bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Career Life-Cycle Perspective on Women's Health and Safety
Authors: Kaplan Robert S. , Chukwura Chizoba L. , Gorman Gregory H. , Lee Vivian S. , Good Chester B. , Martin Kathleen L. , Ator Gregory A. , Parkinson Michael D.
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Women's health has demanded more attention from employers as women integrated into the workforce. Traditionally male-dominant fields and occupations require special attention to workplace design, physical standards for entry, employment practices, equipment, and health monitoring. This editorial summarizes the Defense Health Board's (DHB) review of Active Duty Women's Health and its recommendations grounded in a woman's career life-cycle.

Methods:

The DHB reviewed the Department of Defense and foreign militaries’ current women's health services, relevant policies and practices, peer-reviewed scientific literature, and subject matter expert interviews.

Results:

The DHB's recommendations centered on a comprehensive approach to education, health care access and treatment, professional workforce development, workplace standards and equipment, and accountable outcomes metrics to guide improvement.

Conclusions:

Employers can learn how to reduce morbidity, leading to a healthier and more productive female workforce.
Biomonitoring of Polybrominated Dioxins & Furans, Polychlorinated Dioxins & Furans, and Dioxin Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Vietnamese Female Electronic Waste Recyclers
Authors: Peecher Jenevieve S. , Schecter Arnold J. , Lu Helen , Quynh Hoang Trong , Stromberg Arnold , Weng Jiaying , Crandall Riley , Birnbaum Linda S.
Published: February 2022

Objective

E-waste is rising globally. This is a follow up to our study reporting metals/polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE’s)/polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in female e-waste recyclers. Here we report polybrominated, polychlorinated dioxins/furans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in these same workers.

Methods

Female Vietnamese recyclers and non-recyclers recruited; blood samples collected. Polybrominated, polychlorinated dioxins/furans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls levels compared in recyclers, non-recyclers, and National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES).

Results

Recyclers >non-recyclers: 12378-PBDD, 2378-TBDF, 12378-PCDF, 123478-HxCDF, 123678-HxCDF, 1234678-HpCDF, PCB-126. Non-recyclers >NHANES: 123478-HxCDF, 123678-HxCDF, 234678- HxCDF, PCB-126, PCB-169. NHANES >non-recyclers: 12378-PCDD, 123478-HxCDD, 123678-HxCDD, 123789-HxCDD, 1234678-HpCDD, 123789-HxCDF, 1234678-HpCDF, 1234789-HpCDF, OCDF, PCB-81, PCB-114, PCB-156, PCB-157, PCB-167, PCB-189. Recyclers >NHANES: S: 2378-TeCDF, 12378-PCDF, 23478-PCDF, 123478-HxCDF, 123678- HxCDF, 234678-HxCDF, PCB-126. NHANES >recyclers: 12378-PCDD, 123478-HxCDD, 123678-HxCDD, 123789-HxCDD, 1234678-HpCDD, OCDD, 123789-HxCDF, 1234678-HpCDF, 1234789-HpCDF, OCDF, PCB- 81, PCB-114, PCB-156, PCB-157, PCB-189.

Conclusion

12378 PCDD, 2378-TCDD, PCB 126 makeup most total dioxin equivalences (TEQs) in AQ5 these workers, indicating increased exposure; remediation indicated.
Variation in Patterns of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Primary and Secondary Syphilis Diagnosis Rates Among Heterosexually Active Women by Region and Age Group in the United States
Authors: Martin Erika G. , Ansari Bahareh , Rosenberg Eli S. , Hart-Malloy Rachel , Smith Dawn , Bernstein Kyle T. , Chesson Harrell W. , Delaney Kevin , Trigg Monica , Gift Thomas L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Syphilis rates have increased substantially over the past decade. Women are an important population because of negative sequalae and adverse maternal outcomes including congenital syphilis. We assessed whether racial and ethnic disparities in primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis among heterosexually active women differ by region and age group.

Methods

We synthesized 4 national surveys to estimate numbers of heterosexually active women in the United States from 2014 to 2018 by region, race and ethnicity, and age group (18–24, 25–29, 30–44, and ≥45 years). We calculated annual P&S syphilis diagnosis rates, assessing disparities with rate differences and rate ratios comparing White, Hispanic, and Black heterosexually active women.

Results

Nationally, annual rates were 6.42 and 2.20 times as high among Black and Hispanic than among White heterosexually active women (10.99, 3.77, and 1.71 per 100,000, respectively). Younger women experienced a disproportionate burden of P&S syphilis and the highest disparities. Regionally, the Northeast had the highest Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities using a relative disparity measure (relative rate), and the West had the highest disparities using an absolute disparity measure (rate difference).

