bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group Bonding and Effectiveness: Cohesion’s Moderating Role and Leaders’ Relationship Mediating Role
Authors: Klang Motti , Luria Gil
Published: December 2020

The role of group bonding (friendship ties among group members) and the relationships between group members and the formal leader in the prediction of effectiveness was studied. A theoretical mediated-moderation process model was tested. The model was examined through a longitudinal research with 91 natural groups, that included social network analysis to capture the relationship between group members and a leadership differentiation measure to revel their relationship with the leader. As hypothesized, group bonding predicted group effectiveness, group cohesion mediated only one dimension of group effectiveness, and leadership differentiation moderated this process.
A simplified metaelastic model for coated sphere-filled random composites
Authors: Ru CQ
Published: December 2020

A simplified metaelastic model is presented to study long-wavelength dynamics of random composites filled with coated rigid spheres under the condition that the characteristic wavelength of the displacement field is much larger than the average distance between adjacent coated rigid spheres. The model is characterized by a simple differential relation between the displacement field of the composite and the displacement field of the mass center of a representative unit cell. The validity and accuracy of the model are demonstrated by comparing its predicted bandgap frequencies with known numerical and experimental data. The efficiency and merits of the model are demonstrated by applying it to study vibration isolation of coated rigid sphere-filled composite rods and (periodic or non-periodic) free vibration caused by initial displacement or velocity disturbance of the embedded rigid spheres inside an otherwise static composite rod. The proposed model could offer a simple method to study various long-wavelength metaelastic dynamic problems of coated rigid sphere-filled random composites.
Applications of deep learning in detection of glaucoma: A systematic review
Authors: Mirzania Delaram , Thompson Atalie C , Muir Kelly W
Published: December 2020

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and disability worldwide. Nevertheless, the majority of patients do not know they have the disease and detection of glaucoma progression using standard technology remains a challenge in clinical practice. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an expanding field that offers the potential to improve diagnosis and screening for glaucoma with minimal reliance on human input. Deep learning (DL) algorithms have risen to the forefront of AI by providing nearly human-level performance, at times exceeding the performance of humans for detection of glaucoma on structural and functional tests. A succinct summary of present studies and challenges to be addressed in this field is needed. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of studies that applied DL methods for detection of glaucoma using color fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT), or standard automated perimetry (SAP). In this review article we describe recent advances in DL as applied to the diagnosis of glaucoma and glaucoma progression for application in screening and clinical settings, as well as the challenges that remain when applying this novel technique in glaucoma.
“It’s a mix of authenticity and complete fabrication” Emotional camping: The cross-platform labor of the Real Housewives
Authors: Psarras Evie
Published: December 2020

Despite popular interest in reality television, social media, and self-branding, much scholarship focuses on a single platform and places the burden of self-branding on the individual alone. Drawing on 6 years of research into the Real Housewives (RH) franchise and interviews with “Housewives,” I focus on the women’s performances of identity and self-branding across platforms. This article demonstrates that the women of RH become experts at working the system that exploits them via a form of labor I conceptualize as “emotional camping.” Successfully branded “Housewives” tend to be (1) dedicated to Bravo, (2) inclined to present as walking GIFs on Instagram, and (3) seemingly authentic. I argue this self-branding strategy affords these women a semblance of privacy in their highly public careers. These findings are a critique of and feminist mediation into the legitimate labor reality stars do for networks and themselves across platforms.
Epilepsy as a Disease of White Matter
Authors: Hogan R. Edward
Published: December 2020

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TANGO With SCN1A: Can This Molecular Dance Defeat Dravet Syndrome?
Authors: Wagnon Jacy L.
Published: December 2020

[Box: see text]
Video-Assisted Modified Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract, an Integration of 2 Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Treatment of Parks Type II Anal Fistulas
Authors: Wu Yi-Feng , Zheng Bi-Chun , Chen Quan , Chen Xu-Dong , Ye Shao-Shun , Lin Qiao-Yun , Ye Neng-Hong , Rong Fang
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Complex anal fistula (CAF) is a challenging anorectal condition. Although numerous treatments for its management have been proposed, none is ideal. Herein, we investigated the clinical efficacy of video-assisted modified ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) in comparison with the incision-thread-drawing procedure for Parks type II anal fistulas. Methods. Male and female adult patients with Parks type II anal fistula who were randomized to receive one of two procedures in the Anorectal Surgery Unit of the Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University: video-assisted modified LIFT (test group, 30 cases) or incision thread drawing (control group, 30 cases). Healing and recurrence, postoperative pain, and postoperative autonomous anal control ability were compared. Results. In the test group, the pain scores were significantly lower ( P = .001) and wound healing was faster ( P = .001). However, there were no marked differences between groups in operative efficacy or postoperative infection rate (all P > .05). We followed all the patients for more than 18 months, with the test group having lower Jorge–Wexner incontinence ( P = .005) and fecal incontinence (FI) severity index ( P = .000) scores. No significant difference in recurrence ( χ2 = .351, P = .554) or healing ( χ2 = 1.071, P = .301) rate was found between the 2 groups. Conclusions. We established that video-assisted modified LIFT is superior in repairing Parks type II anal fistulas, with less trauma, quicker recovery, and better anal function.
On Fathers and Other Figures
Authors: Douglas Stacy
Published: December 2020

