bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Illustrative Review of the Pathomechanisms of Symptomatic Developmental Venous Anomalies
Authors: Ahmed Sabha , Saini Jitender , Gorantla Padmasri , Kulanthaivelu Karthik , Shashidhar Abhinith , Deora Harsh , Holla Vikram V. , Arora Ankit
Published: July 2023

Objective

Symptomatic developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are rare. Here, we illustrate the varied clinicoradiologic profiles of symptomatic DVAs and contemplate the mechanisms that render these (allegedly) benign entities symptomatic supported by a review of literature.

Methods

Institutional databases were searched to identify cases of symptomatic DVAs. Clinical and imaging (angiographic and cross-sectional) data of 9 cases with 11 neurovascular symptoms consequent to inflow/outflow perturbations and mechanical obstruction that manifested because of the strategic topography of underlying DVAs were analyzed. A review of the existing literature on DVAs in agreement with our case series was performed on publications retrieved from the PubMed database.

Results

Symptoms secondary to venous hypertension arising from flow-related perturbations were broadly divided into those arising from restricted outflow and increased inflow. Restricted outflow occurred because of collector vein stenosis (n = 2) and collector vein/DVA thrombosis (n = 3), whereas the latter pathomechanism was initiated by arterialized/transitional DVAs (n = 2). A mechanical/obstructive pathomechanism culminating in moderate supratentorial ventriculomegaly was noted in 1 case. One patient was given a diagnosis of hemorrhage associated with a cavernoma.

Conclusions

Awareness and contextualization of potential flow-related perturbations and mechanical insults that render DVAs symptomatic aid in accurate diagnosis, management, and prognostication.
The Role of Airway Management on Feeding Difficulties in Children With Pfeiffer Syndrome
Authors: Salem Joseph , Blumenow Wendy , Markey Anne , Hogg Emma S. , McCann Emma , Yassaie Emily , Hennedige Anusha , De Sujata , Sharma Sunil D.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Pfeiffer syndrome is characterized by craniosynostosis, mid-face hypoplasia, broad thumbs, and often multilevel airway obstruction. Airway management is often required, including the use of positive airway ventilation, nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), or tracheostomy.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the impact an airway adjunct can have on feeding difficulties in children with Pfeiffer syndrome.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with Pfeiffer syndrome from January 1998 to January 2020 at one of England’s 4 supraregional Craniofacial Units, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Speech & Language Therapy case notes and medical notes were used to gather data, as well as the Oral Feeding Score component of the UK Craniofacial Outcome Score.

Results:

Eleven patients were included. Six patients had no airway adjunct (55%): 3 had tracheostomy (27%) and 2 patients had NPA (18%). All patients with airway adjuncts were percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy fed. Those who did not require an airway adjunct had an Oral Feeding Score of 4.60 (SD: 0.49). The children who went on to have an airway adjunct had a mean preintervention Oral Feeding Score of 2.4 (SD: 0.8). The mean feeding score (postairway adjunct) in the NPA group was 2.0, compared with the tracheostomy group scoring 3.0.

Conclusions:

Children with Pfeiffer syndrome who require airway intervention have more significant feeding problems requiring feeding intervention. Although there were small numbers included in this study, there is a suggestion that airway adjuncts can contribute to feeding difficulties, particularly NPAs.
Falls and Fall-Related Injuries in an Evidence-Based Tai Ji Quan Intervention in Rural West Virginia Churches
Authors: Jones Dina L. , Selfe Terry Kit , Wilcox Sara , Cosner Clinton Tyler , Mitchell Justin , Ray Benjamin D. , Stipec Craig , Switay David , Mancinelli Corrie A.
Published: July 2023

Background:

This article identifies the independent predictors of falls in an implementation study of Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB) in older adults in rural West Virginia churches.

Methods:

Falls and injuries were identified via calendars, questionnaire, and verbal reports.

Results:

Fall predictors were gait speed (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-0.90); low back pain (OR: 8.04; 95% CI: 1.71-37.79); and pain, stiffness, or swelling limiting activity (OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.09-5.45).

Conclusions:

Determining differences between fallers and nonfallers may identify people with different fall risk profiles and ultimately better tailor fall prevention programming to individual needs.
Effect of Rhythmic Finger Movement Training on Freezing of Gait and Electroencephalography Activity in People With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Nakano Hideki , Murata Shin , Kodama Takayuki , Nakae Hideyuki , Soma Masayuki
Published: July 2023

We examined the effects of rhythmic finger movement training on freezing of gait (FOG) and electroencephalography (EEG) activity in 3 participants with Parkinson disease (PD). Participants underwent 3 minutes' rhythmic finger movement training twice daily for 4 weeks. We measured walking condition acceleration and EEG activity with and without a doorway, pre- and postintervention. Freezing index (FI), indicating FOG, was calculated from acceleration data. The high walking condition FI observed pretraining with a doorway decreased posttraining. The high pretraining frontal β-band activity decreased posttraining. Therefore, the participants' FOG and β-band activity decreased. Rhythmic finger movement training shows potential as an effective intervention for FOG; more study is needed.
Impact of COVID-19 on Visitation Policies and Family Dynamics in Long-Term Care Facilities in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yu-Chia , Hu Wen-Yu , Chang Yun-Chen
Published: July 2023

