bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convalescent Blood: Current Perspective on the Efficacy of a Legacy Approach in COVID-19 Treatment
Authors: Sheervalilou Roghayeh , Shirvaliloo Milad , Sargazi Saman , Bahari Soraiya , Saravani Ramin , Shahraki Jafar , Shirvalilou Sakine , Shahraki Omolbanin , Nazarlou Ziba , Shams Zinat , Ghaznavi Habib
Published: March 2021

Since early 2020, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in many societies around the world. As of the present, the SARS-CoV-2-borne disease is propagating in almost all countries, affecting hundreds of thousands of people in an unprecedented way. As the name suggests, the novel coronavirus, widely known as SARS-CoV-2, is a new emerging human pathogen. A novel disease of relatively unknown origin, COVID-19 does not seem to be amenable to the currently available medicines since there is no specific cure for the disease. In the absence of any vaccine or effective antiviral medication, we have no tools at our disposal, but the method of quarantine, be it domestic or institutional, to hinder any further progression of this outbreak. However, there is a record of physicians in the past who practiced convalescent blood transfusion. To their awe, the method seemed to be useful. It is anticipated that these contemporary methods will outdo any other vaccination process in the time being, as blood transfusion is instead a cost-effective and time-friendly technique. Following a successful trial, this new approach of contemporary nature to a viral disease may serve as an emergency intervention to intercept infectious outbreaks and prevent an impending epidemic/pandemic. In this review, we document the most recent evidence regarding the efficiency of convalescent plasma and serum therapy on SARS, MERS, and particularly COVID-19, while discussing potential advantages and possible risks of such practice.
Pediatric Malignant Mandibular Tumors: Personal Experience and Literature Options Discussion
Authors: Comini Lara V. , Mannelli Giuditta , Tamburini Angela , Innocenti Marco , Spinelli Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Mandibular defects reconstruction could result challenging in childhood, due to facial and mandibular growth patterns. For these reasons, the choice of the most suitable reconstructive option in pediatric patients, affected by mandibular malignancies, still objects of debate. Objective: The aim of our study was to compare our reconstructive schedules to the existing literature in order to give a personal contribute to the present panorama. Methods: We performed, in October 2019, a retrospective evaluation of pediatric patients treated for biopsy-proven mandibular malignancies at our Institute between January 2013 and December 2016. All of them received multimodal therapy in accordance with standard guidelines and their demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome parameters were collected and analyzed. Results: We observed a shorter duration of surgery, a faster tracheostomy tube and feeding-tube removal, and a minor hospitalization in patients who received grafts transfer compared to those who underwent microsurgical mandibular reconstruction. After a 36-month period of follow-up, osteochondral grafts showed a pattern of growth similar to the mandibular epiphysis (condilylion-gonion linear and vertical ratio ranging to 0.96–1.03 and 1–1.02 at orthopantomogram, respectively). No bone consolidation delays and functional impairment were recorded. Conclusions: Free flaps mandibular reconstruction in children needs to be better assessed and proximal fibular epiphyseal free flap indication might deserve further studies. Osteochondral grafts find indication for lateral defects, 50–55 mm in maximum length and located in the mandibular ramus, without massive teeth or soft tissue defect. Condyle involvement does not represent an absolute contraindication to rib graft use.
Chikungunya and the Heart
Authors: Cotella Juan I. , Sauce Ana L. , Saldarriaga Clara I. , Perez Gonzalo E. , Farina Juan M. , Wyss Fernando , Sosa Liprandi Alvaro , Mendoza Ivan , Múnera Ana G. , Alexander Bryce , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Neglected tropical diseases are a group of communicable diseases that occur in tropical and subtropical conditions and are closely related to poverty and inadequate sanitation conditions. Among these entities, chikungunya remains one of the most widely spread diseases. Although the main symptoms are related to a febrile syndrome, cardiovascular (CV) involvement has been reported, with short- and long-term implications. As part of the “Neglected Tropical Diseases and other Infectious Diseases involving the Heart” (NET-Heart) Project, the aim of this review is to compile all the information available regarding CV involvement of this disease, to help healthcare providers gain knowledge in this field, and contribute to improving early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Methods: We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement in conducting and reporting this systematic review. The search was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases to identify any relevant studies or reviews detailing an association between chikungunya and cardiac involvement published from January 1972 to May 31, 2020. Results: Despite its mechanism not being fully understood, CV involvement has been described as the most frequent atypical presentation of chikungunya (54.2%). Myocarditis is the most prevalent CV complication. Different rhythm disturbances have been reported in 52% of cases, whereas heart failure was reported in 15% of cases, pericarditis in 5%, and acute myocardial infarction in 2%. Overall estimated CV mortality is 10%, although in patients with other comorbidities, it may increase up to 20%. In the proper clinical setting, the presence of fever, polyarthralgia, and new-onset arrhythmia suggests chikungunya virus-related myocarditis. Conclusion: Although most cases are rarely fatal, CV involvement in chikungunya infection remains the most frequent atypical presentation of this disease and may have severe manifestations. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are necessary to improve patient outcomes.
Predisposing and Precipitating Factors for Delirium in the Very Old (≥80 Years): A Prospective Cohort Study of 3,076 Patients
Authors: Marquetand Justus , Bode Leonie , Fuchs Simon , Ernst Jutta , von Känel Roland , Boettger Sönke
Published: March 2021