Peter Fitzpatrick’s life and work encourages reflection on the enduring myth of the father, including as it appears in contemporary debates about the place of canonical figures on university syllabi. I suggest that a simple call for the destruction of father figures misses one of the key insights offered by Fitzpatrick: the story of the father is the ur-myth of modernity. As we criticise the legacies of fathers, whether in the canon or otherwise, we miss this revelation and, inadvertently re-circulate monumental stories of patriarchal and colonial origins.
The missing acute coronary syndromes in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Ruparelia Neil , Panoulas Vasileios
Published: December 2020

Aims:

To determine whether the number of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes has reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

Numbers of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) activations, ST elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs) and non-ST elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMIs) in a large tertiary Greater London centre and a large district general hospital, both of which have on-site heart attack centres, were collected. We compared the number of PPCI activations, STEMI, NSTEMIs and all MIs prior to the COVID-19 era (January to third week of February 2020), after the start of some COVID-19 restrictions taking place (fourth week of February 2020) and after formal instruction by the United Kingdom Government that all citizens were to observe strict social distancing measures (20 March 2020). We further obtained data for the corresponding weekly figures from 2019.

Results:

The average weekly figure of all myocardial infarction in 2020, prior to the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions/awareness in the UK (beginning of January to third week of February), did not differ when compared with corresponding weeks in 2019 (23.3 ± 5.4 in 2019 versus 21.13 ± 3.5, p = 0.411). With increased media reporting and associated public awareness of the threat of COVID-19 (last week of February), there was a significant reduction in all myocardial infarction (27.1 ± 4.7 in 2019 versus 15.9 ± 3.6 in 2020, p < 0.001). Following official governmental instruction that mandated strict social distancing and the ‘stay at home’ campaign, the weekly figures of STEMI (15 ± 3.5 in 2019 versus 10 ± 4.4 in 2020, p = 0.013), NSTEMI (13 ± 2.6 in 2019 versus 4.7 ± 2.3 in 2020, p = 0.038) and all myocardial infarction (28 ± 6.1 in 2019 versus 14.7 ± 5.7 in 2020, p = 0.008) have remained significantly reduced.

Conclusion:

We have observed an unexpected major decline in presentations (and treatment) of the entire spectrum of acute coronary syndromes following the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide public-health measures that have promoted the importance of strict social distancing and self-quarantine.
Effects of asymmetrical inflow in forward flight on the deformation of interacting flapping wings
Authors: Heitzig DNWM , van Oudheusden BW , Olejnik D , Karásek M
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the wing deformation of the DelFly II in forward flight conditions. A measurement setup was developed that maintains adequate viewing axes of the flapping wings for all pitch angles. Recordings of a high-speed camera pair were processed using a point tracking algorithm, allowing 136 points per wing to be measured simultaneously with an estimated accuracy of 0.25 mm. The measurements of forward flight show little change in the typical clap-and-peel motion, suggesting similar effectiveness in all cases. It was found that an air-buffer remains at all times during this phase. The wing rotation and camber reduction during the upstroke suggests low loading during the upstroke in fast forward flight. In slow cases a torsional wave and recoil is found. A study of the isolated effects showed asymmetric deformations even in symmetric freestream conditions. Furthermore, it shows a dominant role of the flapping frequency on the clap-and-peel, while the freestream velocity reduces wing loading outside this phase.
An analysis of the incidence, causes and preventative approaches to gram-negative bloodstream infections of hepatopancreatobiliary origin
Authors: Majeed Mustafa , Ward Harry , Wade Cian , Butcher Lisa , Soonawalla Zahir , Bond-Smith Giles
Published: December 2020

Background:

Gram-negative bloodstream infection (GNBSI) is a threat to public health in terms of mortality and antibiotic resistance. The hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cohort accounts for 15%–20% of GNBSI, yet few strategies have been explored to reduce HPB GNBSI.

Aim:

To identify clinical factors contributing to HPB GNBSI and strategies for its prevention.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of 433 cases of HPB GNBSI presenting to four hospitals between April 2015 and May 2019. We extracted key data from hospital and primary care records including: the underlying source of GNBSI; previous documentation of biliary disease; and any previous surgical or non-surgical management.