This study utilized a self-administered questionnaire and qualitative face-to-face interviews with 3 pairs of residents and family members to gather their perceptions on changes in visitation practices due to COVID-19. The study analyzed qualitative data to identify themes in visitation practices (no visitation, phone, and video visits) and their impact on family members. The findings suggested that altered patterns of visits had negative effects on the emotions of residents' family members, particularly when there was no communication between them. The study recommended that long-term care facilities should provide more support for residents and their families during the pandemic.
How sustainable is the governance for sustainability in higher education? Insights from an Italian case study
Authors: Sacchi Alessandra , Molino Monica , Dansero Egidio , Rossi Alessia Antonella , Ghislieri Chiara
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Higher education (HE) institutions can play a fundamental role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, universities often face various obstacles to sustainability management, leading to a lack of strategies for implementing governance for sustainability (GFS). The purpose of this paper is to propose a model, based on work and organizational psychology (WOP), for the analysis, promotion and implementation of GFS in HE. The model includes five dimensions: culture, leadership, teamwork, communication and transition management.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed methods approach, GFS was investigated in four Piedmontese (Northern Italy) universities and in their sustainability network, applying the model proposed in this paper.

Findings

The five dimensions of the model have proven to be fundamental to the development of GFS in HE. Each dimension was filled with experiences from specific contexts through data collection, highlighting specificities and barriers. Furthermore, the mixed methods approach and the WOP perspective proved to be effective in addressing sustainable transitions in HE.

Originality/value

A practical proposal for analyzing and improving HE sustainable transitions in a WOP perspective is still missing, as well as a model that identifies organizational dimensions that should be monitored. This study not only provides an example of this transition but also confirms the importance that the literature attributes to the specificities and barriers of dimensions such as culture, leadership, teamwork, communication and transition management in this context.
Functional trait variability supports the use of mean trait values and identifies resistance trade‐offs for marine macroalgae
Authors: Ryznar E. R. , Smith L. L. , Hà B. A. , Grier S. R. , Fong P.
Published: July 2023

Trait‐based ecology (TBE) has proven useful in the terrestrial realm and beyond for collapsing ecological complexity into traits that can be compared and generalized across species and scales. However, TBE for marine macroalgae is still in its infancy, motivating research to build the foundation of macroalgal TBE by leveraging lessons learned from other systems.

Our objectives were to evaluate the utility of mean trait values (MTVs) across species, to explore the potential for intraspecific trait variability, and to identify macroalgal ecological strategies by clustering species with similar traits and testing for bivariate relationships between traits. To accomplish this, we measured thallus toughness, a trait associated with resistance to herbivory, and tensile strength, a trait associated with resistance to physical disturbance, in eight tropical macroalgal species across up to seven sites where they were found around Moorea, French Polynesia.

We found interspecific trait variation generally exceeded intraspecific variation across species. Furthermore, MTV within species varied across sites, suggesting future research should focus on whether these traits are influenced by site‐specific differences in biotic and abiotic drivers. Species grouped into three clusters representing different ecological strategies: species that were defended against herbivores but not strong, species that were strong but not defended and species that were neither. Intraspecific standardized major axis regressions revealed five species exhibited significant or marginally significant positive relationships between these two traits, suggesting trait syndromes within species. Only one species exhibited a significant intraspecific trade‐off, as indicated by a negative regression slope.

Synthesis. Our results point to three key takeaways that should provide a foundation to rapidly advance development of TBE for macroalgae in the future. First, our evidence supports the use of MTVs for macroalgae. Second, we identified significant spatial variability in macroalgal traits that may indicate an ability to respond to shifting environmental drivers. Third, measuring even a few traits can be a powerful tool to identify different ecological strategies to resist disturbances such as herbivory and removal by wave action. We hope these novel findings motivate future research into a wider suite of macroalgal traits, functions and strategies to further develop trait‐based approaches for marine macroalgae.
Food allergy knowledge, attitude and management among preschool personnel in Malaysia
Authors: Lim See Meng , Law Bee Pek
Published: July 2023

Background

Children are vulnerable, and they may experience their first serious food allergy reaction at school, where they spend much of their time. The present study aims to determine the level of food allergy knowledge, attitude and management (KAM) among preschool personnel in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 292 personnel working in Klang Valley preschools. The participants completed an online questionnaire asking about sociodemographic information and food allergy KAM. Mann–Whitney U and chi‐squared tests were used to compare the KAM level between public and private preschool personnel and examine the association of KAM of food allergy with various sociodemographic factors, respectively.

