bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating use of web-based interventions: an example of a Dutch sexual health intervention
Authors: Metz Gido , Roosjen Hanneke , Zweers Wessel , Crutzen Rik
Published: November 2021

With the current increase in web-based interventions, the question of how to measure, and consequently improve engagement in such interventions is gaining more importance. Modern day web analytics tools make it easy to monitor use of web-based interventions. However, in this article, we propose that it would be more meaningful to first examine how the developers envisioned the use of the intervention to establish behavior change (i.e. intended use), before looking into how the intervention is ultimately used with web analytics (i.e. actual use). Such an approach responds to the regularly expressed concern that behavioral interventions are often poorly described, leading to less meaningful evaluations as it is not clear what exactly is being evaluated. Using a page on chlamydia prevention (104 557 pageviews in 2020) from a Dutch sexual health intervention (Sense), we demonstrate the value of acyclic behavior change diagrams (ABCDs) as a method to visualize intended use of an intervention. ABCDs show at a glance how behavior change principles are applied in an intervention and target determinants of behavior. Based on this ABCD, we investigate actual use of the intervention, using web analytics tool Matomo. Despite being intended to stimulate STI-testing, only 14% of the 35 347 transfers from this page led to the STI-testing page and a high bounce rate (79%) and relatively high exit rate were reported (69%). Recommendations to further interpret the data are given. This real-life example demonstrates the potential of combining ABCDs and Matomo as methods to gain insight into use of web-based interventions.
Projecting climate-driven shifts in demersal fish thermal habitat in Iceland's waters
Authors: Mason Julia G , Woods Pamela J , Thorlacius Magnús , Guðnason Kristinn , Saba Vincent S , Sullivan Patrick J , Kleisner Kristin M
Published: November 2021

As climate change shifts marine species distribution and abundance worldwide, projecting local changes over decadal scales may be an adaptive strategy for managers and industry. In Iceland, one of the top fish-producing nations globally, long-term monitoring enables model simulations of groundfish species habitat distribution. We used generalized additive models to characterize suitable thermal habitat for 51 fish species in Iceland's waters. We projected changes in suitable thermal habitat by midcentury with an ensemble of five general circulation models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Program 6 (CMIP6) and NOAA (CM2.6) and two scenarios (SSP 5-8.5 and SSP 2-4.5). We found a general northward shift in suitable thermal habitat distribution, with variable regional dynamics among species. Species thermal bias index was a weak predictor of projected thermal habitat change, with warmer-water species more likely to see increases in thermal habitat and southern warm-edge range expansions. While these results isolate the effects of future changes in temperature, providing an indication of suitable thermal habitat, low model explanatory power suggests that additional variables may improve distribution projections. Such projections might serve as guideposts to inform long-term management decisions about regional and species-specific suitability for Iceland's fisheries, infrastructure investment, and risk evaluation under climate change.
A policy-based framework for the determination of management options to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems under the EU deep-sea access regulations
Authors: van Denderen P Daniël , Holah Helen , Robson Laura M , Hiddink Jan Geert , Menot Lénaick , Pedreschi Debbi , Kazanidis Georgios , Llope Marcos , Turner Phillip J , Stirling David , Murillo F Javier , Kenny Andrew , Campbell Neil , Allcock A Louise , Braga-Henriques Andreia , González-Irusta Jose M , Johnston Graham , Orejas Covadonga , Serrano Alberto , Xavier Joana R , Hopkins Peter , Kenchington Ellen , Nixon Eugene , Valanko Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) are particularly susceptible to bottom-fishing activity as they are easily disturbed and slow to recover. A data-driven approach was developed to provide management options for the protection of VMEs under the European Union “deep-sea access regulations.” A total of two options within two scenarios were developed. The first scenario defined VME closure areas without consideration of fishing activity. Option 1 proposed closures for the protection of VME habitats and likely habitat, while Option 2 also included areas where four types of VME geophysical elements were present. The second scenario additionally considered fishing. This scenario used VME biomass—fishing intensity relationships to identify a threshold where effort of mobile bottom-contact gears was low and unlikely to have caused significant adverse impacts. Achieving a high level of VME protection requires the creation of many closures (> 100), made up of many small (∼50 km2) and fewer larger closures (> 1000 km2). The greatest protection of VMEs will affect approximately 9% of the mobile fleet fishing effort, while closure scenarios that avoid highly fished areas reduce this to around 4–6%. The framework allows managers to choose the level of risk-aversion they wish to apply in protecting VMEs by comparing alternative strategies.
Dataset and method for deep learning-based reconstruction of 3D CAD models containing machining features for mechanical parts
Authors: Lee Hyunoh , Lee Jinwon , Kim Hyungki , Mun Duhwan
Published: November 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model reconstruction techniques are used for numerous purposes across various industries, including free-viewpoint video reconstruction, robotic mapping, tomographic reconstruction, 3D object recognition, and reverse engineering. With the development of deep learning techniques, researchers are investigating the reconstruction of 3D CAD models using learning-based methods. Therefore, we proposed a method to effectively reconstruct 3D CAD models containing machining features into 3D voxels through a 3D encoder–decoder network. 3D CAD model datasets were built to train the 3D CAD model reconstruction network. For this purpose, large-scale 3D CAD models containing machining features were generated through parametric modeling and then converted into a 3D voxel format to build the training datasets. The encoder–decoder network was then trained using these training datasets. Finally, the performance of the trained network was evaluated through 3D reconstruction experiments on numerous test parts, which demonstrated a high reconstruction performance with an error rate of approximately 1%.
Radiation cancer risk at different dose rates: new dose-rate effectiveness factors derived from revised A-bomb radiation dosimetry data and non-tumor doses
Authors: Tanooka Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