Findings:

Out of 433 cases of HPB GNBSI, 388 had clear evidence of HPB origin. The source of GNBSI was related to gallstone disease in 282 of the 388 cases (73%) and to HPB malignancy in 70 cases (18%). Of the gallstone-related cases, 117 had previously been diagnosed with symptomatic gallstones. Of the 117 with a previous presentation, 93 could have been prevented with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the first presentation of gallstones, while 18 could have been prevented if intraoperative biliary tract imaging had been performed during a prior cholecystectomy. Of the 70 malignant cases, five could have been prevented through earlier biliary stenting, use of metal stents instead of plastic stents or earlier pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Discussion:

The incidence of HPB GNBSI could be reduced by up to 30% by the implementation of alternative management strategies in this cohort.
On Imposing ESG Constraints of Portfolio Selection for Sustainable Investment and Comparing the Efficient Frontiers in the Weight Space
Authors: Qi Yue , Li Xiaolin
Published: December 2020

Sustainable investment is typically fulfilled by screening of environmental, social, and governance (ESG); the screening strategies are practical and expedite sustainable-investment development. However, the strategies typically build portfolios by a list of good stocks and ignore portfolio completeness. Moreover, there has been limited literature to study the portfolio weights of sustainable investment in the weight space. In such an area, this article contributes to the literature as follows: We extend a conventional portfolio-selection model and impose ESG constraints. We analytically solve our model by computing the efficient frontier and prove that the frontier’s portfolio weights all lie on a ray (half line). By the ray structure, we prove that portfolio selection for sustainable investment and conventional portfolio selection fundamentally possess highly different portfolio weights. Overall, our aim is comparing the portfolio weights of sustainable portfolio selection and of conventional portfolio selection; the comparison result has been unknown until now. The result is important for sustainable investment because portfolio weights are the foundation of portfolio selection and investments. We sample the component stocks of Dow Jones Industrial Average Index from 2004 to 2013 and find that our efficient frontier and the conventional efficient frontier are quite similar. Therefore, in plain financial language, investors can still obtain risk-return performance similar to conventional portfolio selection after imposing strong ESG requirements, although the portfolio weights can be totally different. The result is both an endorsement and a reminder for sustainable investment.
Has the modern design of Attune total knee replacement improved outcome in patients with isolated patellofemoral arthritis?
Authors: Ashraf Yasir , Iqbal Hafiz Javaid , Senevirathana Shanaka , Ashraf Tanweer
Published: December 2020

Introduction and Aim:

Modern knee replacements aim to improve patient function in arthritis affecting different compartments of the knee. This study evaluates the Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) and functional outcome of a modern total knee replacement (Attune, DePuy) in patients with isolated patellofemoral arthritis.

Methods:

A total of 50 consecutive patients with isolated unilateral patellofemoral arthritis having had Attune total knee replacements at a single institution between 2010 and 2016 were prospectively studied. Five patients who developed symptoms on the opposite side during the study and two patients lost to follow-up were excluded. One patient needed early revision for loosening, leaving a total of 42 patients to be followed up over a period of 4 years. The Oxford Knee score (OKS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) recorded pre-operatively and at follow-up was compared. A Functional assessment at around 8 months after operation was undertaken.

Results:

At average follow-up of 24 months the mean OKS score improved by 15 points and the KOOS score improved by 20 points. Final KOOS sub-score for Pain was 80, Symptom 80, and ADL 82, Sports & Recreation 32 and QOL 60. Functional assessment at mean 8 months showed that a significant number of patients were able to Kneel (50%); Sit cross legged (23%); sit on their heel (23%) and were able do a single leg dip test (86%).

Conclusion:

This unique study of a modern design total knee replacement (Attune) in patients with isolated unilateral patellofemoral arthritis shows good PROM scores at 2 years and good functional assessment results at 8 months. The PROM scores are marginally better than the published results with Attune’s predecessor, in a similar cohort of patients, but falls short of the published results of patellofemoral replacement implants. Large randomised comparative studies between traditional and the modern implant design is recommended to answer the question if design modification has influenced clinical outcome in patients with patellofemoral arthritis.
Self-Esteem Assessment among Adolescents Living with HIV and Seeking Healthcare at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital-Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Agyemang Ebenezer Opambour , Dapaah Jonathan Mensah , Osei Francis Adjei , Appiah Seth Christopher Yaw , Mensah Nicholas Karikari , Odoom Samuel Frimpong , Owusu-Ansah Micheal , Martyn-Dickens Charles
Published: December 2020

Background:

This study assessed the predictors of self-esteem among Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHIV) in Ghana seeking healthcare at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was employed in sampling 139 adolescents using a purposive sampling technique. Rosenberg’s rating scale was used in assessing the self-esteem of the participants.

Results:

A total of 139 adolescents made up of 78 (56.12%) females and 61 (43.88%) males were recruited. Low self-esteem was reported among 66 (47.00%) of the adolescents. Adolescents aged 17-19 years (aOR = 2.97, 95%CI = 1.34-6.56, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with low self-esteem.