Results

Some 86.3% of the participants demonstrated a low level of food allergy knowledge, 64.7% showed a negative food allergy attitude and 57.9% indicated fair food allergy management. The total mean score for food allergy knowledge was higher (p < 0.01) among the private preschool personnel compared to the public group, although there was no significant difference in attitude (p = 0.244) or practice (p = 0.171). Age group (p < 0.01) and monthly income (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with the level of attitude, whereas no sociodemographic factor was associated with knowledge and management of food allergy.

Conclusions

Most preschool personnel in Klang Valley have a low level of food allergy knowledge, negative attitudes and a fair level of ability to manage food allergy reactions. The findings of the present study may guide future studies to improve the food allergy KAM of preschool personnel and provide a safer environment for children with food allergies.
Morse–Radó theory for minimal surfaces
Authors: Hoffman David , Martín Francisco , White Brian
Published: July 2023

For a class of functions (called minimal Radó functions) that arise naturally in minimal surface theory, we bound the number of interior critical points (counting multiplicity) in terms of the boundary data and the Euler characteristic of the domain of the function.
Rendezvous revisited: The search for fast-intercept solutions
Authors: Edlund Eric M.
Published: July 2023

Orbital interception scenarios typically involve a chaser that is actively maneuvered to encounter an inertial target and may be undertaken for a variety of purposes, including docking spacecraft or colliding with an asteroid for planetary defense studies. Viable intercept trajectories are constrained by the free-fall path of the target and by auxiliary conditions such as the available time or fuel budget. Whereas a constraint on the time to intercept is central to the (extensively studied) Lambert problem, a less common but more visually compelling constraint is that of the available fuel for intercept. This was the basis of a recent study [E. M. Edlund, Am. J. Phys. 89, 559–566 (2021)], which analyzed one of the two families of possible intercept solutions that were identified. The second family, studied in more detail here, describes intercepts at all points in the orbit and has the interesting property that it admits fast-intercept solutions. This work concludes the analysis of this problem; it develops a general condition that describes both families of intercepts, presents representative solutions, and considers the sensitivity of these solutions to errors in the control parameters.
Self-inductance and magnetic flux
Authors: Castaño Diego J. , Castaño Teresa M.
Published: July 2023

The canonical equation for self-inductance involving magnetic flux is examined, and a more general form is presented that can be applied to continuous current distributions. We attempt to clarify and extend the use of the standard equation by recasting it in its more versatile form.
NLRP11 is a pattern recognition receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide in the cytosol of human macrophages
Authors: Rojas-Lopez Maricarmen , Gil-Marqués María Luisa , Kharbanda Vritti , Zajac Amanda S. , Miller Kelly A. , Wood Thomas E. , Hachey Austin C. , Egger Keith T. , Goldberg Marcia B.
Published: July 2023

Endotoxin—bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—is a driver of lethal infection sepsis through excessive activation of innate immune responses. When delivered to the cytosol of macrophages, cytosolic LPS (cLPS) induces the assembly of an inflammasome that contains caspases-4/5 in humans or caspase-11 in mice. Whereas activation of all other inflammasomes is triggered by sensing of pathogen products by a specific host cytosolic pattern recognition receptor protein, whether pattern recognition receptors for cLPS exist has remained unclear, because caspase-4, caspase-5, and caspase-11 bind and activate LPS directly in vitro. Here, we show that the primate-specific protein NLRP11 is a pattern recognition receptor for cLPS that is required for efficient activation of the caspase-4 inflammasome in human macrophages. In human macrophages,
NLRP11
is required for efficient activation of caspase-4 during infection with intracellular Gram-negative bacteria or upon electroporation of LPS. NLRP11 could bind LPS and separately caspase-4, forming a high–molecular weight complex with caspase-4 in HEK293T cells.
NLRP11
is present in humans and other primates but absent in mice, likely explaining why it has been overlooked in screens looking for innate immune signaling molecules, most of which have been carried out in mice. Our results demonstrate that NLRP11 is a component of the caspase-4 inflammasome activation pathway in human macrophages.
Symphyseal plating for pelvic fracture in a morbidly obese patient: operative challenges and innovation of a novel ‘wire-ramp plate-sliding method’
Authors: Keshav Kumar , Nishani Manjunath , Singh Amarendra , Singh Abhishek
Published: July 2023

We are describing a case report of a morbidly obese patient (body mass index 41) in his mid-40s with Young and Burgess Anteroposterior Compression type II injury (AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type B1.2) managed by symphyseal plating. Morbid obesity made working at a depth very difficult; hence, we adopted a novel ‘wire-ramp plate-sliding method’. In this method, two strong sturdy K-wires inserted through the medial-most plate holes into the pubis acted as a ramp over which the plate was pushed/slid distally. During this manoeuvre, the K-wires passing through the plate holes were used as a reduction tool. The patient also had a wedge fracture of the distal femoral shaft which was managed by retrograde femoral nailing. At 1-year follow-up, the pelvic continuity is maintained and the fracture has united. The patient is able to do full weight-bearing and is back to his normal life.
Stylohyoid fracture resulting in facial paralysis
Authors: Bocklud Brooke , Mankekar Gauri
Published: July 2023