Background: Predisposing and precipitating factors for delirium for the elderly, over the age of 65 years, are known, but not for the very old, over 80 years. As the society is getting older and evermore patients will reach >80 years, more evidence of the factors and their contribution to delirium is required in this patient group. Methods: In the course of 1 year, 3,076 patients above 80 years were screened prospectively for delirium based on a Delirium Observation Screening (DOS) scale, Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC), and a DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)-5 nursing instrument (ePA-AC) construct. Relevant predisposing and precipitating factors for delirium were assessed with a multiple regression analysis. Results: Of 3,076 patients above 80 years, 1,285 (41.8%) developed a delirium, which led to twice prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.001), requirement for subsequent assisted living (OR 2.2, CI: 1.73–2.8, p < 0.001), and increased mortality (OR 24.88, CI: 13.75–45.03, p < 0.001). Relevant predisposing factors were dementia (OR 15.6, CI: 10.17–23.91, p < 0.001), pressure sores (OR 4.61, CI: 2.74–7.76, p < 0.001), and epilepsy (OR 3.65, CI: 2.12–6.28, p < 0.0001). Relevant precipitating factors were acute renal failure (4.96, CI: 2.38–10.3, p < 0.001), intracranial hemorrhage (OR 8.7, CI: 4.27–17.7, p < 0.001), and pleural effusions (OR 3.25, CI: 1.77–17.8, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Compared to the general delirium rate of approximately 20%, the prevalence of delirium doubled above the age of 80 years (41.8%) due to predisposing factors uncommon in younger patients.
Association of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Quality of Life Scale
Authors: Pantelyat Alexander , Higginbotham Lenora , Rosenthal Liana , Lanham Diane , Nesspor Vanessa , AlSalihi Mina , Bang Jee , Wang Jiangxia , Albert Marilyn
Published: March 2021