The dose rate of atomic bomb (A-bomb) radiation to the survivors has still remained unclear, although the dose–response data of A-bomb cancers has been taken as a standard in estimating the cancer risk of radiation and the dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor (DDREF). Since the applicability of the currently used DDREF of 2 derived from A-bomb data is limited in a narrow dose-rate range, 0.25-75 Gy/min as estimated from analysis of DS86 dosimetry data in the present study, a non-tumor dose (Dnt) was applied in an attempt to gain a more universal dose-rate effectiveness factor (DREF), where Dnt is an empirical parameter defined as the highest dose at which no statistically significant tumor increase is observed above the control level and its magnitude depends on the dose rate. The new DREF values were expressed as a function of the dose rate at four exposure categories, i.e. partial body low LET, whole body low linear energy transfer (LET), partial body high LET and whole body high LET and provided a value of 14 for environmental level radiation at a dose rate of 10−9 Gy/min for whole body low LET.
Surgical management of locally invasive basaloid carcinoma of thymic gland
Authors: Lee Andy Chao Hsuan , Gorton Andrew , Tully Andy , Wu ShouJin , Podbielski Francis J
Published: November 2021

Thymic basaloid carcinoma is an extremely rare thymic tumor variant, and the most common presentations have been an incidental finding on a routine chest X-ray and dyspnea on exertion. Given its rarity, no treatment modalities have been demonstrated to improve survival. This rare case describes a patient with locally advanced thymic basaloid carcinoma treated by en bloc resection of phrenic nerve and left upper lobe with the tumor followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. Patient had no respiratory complaints at 10 months follow-up, and 10-month post-operative surveillance radiological study showed no objective sign of tumor recurrence.
Climate event classification based on historical meteorological records and its presentation on a Spatio-Temporal research platform
Authors: Huang Shi-Yun , Wu Shang-Yun , Chen You-Jun , Tsai Richard Tzong-Han , Fan I-Chun
Published: November 2021

Climate change has become a serious issue, and tracing climate events from historical records could be a solution to find a way to deal with it. This study conducted two experiments for classifying metrological text data—one unsupervised method for exploring a solution in the lack of labeled data and another supervised method for achieving high-performance classification. Both experiments took the meteorological text records as material in the early Qing Dynasty (1644 C.E. to 1795 C.E.) from the REACHES database. We also integrated the classification results to develop a Spatio-Temporal research platform with an instant response front-end interface to help humanity researchers access and analyze data according to the three dimensions of time, area, and event categories. With our Spatio-Temporal research platform, we had the ability with ease to analyze the meteorological records during 1650 C.E. to 1700 C.E., the late stage of the Little Ice Age, to investigate the phenomenon of climate change in the Qing Dynasty of China. We will continue to expand the capacity of the database and establish a mature Spatio-Temporal research platform in the future.
Sporotrichosis in a U.S. Army Basic Trainee
Authors: Wellington Trevor , Hauschild Jordan , Krauland Kevin J , Verwiebe Eric G , Markelz Ana E
Published: November 2021

Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis is a mycotic disease caused by traumatic inoculation of the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, found ubiquitously in decaying vegetation. The potential for outbreaks, difficulty with timely diagnosis, as well as the prolonged treatment course and recovery from surgical intervention can have a substantial impact on the medical readiness of service members. Treatment with the antifungal therapy of choice, itraconazole, requires close patient monitoring for the duration of treatment for clinical response, drug tolerance, as well as therapeutic drug levels. We present a case of a U.S. Army enlistee with sporotrichosis contracted during basic training, highlighting the impact of delayed diagnosis and prolonged treatment course and recovery on medical readiness.
The SIBELIUS Project: E Pluribus Unum
Authors: Sawala Till , McAlpine Stuart , Jasche Jens , Lavaux Guilhem , Jenkins Adrian , Johansson Peter H , Frenk Carlos S
Published: November 2021