Conclusion:

The occurrence of low self-esteem among ALHIV was high and more pronounced among those in age cohorts of 17 to 19 years. Social support interventions designed which includes psychosocial support, life skills training, and avenue for discussing sexual and reproductive health matters could improve self-esteem.
Self-Monitoring and Other Non-Indicators of Developing a Work–Spouse Relationship: Implications for Affective Organizational Commitment
Authors: Thorson Allison R. , McBride M. Chad
Published: December 2020

Despite being a distinctive workplace relationship, little research has focused on whether or not certain employees are more prone to forming a work–spouse relationship and the organizational outcomes associated with them. Guided by theorizing on self-monitoring and affective organizational commitment, we analyzed data from 439 employees—167 (38.0%) who currently have, 111 (25.3%) who previously had, and 161 (36.7%) who have never had a work spouse—to examine the influence of self-monitoring on an employee’s propensity to develop a work–spouse relationship and explore the association between having a work spouse and affective organizational commitment. Our findings indicated that the development of a work–spouse relationship was independent of employees’ (a) sexuality, (b) romantic relationship status, and (c) nationality. With regard to self-monitoring, while our initial findings indicated that higher self-monitors were more likely to report having never formed a work–spouse relationship, this relationship was no longer significant when controlling for gender. Last, individuals currently in a work–spouse relationship reported greater affective organizational commitment than individuals who were not. Overall, the findings from this study provide a foundation for future research on the work–spouse relationship and have implications for managers as they try to better understand this unique relationship.
In or Out of Sync: Federal Funding and Research in Early Childhood
Authors: Nguyen Ha , Jenkins Jade
Published: December 2020

Understanding the relation between federal investment and research has implications for promoting science production in early childhood, a rapidly expanding area in education research and policy. Federally funded research has shaped fundamental issues in early childhood, yet few studies have systematically examined the relation between federal investment and publication output. Our study applies topic modeling and regression analyses on a text corpus of 15,608 publication and grant abstracts in early childhood education to distill the most prominent topics, and the relationship between grant funding and later publications within these topics. We find that grants topics focused on health and early intervention, while publications covered a wider interdisciplinary range. A topic’s prevalence in grants, as a proxy of federal investment, was positively associated with its prevalence in publications in the following year. The study illustrates the affordances of textual analyses and contributes insights about how federal investment motivates scholarly production.
Galeaclolusite, [Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)4]⋅8H2O, a new bulachite-related mineral from Cap Garonne, France
Authors: Grey Ian E. , Favreau George , Mills Stuart J. , Mumme W. Gus , Bougerol Catherine , Brand Helen E.A. , Kampf Anthony R. , MacRae Colin M. , Shanks Finlay
Published: December 2020

Galeaclolusite, [Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)4]⋅8H2O, is a new secondary hydrated aluminium arsenate mineral from Cap Garonne, Var, France. It forms crusts and spheroids of white fibres up to 50 μm long by 0.4 μm wide and only 0.1 μm thick. The fibres are elongated along [001] and flattened on (100). The calculated density is 2.27 g⋅cm–3. Optically, galeaclolusite is biaxial with α = 1.550(5), β not determined, γ = 1.570(5) (white light) and partial orientation: Z = c (fibre axis). Electron microprobe analyses coupled with crystal structure refinement results gives an empirical formula based on 33 O atoms of Al5.72Si0.08As2.88O33H34.12. Galeaclolusite is orthorhombic, Pnma, with a = 19.855(4), b = 17.6933(11), c = 7.7799(5) Å, V = 2733.0(7) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure of galeaclolusite was established from its close relationship to bulachite and refined using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. It is based on heteropolyhedral layers, parallel to (100), of composition Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)4 and with H-bonded H2O between the layers. The layers contain [001] spiral chains of edge-shared octahedra, decorated with corner-connected AsO4 tetrahedra, that are the same as in the mineral liskeardite.
microRNA-199a-5p regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in diabetic cataract by targeting SP1 gene
Authors: Liu Xin , Gong Qiaoyun , Yang Longfei , Liu Min , Niu Lingzhi , Wang Lufei
Published: December 2020

Background

As a common ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, diabetic cataract is becoming a leading cause of visual impairment. The progression of diabetic cataract progression involves epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the precise role of which remains to be investigated. As microRNAs (miRNAs) are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, identification of aberrantly expressed miRNAs in diabetic lens epithelial cells (LECs) and their targets may provide insights into our understanding of diabetic cataract and potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

Diabetic cataract capsules and LECs exposed to high glucose (25 mmol/L, 1–5 days) were used to mimic the model. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the differential expression of miRNA. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the binding target of miR-199a-5p. The expression of EMT-associated proteins was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis.

Results

Our results showed the differential expression of miR-9, -16, -22, -199a and -204. MiR-199a was downregulated in diabetic cataract capsule and hyperglycemia-conditioned human LECs. Specific protein 1 could be directly targeted and regulated by miR-199a in LECs and inhibit EMT in diabetic LECs.