A female patient in her early 30s was referred to the otology clinic for progressive left facial paralysis. Two weeks prior to the onset of the paralysis, she had heard a loud cracking sound when drinking water. A CT scan showed a left styloid fracture near the stylomastoid foramen, compressing the facial nerve. Varicella IgG and IgM were negative, but the patient was started on a tapering course of steroids and valacyclovir. Approximately 1 month after the original incident, her left facial nerve paralysis improved. This report describes the unusual cause of facial paralysis and discusses the importance of history taking and imaging studies.
Severe cardiotoxicity induced by osimertinib in a patient with EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Tanaka Takaaki , Nii Soma , Yamaoka Hidenaru , Fujimoto Nobukazu
Published: July 2023

A man in his 70s was detected an infiltrative shadow on the right lung. A bronchoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lung, classified as cT2bN2M0 stage IIIA, with a deletion mutation inEGFRexon 19. Weekly carboplatin plus paclitaxel was administered in combination with thoracic radiotherapy, followed by maintenance therapy with durvalumab for 1 year. Four months later, he was diagnosed with a recurrence of adenocarcinoma in the lung. He started treatment with osimertinib. Six months after initiating osimertinib, a chest CT revealed bilateral pleural effusion and expansion of the inferior vena cava. Eleven months later, he entered our emergency department with progressive dyspnoea. A chest CT showed bilateral massive pleural effusion and cardiac enlargement. He was diagnosed with osimertinib-induced cardiac failure. Osimertinib was discontinued, and echocardiology demonstrated a gradual improvement in cardiac function. It is necessary to take care of osimertinib-related cardiotoxicity.
Chemical exposure and alveolar macrophages responses: ‘the role of pulmonary defense mechanism in inhalation injuries’
Authors: Tapak Mahtab , Sadeghi Somaye , Ghazanfari Tooba , Mosaffa Nariman
Published: July 2023

Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated an association between particulate matter (PM) exposure and acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation, which may be registered as increased mortality and morbidity. Despite the increasing evidence, the pathophysiology mechanism of these PMs is still not fully characterised. Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs), as a predominant cell in the lung, play a critically important role in these pathological mechanisms. Toxin exposure triggers events associated with macrophage activation, including oxidative stress, acute damage, tissue disruption, remodelling and fibrosis. Targeting macrophage may potentially be employed to treat these types of lung inflammation without affecting the natural immune response to bacterial infections. Biological toxins, their sources of exposure, physical and other properties, and their effects on the individuals are summarised in this article. Inhaled particulates from air pollution and toxic gases containing chemicals can interact with alveolar epithelial cells and immune cells in the airways. PAMs can sense ambient pollutants and be stimulated, triggering cellular signalling pathways. These cells are highly adaptable and can change their function and phenotype in response to inhaled agents. PAMs also have the ability to polarise and undergo plasticity in response to tissue damage, while maintaining resistance to exposure to inhaled agents.
In search of the maximum lost momentum
Authors: Lousto Carlos O. , Healy James
Published: July 2023

We performed a series of 1381 full numerical simulations of high energy collision of two black holes to search for the maximum recoil velocity after their merger. We studied equal mass binaries with opposite spins pointing along the orbital plane to maximize asymmetric gravitational radiation and performed a search of spin orientations in the plane, impact parameters, and initial linear momenta to find a maximum recoil velocity extrapolated to the extreme spinning case of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km/s, thus tightly bounding recoil by [Formula: see text] the speed of light.
Estimation-free spatial-domain image reconstruction of structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Tu Shijie , Sun Yile , Han Yubing , Hao Xiang , kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: July 2023

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) achieves super-resolution (SR) by modulating the high-frequency information of the sample into the passband of the optical system and subsequent image reconstruction. The traditional Wiener-filtering-based reconstruction algorithm operates in the Fourier domain, it requires prior knowledge of the sinusoidal illumination patterns which makes the time-consuming procedure of parameter estimation to raw datasets necessary, besides, the parameter estimation is sensitive to noise or aberration-induced pattern distortion which leads to reconstruction artifacts. Here, we propose a spatial-domain image reconstruction method that does not require parameter estimation but calculates patterns from raw datasets, and a reconstructed image can be obtained just by calculating the spatial covariance of differential calculated patterns and differential filtered datasets (the notch filtering operation is performed to the raw datasets for attenuating and compensating the optical transfer function (OTF)). Experiments on reconstructing raw datasets including nonbiological, biological, and simulated samples demonstrate that our method has SR capability, high reconstruction speed, and high robustness to aberration and noise.
The early Paleozoic Wuyi–Yunkai orogeny in South China: a collisional orogeny with a major lag in time between onset of collision and peak metamorphism in subducted continental crust
Authors: Lin Shoufa , Wang Lijun , Xiao Wenjiao , Xing Guangfu , Niu Zhijun , Zhao Xilin , Yin Changqing , Zhang Shuai , Liu Hang
Published: July 2023