We introduce ‘Simulations Beyond The Local Universe’ (SIBELIUS) that connect the Local Group (LG) to its cosmic environment. We show that introducing hierarchical small-scale perturbations to a density field constrained on large scales by observations provides an efficient way to explore the sample space of LG analogues. From more than 60 000 simulations, we identify a hierarchy of LG characteristics emanating from different scales: the total mass, orientation, orbital energy, and the angular momentum are largely determined by modes above λ = 1.6 comoving Mpc (cMpc) in the primordial density field. Smaller scale variations are mostly manifest as perturbations to the MW–M31 orbit, and we find that the observables commonly used to describe the LG – the MW–M31 separation and radial velocity – are transient and depend on specifying scales down to 0.2 cMpc in the primordial density field. We further find that the presence of M33/LMC analogues significantly affects the MW–M31 orbit and its sensitivity to small-scale perturbations. We construct initial conditions that lead to the formation of an LG whose primary observables precisely match the current observations.
xGASS: characterizing the slope and scatter of the stellar mass–angular momentum relation for nearby galaxies
Authors: Hardwick Jennifer A , Cortese Luca , Obreschkow Danail , Catinella Barbara , Cook Robin H W
Published: November 2021

We present a detailed study of the stellar mass versus specific angular momentum (AM) relation (Fall relation) for a representative sample of 564 nearby galaxies in the eXtended GALEX Arecibo SDSS Survey (xGASS). We focus on the dependence of the Fall relation’s slope on galaxy type and the galaxy properties regulating its scatter. Stellar specific AM is determined by combining single-dish H i velocity widths and stellar mass profiles for all H i detections in the xGASS sample. At fixed morphology (or bulge-to-total ratio), we find that the power-law slope of the Fall relation is consistent with 2/3. However, when all galaxy types are combined, we recover a much shallower slope of ∼0.47. We show that this is a consequence of the change in galaxy morphology as a function of mass, highlighting that caution should be taken when using the slope of the Fall relation to constrain galaxy formation models without taking sample selection into account. We quantify the Fall relations scatter and show that H i gas fraction is the strongest correlated parameter for low stellar masses (Spearman correlation: ρs = 0.61), while the bulge-to-total ratio becomes slightly more dominant at higher masses (ρs = −0.29). Intriguingly, when only the disc components of galaxies are considered, H i gas fraction remains the strongest correlated parameter with the scatter of the relation (regardless of disc stellar mass). Our work provides one of the best characterizations of the Fall relation for a representative sample of galaxies in the local Universe.
Completeness of the Gaia verse – V. Astrometry and radial velocity sample selection functions in Gaia EDR3
Authors: Everall Andrew , Boubert Douglas
Published: November 2021

We risk reaching false scientific conclusions if we test our physical theories against subsets of the Gaia catalogue without correcting for the biased process by which stars make it into our sample. In this paper, we produce selection functions for three Gaia science samples to enable the community to correct for this bias. We estimate the probability that a source in Gaia EDR3 will have (i) a reported parallax and proper motion, (ii) an astrometric renormalized unit weight error below 1.4, or (iii) a reported radial velocity. These selectionfunctions are estimated as a function of G-band apparent magnitude and position on the sky, with the latter two also being dependent on G − GRP colour. The inferred selection functions have a non-trivial dependence on these observable parameters, demonstrating the importance of empirically estimating selection functions. We also produce a simple estimate for the selection function of the full Gaia EDR3 source catalogue to be used with the subset selection functions. We make all of our selection functions easily accessible through the GitHub repository selectionfunctions.
Kepler binary stars in NGC 6791 open cluster: KIC 2437060, KIC 2437149, and KIC 2438490
Authors: Çakırlı Ömür , Hoyman Barış
Published: November 2021

The study of detached eclipsing binaries in open clusters can provide powerful tests of theoretical stellar evolutionary models. These models must simultaneously fit the masses, radii, and radiative properties of the eclipsing stars with essentially the same distance, age, and initial composition. In this way, clusters are ideal test benches for verification of the stellar evolution theory. To fully exploit this potential, we present a detailed analysis of three spectroscopic binaries that are members of NGC 6791. Measurements of the radial velocities were combined with Kepler photometry, to provide a full set of orbital and physical parameters. We applied a standard analysis to disentangle the spectra of each binary system and to determine the temperatures and metallicities for each component in binaries. High-precision analysis affords us the opportunity to define the evolutionary status of the components. We also derived the distances to the systems. Finally, we report on the detection of solar-like oscillation signals in a member in data from the Kepler mission.
A map of diffuse radio emission at 182 MHz to enhance epoch of reionization observations in the Southern hemisphere
Authors: Byrne Ruby , Morales Miguel F , Hazelton Bryna , Sullivan Ian , Barry Nichole , Lynch Christene , Line Jack L B , Jacobs Daniel C
Published: November 2021

We present a broad-band map of polarized diffuse emission at 167–198 MHz developed from data from the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). The map is designed to improve visibility simulation and precision calibration for 21 cm Epoch of Reionization (EoR) experiments. It covers a large swath – 11 000 sq. deg. – of the Southern hemisphere sky in all four Stokes parameters and captures emission on angular scales of 1–9°. The band-averaged diffuse structure is pre-dominantly unpolarized but has significant linearly polarized structure near RA  = 0 h. We evaluate the accuracy of the map by combining it with the GLEAM catalogue and simulating an observation from the MWA, demonstrating that the accuracy of the short baselines (6.1–50 wavelengths) now approaches the accuracy of the longer baselines typically used for EoR calibration. We discuss how to use the map for visibility simulation for a variety of interferometric arrays. The map has potential to improve calibration accuracy for experiments such as the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array and the forthcoming Square Kilometre Array as well as the MWA.
The large-scale distribution of ionized metals in IllustrisTNG
Authors: Artale M Celeste , Haider Markus , Montero-Dorta Antonio D , Vogelsberger Mark , Martizzi Davide , Torrey Paul , Bird Simeon , Hernquist Lars , Marinacci Federico
Published: November 2021