Conclusions

To meet the racial and ethnic disparity goals of the Sexually Transmitted Infections National Strategic Plan, tailored local interventions that address the social and structural factors associated with disparities are needed for different age groups.
Case Report: Pediatric Ocular Ischemia and Neovascular Glaucoma in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Selvan Harathy , Surve Abhidnya , Sharma Sanjay , Venkatesh Pradeep , Sihota Ramanjit
Published: February 2022

SIGNIFICANCE

Neovascular glaucoma is an important subset of secondary glaucoma in neurofibromatosis patients. Vasculopathy of the ophthalmic circulation needs to be borne in mind while evaluating their etiology.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to report the presentation, diagnostic work-up and management of an unusual case of neovascular glaucoma in a child.

CASE REPORT

A 7-year-old boy presented with uniocular ischemic fundus and secondary neovascular glaucoma. Detailed family history and evaluation led to a diagnosis of familial neurofibromatosis type 1. Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed compromised retinal and choroidal circulations in the affected eye. Ocular ultrasound B scan and neuroimaging did not show any contributory lesions. Cardiovascular evaluation was within normal limits. Ophthalmic Doppler imaging revealed normal proximal ophthalmic arteries in both eyes; however, the central retinal artery of the affected eye showed low flow in its proximal part and absent flow in the distal part, as compared with the fellow eye showing regular flow until the optic disc margin. Corroborating the clinical, fundus fluorescein angiography and Doppler findings, a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1–related vasculopathy of the distal ophthalmic artery was made. Poor visual prognosis for the affected eye was explained, and anterior retinal cryopexy along with cyclocryotherapy was performed to treat the neovascular glaucoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Vasculopathy of the ophthalmic circulation is an important cause of neovascular glaucoma in neurofibromatosis patients. The morphology of Lisch nodules may be altered in an ischemic eye, and therefore, careful examination of the other eye and systemic evaluation is vital in such unusual scenarios.
Linking the Cherokee Nation Cancer Registry With Electronic Medical Records: A Tribal-Academic Center Partnership
Authors: Janitz Amanda E. , Martinez Sydney A. , Campbell Janis E. , Williams Mary L. , Buckskin Stefanie , Armstrong Christopher , Wickliffe Travis , Anderson Amber S. , Doescher Mark P. , Khan Sohail
Published: February 2022

The Cherokee Nation Cancer Registry (CNCR) is the only tribally operated Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program registry. As registries, including the CNCR, lack detailed data characterizing health behavior or comorbidity, we aimed to enrich the CNCR by linking it with Cherokee Nation's electronic medical record (EMR). We describe the process of a tribal-academic partnership and linking records between the CNCR and the EMR for American Indian people diagnosed with cancer from 2015 to 2020. Prior to data linkage, our team worked with the Cherokee Nation Governance Board and Institutional Review Board to ensure tribal data sovereignty was maintained. While not all persons in the CNCR receive health care at Cherokee Nation, 63% linked with an EMR. We observed differences (P < .001) between cancer site, year at diagnosis, age at diagnosis, and gender by EMR linkage status. Once we further validate linkages and assess data completeness, we will evaluate relationships between behavioral risk factors, comorbidities, and cancer outcomes.
Transient Hemiplegia in a Collegiate Ice Hockey Player
Authors: Decker Gregory , Leo Ashwin
Published: February 2022

An otherwise healthy 21-yr-old female hockey player sustained a cervical whiplash injury during competition after being checked and falling backward onto the ice. Initial assessment revealed right-sided hemiparesis and sensory abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the brain and spine were unremarkable. Most of her right upper limb symptoms resolved in 24 hrs, with complete resolution in 5 days. Over 6 wks, she regained right lower limb strength with mild residual sensory deficits. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine was unremarkable. At 18 wks, sensory symptoms resolved, with the exception of mildly decreased lower limb proprioception. The athlete was cleared to return to noncontact drills but not competition. The differential diagnosis included transient quadriplegia and/or hemiplegia (“cervical cord neuropraxia”), which typically resolves in 48 hrs, and incomplete spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality, which is more likely to present with persistent symptoms. This case includes features of both diagnoses, making management challenging as return to play guidelines are nonspecific. Further research is needed to develop well-defined guidelines for spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality and cervical cord neuropraxia return-to-play decisions.
Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises on Pulmonary Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, Peripheral Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity, and Perceived Appearance in Children With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Yildirim Sefa , Ozyilmaz Semiramis , Elmadag Nuh Mehmet , Yabaci Aysegul
Published: February 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, walking capacity, and perceived appearance in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Design

This is an evaluator-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 30 patients were randomly allocated to either a training group (n = 15, age = 13.8 ± 2.8 yrs, Cobb angle = 19.3 ± 6 degrees, Risser sign: n
(1) = 1; n
(2–4) = 14) or a control group (n = 15, age = 15.8 ± 3.4 yrs, Cobb angle = 20.8 ± 7.9 degrees, Risser sign: n
(1) = 1; n
(2–4) = 14). The training group received core stabilization exercises in addition to the traditional scoliosis exercises for 8 wks. The control group only received the traditional scoliosis exercises for 8 wks. Spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, 6-min walking test, peripheral muscle strength, and the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale were assessed at the beginning and end of the study.