Introduction: There is growing interest in using patient-reported outcomes as end points in clinical trials, such as the progressive supranuclear palsy quality of life (PSP-QoL) scale. However, this tool has not been widely validated and its correlation with validated motor scales has not been explored. To evaluate the potential utility of using PSP-QoL as an outcome, it is important to examine its relationship with a standard scale used to evaluate neurologic parameters, such as the PSP Rating Scale. Methods: PSP-QoL and PSP Rating Scale scores were gathered from 60 clinically diagnosed PSP patients, including patients with Richardson syndrome PSP (PSP-RS, n = 43) and those with non-RS PSP variants (n = 17). Linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and disease duration was used to evaluate the cross-sectional relationship between the total and subscale scores of the 2 instruments. Results: Among 60 PSP patients, there was a significant correlation between total PSP-QoL and PSP Rating Scale scores. The physical and mentation subscales of each instrument also demonstrated significant correlations. Comparisons among PSP subtypes indicated that worsening PSP-QoL Total and Physical subscale scores correlated with worsening PSP Rating Scale gait subscale scores more strongly for the non-RS PSP variants than for PSP-RS. Discussion: There is a significant association between the total scores and many of the subscale scores of the PSP-QoL and the PSP Rating Scale. Additionally, the relationship between these measures may differ for PSP-RS and non-RS variants. These findings suggest that the PSP-QoL may be useful in clinical trials as a patient-reported outcome measure. Large prospective multicenter studies utilizing the PSP-QoL are necessary to examine its relationship to disease evolution and changes in the PSP Rating Scale.
Reliability and Validity of the Polish Version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale
Authors: Leszko Magdalena , Carpenter Brian D.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: In the context of increasing numbers of older adults and an increased prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, the early diagnosis of dementia has become an important issue. Poland’s population is aging, and the growing number of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may pose challenges for families and the health-care system. While creating effective psychoeducational interventions aiming at increasing caregivers’ knowledge may be beneficial, Poland lacks a standardized measurement for assessing knowledge about AD or a related form of dementia. Methods: The aim of our study was to translate and evaluate the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) among Polish individuals. Results: The Polish ADKS was developed through a translation-back translation method. Psychometric evaluation was done with a sample of 942 individuals (caregivers, health-care professionals, and general population) who completed the questionnaire. Discussion: The results indicate that the scale produces acceptable psychometric properties and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions among caregivers, health-care professionals, and the general population.
The Convoluted Tubules of the Nephron Must Be Considered Elliptical, and Not Circular, in Stereological Studies of the Kidney
Authors: Ortega-Martinez Marta , Gutierrez-Davila Vanessa , Gutierrez-Arenas Esthefania , Niderhauser-Garcia Alberto , Cerda-Flores Ricardo M. , Jaramillo-Rangel Gilberto
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The diameter and area of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) are of the main parameters analyzed in stereological studies of the kidney. However, there is no consensus about if the PCT and DCT should be considered circular or elliptical in shape. Objective: To analyze if there are significant differences in the diameter and area of the PCT and DCT, depending on whether they are considered circular or elliptical. Methods: Paraffin-embedded sections of kidneys from CD1 mice were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined using a light microscope. Images were captured using a camera linked to image analysis software. A short diameter (d) and a long diameter (D) were measured in both PCT and DCT. A small circular area (SCA), a large circular area (LCA), and an elliptical area (EA) were calculated with mathematical formulas that incorporate d and D values, while a program area (PA) was provided by the software. Results: There was a significant difference between d and D in both PCT (F = 1.354, Sig = 0.000) and DCT (F = 4.989, Sig = 0.000). Also, there were significant differences in the tubular areas in both PCT (F = 34.843, Sig = 0.000) and DCT (F = 22.390, Sig = 0.000); circular areas were different from elliptical areas (SCA and LCA vs. EA and PA). Conclusion: The convoluted tubules of the nephron must not be considered circular, but rather elliptical; care should be taken every time the tubules are analyzed in stereological studies of the kidney, especially when evaluating their diameters and areas.
COVID-19 risk perception among Indonesians in early stage of the outbreak
Authors: Nanda Ratih Oktri , Lolita Lolita , Indayati Wiwik , Rusdiyanti Ivong , Nurjannah Nurjannah , Ikhsanudin Azis , Mareti Silvia
Published: March 2021

Indonesia confirmed its first coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) case on 2nd March 2020, when other countries have already reported several numbers in the previous month. This study aimed to explore the risk perception of Indonesians in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 495 participants using a web-based questionnaire. Primary data were collected from 3rd to 27th March 2020 including the perceived severity, vulnerability, threat, self, and response efficacy of the participants. The results showed that the perceived threat of the outbreak in its early stage is the second highest compared to other diseases. The perceived severity among the participants was high. However, they had a low vulnerability. Those in the middle region showed a higher level of self and response efficacy. Meanwhile, people who work as private sector employee (β=0.146, p=0.004), live in the western region (β=-0.184, p=0.000), with a higher knowledge score (β=0.096, p=0.032) had a higher perceived threat. These results found those who had high knowledge, was also had higher perceived risk. The most important of these studies have determined various factors related to risk perception, thus it could be good preliminary evidence for public health authorities to arrange an effective way for epidemic control.
Nurse competence in implementing public health care
Authors: Suprapto Suprapto , Mulat Trimaya Cahya , Lalla Nur Syamsi Norma
Published: March 2021

