bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral silicone prosthesis in dogs: A retrospective study of 107 cases (2010–2019)
Authors: Barbry Jean‐Baptiste , Poinsard Anne‐Sophie , Cappelle Julien , Balland Olivier , Isard Pierre‐François , Dulaurent Thomas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the preoperative clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral silicone prosthesis (EIISP) procedures in dogs and evaluate whether brachycephalic dogs are more prone than non‐brachycephalic dogs to develop postoperative complications after EIISP.Animal studiedNinety‐One dogs (19 of which were brachycephalic) were included.ProceduresMedical records from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Signalment, reason for EIISP, postoperative complications, follow‐up time, and postoperative eye appearance were analyzed.ResultsThe most frequently represented breeds were French Bulldog [11/91 (12%) dogs], Jack Russell Terrier [6/91 (7%)], and Shih Tzu [6/91 (7%)]. Brachycephalic dogs were statistically younger than non‐brachycephalic dogs at the time of EIISP (p = 1.61 × 10−5). Uncontrolled glaucoma was the most common reason for EIISP in both groups. Short‐term complications (from D0 to D15) seen in 7/91 (8%) dogs included epithelial corneal ulcers (n = 3), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (n = 2), and prosthesis extrusion (n = 2). Long‐term complications seen in 26/91 (29%) dogs included KCS (n = 11), epithelial corneal ulcers (n = 7), stromal ulcers (n = 3), entropion (n = 4), and prosthesis extrusion (n = 1). Extrusion of the prosthesis occurred twice in eyes that had undergone diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. The risk of postoperative complications was not significantly different between brachycephalic and non‐brachycephalic dogs (p = .3).ConclusionsBrachycephalic status in dogs does not appear to influence the risk of complications from EIISP. Nevertheless, the present study is a reminder that EIISP focuses on esthetics, and considering the possible complications associated with it, it does not provide a benefit to the patient compared to enucleation.
Metacomputing for Directly Computable Multiphysics Models
Authors: Michopoulos John G. , Iliopoulos Athanasios P. , Steuben John C. , Apetre Nicoleta A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhen it comes to multiphysics modeling and simulation, the ever-improving advances of computational technologies have forced the user to manage higher resource complexity while at the same time they are motivating the modeling of more complex systems than before. Consequently, the time for the user’s iterations within the context space characterizing all choices required for a successful computation far exceeds the time required for the runtime software execution to produce acceptable results. This paper presents metacomputing as an approach to address this issue, starting with describing this high-dimensional context space. Then it highlights the abstract process of multiphysics model generation/solution and proposes performing top-down and bottom-up metacomputing. In the top-down approach, metacomputing is used for automating the process of generating theories, raising the semantic dimensionality of these theories in higher dimensional algebraic systems that enable simplification of the equational representation, and raising the syntactic dimensionality of equational representation from 1D equational forms to 2D and 3D algebraic solution graphs that reduce solving to path-following. In the bottom-up approach, already existing legacy codes evolving over multiple decades are encapsulated at the bottom layer of a multilayer semantic framework that utilizes category theory based operations on specifications to enable the user to spend time only for defining the physics of the relevant problem and not have to deal with the rest of the details involved in deploying and executing the solution of the problem at hand. Consequently, these two metacomputing approaches enable the automated generation, composition, deployment, and execution of directly computable multiphysics models.
Sparse Metapiles for Shear Wave Attenuation in Half-Spaces
Authors: Celli Paolo , Nunzi Ilaria , Calabrese Andrea , Lenci Stefano , Daraio Chiara 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We show that shear waves traveling toward the surface of a half-space medium can be attenuated via buried one-dimensional arrays of resonators—here called metapiles—arranged according to sparse patterns around a site to be isolated. Our focus is on shear waves approaching the surface along a direction perpendicular to the surface itself. First, we illustrate the behavior of metapiles, both experimentally and numerically, using 3D printed resonators embedded in an acrylic plate. Then, via numerical simulations, we extend this idea to the case study of an idealized half-space and elucidate the influence of various design parameters on wave attenuation. Results of this work demonstrate that significant wave attenuation can be achieved by installing sparse resonating piles around a selected site on the free surface of the medium, rather than placing resonators directly underneath that same site. This work might have implications in metamaterial-based wave attenuation applications across scales.