We study the intrinsic large-scale distribution and evolution of seven ionized metals in the IllustrisTNG magnetohydrodynamical cosmological simulation. We focus on the fractions of C ii, C iv, Mg ii, N v, Ne viii, O vi, and Si iv in different cosmic web structures (filaments, haloes, and voids) and gas phases (warm–hot intergalactic medium, hot, diffuse, and condensed gas) from z = 6 to z = 0. Our analysis provides a new perspective to the study of the distribution and evolution of baryons across cosmic time while offering new hints in the context of the well-known missing baryons problem. The cosmic web components are here identified using the local comoving dark matter density, which provides a simple but effective way of mapping baryons on large scales. Our results show that C ii and Mg ii are mostly located in condensed gas inside haloes in high-density and low-temperature star-forming regions ($\rho _{\rm gas}/\bar{\rho }_{\rm bar}\gtrsim 10^3$, and T ≲ 105 K). C iv and Si iv present similar evolution of their mass fractions in haloes and filaments across cosmic time. In particular, their mass budgets in haloes in condensed phase ($\rho _{\rm gas}/\bar{\rho }_{\rm bar}\gtrsim 10^3$, and T ≲ 105 K) are driven by gas cooling and star formation with a peak at z ∼ 2. Finally, our results confirm that O vi, Ne viii, and N v are good tracers of warm/hot and low-density gas at low redshift ($\rho _{\rm gas}/\bar{\rho }_{\rm bar}\lesssim 10^3$, and T ≳ 105 K), regions that are likely to contain most of the missing baryons in the local Universe.
A composite likelihood approach for inference under photometric redshift uncertainty
Authors: Rau M M , Morrison C B , Schmidt S J , Wilson S , Mandelbaum R , Mao Y-Y ,   LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration, Alonso David , Hartley Will , Kirkby David , Kuusela Mikael , Lee Ann B
Published: November 2021

Obtaining accurately calibrated redshift distributions of photometric samples is one of the great challenges in photometric surveys like LSST, Euclid, HSC, KiDS, and DES. We present an inference methodology that combines the redshift information from the galaxy photometry with constraints from two-point functions, utilizing cross-correlations with spatially overlapping spectroscopic samples, and illustrate the approach on CosmoDC2 simulations. Our likelihood framework is designed to integrate directly into a typical large-scale structure and weak lensing analysis based on two-point functions. We discuss efficient and accurate inference techniques that allow us to scale the method to the large samples of galaxies to be expected in LSST. We consider statistical challenges like the parametrization of redshift systematics, discuss and evaluate techniques to regularize the sample redshift distributions, and investigate techniques that can help to detect and calibrate sources of systematic error using posterior predictive checks. We evaluate and forecast photometric redshift performance using data from the CosmoDC2 simulations, within which we mimic a DESI-like spectroscopic calibration sample for cross-correlations. Using a combination of spatial cross-correlations and photometry, we show that we can provide calibration of the mean of the sample redshift distribution to an accuracy of at least 0.002(1 + z), consistent with the LSST-Y1 science requirements for weak lensing and large-scale structure probes.
A nationwide questionnaire survey on the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in Japan
Authors: Matsubara Yuri , Nakamura Yosikazu , Tamura Naoto , Kameda Hideto , Otomo Kotaro , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Kadono Yuho , Tsuji Shigeyoshi , Atsumi Tatsuya , Matsuno Hiroaki , Takagi Michiaki , Kobayashi Shigeto , Fujio Keishi , Nishimoto Norihiro , Okamoto Nami , Nakajima Ayako , Matsui Kiyoshi , Yamamura Masahiro , Nakashima Yasuharu , Kawakami Atsushi , Mori Masaaki , Tomita Tetsuya
Published: November 2021

Objective

This nationwide study aimed to reveal the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-ax SpA), and the positivity rate of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) among such patients in Japan.

Methods

The first survey was conducted in 2221 randomly selected facilities (26.3%) in September 2018, where the patients with AS/nr-ax SpA were taken care of from January to December 2017. We estimated the total number of these patients using response and extraction rates. A second survey was conducted in 117 facilities (49.8%) to assess for HLA-B27 positivity rate and clinical features.

Results

The estimated total numbers of the patients with AS and nr-ax SpA were 3200 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2400–3900) and 800 (530–1100), suggesting that the prevalence values of AS and nr-ax SpA in general population were 2.6/100,000 (0.0026%) and 0.6/100,000 (0.0006%), respectively. Although 55.5% (76/137) of patients with AS were HLA-B27-positive, those whose age of onset was estimated to be over 50 years tended to undergo less HLA-B27 testing.