Conclusion

Our findings implied miR-199a could be a therapeutic target by regulating SP1 directly to affect EMT in diabetic cataract and provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract.
Flow Control for a Two-Stage Proportional Valve with Hydraulic Position Feedback
Authors: Wang He , Wang Xiaohu , Huang Jiahai , Quan Long
Published: December 2020

The current research mainly focuses on the flow control for the two-stage proportional valve with hydraulic position feedback which is named as Valvistor valve. Essentially, the Valvistor valve is a proportional throttle valve and the flow fluctuates with the change of load pressure. The flow fluctuation severely restricts the application of the Valvistor valve. In this paper, a novel flow control method the Valvistor valve is provided to suppress the flow fluctuation and develop a high performance proportional flow valve. The mathematical model of this valve is established and linearized. Fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is adopted in the closed-loop flow control system. The feedback is obtained by the flow inference with back-propagation neural network (BPNN) based on the spool displacement in the pilot stage and the pressure differential across the main orifice. The results show that inference with BPNN can obtain the flow data fast and accurately. With the flow control method, the flow can keep at the set point when the pressure differential across the main orifice changes. The flow control method is effective and the Valvistor valve changes from proportional throttle valve to proportional flow valve. For the developed proportional flow valve, the settling time of the flow is very short when the load pressure changes abruptly. The performances of hysteresis, linearity and bandwidth are in a high range. The linear mathematical model can be verified and the assumptions in the system modeling is reasonable.
Nothing in biology begins when you think it does
Authors: Johnson Norman
Published: December 2020

Neil Shubin has written an excellent, accessible book explaining how innovations in biology evolve. The key insight—one provided by Darwin but fleshed out by biologists over the subsequent century and a half—is that the precursors of traits involved in innovations usually were present in the ancestors but had a different function. In this book, Shubin also provides rich biographical detail of the scientists involved in the discoveries.
Rhythms and prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest, emphasis on pseudo-pulseless electrical activity: another reason to use ultrasound in emergency rooms in Colombia
Authors: Devia Jaramillo German , Navarrete Aldana Norberto , Rojas Ortiz Zaira
Published: December 2020

Background

The cardiac arrest is still an emergency with a bad prognosis. The growing adoption of bedside ultrasound allowed to classify PEA in two groups: the true PEA and the pseudo-PEA. pPEA is used to describe a patient who has a supposed PEA in the absence of pulse, with evidence of some cardiac activity on the bedside ultrasound.

Objective

This work aims to assess the bedside ultrasound use as a predictor for ROSC and survival at discharge in cardiac arrest patients and compare the pseudo-pulseless electrical activity to other cardiac arrest rhythms, including shockable rhythms.

Materials and methods

This is an observational, historic cohort study carried out in the emergency room of the University Hospital Mayor Méderi. Data were collected from all the adult patients treated for cardiac arrest from June 2018 to 2019. An ultrasound was performed to every cardiac arrest patient.

Results

Of a total of 108 patients, the median of the age was 71 years, 65.8% were male subjects, and the most frequent cause for cardiac arrest was the cardiogenic shock (32.4%). ROSC was observed in 41 cases (37.9%) and survival at discharge was 18 cases (16.7%). VF/VT and pPEA were the two rhythms that showed the highest ROSC and survival at discharge. For the pPEA group, we were able to conclude that the cardiac activity type is related to ROSC.

Conclusion

There is a significant difference for ROSC and survival at discharge prognosis among the cardiac arrest rhythms, with better outcomes for VF/VT and pPEA. Among patients with PEA, a routine ultrasound assessment is recommended. The type of cardiac activity recorded during the ultrasound of the cardiac arrest patient might be related to the ROSC and survival at discharge prognosis.
A rapid, cost-effective tailed amplicon method for sequencing SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gohl Daryl M. , Garbe John , Grady Patrick , Daniel Jerry , Watson Ray H. B. , Auch Benjamin , Nelson Andrew , Yohe Sophia , Beckman Kenneth B.
Published: December 2020

Background

The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to an urgent need for scalable methods for clinical diagnostics and viral tracking. Next generation sequencing technologies have enabled large-scale genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 as thousands of isolates are being sequenced around the world and deposited in public data repositories. A number of methods using both short- and long-read technologies are currently being applied for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing, including amplicon approaches, metagenomic methods, and sequence capture or enrichment methods. Given the small genome size, the ability to sequence SARS-CoV-2 at scale is limited by the cost and labor associated with making sequencing libraries.

Results

Here we describe a low-cost, streamlined, all amplicon-based method for sequencing SARS-CoV-2, which bypasses costly and time-consuming library preparation steps. We benchmark this tailed amplicon method against both the ARTIC amplicon protocol and sequence capture approaches and show that an optimized tailed amplicon approach achieves comparable amplicon balance, coverage metrics, and variant calls to the ARTIC v3 approach.

Conclusions

The tailed amplicon method we describe represents a cost-effective and highly scalable method for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing.
Development of a risk scoring system for prognostication in HIV-related toxoplasma encephalitis
Authors: Li Yao , Zeng Yan-Ming , Liu Min , Lu Yan-Qiu , Liu Xue-Yan , Zhang Yu-Lin , Jiang Zhong-Sheng , Yang Tong-Tong , Sun Yan , Lan Ke , Chen Yao-Kai
Published: December 2020

Background

This study aims to evaluate specific risk factors influencing prognosis of HIV-infected patients with toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) in order to develop a prognostic risk scoring system for them.