Influence of PTFE-Based Dry Lubricants on Friction and Wear Behavior in Dry Lubricated Steel–Bronze Contact
Authors: Simo Kamga Lionel , Emrich Stefan , Merz Rolf , Oehler Manuel , Gedan-Smolka Michaela , Kopnarski Michael , Sauer Bernd , Koch Oliver 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this article, solid lubricants are investigated to examine their tribological performance in a dry lubricated steel–bronze contact. The examined solid lubricants are made of polyamide (PA) and irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which are chemically bonded by reactive melt extrusion. For the tribological investigations, a block-twin-disc test rig, on the one hand, and a three-disc test rig, on the other hand, were used under ambient conditions, where the solid lubricant for lubricating the steel–bronze contact was released from a block or a disc. Results from the tribological investigations are presented here, showing the friction and wear behavior in a steel–bronze contact depending on the slide-to-roll ratio in the contact between the steel disc and the compound body. Furthermore, surface analytical investigations on the steel and bronze discs were carried out. These studies showed that the chemical bonding of 20 wt% of irradiated PTFE in PA12 improves the wear and friction behavior in steel–bronze contact significantly, due to the buildup of a transfer film of PTFE on the steel surface.
Anaerobic Speed Reserve and Performance Relationships Between International and World-Class Short-Track Speed Skating
Authors: Deguire Simon , Sandford Gareth N. , Bieuzen François 
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Short-track speed skating race distances of 500, 1000, and 1500 m that last ∼40 seconds to ∼2.5 minutes and require a maximal intensity at speeds beyond maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Recently, the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) has been applied by scientists and coaches in middle-distance sports to deepen understanding of 1- to 5-minute event performance where different physiological profiles (speed, hybrid, and endurance) can have success. Methods: World-class (women, n = 2; men, n = 3) and international-level (women, n = 4; men, n = 5) short-track speed skaters completed maximal aerobic speed and maximal skating speed tests. ASR characteristics were compared between profiles and associated with on-ice performance. Results: World-class athletes raced at a lower %ASR in the 1000- (3.1%; large; almost certainly) and 1500-m (1.8%; large; possibly) events than international athletes. Men’s and women’s speed profiles operated at a higher %ASR in the 500-m than hybrid and endurance profiles, whereas in the 1500-m, endurance profiles worked at a substantially lower %ASR than hybrid and speed profiles. Women’s 500-m performance is very largely associated with maximal skating speed, while women’s maximal aerobic speed appears to be a key determining factor in the 1000- and 1500-m performance. Conclusion: World-class short-track speed skaters can be developed in speed, hybrid, and endurance profiles but achieve their performance differently by leveraging their strongest characteristics. These results show nuanced differences between men’s and women’s 500-, 1000- and 1500-m event performance across ASR profile that unlock new insights for individualizing athlete performance in these disciplines.
Genome characterization of
Dickeya solani
bacteriophage W2B
Authors: Balasubramaniam Heama Maleini , Tze Yan Fong , Michelle JiaMin Loh , Parimannan Sivachandran , Mutusamy Prasanna , Jaya Jothi Sasireigga , Rajandas Heera 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

We have successfully characterized the complete genome sequence of the lytic
Dickeya solani
bacteriophage W2B, isolated from the Bunus Sewage Treatment Plant. The lytic phage from the Ningirsuvirus family has a 40,385-bp linear double-stranded DNA genome containing 51 coding sequences (CDSs).