Collisional orogeny is characterized by deep subduction of continental crust and major crustal thickening, leading to high-pressure/high-temperature metamorphism and anataxis of the subducted continental crust. Since conductive heating of large slabs of cold, subducted continental crust is a slow process, heating to a temperature that is high enough to generate significant partial melting can take tens of millions of years. Where the spatial and temporal relationships are obscured due to later modification (e.g. post-collisional rifting), the peak metamorphism and magmatism may be interpreted as an orogeny that is separate from the collision, or may be interpreted as an intraplate orogeny as no contemporaneous arcs or ophiolite may be present. We propose here that this is the case for the early Paleozoic orogeny in South China. In our model, the West Cathaysia terrane of South China was part of a continent (possibly Australia) on the lower plate and collided with another continent (possibly India) in the Cambrian–Ordovician, at a late stage of Gondwana assembly, and the late Ordovician–Silurian Wuyi–Yunkai orogeny, characterized by amphibolite–granulite facies metamorphism and extensive anataxis, was a continuation of the Cambrian–Ordovician collisional orogeny. In this interpretation, the Wuyi–Yunkai orogen was part of the Kuunga orogen before Gondwana break-up.
Marvista: Exploring the Design of a Human-AI Collaborative News Reading Tool
Authors: Chen Xiang “Anthony” , Wu Chien-Sheng , Murakhovs’ka Lidiya , Laban Philippe , Niu Tong , Liu Wenhao , Xiong Caiming
Published: July 2023

We explore the design of Marvista—a human-AI collaborative tool that employs a suite of natural language processing models to provide end-to-end support for reading online news articles. Before reading an article, Marvista helps a user plan what to read by filtering text based on how much time one can spend and what questions one is interested to find out from the article. During reading, Marvista helps the user reflect on their understanding of each paragraph with AI-generated questions. After reading, Marvista generates an explainable human-AI summary that combines AI’s processing of the text, the user’s reading behavior, and user-generated data in the reading process. In contrast to prior work that offered (content-independent) interaction techniques or devices for reading, Marvista takes a human-AI collaborative approach that contributes text-specific guidance (content-aware) to support the entire reading process.
Comparative Analysis and Evaluation of the Different Active Cell Balancing Topologies in Lithium Ions Batteries
Authors: Shylla Dapynhunlang , R. Harikrishnan , Swarnkar Radhika
Published: July 2023

Series connected batteries must have their cells balanced whenever charging and discharging to extend battery lifespans, assure safe operation, and increase battery pack useful capacity. It also causes charge imbalance issues, which will result in battery cell damage and battery life loss. Several charge/discharge equalization circuits have been suggested however, presently there has been no work regarding the comparison and evaluation of the speed and efficiencies in both modes. In this study, cell balancing on dc-to-dc buck-boost converter and interleaved flyback converter topologies operating in discontinuous current mode are analyzed, designed, and implemented. A simulation model of the converter-based topologies of an active cell balancing system is proposed and designed along with a power loss analysis, efficiencies, and control technique. With the purpose of establishing an energy storage application, the system’s cells are grouped into 8 series cells for SOC balancing and 2 series cells for voltage balancing circuit design. Power loss analysis is performed to analyze the efficiency of these two converter topologies to identify which system performs better. In SOC balancing in charging mode, the buck-boost and interleaved flyback converters’ power efficiencies are 85.596% and 65.1521% respectively and during voltage balancing 93.9078% and 73.1506% respectively.
A single high-fat Western meal modulates vascular responsiveness to sympathetic activation at rest and during exercise in humans: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Teixeira André L. , Gangat Ayesha , Millar Philip J.
Published: July 2023

We observed that a single high-fat Western meal, but not an isocaloric low-fat meal, attenuated the sympathetic vasoconstriction at rest and the ability of the active skeletal muscle to counteract the vascular responsiveness to sympathetic activation (i.e., functional sympatholysis) during low- and moderate-intensity rhythmic handgrip exercise in healthy young adults. Our findings highlight the potential deleterious vascular effect associated with the consumption of a Western diet.
Potential effects of the hydrostatic pressure gradient on hyperemic and nonhyperemic pressure ratios
Authors: Florie Naomi H. M. , Eerdekens Rob , Manzi Maria V. , Heinrichs Eduard , van ‘t Veer Marcel , van Royen Niels , Tonino Pim A. L. , van Nunen Lokien X.
Published: July 2023