Results

The training group showed statistically significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale score (respectively, mean changes = 17.4 ± 5.2 cmH2O; 10.6 ± 4.3 cmH2O; 2.4 ± 1.6), which were significantly larger compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Core stabilization exercises given in addition to the traditional scoliosis exercise can improve respiratory muscle strength and perceived appearance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

To Claim CME Credits

Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME

CME Objectives

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Determine the evaluation methods required for scoliosis patients; (2) Evaluate respiratory parameters in scoliosis patients; and (3) Plan and implement an exercise program for scoliosis patients.

Level

Advanced

Accreditation

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
A Comparative Study Measuring the Difference of Healthcare Workers Reactions Among Those Involved in a Patent Safety Incident and Healthcare Professionals While Working During COVID-19
Authors: Seys Deborah , De Decker Evelien , Waelkens Hadi , Claes Stephan , Panella Massimiliano , Danckaerts Marina , Vanhaecht Kris
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the differences and similarities in the reaction of the healthcare worker involved in a patient safety incident or during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also compared the differences in support they need.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was performed based on 2 cross-sectional survey studies. One study evaluated the impact of patient safety incidents on healthcare professionals, and the other evaluated the impact of COVID-19. Measurements on mental health reactions and an evaluation of the experienced support system were compared between 883 doctors and 1970 nurses working in different hospitals.

Results

Anxiety, difficulties concentrating, doubting knowledge and skills, feeling on their own, feeling unhappy and dejected, feeling uncertain in team, flashbacks, hypervigilance, sleep deprivation, stress and wanting to quit profession were statistically higher in the COVID-19–related groups. Second victims tend to speak about it with their own/close colleagues, whereas healthcare workers working during the COVID-19 pandemic talk more often to their partner and friends. Only a small number talked to a psychologist, but the number who needed to talk to a psychologist but did not is higher than the number who did talk to a psychologist or used professional support in all 5 groups.

Conclusions

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers is larger than after being involved in a patient safety incident. There is the need for an adequate support system, and the mental health of all healthcare workers needs to be considered. Partners and friend play a more important role in the support experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is an important need for professional help.
An analysis of police transport in an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter trial examining prehospital procedures in penetrating trauma patients
Authors: Taghavi Sharven , Maher Zoe , Goldberg Amy J. , Haut Elliott R. , Raza Shariq , Chang Grace , Tatebe Leah C. , Toraih Eman , Mendiola Michelle , Anderson Christofer , Ninokawa Scott , Maluso Patrick , Keating Jane , Burruss Sigrid , Reeves Matthew , Coleman Lauren E. , Shatz David V. , Goldenberg-Sandau Anna , Bhupathi Apoorva , Spalding M. Chance , LaRiccia Aimee , Bird Emily , Noorbakhsh Matthew R. , Babowice James , Nelson Marsha C. , Jacobson Lewis E. , Williams Jamie , Vella Michael , Dellonte Kate , Hayward Thomas Z. , Holler Emma , Lieser Mark J. , Berne John D. , Mederos Dalier R. , Askari Reza , Okafor Barbara , Etchill Eric , Fang Raymond , Roche Samantha L. , Whittenburg Laura , Bernard Andrew C. , Haan James M. , Lightwine Kelly L. , Norwood Scott H. , Murry Jason , Gamber Mark A. , Carrick Matthew M. , Bugaev Nikolay , Tatar Antony , Tatum Danielle
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Police transport (PT) of penetrating trauma patients in urban locations has become routine in certain metropolitan areas; however, whether it results in improved outcomes over prehospital Advanced life support (ALS) transport has not been determined in a multicenter study. We hypothesized that PT would not result in improved outcomes.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study of adults (18+ years) with penetrating trauma to the torso and/or proximal extremity presenting at 25 urban trauma centers. Police transport and ALS patients were allocated via nearest neighbor, propensity matching. Transport mode also examined by Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 1,618 total patients, 294 (18.2%) had PT and 1,324 (81.8%) were by ALS. After matching, 588 (294/cohort) remained. The patients were primarily Black (n = 497, 84.5%), males (n = 525, 89.3%, injured by gunshot wound (n = 494, 84.0%) with 34.5% (n = 203) having Injury Severity Score of 16 or higher. Overall mortality by propensity matching was not different between cohorts (15.6% ALS vs. 15.0% PT, p = 0.82). In severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score ≥16), mortality did not differ between PT and ALS transport (38.8% vs. 36.0%, respectively; p = 0.68). Cox regression analysis controlled for relevant factors revealed no association with a mortality benefit in patients transported by ALS.