Conclusion

This study revealed the lower prevalence of AS/nr-ax SpA in Japan, compared to those in other countries. Further studies are required to reveal the association of HLA-B27 with the clinical features.
Division of labor between SOS and PafBC in mycobacterial DNA repair and mutagenesis
Authors: Adefisayo Oyindamola O , Dupuy Pierre , Nautiyal Astha , Bean James M , Glickman Michael S
Published: November 2021

DNA repair systems allow microbes to survive in diverse environments that compromise chromosomal integrity. Pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis must contend with the genotoxic host environment, which generates the mutations that underlie antibiotic resistance. Mycobacteria encode the widely distributed SOS pathway, governed by the LexA repressor, but also encode PafBC, a positive regulator of the transcriptional DNA damage response (DDR). Although the transcriptional outputs of these systems have been characterized, their full functional division of labor in survival and mutagenesis is unknown. Here, we specifically ablate the PafBC or SOS pathways, alone and in combination, and test their relative contributions to repair. We find that SOS and PafBC have both distinct and overlapping roles that depend on the type of DNA damage. Most notably, we find that quinolone antibiotics and replication fork perturbation are inducers of the PafBC pathway, and that chromosomal mutagenesis is codependent on PafBC and SOS, through shared regulation of the DnaE2/ImuA/B mutasome. These studies define the complex transcriptional regulatory network of the DDR in mycobacteria and provide new insight into the regulatory mechanisms controlling the genesis of antibiotic resistance in M. tuberculosis.
Cancer risk in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy: a Swedish population-based cohort study
Authors: Rehnberg Johanna , Ludvigsson Jonas F , Carrero Juan-Jesus , Emilsson Louise
Published: November 2021

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis affecting all ages and both sexes, but there is a lack of studies on its association with cancer and whether it is a paramalignant condition.

Methods

In a Swedish population-based cohort study we compared the risk of cancer among 3882 biopsy-verified IgAN patients diagnosed during 1974–2011 with 19 341 reference individuals and followed them until 2015. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for cancer in IgAN patients versus controls and conditional logistic regression assessed the risk of cancer before the IgAN was confirmed.

Results

During a median follow-up of 12.6 years, 488 (12.6%) patients with IgAN and 1783 (9.2%) matched reference individuals were diagnosed with cancer {HR 1.70 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.52–1.89]}. The increased risk was only seen in IgAN patients developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with an HR of 4.01 (95% CI 3.33–4.82) for any cancer and HR of 2.22 (95% CI 1.79–2.75) when excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Non-ESRD IgAN patients did not have an increased overall cancer risk [HR 1.13 (95% CI 0.99–1.30)]. There was no increased risk of cancer preceding an IgAN diagnosis [odds ratio 1.10 (95% CI 0.92–1.32)].

Conclusions

We found no support for IgAN being a paramalignant condition. There was an increased risk of cancer in IgAN patients, but only for those with ESRD. Our results indicate ∼6 extra cancer cases per 100 IgAN patients with ESRD per 10 years, or >17 extra cases if including NMSC as well.
Long-term impact of adult WHO grade II or III gliomas on health-related quality of life: A systematic review
Authors: Frances Sé Maria , Velikova Galina , Klein Martin , Short Susan C , Murray Louise , Wright Judy M , Boele Florien
Published: November 2021

Background

Glioma diagnosis can be devastating and result in a range of symptoms. Relatively little is known about the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) challenges faced by these patients. Establishing the impact of diagnosis on HRQOL could help positively tailor clinical decision making regarding patient support and treatment. The aim of this review is to identify the long-term HRQOL issues reported at least 2 years following diagnosis of WHO grade II/III glioma.

Method

Systematic literature searches were carried out using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection. Searches were designed to identify patient self-reports on HRQOL aspects defined as physical, mental, or social issues. Quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Narrative synthesis was used to collate findings.

Results

The search returned 8923 articles. Two hundred seventy-eight titles remained after title and abstract screening, with 21 full-text articles included in the final analysis. The majority of studies used quantitative methods, with 3 articles reporting mixed methodology. Negative emotional/psychological/cognitive changes were the most commonly reported. Physical complaints included fatigue, seizures, and restricted daily activity. Social challenges included strained social relationships and financial problems. Patient coping strategies were suggested to influence patient’s survival quality.

Conclusion

The consequences of a glioma diagnosis and treatment can have substantial implications for patients’ long-term HRQOL and daily functioning. Findings from this review lay the groundwork for efforts to improve patient HRQOL in long-term survivorship.
Classical and disease-specific quality indicators in glioma surgery—Development of a quality checklist to improve treatment quality in glioma patients
Authors: Menke Christiane , Lohmann Sebastian , Baehr Andrea , Grauer Oliver , Holling Markus , Brokinkel Benjamin , Schwake Michael , Stummer Walter , Schipmann Stephanie
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a pressing demand for more accurate, disease-specific quality measures in the field of neurosurgery. Aiming at most adequately measuring and reflecting the quality of glioma therapy, we developed a novel quality indicator bundle in form of a checklist for all patients that are treated operatively for glioma.