This study systematically simulated the effect of hydrostatic pressure gradients (HPG) on real-world hyperemic and nonhyperemic pressure ratios, showing correction for HPG leads to reclassification in functional significance from 13.4 to 22.3% for different functional indices. This was most pronounced in nonhyperemic pressure ratios. A new pressure guidewire (Wirecath) is unaffected by HPG. The ongoing PW-COMPARE study (NCT04802681) prospectively analyzes the magnitude and importance of HPG by simultaneous FFR measurements.
A Millimeter-Wave Antipodal Linearly Tapered Slot Antenna Array for 5G Wireless Communication
Authors: Ni C. , Wang W. W. , Zheng Y. C. , Ding J. , Cao K. , Liu B.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents an antipodal linearly tapered slot antenna (ALTSA) array with the newly emerging substrate-integrated coaxial line (SICL) technology. Each element of the proposed array consists of two vertically stacked antipodal tapered slot antennas (TSA) with the inner conductor of a SICL as the shared fin. The vertical symmetry of this radiating element structure significantly suppresses the cross-polarization level. By employing a SICL-based power splitter with differential outputs, a two-element array with horizontal symmetry is formed. With the inner conductors of two parallel SICLs combined as the flaring metal shared by adjacent tapered slots, the main beam squint is effectively suppressed. Experimental results show an actual −10-dB impedance bandwidth (BW) of 24.5∼34.4 GHz, and the realized gain range measured is 16.1∼18.7 dBi. The cross-polarization levels are −39.4 dB/−40.7 dB at 30 GHz for the E-/H-planes. The measured results agree well with the simulated data which demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed SICL-based ALTSA scheme in the potential 5 G·millimeter-wave (mmWave) applications.
Single-Cell Characterization of Pulmonary Nodules Implicates Suppression of Immunosurveillance across Early Stages of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yanagawa Jane , Tran Linh M. , Salehi-Rad Ramin , Lim Raymond J. , Dumitras Camelia , Fung Eileen , Wallace William D. , Prosper Ashley E. , Fishbein Gregory , Shea Conor , Hong Rui , Kahangi Bitta , Deng John J. , Gower Adam C. , Liu Bin , Campbell Joshua D. , Mazzilli Sarah A. , Beane Jennifer E. , Kadara Humam , Lenburg Marc E. , Spira Avrum E. , Aberle Denise R. , Krysan Kostyantyn , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: July 2023

A greater understanding of molecular, cellular, and immunological changes during the early stages of lung adenocarcinoma development could improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in patients with pulmonary nodules at risk for lung cancer. To elucidate the immunopathogenesis of early lung tumorigenesis, we evaluated surgically resected pulmonary nodules representing the spectrum of early lung adenocarcinoma as well as associated normal lung tissues using single-cell RNA sequencing and validated the results by flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence (MIF). Single-cell transcriptomics revealed a significant decrease in gene expression associated with cytolytic activities of tumor-infiltrating natural killer and natural killer T cells. This was accompanied by a reduction in effector T cells and an increase of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in subsolid nodules. An independent set of resected pulmonary nodules consisting of both adenocarcinomas and associated premalignant lesions corroborated the early increment of Tregs in premalignant lesions compared with the associated normal lung tissues by MIF. Gene expression analysis indicated that cancer-associated alveolar type 2 cells and fibroblasts may contribute to the deregulation of the extracellular matrix, potentially affecting immune infiltration in subsolid nodules through ligand–receptor interactions. These findings suggest that there is a suppression of immune surveillance across the spectrum of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.

Significance:

Analysis of a spectrum of subsolid pulmonary nodules by single-cell RNA sequencing provides insights into the immune regulation and cell–cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment during early lung tumor development.
Liquid Biopsies with Circulating Plasma HPV–DNA Measurements—A Clinically Applicable Surveillance Tool for Patients with HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Jakobsen Kathrine K. , Bendtsen Simone K. , Pallisgaard Niels , Friborg Jeppe , Lelkaitis Giedrius , Grønhøj Christian , von Buchwald Christian
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the accuracy of cell-free human papillomavirus-DNA (cfHPV-DNA) measurements in liquid biopsies in predicting disease in patients with HPV-positive/p16-positive (HPV+/p16+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Experimental Design:

This was a prospective cohort study. Plasma samples were collected before treatment, serially after curative intended therapy at follow-up visits 2 weeks, and 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months after treatment. A droplet digital PCR assay comprising eight HPV genotypes was used. HPV genotypes found in plasma and tumor tissue were compared. We correlated biopsy- or imaging-verified tumor progression to cfHPV-DNA in follow-up samples.