CONCLUSION

Police transport of penetrating trauma patients in urban locations results in similar outcomes compared with ALS. Immediate transport to definitive trauma care should be emphasized in this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level III.
Reinstating olfactory bulb derived limbic gamma oscillations alleviates depression
Authors: Li Qun , Takeuchi Yuichi , Wang Jiale , Barcsai Livia , Pedraza Lizeth K , Kozák Gábor , Nakai Shinya , Kato Shigeki , Kobayashi Kazuto , Ohsawa Masahiro , Lőrincz Magor L , Devinsky Orrin , Buzsaki Gyorgy , Berényi Antal
Published: February 2022

Although the etiology of major depressive disorder remains poorly understood, impairment of gamma oscillations recently emerged as a potential biomarker for major depression. The olfactory bulb (OB) is a major source of brain wide gamma oscillations and bulbectomy is an animal model for depression. Here we demonstrate that chemogenetic suppression of OB neuronal activity or temporally suppressing the OB to pyriform cortex synaptic transmission decreased gamma oscillation power in multiple brain areas associated with depression-like behaviors. To assess the hypothesized link between depression and diffuse depression of gamma oscillations, we employed gamma phase-dependent closed loop neuromodulation of cortical areas, paced by the native OB output. This procedure alleviated depressive-like behaviors in animals and suggests that restoring gamma oscillations may improve depression in humans.

One Sentence Summary

Role of limbic gamma oscillations in depression
Evidence for Independent Processing of Shape by Vision and Touch
Authors: Miller Ryan L. , Sheinberg David L.
Published: February 2022

Although visual object recognition is well-studied and relatively well understood, much less is understood about how shapes are recognized by touch and how such haptic stimuli might be compared to visual shapes. One might expect that the processes of visual and haptic object recognition engage identical brain structures given the similarity of the problem and the advantages of avoiding redundant brain circuitry, but it has not yet been established the extent to which this is true. We recruited human participants to perform a one-back same-different visual and haptic shape comparison task both within (i.e., comparing two visual shapes or two haptic shapes) and across (i.e., comparing visual with haptic shapes) modalities. Participants saw or felt a shape and responded according to whether they thought the shape was the same or different from the previously felt or seen shape. We then used various shape metrics to predict performance based on the shape, orientation, and modality of the two stimuli which were being compared on each trial. We found that the fixed orientation of the shape stimuli was an important factor for predicting within-modal behavior, but the orientation of shapes compared across modality did not depend on knowing the presented orientation. We also found that the metrics which best predict shape comparison behavior heavily depended on the modality of the two shapes. We take these results as evidence that object recognition is not necessarily performed in a single, modality-agnostic region.
New Functions Identified for HIV gp120 with the New ProtSub Sequence Matching
Authors: Litterer Benjamin , Shome Sayane , Jia Kejue , Jernigan Robert L.
Published: February 2022

The reduced cost of sequencing is leading to an explosive growth in the number of available sequences across diverse genomes, and for individual patients. Inferring meaningful functions of individual genes/proteins is lagging, which hinders the deeper understanding of biological function and evolution. Traditionally, protein function has been determined by time consuming experimental methods or by sequence matching that often does not agree with the experimental findings. We have significantly improved protein sequence matching, by accounting for inter-dependent amino acid substitutions observed within densely packed protein structures, which yields additional substitutions beyond those usually seen, with good matches to additional proteins, some having new functions, not identified by conventional sequence matching. In the current study, we have applied this approach to predict novel functions for the proteins from HIV. These newly found functional annotations are then manually reviewed and many are validated from the literature, here for the HIV envelope protein gp120. These new functions are both more specific as well as some being entirely novel functions. We also show statistically that on average our new functional annotations are more informative than those given by conventional substitution matrices such as BLOSUM62. These results suggest that the new ProtSub protein sequence matching that incorporates structural information generally yields better identifications of related proteins, which can have broader and often gains in identifying more specific functions
IDSL.CCDB: a database for exploring inter-chemical correlations in metabolomics and exposomics datasets
Authors: Barupal Dinesh Kumar , Mahajan Priyanka , Baygi Sadjad Fakouri , Wright Robert O , Arora Manish , Teitelbaum Susan L.
Published: February 2022

