessing harassment happening to other members of the videogames industry via social media (92.2%). This harassment can have a significant impact on well-being, including increased anxiety (62.1%), feelings of isolation (37.6%) and increased depression (36.2%). Almost one quarter (23.8%) reported symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder. One out of 10 participants reported suicidal thoughts because of online harassment. A significant number of respondents (37.3%) reported that had to take steps to reduce their physical safety due to online harassment. Over half of all respondents saying they were targets of hate because of some aspect of their identity.

Conclusions: The results indicate high rates of online harassment, both direct and indirect, among members of the gaming industry at all levels. Responses also pointed to substantial mental health and behavioral impacts of both experiencing and witnessing online harassment. Without large-scale action, this problem will continue to reinforce the lack of diversity inside game studios, pushing out marginalized employees due to a hostile work environment.
Vaccine approach for human monkeypox over the years and current recommendations to prevent the outbreak: a rapid review
Authors: Ara Rifat , Rahman Tajrin , Nath Rima , Islam A.M.Khairul , Haque Miah MD Akiful , Rahman Md. Ferdous , Nabi Mohammad Hayatun , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain
Published: December 2022

Background: The World Health Organization has declared human monkeypox as a global health emergency on 23 July 2022. This indicates that the outbreak poses a serious risk to global health and requires a united worldwide response to stop the virus from spreading and possibly turning into a pandemic. Vaccines can play a vital role in this context, contributing to pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis.

Methods: The aim of our rapid review was to go through the background of the vaccine approach for human monkeypox over the years and to find out what current guidelines are highlighting relating to it. A rapid review with a systematic search and manual searching have been performed here.

Results: 22 relevant published articles from MEDLINE bibliographic database and 8 vaccine recommendations from manual searching have been deliberated here.

Conclusion: The significant synopsis of this review is that the smallpox vaccine is the only immunization option for monkeypox so far, and it is up to 85% effective to prevent the infection. Third-generation smallpox vaccines are advised over first and second generations due to their minimal side effects. Healthcare providers and lab professionals at risk are on the priority list to get vaccinated, as well as pregnant women or lactating mothers, and immunocompromised or chronically ill patients can get vaccinated if they are surely exposed to the monkeypox infection. Lastly, JYNNEOS/IMVAMUNE is the current most preferable smallpox vaccine that is highly advised for the latest outbreak of human monkeypox but more clinical trials on humans should be conducted to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and adverse events.
The Beta Anomaly and Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: Irvine Paul , Kim Jeong Ho (John) , Ren Jue
Published: December 2022

We find evidence for the beta anomaly in mutual fund performance. This anomaly is not accounted for in the standard four-factor framework, nor by the addition of a betting-against-beta factor to the benchmark model. We identify the active component of alpha (active alpha) not attributable to the passive effects related to beta. Active alpha is persistent and associated with superior portfolio performance. We find that, although many investors use standard alpha to allocate capital, a subset of sophisticated investors allocate their money based on active alpha. Our procedure is useful across the commonly used benchmark models for measuring performance and can be extended to accommodate other potential factor beta anomalies.

This paper was accepted by Karl Diether, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4639 .
A Markov Decision Model for Managing Display-Advertising Campaigns
Authors: Agrawal Narendra , Najafi-Asadolahi Sami , Smith Stephen A.
Published: December 2022

Problem definition: Managers in ad agencies are responsible for delivering digital ads to viewers on behalf of advertisers, subject to the terms specified in the ad campaigns. They need to develop bidding policies to obtain viewers on an ad exchange and allocate them to the campaigns to maximize the agency’s profits, subject to the goals of the ad campaigns. Academic/practical relevance: Determining a rigorous solution methodology is complicated by uncertainties in the arrival rates of viewers and campaigns, as well as uncertainty in the outcomes of bids on the ad exchange. In practice, ad hoc strategies are often deployed. Our methodology jointly determines optimal bidding and viewer-allocation strategies and obtains insights about the characteristics of the optimal policies. Methodology: New ad campaigns and viewers are treated as Poisson arrivals, and the resulting model is a Markov decision process, where the state of the system is the number of undelivered impressions in queue for each campaign type in each period. We develop solution methods for bid optimization and viewer allocation and perform a sensitivity analysis with respect to the key problem parameters. Results: We solve for the optimal dynamic, state-dependent bidding and allocation policies as a function of the number of ad impressions in queue, for both the finite horizon and steady-state cases. We show that the resulting optimization problems are strictly concave in the decision variables and develop and evaluate a heuristic method that can be applied to large problems. Managerial implications: Numerical analysis of our heuristic solution shows that its errors are generally small and that the optimal dynamic, state-dependent bidding policies obtained by our model are significantly better than optimal static policies. Our proposed approach is managerially attractive because it is easy to implement in practice. We identify the capacity of the impression queue as an important managerial control lever and show that it can be more effective than using higher bids to reduce delay penalties. We quantify potential operational benefits from the consolidation of ad campaigns, as well as merging ad exchanges.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1142 .
Xerostomia: Part 2. investigations and management
Authors: Mehrabi Farima , Shanahan Dáire , Davis Gemma
Published: December 2022

Xerostomia is the subjective sensation of a dry mouth. It can negatively impact oral health and quality of life. This article reviews the investigations and management of xerostomia. Early recognition and management of xerostomia is important to limit the adverse effects that can be caused by this condition.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Awareness of the possible aetiologies and oral manifestations of xerostomia are important for the general dental practitioner.
Mock elections, electoral participation and political engagement amongst young people in Iceland
Authors: Finnbogadóttir Sara Þöll , Önnudóttir Eva H.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we analyse whether mock elections in Iceland are fulfilling their intended purpose of increasing young voters’ participation in politics and other types of political engagement. Mock elections have been carried out in Icelandic upper secondary schools prior to parliamentary elections since 2016 (and prior to the municipal elections in 2018), but there is no peer-reviewed research about whether these elections are followed by an increase in political participation and engagement amongst young people. Socialisation is a key factor in encouraging political participation amongst young voters as the formative years between childhood and adulthood are a key period in forming behaviour and political attitudes. In this paper, we argue that mock elections have a socialisation impact in terms of increasing young people’s political awareness and engagement, including electoral participation. Based on the results from a survey sent to four upper secondary schools in Iceland, two where mock elections were held and two where they were not held, we found that mock elections have a negligible link to participation in real elections, whether voting made a difference or whether it was considered a civic duty to vote. Other main results are that in schools with mock elections, students were more politically engaged in terms of how interested they were in politics and the frequency which they discussed politics, both of which have been shown to increase the probability of voter turnout.
Corruption and state-building. The case of Iceland
Authors: Kristinsson Gunnar Helgi
Published: December 2022

The Nordic countries are generally considered relatively low-corrupt systems. A host of different factors have been invoked to account for the region’s distinctiveness in this respect, including both institutional and socio-cultural factors. The current study presents an addition to the literature on Nordic state building and corruption through the less studied case of Iceland. It is argued that the Icelandic case is important when weighing the relative impact of sociocultural vs. institutional factors in the emergence of corruption. Unlike the other Nordic states, Iceland experienced a significant amount of corruption during the twentieth century even if it shares many social and cultural features with the other Nordic states. What makes it stand apart is the lack of a strong institutional basis for bureaucratic autonomy, which contributed to relatively high levels of politicization in public life and greater corruption than commonly found in the Nordic countries.