Results:

We enrolled 72 patients with HPV+/p16+ OPSCC. Baseline sensitivity for cfHPV-DNA detection was 97.2% (95% confidence interval, 90.3%–99.6%). CfHPV-DNA copy number/milliliter plasma correlated with tumor stage. We found a 100% concordance between HPV genotype in tumor tissue and plasma. Fifty-four patients were followed with serial blood samples for a median of 19.7 months (interquartile range, 13.5–25.5 months). Forty-one patients had undetectable plasma cfHPV-DNA in all follow-up samples, and none developed recurrences. Thirteen patients were classified as cfHPV-DNA–positive in a follow-up plasma sample. Of these, five patients developed a recurrence, and three had residual cancer. It was possible to detect cfHPV-DNA in plasma 97 to 166 days prior to the proven recurrence.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, to date, our study, comprising the largest study of patients with HPV+/p16+ OPSCC, using an ultrasensitive multiplex HPV gene panel, revealed a high sensitivity of cfHPV-DNA detection in the liquid biopsies. We recommend serial plasma HPV samples for clinical monitoring of patients with HPV+/p16+ OPSCC.
Orbital Complications and Cost Analysis of Enucleation by Myoconjunctival versus Conventional Techniques for Retinoblastoma
Authors: Lando Leonardo , Mallipatna Ashwin , Kletke Stephanie N , Gallie Brenda
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare complication rates and hospital costs of myoconjunctival versus conventional enucleation techniques in retinoblastoma. Methods: This retrospective cohort and cost analysis reviewed patients with retinoblastoma treated by primary or secondary enucleation between 2003 and 2021 and a minimum 6-month follow-up. Cases were reviewed for three postsurgical complications: chronic conjunctivitis, implant exposure/extrusion, and cellulitis. Cases were excluded if surgery was performed elsewhere or documentation was incomplete. Treatment costs were estimated based on two sample cases billed in 2021 that manifested the studied complications and represented each of the two surgical techniques. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to compare complication rates and treatment costs. Results: Included were 180 eyes (179 patients); 239 eyes (227 patients) were excluded. Patients had median age of 18.9 (0–104.4) months at diagnosis, the majority were male (94, 52%), with unilateral (115, 64%) group D or E (163, 91%) eyes. Enucleation was performed by conventional techniques in 107 eyes (59%) and by myoconjunctival approach in 73 (41%). Orbital complications occurred in 61 eyes (34%) during a median follow-up of 7.9 (0.5–33.7) years, more frequently in the conventional technique group (p = 0.014). The myoconjunctival technique had significantly lower costs for implant price (p < 0.001) and estimated treatment cost, including complication management (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Enucleation by myoconjunctival technique showed significantly less complication burden and treatment cost, indicating advantages over conventional approaches. Study limitations include the retrospective nature, confounders’ complexity, and follow-up time variations.
Illness Perception and the Impact of a Definitive Diagnosis on Women With Ischemia and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tseng Leslie Yingzhijie , Göç Nükte , Schwann Alexandra N. , Cherlin Emily J. , Kunnirickal Steffne J. , Odanovic Natalija , Curry Leslie A. , Shah Samit M. , Spatz Erica S.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) disproportionately impacts women, yet the underlying pathologies are often not distinguished, contributing to adverse health care experiences and poor quality of life. Coronary function testing at the time of invasive coronary angiography allows for improved diagnostic accuracy. Despite increased recognition of INOCA and expanding access to testing, data lack on first-person perspectives and the impact of receiving a diagnosis in women with INOCA.

METHODS:

From 2020 to 2021, we conducted structured telephone interviews with 2 groups of women with INOCA who underwent invasive coronary angiography (n=29) at Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT: 1 group underwent coronary function testing (n=20, of whom 18 received a mechanism-based diagnosis) and the other group who did not undergo coronary function testing (n=9). The interviews were analyzed using the constant comparison method by a multidisciplinary team.

RESULTS:

The mean age was 59.7 years, and 79% and 3% were non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black, respectively. Through iterative coding, 4 themes emerged and were further separated into subthemes that highlight disease experience aspects to be addressed in patient care: (1) distress from symptoms of uncertain cause: symptom constellation, struggle for sensemaking, emotional toll, threat to personal and professional identity; (2) a long journey to reach a definitive diagnosis: self-advocacy and fortitude, healthcare interactions brought about further uncertainty and trauma, therapeutic alliance, sources of information; (3) establishing a diagnosis enabled a path forward: relief and validation, empowerment; and (4) commitment to promoting awareness and supporting other women: recognition of sex and racial/ethnic disparities, support for other women.

CONCLUSIONS:

Insights about how women experience the symptoms of INOCA and their interactions with clinicians and the healthcare system hold powerful lessons for more patient-centered care. A coronary function testing-informed diagnosis greatly influences the healthcare experiences, quality of life, and emotional states of women with INOCA.
Not Just a Participation Trophy? Advancing Public Interests through Advisory Opinions at the International Court of Justice
Authors: Hofbauer Jane A.
Published: July 2023

International procedural law remains largely party-oriented and directed at the preservation of individual interests. A tension therefore arises when the ICJ is asked to adjudicate “public interest norms”. Against this background, one might ask whether advisory opinions by the ICJ might serve as a more appropriate forum for protecting and enforcing public interests. Among others, they might prove better equipped for, e.g., clarifying and interpreting public interest obligations without a breach thereof necessarily having already occurred, or in the case of breaches by multiple parties. However, among the generally low numbers of requests for opinions by the ICJ so far only two can be classified as “traditional public interest litigation”. Recent initiatives on “community-oriented” interests have not (yet) moved forward, leaving their true potential open for debate.