Inter-chemical correlations in metabolomics and exposomics datasets provide valuable information for studying relationships among reported chemicals measured in human specimens. With an increase in the size of these datasets, a network graph analysis and visualization of the correlation structure is difficult to interpret. While co-regulatory genes databases have been developed, a similar database for metabolites and chemicals have not been developed yet. We have developed the Integrated Data Science Laboratory for Metabolomics and Exposomics - Chemical Correlation Database (IDSL.CCDB), as a systematic catalogue of inter-chemical correlation in publicly available metabolomics and exposomics studies. The database has been provided via an online interface to create single compound-centric views that are clear, readable and meaningful. We have demonstrated various applications of the database to explore: 1) the chemicals from a chemical class such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalates and tobacco smoke related metabolites; 2) xenobiotic metabolites such as caffeine and acetaminophen; 3) endogenous metabolites (acyl-carnitines); and 4) unannotated peaks for PFAS. The database has a rich collection of 36 human studies, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and high-quality untargeted metabolomics datasets. IDSL.CCDB is supported by a simple, interactive and user-friendly web-interface to retrieve and visualize the inter-chemical correlation data. The IDSL.CCDB has the potential to be a key computational resource in metabolomics and exposomics facilitating the expansion of our understanding about biological and chemical relationships among metabolites and chemical exposures in the human body. The database is available atwww.ccdb.idsl.mesite.
Development of machine learning models for the prediction of complications after colorectal and small intestine surgery in psychiatric and non-psychiatric patient collectives (P-Study)
Authors: Taha-Mehlitz Stephanie , Enodien Bassey , Ochs Vincent , Hendie Ahmad , Taha Anas
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psychiatric and psychosomatic diseases are an increasingly cumbersome burden for the medical system. Indeed, hospital costs associated with mental health conditions have been constantly on the rise in recent years. Moreover, psychiatric conditions are likely to have a negative effect on the treatment of other medical conditions and surgical outcomes, in addition to their direct effects on the overall quality of life. Our study aims to investigate the impact of preoperative risk factors, psychiatric and psychosomatic diseases, and non-psychiatric and non-psychosomatic diseases on the outcomes of small and large bowel surgery and length of hospital stay via predictive modeling techniques.

Methods and Analysis

Patient data will be collected from several participating national and international surgical centers. The machine learning models will be calculated and coded, but also published in respect to the TRIPOD guidelines (transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis).

Expected Results

It is conceivable to arrive at generalizable models predicting the above-mentioned endpoints through large amounts of data from several centers. The models will be subsequently deployed as a free-to-use web-based prediction tool.

Ethics and Dissemination

The ethical is approved by Cantonal Ethics Committee Zurich, Switzerland BASEC Nr. 2021-02105.
OraSure InteliSwab® Rapid Antigen Test performance with the SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron
Authors: Weishampel Zachary A. , Young Janean , Fischl Mark , Fischer Robert J. , Donkor Irene Owusu , Riopelle Jade C. , Schulz Jonathan E. , Port Julia R. , Saturday Taylor A. , van Doremalen Neeltje , Berry Jody D. , Munster Vincent J. , Yinda Claude Kwe
Published: February 2022

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development of various diagnostic tests. The OraSure InteliSwab® COVID-19 Rapid Test is a recently developed and FDA emergency use authorized rapid antigen-detecting test that functions as a lateral flow device targeting the nucleocapsid protein. Due to SARS-CoV-2 evolution, there is a need to evaluate the sensitivity of rapid antigen-detecting tests for new variants, especially variants of concern like Omicron. In this study, the sensitivity of the OraSure InteliSwab® Test was investigated using cultured strains of the known variants of concern (VOCs, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) and the ancestral lineage (lineage A). Based on dilution series in cell culture medium, an approximate limit of detection for each variant was determined. The OraSure InteliSwab® Test showed an overall comparable performance using recombinant nucleocapsid protein and different cultured variants with recorded limits of detection ranging between 3.77 × 105 and 9.13 × 105 RNA copies/mL. Finally, the sensitivity was evaluated using oropharyngeal swabs from Syrian golden hamsters inoculated with the 6 VOCs. Ultimately, the OraSure InteliSwab® COVID-19 Rapid Test showed no decrease in sensitivity between the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain and any VOCs including Omicron.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF TWO AUTOMATED MACHINE LEARNING PLATFORMS FOR COVID-19 DETECTION BY MALDI-TOF-MS
Authors: Rashidi Hooman H. , Pepper John , Howard Taylor , Klein Karina , May Larissa , Albahra Samer , Phinney Brett , Salemi Michelle R. , Tran Nam K.
Published: February 2022