Methods

On the basis of possible glioma-specific quality indicators retrieved from the literature and quality guidelines, a multidisciplinary team developed a checklist containing 13 patient-need-specific outcome measures. Subsequently, the checklist was prospectively applied to a total of 78 patients compared with a control group consisting of 322 patients. A score was generated based on the maximum of quality measures achieved.

Results

Significant improvements in quality after prospectively introducing the checklist were achieved for supplemental physical and occupational therapy during inpatient stay (89.4% vs 100%, P = .002), consultation of a social worker during inpatient stay (64% vs 92.3%, P < .001), psycho-oncological screening (14.3% vs 70.5%, P < .001), psycho-oncological consultation (31.1% vs 82.1%, P < .001), and consultation of the palliative care team (20% vs 40%, P = .031). Overall, after introduction of the checklist one-third (n = 23) of patients reached best-practice measures in all categories, and over half of the patients (n = 44) achieved above 90% with respect to the outcome measures.

Conclusions

Aiming at ensuring comprehensive, consistent, and timely care of glioma patients, the implementation of the checklist for routine use in glioma surgery represents an efficient, easily reproducible, and powerful tool for significant improvements.
Low Knowledge of HIV PrEP Within a Midwestern US Cohort of Persons who Inject Drugs
Authors: Sayood Sena , Marks Laura R , Patel Rupa , Nolan Nathanial S , Liang Stephen Y , Durkin Michael J
Published: November 2021

We interviewed persons who inject drugs (PWID) to understand perceptions of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. Knowledge of PrEP was poor. Patients felt that PrEP was for sexual intercourse rather than injection drug use, and PWID managed on medications for opioid use disorder felt that they had no need for PrEP.
Live Plant Cell Tracking: Fiji plugin to analyze cell proliferation dynamics and understand morphogenesis
Authors: Hernández-Herrera Paul , Ugartechea-Chirino Yamel , Torres-Martínez Héctor H , Arzola Alejandro V , Chairez-Veloz José Eduardo , García-Ponce Berenice , Sánchez María de la Paz , Garay-Arroyo Adriana , Álvarez-Buylla Elena R , Dubrovsky Joseph G , Corkidi Gabriel
Published: November 2021

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) primary and lateral roots (LRs) are well suited for 3D and 4D microscopy, and their development provides an ideal system for studying morphogenesis and cell proliferation dynamics. With fast-advancing microscopy techniques used for live-imaging, whole tissue data are increasingly available, yet present the great challenge of analyzing complex interactions within cell populations. We developed a plugin “Live Plant Cell Tracking” (LiPlaCeT) coupled to the publicly available ImageJ image analysis program and generated a pipeline that allows, with the aid of LiPlaCeT, 4D cell tracking and lineage analysis of populations of dividing and growing cells. The LiPlaCeT plugin contains ad hoc ergonomic curating tools, making it very simple to use for manual cell tracking, especially when the signal-to-noise ratio of images is low or variable in time or 3D space and when automated methods may fail. Performing time-lapse experiments and using cell-tracking data extracted with the assistance of LiPlaCeT, we accomplished deep analyses of cell proliferation and clonal relations in the whole developing LR primordia and constructed genealogical trees. We also used cell-tracking data for endodermis cells of the root apical meristem (RAM) and performed automated analyses of cell population dynamics using ParaView software (also publicly available). Using the RAM as an example, we also showed how LiPlaCeT can be used to generate information at the whole-tissue level regarding cell length, cell position, cell growth rate, cell displacement rate, and proliferation activity. The pipeline will be useful in live-imaging studies of roots and other plant organs to understand complex interactions within proliferating and growing cell populations. The plugin includes a step-by-step user manual and a dataset example that are available at https://www.ibt.unam.mx/documentos/diversos/LiPlaCeT.zip.
Improvement with time of vascular outcomes in systemic sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis study
Authors: Hughes Michael , Zanatta Elisabetta , Sandler Robert D , Avouac Jérôme , Allanore Yannick
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Vascular disease in SSc is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Preliminary data may lead to the suggestion of a modifiable unified-vascular endophenotype. Our aim was to determine whether the prevalence, mortality and severity of SSc-vascular disease have changed over time.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature in PubMed 1950–2019 related to SSc-digital ulcers (DUs), pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). We included full-text articles and extracted study characteristics and assessed risk of bias/quality. We examined the prevalence, mortality and surrogate measures of SSc-associated vascular disease severity.

Results

We included 55 studies in our meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of DUs (41.0%), PAH (9.5%) and SRC (4.9%) remained largely stable over time. There was significant improvement in PAH 1-year (P = 0.001) and SRC mortality (P < 0.001), but not PAH 3-year (P = 0.312) or 5-year (P = 0.686) mortality. The prevalence of DU healing did not significantly change (P = 0.265). There was a trend (all P = ∼0.1) towards improvement in PAH surrogates: mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and right atrial pressure. For SRC, there was evidence that the overall frequency of dialysis (66.7%, P = 0.297) and permanent dialysis (35.4%, P = 0.036) increased over time.