Methods

This is a six-center retrospective study of hospitalized HIV/TE patients. Data including six-week mortality after diagnosis, baseline characteristics, clinical features, laboratory tests and radiological characteristics of eligible patients were assimilated for risk model establishing.

Results

In this study, the six-week mortality among 94 retrospective cases was 11.7% (11/94). Seven specific risk factors, viz. time from symptom onset to presentation, fever, dizziness, CD4+ T-cell counts, memory deficits, patchy brain lesions, and disorders of consciousness were calculated to be statistically associated with mortality. A criterion value of ‘9’ was selected as the optimal cut-off value of the established model. The AUC of the ROC curve of this scoring model was 0.976 (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the risk scoring model was 100.0 and 86.9%, respectively, which were 81.8 and 94.1% of this scoring model in the verification cohort, respectively.

Conclusions

The developed scoring system was established with simple risk factors, which also allows expeditious implementation of accurate prognostication, and appropriate therapeutic interventions in HIV-infected patients with TE.
Predictors and one-year outcomes of patients with delayed graft function after deceased donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Chen Rao , Wang Haifeng , Song Lei , Hou Jianfei , Peng Jiawei , Dai Helong , Peng Longkai
Published: December 2020

Background

Delayed graft function (DGF) is closely associated with the use of marginal donated kidneys due to deficits during transplantation and in recipients. We aimed to predict the incidence of DGF and evaluate its effect on graft survival.

Methods

This retrospective study on kidney transplantation was conducted from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. We classified recipients whose operations were performed in different years into training and validation cohorts and used data from the training cohort to analyze predictors of DGF. A nomogram was then constructed to predict the likelihood of DGF based on these predictors.

Results

The incidence rate of DGF was 16.92%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed correlations between the incidence of DGF and cold ischemic time (CIT), warm ischemic time (WIT), terminal serum creatine (Scr) concentration, duration of pretransplant dialysis, primary cause of donor death, and usage of LifePort. The internal accuracy of the nomogram was 83.12%. One-year graft survival rates were 93.59 and 99.74%, respectively, for the groups with and without DGF (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The nomogram established in this study showed good accuracy in predicting DGF after deceased donor kidney transplantation; additionally, DGF decreased one-year graft survival.
CSE/H2S system alleviates uremic accelerated atherosclerosis by regulating TGF-β/Smad3 pathway in 5/6 nephrectomy ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Lu Xiangxue , Wang Shixiang , Feng Sujuan , Li Han
Published: December 2020

Background

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to inhibit the atherosclerosis development and progression. It is produced by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) in the cardiovascular system. In our previous study, it has been shown that CSE/H2S system plays a significant role in the changes of uremic accelerated atherosclerosis (UAAS), but the mechanism is not known clearly.

Methods

In this study, we explored the antagonism of CSE/H2S system in UAAS and identified its possible signaling molecules in ApoE−/−mice with 5/6 nephrectomy and fed with atherogenic diet. Mice were divided into sham operation group (sham group), UAAS group, sodium hydrosulfide group (UAAS+NaHS group) and propargylglycine group (UAAS+PPG group). Serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, lipid levels and lesion size of atherosclerotic plaque in the aortic roots were analyzed. Meanwhile, the expression of CSE, TGF-β and phosphorylation of Smad3 were detected.

Results

Compared with sham group, the aortic root of ApoE−/−mice in the UAAS group developed early atherosclerosis, the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were also higher than that in the sham group. NaHS administration can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis, but PPG administration can accelerate the atherosclerosis development. Meanwhile, the protein expression levels of CSE and TGF-β and phosphorylation of Smad3 significantly decreased in the UAAS mice. Treatment of UAAS mice with NaHS inhibited TGF-β protein expression and Smad3 phosphorylation decrease, but PPG treatment had the opposite effect.

Conclusions

The CSE/H2S system is of great importance for treating atherosclerosis in patients with chronic kidney disease, and it may protect the vascular from atherosclerosis through the TGF-β/Smad pathway.
Relationship between leukocyte counts and large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Tarkanyi Gabor , Karadi Zsofia Nozomi , Szabo Zsofia , Szegedi Istvan , Csiba Laszlo , Szapary Laszlo
Published: December 2020

Background

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and peripheral leukocyte counts have proved to be independent predictors of stroke severity and outcomes. Clinical significance of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in AIS is increasing, as these patients are potential candidates for endovascular thrombectomy and likely to have worse outcomes if not treated urgently. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between on admission leukocyte counts and the presence of LVO in the early phase of AIS.

Methods

We have conducted a cross-sectional, observational study based on a registry of consecutive AIS patients admitted up to 4.5 h after stroke onset. Blood samples were taken at admission and leukocyte counts were measured immediately. The presence of LVO was verified based on the computed tomography angiography scan on admission.