Ex vivo
gut cultures of
Aedes aegypti
are efficiently infected by mosquito-borne alpha- and flaviviruses
Authors: Rosales Rosas Ana Lucia , Wang Lanjiao , Goossens Sara , Cuvry Arno , Li Li-Hsin , Santos-Ferreira Nanci , Soto Alina , Dallmeier Kai , Rocha-Pereira Joana , Delang Leen 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes can transmit several arboviruses, including chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). When blood-feeding on a virus-infected human, the mosquito ingests the virus into the midgut (stomach), where it replicates and must overcome the midgut barrier to disseminate to other organs and ultimately be transmitted via the saliva. Current tools to study mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) include 2D-cell culture systems and
in vivo
mosquito infection models, which offer great advantages, yet have some limitations. Here, we describe a long-term
ex vivo
culture of
Ae. aegypti
guts. Cultured guts were metabolically active for 7 d in a 96-well plate at 28°C and were permissive to ZIKV, DENV, Ross River virus, and CHIKV.
Ex vivo
guts from
Culex pipiens
mosquitoes were found to be permissive to Usutu virus. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed viral protein synthesis in CHIKV-infected guts of
Ae. aegypti
. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy revealed replication and spread of a reporter DENV in specific regions of the midgut. In addition, two known antiviral molecules, β-
d
-N
4
-hydroxycytidine and 7-deaza-2′-C-methyladenosine, were able to inhibit CHIKV and ZIKV replication, respectively, in the
ex vivo
model. Together, our results show that
ex vivo
guts can be efficiently infected with mosquito-borne alpha- and flaviviruses and employed to evaluate antiviral drugs. Furthermore, the setup can be extended to other mosquito species.
Ex vivo
gut cultures could thus be a new model to study MBVs, offering the advantage of reduced biosafety measures compared to infecting living mosquitoes.

IMPORTANCE

Mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) are a significant global health threat since they can cause severe diseases in humans, such as hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, and chronic arthritis. MBVs rely on the mosquito vector to infect new hosts and perpetuate virus transmission. No therapeutics are currently available. The study of arbovirus infection in the mosquito vector can greatly contribute to elucidating strategies for controlling arbovirus transmission. This work investigated the infection of guts from
Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes in an
ex vivo
platform. We found several MBVs capable of replicating in the gut tissue, including viruses of major health importance, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In addition, antiviral compounds reduced arbovirus infection in the cultured gut tissue. Overall, the gut model emerges as a useful tool for diverse applications such as studying tissue-specific responses to virus infection and screening potential anti-arboviral molecules.
Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among adults in South Africa: multimethod evidence from a population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Maughan-Brown Brendan , Eyal Katherine Claire , Njozela Lindokuhle , Buttenheim Alison M 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccine coverage remains low in many low and middle-income countries despite widespread access. To understand the dynamic decision-making process around vaccination and provide evidence for future vaccine promotion campaigns, we identified predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among South African adults, including those who did not believe in the vaccine’s safety or efficacy.MethodsData from two longitudinal telephone surveys in late 2021 and early 2022 of unvaccinated South African adults were used to model COVID-19 uptake. Predictors of interest informed by the theory of planned behaviour included vaccine attitudes and beliefs, social norms, perceived behavioural control and vaccine intentions. Responses to open-ended questions provided insights into key reasons for getting vaccinated.ResultsAmong panel participants (n=1772), 19% reported being vaccinated between Survey 1 and Survey 2. Vaccine uptake was greater among participants who reported wanting to get vaccinated ‘as soon as possible’ (+27 percentage points, p<0.01). Vaccine uptake was greater among participants who believed that the vaccine is effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and/or death (+12 percentage points, p<0.01) and lower among those who believed that the vaccine is unsafe (−9 percentage points, p<0.01). Among participants who did not believe the vaccine is safe, living with someone already vaccinated against COVID-19 increased vaccine uptake (+6 percentage points, p<0.05). At Survey 1, the intention to get vaccinated as soon as possible was positively associated with perceived risk of illness from COVID-19 (+9.2 percentage points, p<0.05), the belief that most people in their area had been vaccinated (+7.0 percentage points, p<0.05) and living with someone already vaccinated against COVID-19 (+6.6 percentage points, p<0.05).ConclusionStudy findings underscore the predictive power of intentions and of beliefs about disease risk, vaccine safety and vaccine efficacy. Social proof interventions hold promise for increasing vaccination intentions and overcoming concerns about vaccine safety.