Conclusion

Despite the heterogeneity and scarcity of the disease, there have been major improvements obtained in the various vascular complications in SSc leading to benefit in survival. This is supported by a trend towards improvement in several surrogate markers and demonstrates that progress in vascular management translates into major patient benefit.
EVALUATION OF BCL2 AND ITS REGULATORY MIRS, MIR-15-B AND MIR-16 EXPRESSION CHANGES UNDER THE EXPOSURE OF EXTREMELY LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ON HUMAN GASTRIC CANCER CELL LINE
Authors: Heidari Sahar , Abdi Soheila , Karizi Shohreh Zare
Published: November 2021

In this research, changes in the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), miR-15-b and miR-16 in human adenocarcinoma gastric cancer cell line (AGS) following the exposure to magnetic flux densities (MFDs) of 0.2 and 2 mT continuously and discontinuously (1.5 h on/1.5 h off) for 18 h were investigated. Changes in the cell viability were evaluated by the MTT assay. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the expression changes of BCL2, miR-15-b and miR-16. The results showed that extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) could significantly reduce the viability of AGS cells in the continuous MFD of 2 mT. The BCL2 expression was significantly decreased following the exposure to continuous MFDs of 0.2 and 2 mT and discontinuous MFD of 2 mT. The expressions of miR-15-b and miR-16 were significantly increased in continuous and discontinuous MFD of 2 mT. According to the results, weak and moderate extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields can change the expressions of BCL2, miR-15-b and miR-16.
Servants of Production: The Politics of Domestic Workers’ Labor Rights
Authors: Gonalons-Pons Pilar
Published: November 2021

Paid domestic workers are commonly excluded from general labor laws across the globe. This article unpacks the ideological structure underlying the legitimation of this widespread exclusion and how it is shifting. I examine transcripts of official debates in the International Labour Organization 1919–2014 and in Spain 1978–2018 that deal with how paid domestic work is treated in general labor regulations. I show that justifications for limiting domestic workers’ labor rights have shifted from using the separate spheres framework to leveraging notions of racialized hierarchies of skill that perpetuate the devaluation of domestic work despite offering greater recognition of labor rights.
Impacts of feeding organic acid-based feed additives on diarrhea, performance, and fecal microbiome characteristics of pigs after weaning challenged with an enterotoxigenic strain of Escherichia coli
Authors: Pluske John R , Turpin Diana L , Sahibzada Shafi , Pineda Lane , Han Yanming , Collins Alison
Published: November 2021

Post weaning diarrhea (PWD) caused by enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli (ETEC) remains a major problem in the industry, causing decreases in performance and survival of weaned pigs. Traditionally, antimicrobials have been used for its mitigation/control. This study tested the hypothesis that a combination of two organic acid (OA)-based commercial feed additives, Presan FX [an OA, medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and phenolic compound-based product] and Fysal MP (free and buffered OA based on formic acid), would reduce PWD and improve post-weaning performance in pigs challenged with an F4-ETEC. This combination was assessed against a Negative control diet without any feed additives and a diet containing amoxicillin. Combined with a reduction in temperature during the infection period, inoculation with F4-ETEC resulted in 81% of pigs developing diarrhea, but with no differences between treatments (P > 0.05). However, between days 14 to 20 of the study and due to colonization by Salmonella serovars, pigs fed the combination of Presan FX and Fysal MP showed less (P = 0.014) diarrhea commensurate with a lower (P = 0.018) proportion of Salmonella numbers relative to total bacterial numbers. This caused less (P = 0.049) therapeutic antibiotic administrations relative to the diet with amoxicillin during this time. The diversity of bacteria within amoxicillin-treated pigs was lower (P = 0.004) than the diversity in control or Presan FX + Fysal MP-treated pigs (P = 0.01). Pair-wise comparisons showed that amoxicillin-treated pigs had altered (P < 0.001) fecal microbial communities relative to both Presan FX + Fysal MP-treated pigs and control pigs. Amoxicillin-treated pigs were characterized by an increased abundance of bacterial families generally linked to inflammation and dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), whereas Presan FX + Fysal MP-treated pigs had an increased abundance of bacterial families considered beneficial commensals for the GIT. Control pigs were characterized by an increased abundance of Spirochaetaceae associated with healthy piglets, as well as bacterial families associated with reduced feed intake and appetite. The combination of two OA-based feed additives did not reduce the incidence of F4 ETEC-associated diarrhea nor enhance performance. However, the combination markedly reduced diarrhea caused by Salmonella that occurred following the ETEC infection, commensurate with less therapeutic administrations relative to the diet with amoxicillin.
Pharmacological Management of Myasthenia Gravis: A Century of Expert Opinions in Cecil Textbook of Medicine
Authors: Manu Peter , Rogozea Liliana M. , Roman-Filip Corina
Published: November 2021

Background:

Advances in drug therapy for myasthenia gravis have had a significant impact on the quality of life and work potential of a substantial majority of affected persons and has contributed to a remarkable decrease in the frequency and severity of complications, hospitalizations, and mortality.