Results

Total white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in patients with LVO than those without LVO (P < 0.001 respectively). After adjustment for potential confounders total WBC counts (adjusted OR: 1.405 per 1 × 109/L increase, 95% CI: 1.209 to 1.632) and neutrophil counts (adjusted OR: 1.344 per 1 × 109/L increase, 95% CI: 1.155 to 1.564) were found to have the strongest associations with the presence of LVO. Total WBC and neutrophil counts had moderate ability to discriminate an LVO in AIS (AUC: 0.667 and 0.655 respectively). No differences were recorded in leukocyte counts according to the size of the occluded vessel and the status of collateral circulation in the anterior vascular territory. However, total WBC and neutrophil counts tended to be higher in patients with LVO in the posterior circulation (p = 0.005 and 0.010 respectively).

Conclusion

Higher admission total WBC and neutrophil counts are strongly associated with the presence of LVO and has moderate ability to discriminate an LVO in AIS. Detailed evaluation of stroke-evoked inflammatory mechanisms and changes according to the presence of LVO demands further investigation.
An effective combination of codon optimization, gene dosage, and process optimization for high-level production of fibrinolytic enzyme in Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris)
Authors: Che Zhiqun , Cao Xiaoyan , Chen Guiguang , Liang Zhiqun
Published: December 2020

Background

As a main drug for diseased thrombus, some clinically used thrombolytic agents have various disadvantages, safer novel thrombolytic agents are of great demand. This study aimed to achieve high and efficient production of a fibrinolytic enzyme with superior enzymatic properties, by a combination strategy of codon optimization, gene dosage and process optimization in Komagataella phaffii (K. phaffii).

Results

After codon optimization, the fibase from a marine Bacillus subtilis was expressed and secreted in K. phaffii GS115. Recombinant strains harboring different copies of the fib gene (fib-nc) were successfully obtained via Geneticin (0.25–4 mg/ml) screening on minimal dextrose selection plates and assessment via real-time quantitative PCR. The respective levels of fibase produced by strains expressing fib-5.4c, fib-6c, fib-8c, fib-9c, and fib-12c were 4428, 5781, 7323, 7930, and 2472 U/ml. Levels increased as the copy number increased from 4 to 9, but decreased dramatically at copy number 12. After high cell density fermentation optimization, the highest fibase activity of the strain expressing fib-9c was 7930 U/ml in a shake flask and increased to 12,690 U/ml after 3 days of continuous culture in a 5-L fermenter, which is one of the highest levels of production reported. The recombinant fibase was maximally active at pH 9.0 and 45 °C, and was remarkably stable at pH levels ranging from 5 to 10 and temperatures up to 50 °C. As a metal-dependent serine protease, fibase did not cause hemolysis in vitro and preferentially degraded fibrin directly.

Conclusions

The combination of codon optimization, gene dosage, and process optimization described herein could be used for the expression of other therapeutic proteins difficult to express. The characteristics of the recombinant fibase suggest that it has potential applications for thrombosis prevention and therapy.
An evaluation of Alberta retina health service delivery in an office setting: a cross-sectional survey of patient experience
Authors: Henry Tyler , Palakkamanil Mathew , Al Hamarneh Yazid N. , Tennant Matthew T. S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Retina sub-specialists provide much of the retina related eye care across Canada. In the province of Alberta, 18 retina sub-specialists work across six different offices. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of care provided by Alberta retina sub-specialists in an office setting by administering a patient satisfaction survey. The results of this survey were provided to the same retina specialists to promote improvements in patient-centered health care delivery.

Methods

A cross sectional patient satisfaction survey was performed using a thirty-part questionnaire developed in collaboration with the Physician Learning Program at the University of Alberta. The survey was modelled after other similar patient satisfaction surveys used in other areas of medicine. Patients from ten of the eighteen retina practices in Alberta participated in this survey. Topics of the survey included pre-appointment experience, physician-patient interactions and quality, comments/ feedback and patient demographics.

Results

214 randomly sampled patients completed the survey from three geographically separate office locations in Calgary and Edmonton. 90% of patients responded that their retina sub-specialist listened adequately and provided quality care in a timely manner. Patients felt that there could be improvements to accessibility to the clinic and reduced wait times, as well as in the pre-operative consent process. Including a more complete explanation of the procedure as well as the potential risks and benefits. Only 51% of patients felt that the risks of a potential surgery had been adequately explained to them. There was a statistically significant association found between overall satisfaction and lower wait times, understanding of procedural risks and time with, listening to and involving the patient in care. There were no correlations found with other demographics such as ethnicity, sex, distance traveled or age.

Conclusions

This patient satisfaction survey provided valuable patient care feedback to the retina sub-specialists of Alberta. The survey results will assist this group to improve the consent process and thereby improve patient centered health care delivery. We would recommend the distribution of this survey or other similar patient satisfaction questionnaire by retina sub-specialists to their patients to improve patient centered care in their clinics.
The associations between social, built and geophysical environment and age-specific dementia mortality among older adults in a high-density Asian city
Authors: Ho Hung Chak , Fong Kenneth N. K. , Chan Ta-Chien , Shi Yuan
Published: December 2020

Background

Although socio-environmental factors which may affect dementia have widely been studied, the mortality of dementia and socio-environmental relationships among older adults have seldom been discussed.