Dexamethasone intravitreal implant in diabetic macular oedema refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factors: the AUSSIEDEX study
Authors: Mitchell Paul , Arnold Jennifer , Fraser-Bell Samantha , Kang Hyong Kwon , Chang Andrew A , Tainton Jodi , Simonyi Susan 
Published: August 2023

AimTo evaluate effectiveness of dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7 mg (DEX) monotherapy in the AUSSIEDEX study non-responder subgroup, defined by diabetic macular oedema (DME) refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.MethodsThis prospective, open-label, observational, real-world study included pseudophakic and phakic (scheduled for cataract surgery) eyes that did not achieve a ≥5-letter best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gain and/or clinically significant central subfield retinal thickness (CRT) improvement after 3–6 anti-VEGF injections for DME (N=143 eyes), regardless of baseline BCVA and CRT. After an initial DEX injection (baseline visit), reinjection was permitted at ≥16-week intervals. Primary endpoints: changes in mean BCVA and CRT from baseline to week 52. Safety assessments included adverse events.ResultsOf 143 eyes, 53 (37.1%) and 89 (62.2%) switched to DEX after 3–6 (early) and >6 (late) anti-VEGF injections, respectively; 1 (0.7%) had missing information. With 2.3 injections (mean) over 52 weeks, the change in mean BCVA from a baseline of 57.8 letters was not significant at week 52. Mean CRT improved significantly from a baseline of 417.8 μm at week 52 (mean change –60.9 μm; p<0.001). Outcomes were similar in eyes switched to DEX early and late. No unexpected adverse events were reported; no filtration surgeries were required.ConclusionTo date, AUSSIEDEX is the largest prospective, real-world study of DEX monotherapy for treatment-naïve or anti-VEGF-refractory DME. Following early or late switch from anti-VEGF agents, DEX significantly improved anatomic outcomes at 52 weeks without new safety concerns, supporting use in anti-VEGF-refractory DME.Trial registration numberNCT02731911.
Securitising public health emergencies: a qualitative examination of the origins of military intervention in Sierra Leone’s Ebola Epidemic
Authors: Boland Samuel T , Mayhew Susannah , Balabanova Dina 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe 2013–2016 West Africa Ebola Epidemic remains the largest recorded Ebola outbreak. In response to the escalating number of cases in Sierra Leone in the summer and early autumn of 2014, the British Armed Forces and Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces intervened in support of the outbreak response. Among other contributions, the militaries established and subsequently helped to lead a national network of bespoke (and inherently militarised) coordination centres, from which almost all formal Ebola response operations were organised. Their contributions were therefore central to the outbreak response. However, the decision and process by which these actors first intervened is not well documented.MethodsIn order to examine the historical origin of the militaries’ intervention, 110 semistructured qualitative interviews with key stakeholders at the international, national and subnational level were conducted and analysed.ResultsMilitary support to Sierra Leone’s Ebola response was found to result from the advocacy and careful planning of a small number of individuals operating in Freetown, alongside closed-door negotiations occurring at the highest level of government in the UK.ConclusionsThis has important implications for understanding elite decision-making related to the militarisation of aid and the wider securitisation agenda.