The 2019 novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in an unsustainable need for diagnostic tests. Currently, molecular tests are the accepted standard for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Mass spectrometry (MS) enhanced by machine learning (ML) has recently been postulated to serve as a rapid, high-throughput, and low-cost alternative to molecular methods. Automated ML is a novel approach that could move mass spectrometry techniques beyond the confines of traditional laboratory settings. However, it remains unknown how different automated ML platforms perform for COVID-19 MS analysis. To this end, the goal of our study is to compare algorithms produced by two commercial automated ML platforms (Platforms A and B). Our study consisted of MS data derived from 361 subjects with molecular confirmation of COVID-19 status including SARS-CoV-2 variants. The top optimized ML model with respect to positive percent agreement (PPA) within Platforms A and B exhibited an accuracy of 94.9%, PPA of 100%, negative percent agreement (NPA) of 93%, and an accuracy of 91.8%, PPA of 100%, and NPA of 89%, respectively. These results illustrate the MS method’s robustness against SARS-CoV-2 variants and highlight similarities and differences in automated ML platforms in producing optimal predictive algorithms for a given dataset.
A Utility-Based Machine Learning-Driven Personalized Lifestyle Recommendation for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Authors: Dogan Ayse , Li Yuxuan , Odo Chiwetalu Peter , Sonawane Kalyani , Lin Ying , Liu Chenang
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death in most countries of the world. Since many types of CVD are preventable by modifying lifestyle behaviors, the objective of this paper is to develop an effective personalized lifestyle recommendation algorithm for reducing the risk of common types of CVD. However, in practice, the underlying relationships between the risk factors (e.g., lifestyles, blood pressure, etc.) and disease onset is highly complex. It is also challenging to identify the effective modification recommendations for different individuals due to the uncertainties in individuals’ preference to change and disease progression. Therefore, to address these challenges, this study developed a novel data-driven approach for personalized lifestyle behaviors recommendation based on machine learning and a personalized exponential utility function model. The contributions of this work can be summarized into three aspects: (1) a classification-based prediction model is implemented to accurately predict the CVD risk based on the condition of risk factors; (2) the generative adversarial network (GAN) is incorporated to learn the underlying relationship between risk factors, as well as quantifying the uncertainty of disease progression under lifestyle modifications; and (3) a novel personalized exponential utility function model is proposed to evaluate the modifications’ utilities with respect to CVD risk reduction, individual’s preference to change and disease progression uncertainty, and identify the optimal modification for each individual. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through an open-access CVD dataset. The results demonstrate that the personalized lifestyle modification recommended by the proposed methodology can significantly reduce the potential CVD risk. Thus, it is very promising to be further applied to real-world cases for CVD prevention.
Managing Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19: A Pilot, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial at the Lebanese American University Medical Center - Rizk Hospital (MEDIC-LAUMCRH)
Authors: Matli Kamal , Al Kotob Abdulrahman , Jamaleddine Wassim , Al Osta Soad , Salameh Pascale , Tabbikha Rami , Chamoun Nibal , Moussawi Ahmad , Saad Jean-Michel , Atwi Gibran , Saad Tarik Abu , Jamal Omar , Mokhbat Jacques , Ghanem Georges
Published: February 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Pharmacologically targeting the different mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction may improve clinical outcomes and lead to reduced morbidity and mortality

Methods

In this pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial we assigned patients who were admitted to the hospital with mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 infection to receive, on top of optimal medical therapy, either an endothelial protocol consisting of (Nicorandil, L-arginine, Folate, Nebivolol, and Atorvastatin) or placebo for up to 14 days. The primary outcome was time to recovery, measured by an 8 category ordinal scale and defined by the time to being discharged from the hospital or hospitalized for infection-control or other nonmedical reasons. Secondary outcomes included the composite outcome of ICU admission or the need for mechanical ventilation, all-cause mortality, and the occurrence of side effects

Results

Of 42 randomized patients, 37 were included in the primary analysis. The mean age of the patients was 57 years; the mean BMI of study participants was 29.14. History of hypertension was present in 27% of the patients, obesity in 45%, and Diabetes Mellitus in 21.6%. The median(Interquartile range) time to recovery was not significantly different between the endothelial protocol group (6 [4-12] days) and the placebo group (6 [5-8]days)(p-value = 0.854). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in the need for mechanical ventilation or ICU admission, all-cause mortality, and the occurrence of side effects between the endothelial protocol group and the placebo group.

Conclusion

Among patients hospitalized with mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 infection, targeting endothelial dysfunction by administering Nicorandil, L-arginine, Folate, Nebivolol, and Atorvastatin on top of optimal medical therapy did not decrease time to recovery. However, this treatment protocol was associated with an excellent safety profile. Adequately sized prospective randomized controlled trials are needed for the evaluation of the role of treating endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 infection.
Artificial intelligence-driven meta-analysis of brain gene expression identifies novel gene candidates and a role for mitochondria in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Finney Caitlin A. , Delerue Fabien , Gold Wendy A. , Brown David A. , Shvetcov Artur
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. There is no treatment and AD models have focused on a small subset of genes identified in familial AD. Microarray studies have identified thousands of dysregulated genes in the brains of patients with AD yet identifying the best gene candidates to both model and treat AD remains a challenge. We performed a meta-analysis of microarray data from the frontal cortex (n = 697) and cerebellum (n = 230) of AD patients. A two-stage artificial intelligence approach, with both unsupervised and supervised machine learning, combined with a functional network analysis was used to identify functionally connected and biologically relevant novel gene candidates in AD. We found that in the frontal cortex, genes involved in mitochondrial energy, ATP, and oxidative phosphorylation, were the most significant dysregulated genes. In the cerebellum, dysregulated genes were involved in mitochondrial cellular biosynthesis (mitochondrial ribosomes). There was little overlap between dysregulated genes between the frontal cortex and cerebellum. A further functional network analysis of these genes identified that two downregulated genes, ATP5L and ATP5H, which both encode subunits of ATP synthase (mitochondrial complex V) may play a role in AD. Combined, our results suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly a deficit in energy homeostasis, may play an important role in AD.
Real world performance of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) against infection, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 in adult population in Indonesia
Authors: Suryatma Anton , Anasi Raras , Hananto Miko , Hermawan Asep , Ramadhany Ririn , Indalao Irene Lorinda , Agustiningsih Agustiningsih , Fikriyah Ely Hujjatul , Tobing Kristina Lumban , Tejayanti Teti , Rustika Rustika , Dhewantara Pandji Wibawa
Published: February 2022

Background

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been included in the national COVID-19 vaccination program in Indonesia since January 2021. The study aims to assess the impacts of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine on infection, hospitalization, and death among adult population aged ≥18 years in Bali, Indonesia.