Study Question:

What are the milestones of the changes in the expert approach to the pharmacological management of myasthenia in the past century?

Study Design:

To determine the changes in the experts' approach to the management of myasthenia gravis, as presented in a widely used textbook in the United States.

Data Sources:

The chapters presenting the management of myasthenia gravis in the 26 editions of Cecil Textbook of Medicine published from 1927 to 2020.

Results:

Adequate feeding, absolute rest in bed, and “tonics” were the only interventions recommended for the care of patients with myasthenia gravis in 1927. Ephedrine and glycine were used in the early 1930s. Treatment with the anticholinesterases physostigmine and neostigmine was recommended in 1937, 3 years after Mary Walker discovered it in the United Kingdom. Immunosuppressant pharmacological interventions with prednisone and azathioprine have been considered the standard since 1975, and intravenous immune globulin was added to usual care in 1996. The newer immunosuppressant drugs mycophenolate, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus have expanded the arsenal since 2008, and the monoclonal antibodies rituximab and eculizumab have been mentioned in the textbooks published in 2012–2020. The first randomized clinical trial of drug therapy for myasthenia gravis was published in 1987.

Conclusions:

The pharmacological management of myasthenia gravis was revolutionized by the epiphany of an astute clinician in the 1930s. Immunosuppressant treatment was a logical step once the autoimmune nature of the condition was established. The major therapeutic advances highlight the values of empiricism and persistent attention to detail in treating relatively rare chronic disorders.
Risk of Developing Breast Reconstruction Complications: A Machine-Learning Nomogram for Individualized Risk Estimation with and without Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy
Authors: Naoum George E. , Ho Alice Y. , Shui Amy , Salama Laura , Goldberg Saveli , Arafat Waleed , Winograd Jonathan , Colwell Amy , Smith Barbara L. , Taghian Alphonse G.
Published: November 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study was to create a nomogram using machine learning models predicting risk of breast reconstruction complications with or without postmastectomy radiation therapy.

Methods:

Between 1997 and 2017, 1617 breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction were analyzed. Those with autologous, tissue expander/implant, and single-stage direct-to-implant reconstruction were included. Postmastectomy radiation therapy was delivered either with three-dimensional conformal photon or proton therapy. Complication endpoints were defined based on surgical reintervention operative notes as infection/necrosis requiring débridement. For implant-based patients, complications were defined as capsular contracture requiring capsulotomy and implant failure. For each complication endpoint, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator–penalized regression was used to select the subset of predictors associated with the smallest prediction error from 10-fold cross-validation. Nomograms were built using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator–selected predictors, and internal validation using cross-validation was performed.

Results:

Median follow-up was 6.6 years. Among 1617 patients, 23 percent underwent autologous reconstruction, 39 percent underwent direct-to-implant reconstruction, and 37 percent underwent tissue expander/implant reconstruction. Among 759 patients who received postmastectomy radiation therapy, 8.3 percent received proton-therapy to the chest wall and nodes and 43 percent received chest wall boost. Internal validation for each model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 73 percent for infection, 75 percent for capsular contracture, 76 percent for absolute implant failure, and 68 percent for overall implant failure. Periareolar incisions and complete implant muscle coverage were found to be important predictors for infection and capsular contracture, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, we found that protons compared to no postmastectomy radiation therapy significantly increased capsular contracture risk (OR, 15.3; p < 0.001). This was higher than the effect of photons with electron boost versus no postmastectomy radiation therapy (OR, 2.5; p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Using machine learning, these nomograms provided prediction of postmastectomy breast reconstruction complications with and without radiation therapy.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Asian Face Lift with the Composite Face Lift Technique
Authors: Wong Chin-Ho , Hsieh Michael Ku Hung , Mendelson Bryan
Published: November 2021

Background:

The composite face lift is becoming increasingly popular following recent advances in understanding of facial anatomy that enable safe sub-superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) dissection. This article presents the authors’ technique for composite face lift in Asian patients and reviews their experience and outcome with this procedure.

Methods:

Composite face lifts were performed on 128 Asian patients between January of 2010 and June of 2020. Ninety-four were primary face lifts, and 34 were secondary or tertiary face lifts. The authors’ surgical technique and adaptations for the specific requirements of Asian patients are described in detail. The mean follow-up was 26 months (range, 6 to 108 months). Fat grafting was an integral part of our procedure, with 95 percent having concomitant facial fat grafting with their face lift.

Results:

Patients were followed up in accordance with a standardized schedule. The majority of patients reported high satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of the technique, with natural, long-lasting results. The face lift plane of dissection is through the facial soft-tissue spaces, which provide atraumatic sub-SMAS access with precise release of the intervening retaining ligaments for effective flap mobilization. By emphasizing tension on the composite flap with no tension on the skin closure, the scars were discrete in the great majority of patients. Complications were few, with no hematomas or skin flap necrosis. The temporary nerve injury rate was 1.5 percent, with no patient having a permanent nerve injury.

Conclusion:

The composite face lift is an ideal technique for Asian patients, as it delivers natural, long-lasting results; a quick recovery; and high patient satisfaction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.