Adjuvant dendritic cell-based immunotherapy after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a phase II clinical trial
Authors: Dietz Michelle V , Quintelier Katrien L A , van Kooten Job P , de Boer Nadine L , Vink Madelief , Brandt-Kerkhof Alexandra R M , Verhoef Cornelis , Saeys Yvan , Aerts Joachim G J V , Willemsen Marcella , Van Gassen Sofie , Madsen Eva V E 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundMalignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) improves survival outcomes, but recurrence rates remain high. Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy (DCBI) showed promising results in patients with pleural mesothelioma. The primary aim of this trial was to determine feasibility of adjuvant DCBI after CRS-HIPEC.MethodsThis open-label, single-center, phase II clinical trial, performed in the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute Rotterdam, the Netherlands, included patients with epithelioid MPM. 4–6 weeks before CRS-HIPEC leukapheresis was performed. 8–10 weeks after surgery, DCBI was administered three times biweekly. Feasibility was defined as administration of at least three adjuvant vaccinations in 75% of patients. Comprehensive immune cell profiling was performed on peripheral blood samples prior to and during treatment.ResultsAll patients who received CRS-HIPEC (n=16) were successfully treated with adjuvant DCBI. No severe toxicity related to DCBI was observed. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12 months (IQR 5–23) and median overall survival was not reached. DCBI was associated with increased proliferation of circulating natural killer cells and CD4+ T-helper (Th) cells. Co-stimulatory molecules, including ICOS, HLA-DR, and CD28 were upregulated predominantly on memory or proliferating Th-cells and minimally on CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) after treatment. However, an increase in CD8+ terminally differentiated effector memory (Temra) cells positively correlated with PFS, whereas co-expression of ICOS and Ki67 on CTLs trended towards a positive correlation.ConclusionsAdjuvant DCBI after CRS-HIPEC in patients with MPM was feasible and safe, and showed promising survival outcomes. DCBI had an immune modulatory effect on lymphoid cells and induced memory T-cell activation. Moreover, an increase of CD8+ Temra cells was more pronounced in patients with longer PFS. These data provide rationale for future combination treatment strategies.Trial registration numberNTR7060; Dutch Trial Register (NTR).
Phenox HPC and Phenox flow modulation devices for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bilgin Cem , Senol Yigit Can , Kobeissi Hassan , Orscelik Atakan , Ghozy Sherief , Oliver Alexander A , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Brinjikji Waleed , Kallmes David F 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundSurface-modified flow diverters are increasingly used in clinical settings. However, their safety profiles and additional benefits over non-coated devices still need to be explored. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of the uncoated Phenox and coated Phenox HPC flow diverters.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Collected data were pooled and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Outcomes of interest included aneurysm occlusion (>6 months) and complication rates. Additionally, the safety outcomes of prophylactic single (SAPT) and dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) approaches were compared for patients treated with coated Phenox HPC flow diverters.ResultsWe included 17 studies with 1238 patients. The overall complete occlusion rates were 80% (95% CI 74.01% to 86.56%) for Phenox HPC and 71.3% (95% CI 59.71% to 85.20%) for non-coated Phenox flow diverters (p=0.24). Ischemic complication rates were 7.3% (95% CI 4.6% to 11.39%) with the Phenox HPC and 5.3% (95% CI 4.07% to 6.91%) with the Phenox (p=0.24). For patients treated with Phenox HPC, the SAPT (5.5%; 95% CI 2.83% to 10.85%) and DAPT (7.1%; 95% CI 1.23% to 41.45%) approaches resulted in comparable ischemic complication rates (p=0.79). The DAPT group (4.8%; 95% CI 1.46% to 16.24%) had higher hemorrhagic complication rates than the SAPT group (1.7%; 95% CI 0.52% to 6.09%), but the difference was not statistically significant for patients treated with Phenox HPC (p=0.25).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that Phenox HPC is equally as safe and effective as non-coated Phenox devices. Additionally, our results suggest that prasugrel monotherapy might effectively prevent ischemic complications in patients treated with Phenox HPC flow diverters.