Methods

Test-negative, case control study was conducted by linking SARS-CoV-2 laboratory records, vaccination, and health administrative data for the period of January 13 to June 30, 2021. Case-subjects were defined as individuals who had a positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 during the period; they were matched with controls (tested negative) (1:1) based on age, sex, district of residence, and week of testing. We estimated the odds of vaccination in PCR confirmed, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19, accounting for the presence of comorbidities and prior infection. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated as (1-odds ratio) x 100%.

Results

Total 109,050 RT-PCR test results were retrieved during the January 13 to June 30, 2021. Of these, 14,168 subjects were eligible for inclusion in the study. Total 5518 matched case-control pairs were analyzed. Adjusted vaccine effectiveness (VE) against laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was 14.5% (95% confidence interval -11 to 34.2) at 0-13 days after the first dose; 66.7% (95% CI: 58.1-73.5) at ≥14 days after the second dose. The adjusted effectiveness against hospitalization and COVID-19-associated death was 71.1% (95% CI: 62.9-77.6) and 87.4% (95% CI: 65.1-95.4%) at ≥14 days after receiving the second dose, respectively.

Conclusions

Two-dose of inactivated CoronaVac vaccine showed high effectiveness against laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death associated with COVID-19 among adults aged ≥18 years.
The outer-hair-cell RC time constant: A feature, not a bug, of the mammalian cochlea
Authors: Altoè Alessandro , Shera Christopher A.
Published: February 2022

The cochlea of the mammalian inner ear includes an active, hydromechanical amplifier thought to arise via the piezoelectric action of the outer hair cells (OHCs). A classic problem of cochlear biophysics is that the long resistance-capacitance (RC) time constant of the hair-cell membrane produces an effective cut-off frequency much lower than that of most audible sounds. The long RC time constant implies that the OHC receptor potential—and hence its electromotile response—decreases by several orders of magnitude over the frequency range of hearing. This “RC problem” is often invoked to question the role of cycle-by-cycle OHC-based amplification in mammalian hearing. Here, we use published data and simple physical reasoning to show that the RC problem is, in practice, a relatively minor physical issue whose importance has been unduly magnified by viewing it through the wrong lens. Indeed, our analysis indicates that the long RC time constant is actually beneficial for hearing, reducing noise and distortion while increasing the fidelity of cochlear amplification.
High resolution micro-CT imaging in mice stroke models: from 3D detailed infarct characterization to automatic area segmentation
Authors: Pinto Raquel , Matula Jan , Gomez-Lazaro Maria , Sousa Mafalda , Zikmund Tomas , Kaiser Jozef , Gomes João R.
Published: February 2022

Characterization of brain infarct lesion in rodent models of stroke is crucial to assess the outcome of stroke therapies and to study the disease pathophysiology. However, so far it has been mostly performed by: 1) histological methods, a time-consuming process that lead to significant flaws and tissue distortion; or 2) via MRI imaging, which is faster, yielding 3D information but at high costs. High-resolution micro-CT imaging became, in the last decade, a simple, fast, and cheaper solution, allowing 3D analysis of samples. Here, we describe that high-resolution micro-CT, either using iodine/OsO4 as contrast agents, can be successfully applied for fine quantification and localization of lesion size and edema volume in preclinical stroke models. We successfully correlated this new approach with the standard histological method TTC. In transient MCAO mouse stroke model, we were able to identify/quantify large lesioned areas (segmented in core and penumbra), up to degenerated finer striatal myelinated fibers in a transient ischemic attack (TIA) mouse model, at different timepoints post-ischemia, through manual and automatic segmentation approaches (deep learning). Furthermore, 3D reconstructions of the whole brain allow for brain atlas co-registration of the specific affected brain areas. Hence, the presented methodology, through iodine/OsO4 micro-CT imaging, constitutes a valuable advance in tools for precise and detailed assessment of stroke outcomes in preclinical animal studies.
patcHwork: A user-friendly pH sensitivity analysis web server for protein sequences and structures
Authors: Schmitz Mirko , Schultze Anne , Vanags Raimonds , Voigt Karsten , Di Ventura Barbara , Öztürk Mehmet Ali
Published: February 2022