The article focuses on the ICJ’s procedural framework in advisory proceedings and its suitability as a forum for enforcing public interests. The argument is made that while indeed several rationales can be identified which make this procedure a seemingly well-suited format for public interest litigation, the filing of requests is often subject to political hurdles and dependent on the overall perception of the Court’s exercise of its judicial function. This is rounded off by a discussion of different proposals and an assessment whether these might lead to a strengthening of the Court’s competence when it comes to serving as a forum for “public interest litigation.”
The Norwegian trc
Authors: Broderstad Else Grete , Josefsen Eva
Published: July 2023

In 2018, the Norwegian Parliament appointed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate the Norwegianisation policy and injustice against the Sámi and Kven/Norwegian Finns. We focus on the commission’s public engagement, and emphasise Sámi and Kven/Norwegian Finns’ perceptions and expectations in relation to these efforts. The mandate’s goal is to establish a common understanding of the past and broader knowledge about our common history. We ask how the Norwegian trc made use of the scope of action provided by its mandate’s outreach elements and conclude that there is a discrepancy between the expectations arising from the mandate and the actual public engagement of the commission. We distinguish between the interactive processes of coordinating among policy actors and communication between political actors; and ‘micro-truth’ as personal narratives and ‘macro-truth’ as framework for public structures. The research is based on document studies, the study of recorded open meetings and media, and interviews.
A novel assembly method of aero-engine rotors with minimized spindle inertia
Authors: Li Ruirui , Liu Yongmeng , Sun Chuanzhi , Tan Jiubin
Published: July 2023

Assembly is an essential part of aero-engine manufacturing, and the assembly quality will affect the engine’s stability and service life. Spindle inertia is an essential factor affecting aero-engine dynamic performance. Assembly can affect the spindle inertia of the aircraft engine, which in turn affects the dynamic performance of the engine. This paper proposes a transfer model of spindle inertia based on machining error transmission, studying the variation law of spindle inertia of multi-stage rotors under the influence of assembly, providing an optimized assembly method with minimized spindle inertia. The influence law of machining errors on spindle inertia is analyzed through the simulation and probability density method. The assembly results of the designed rotors verify the effectiveness of the inertia transfer and assembly model. The results show that the spindle inertia of multi-stage rotors is affected by machining errors, and the spindle inertia can be adjusted by changing the assembly methods. This paper provides a new idea for the transmission and adjustment of spindle inertia of assembly rotors.
Sleep disturbances are associated with irritability in ASD children with sensory sensitivities
Authors: Molcho-Haimovich Alona , Tikotzky Liat , Meiri Gal , Ilan Michal , Michaelovski Analya , Schtaierman Hen , Golan Hava M. , Sadaka Yair , Menashe Idan , Dinstein Ilan
Published: July 2023

Background

Parent reports suggest that 44–84% of children with ASD exhibit sleep disturbances that are of clinical concern. Previous studies have reported that, in children with ASD, the severity of sleep disturbances is associated with the severity of either sensory problems or aberrant behaviors, but none have performed combined analyses with measures of both sensory and aberrant behaviors symptom domains from the same children.

Methods

We examined parent reports of 237 children with ASD, 1.4–8.7 years old, using the child sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ), sensory profile (SP), and aberrant behaviors checklist (ABC).

Results

The analyses revealed that sleep disturbances were most strongly associated with SP sensory sensitivity and ABC irritability scores. Together these scores explained 35% of the variance in total CSHQ scores. Moreover, sensory sensitivity scores moderated the association between irritability and sleep disturbances, indicating that sleep disturbances were significantly associated with irritability only in children with moderate to severe sensory sensitivities.

Conclusion

We suggest that the three symptom domains may interact and exacerbate each other such that successful intervention in one symptom domain may have positive impact on the others. Further intervention studies testing this hypothesis are highly warranted.
Taming transposable elements in livestock and poultry: a review of their roles and applications
Authors: Zhao Pengju , Peng Chen , Fang Lingzhao , Wang Zhengguang , Liu George E.
Published: July 2023

Livestock and poultry play a significant role in human nutrition by converting agricultural by-products into high-quality proteins. To meet the growing demand for safe animal protein, genetic improvement of livestock must be done sustainably while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Transposable elements (TE) are important components of livestock and poultry genomes, contributing to their genetic diversity, chromatin states, gene regulatory networks, and complex traits of economic value. However, compared to other species, research on TE in livestock and poultry is still in its early stages. In this review, we analyze 72 studies published in the past 20 years, summarize the TE composition in livestock and poultry genomes, and focus on their potential roles in functional genomics. We also discuss bioinformatic tools and strategies for integrating multi-omics data with TE, and explore future directions, feasibility, and challenges of TE research in livestock and poultry. In addition, we suggest strategies to apply TE in basic biological research and animal breeding. Our goal is to provide a new perspective on the importance of TE in livestock and poultry genomes.