Method

A retrospective, observational study based on territory-wide register-based data was conducted to evaluate the relationships of four individual-level social measures, two community-level social measures, six short-term (temporally varying) environmental measures, and four long-term (spatially varying) environmental measures with dementia mortality among older adults in a high-density Asian city (Hong Kong), for the following decedents: (1) all deaths: age >= 65, (2) “old-old”: age > = 85, (3) “mid-old”: aged 75–84, and (4) “young-old”: aged 65–74.

Results

This study identified 5438 deaths (3771 old-old; 1439 mid-old; 228 young-old) from dementia out of 228,600 all-cause deaths among older adults in Hong Kong between 2007 and 2014. Generally, regional air pollution, being unmarried or female, older age, and daily O3 were associated with higher dementia mortality, while more urban compactness and greenness were linked to lower dementia mortality among older adults. Specifically, being unmarried and the age effect were associated with higher dementia mortality among the “old-old”, “mid-old” and “young-old”. Regional air pollution was linked to increased dementia mortality, while urban compactness and greenness were associated with lower dementia mortality among the “old-old” and “mid-old”. Higher daily O3 had higher dementia mortality, while districts with a greater percentage of residents whose native language is not Cantonese were linked to lower dementia mortality among the “old-old”. Economic inactivity was associated with increased dementia mortality among the “young-old”. Gender effect varied by age.

Conclusion

The difference in strengths of association of various factors with dementia mortality among different age groups implies the need for a comprehensive framework for community health planning. In particular, strategies for air quality control, usage of greenspace and social space, and activity engagement to reduce vulnerability at all ages are warranted.
Relationship between serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and sarcopenia occurrence rate in community-dwelling Chinese adults
Authors: Wang Na , Chen Mengjun , Fang Danhong
Published: December 2020

Background

A study conducted on elderly Korean men showed that a high serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio was associated with a high risk of developing sarcopenia. We aimed to determine such an association in community-dwelling Chinese adults.

Methods

From May 2016 to August 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional study on Chinese adults at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate a possible relationship between TG/HDL-C ratio and sarcopenia occurrence.

Results

We included 2613 adults in this study, with 13.85% presenting with sarcopenia. The odds ratios (ORs) for TG and HDL-C were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.87), and 1.97 (95% CI: 1.49–2.61), respectively. Moreover, TG/HDL-C ratio was independently associated with sarcopenia status (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.49–0.81).

Conclusions

We found that TG and HDL-C were, respectively, negatively and positively associated with sarcopenia occurrence rate in community-dwelling Chinese adults. However, a negative association was found between sarcopenia occurrence rate and TG/HDL-C ratio.
Physical activity and sedentary time of youth in structured settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tassitano Rafael M. , Weaver R. Glenn , Tenório Maria Cecília M. , Brazendale Keith , Beets Michael W.
Published: December 2020

Background

Structured settings, such as school, childcare, afterschool programs, summer camps, and physical activity/sport programs are crucial to promoting physical activity (PA) opportunities and reducing sedentary (ST) for children and adolescents. However, little is known about how much PA and ST children and adolescents accumulate in structured settings. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the absolute amount of time youth spend physically active and sedentary in different structured settings (Prospero number: 42018111804).

Methods

Observational and experimental/quasi-experimental studies (baseline data only) with full-text available, written in English and published in a peer-reviewed journal, reporting the total amount of objectively measured PA (light, moderate, vigorous, and/or total physical activity) and/or time spent ST during structured settings among youth (3 to 18 years) were eligible. Adjusted meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled mean of time spent in PA and ST, by settings and sex.

Results

A total of 187 studies (childcare n=60; school n=91; afterschool programs n=14; summer camp n=4; and Physical activity/ sport programs n=18) from 30 countries (47.9% United States), representing 74,870 youth (mean age 8.6 years old) were included. Overall, there was a high variation between studies in outcomes and settings. The meta-analyses revealed, on average, youth spend 221.8 minutes (36.7 min/hour) in ST and 32.1 minutes (5.1 min/hour) in MVPA during childcare hours, and 223.9 minutes (36.7min/hour) in ST and 27.8 min (4.4 min/hour) in MVPA at school. Relatively, youth are engaged in more MVPA in afterschool programs (11.7 min/hour), PA/ sport programs (20.9 min/hour), and summer camps (6.4 min/hour), when compared to childcare and school.

Conclusion

Total PA accumulated during childcare and MVPA accumulated during schools hours were close to recommendations, despite high proportion of ST. Afterschool programs, summer camp and PA/ sport programs are important settings that can contribute to daily PA and reduced ST. Ensuring all youth have access to these structured settings may be an important step forward for public health.