pH regulates protein function and interactions by altering the charge of individual residues causing the loss or gain of intra-molecular non-covalent bonds, which may additionally lead to structural rearrangements. While tools to analyze residue-specific charge distribution of protein sequences and structures at a given pH exist, currently no tool is available to investigate non-covalent bond changes at two different pH values. In an effort to make protein pH sensitivity analysis more accessible to researchers without computational structural biology background, we developed patcHwork, a web server that combines the identification of amino acids undergoing a charge shift with the determination of affected non-covalent bonds at two user-defined pH values. At the sequence-only level, patcHwork applies the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to determine pH-sensitive residues. When the 3D protein structure is available, patcHwork can be employed to gain a deeper mechanistic understanding of the effect of pH on a protein of interest. This is achieved using the PDB2PQR and PROPKA tools and non-covalent bond determination algorithms. A user-friendly interface allows visualizing pH-sensitive residues as well as affected salt bridges, hydrogen bonds and aromatic (pi-pi and cation-pi) interactions. Importantly, patcHwork can be used to identify patches, a new concept we propose of pH-sensitive residues in close proximity on the protein structure, which may have a major impact on function. We demonstrate the attractiveness of patcHwork studying experimentally investigated pH-sensitive proteins. (Access:https://patchwork.biologie.uni-freiburg.de/)

Graphical abstract
Deep Immunophenotyping Reveals Endometriosis is Marked by Dysregulation of the Mononuclear Phagocytic System in Endometrium and Peripheral Blood
Authors: Vallvé-Juanico Júlia , George Ashley F. , Sen Sushmita , Thomas Reuben , Shin Min-Gyoung , Kushnoor Divyashree , Vásquez Joshua J. , Vo Kim Chi , Irwin Juan C. , Roan Nadia R. , Combes Alexis J. , Giudice Linda C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent disorder where inflammation contributes to disease-associated symptoms of pelvic pain and infertility. Immune dysfunction includes insufficient immune lesion clearance, a pro-inflammatory endometrial environment, and systemic inflammation. Comprehensive understanding of endometriosis immune pathophysiology in different hormonal milieu and disease severity has been hampered by limited direct characterization of immune populations in endometrium, blood, and lesions. Simultaneous deep phenotyping at single cell resolution of complex tissues has transformed our understanding of the immune system and its role in many diseases. Herein, we report mass cytometry and high dimensional analyses to study immune cell phenotypes, abundance, activation states, and functions in endometrium and blood of women with and without endometriosis in different cycle phases and disease stages.

Methods

A case-control study was designed. Endometrial biopsies and blood (n=60 total) were obtained from women with (n=20, n=17, respectively) and without (n=14, n=9) endometriosis in the proliferative and secretory cycle phases of the menstrual cycle. Two mass cytometry panels were designed; one broad panel and one specific for mononuclear phagocytic cells (MPC), and all samples were multiplexed to characterize both endometrium and blood immune composition at unprecedented resolution. We combined supervised and unsupervised analyses to finely define the immune cell subsets with an emphasis on MPC. Then, association between cell types, protein expression, disease status, and cycle phase were performed.

Results

The broad panel highlighted a significant modification of MPC in endometriosis; thus, they were studied in detail with an MPC-focused panel. Endometrial CD91+ macrophages overexpressed SIRPα (phagocytosis inhibitor) and CD64 (associated with inflammation) in endometriosis, and they were more abundant in mild versus severe disease. In blood, classical and intermediate monocytes were less abundant in endometriosis, whereas plasmacytoid dendritic cells and non-classical monocytes were more abundant. Non-classical monocytes were higher in severe versus mild disease.

Conclusions

A greater inflammatory phenotype and decreased phagocytic capacity of endometrial macrophages in endometriosis are consistent with defective clearance of endometrial cells shed during menses and in tissue homeostasis, with implications in endometriosis pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Different proportions of monocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in blood from endometriosis suggest systemically aberrant functionality of the myeloid system opening new venues for the study of biomarkers and therapies for endometriosis.
Movement characteristics impact decision-making and vice versa
Authors: Carsten Thomas , Fievez Fanny , Duque Julie
Published: February 2022

Previous studies suggest that humans are capable of coregulating the speed of decisions and movements if promoted by task incentives. It is unclear however whether such behavior is inherent to the process of translating decisional information into movements, beyond posing a valid strategy in some task contexts. Therefore, in a behavioral online study we imposed time constraints to either decision or movement -phases of a sensorimotor task, ensuring that coregulating decisions and movements was not promoted by task incentives. We found that participants indeed moved faster when fast decisions were promoted and decided faster when subsequent movements had to be executed swiftly. Furthermore, inflicting faster movements seems to alter decision-making in a similar fashion as conditions promoting faster decisions: In both fast-decision and fast-movement blocks, decisions relied more strongly on information presented shortly rather than long before movement onset. Taken together, these findings suggest that decisions not only impact movement characteristics, but that properties of movement impact the time and manner with which decisions are made. We interpret these behavioral results in the context ofembodied decision-making, whereby shared neural mechanisms may not only enable faster movements but also assist in making decisions in less time.