Health development is a way of increasing awareness, willingness and ability to live healthy for everyone so that an optimal degree of public health can be achieved. The purpose of knowing how the relationship between nurse competence and community health care activities. This study employed quantitative approach and correlation analysis. The population was nurses who work at public health center in Makassar City, Indonesia, however there were 118 nurses who meet the criteria in their selection. There were relationships between attitudes, skills, and competencies with the level of implementation of community health services and that there is an interaction between competence and training. The results of the competency analysis obtained an OR value of 6.429, meaning that public health center nurses who have good competence have a chance of 6.429 times to carry out community health care activities optimally. Most dominant with the implementation of public health care is the interaction between competence and training. The competence of nurses need to be improved in order to optimize the implementation of community health services through training, coaching through assigned teams, and collaborating with peers and providing support in the form of policies for rewards and sanctions such as nurse career paths.
Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source and Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Strambo Davide , Sirimarco Gaia , Nannoni Stefania , Perlepe Kalliopi , Ntaios George , Vemmos Kostantinos , Michel Patrik
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:

The Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score stratifies patients with stroke according to the probability of having a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which (through Bayes theorem and simple assumptions) can be used to estimate the probability that a PFO is pathogenic in a given subgroup of patients with specific features (ie, a given RoPE score value): a higher PFO prevalence corresponds to a higher probability that a PFO is pathogenic. Among alternative mechanisms in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), the actual stroke cause may be covert atrial fibrillation. We aimed to validate the RoPE score in a large ESUS population and investigate the rate of stroke recurrence and new incident atrial fibrillation during follow-up according to PFO status and RoPE score.

Methods:

We pooled data of consecutive patients with ESUS from 3 prospective stroke registries. We assessed RoPE score’s calibration and discrimination for the presence of PFO (and consequently for the probability that it is pathogenic). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with PFO.

Results:

Among 455 patients with ESUS (median age 59 years), 184 (40%) had PFO. The RoPE score’s area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75. In addition to RoPE score variables, absence of left ventricular hypertrophy, absence of atherosclerosis, and infratentorial lesions were independently associated with PFO. In patients with PFO and RoPE 7 to 10, PFO and RoPE 0 to 6, and without PFO, new incident atrial fibrillation rate was 3.1%, 20.5%, and 31.8%, respectively (log-rank test=6.28,
P
=0.04). Stroke recurrences in patients with likely pathogenic PFO were not statistically different from other patients.

Conclusions:

This multicenter study validates the RoPE score to predict the presence/absence of PFO in patients with ESUS, which strongly suggests that RoPE score is helpful in identifying patients with ESUS with pathogenic versus incidental PFOs. Left ventricular hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, and infratentorial stroke may further improve the score. Low RoPE scores were associated with more incidental atrial fibrillation during 10-year follow-up.
Drop when the stakes are high: adaptive, flexible use of dropping behaviour by aphids
Authors: Humphreys Rosalind K. , Ruxton Graeme D. , Karley Alison J.
Published: March 2021

For herbivorous insects, dropping from the host plant is a commonly-observed antipredator defence. The use of dropping compared to other behaviours and its timing in relation to contact with a predator was explored in both pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and potato aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae). Pea aphids dropped more frequently in response to ladybird adults (Adalia bipunctata) than lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla carnea). Potato aphids mainly walked away or backed-up in response to both predator types; but they dropped more frequently relative to other non-walking defences when faced with ladybird adults. Contact with a predator was an important influencer of dropping for both species, and most drops occurred from adjacent to the predator. Dropping appears to be a defence adaptively deployed only when the risk of imminent predation is high; factors that increase dropping likelihood include presence of faster-foraging predators such as adult ladybirds, predator proximity, and contact between aphid and predator.
Living in Utopia in the 19th Century
Authors: Lallement Michel
Published: March 2021

Concrete utopias have received little international comparison. In order to contribute to a comparative sociology of such social experiments, this article is interested in the case of France and the United States in the 19th century. To mirror concerns that were important at that time in both of these countries (the “social question” and the “question of women”), attention is focused on local experiments where work and gender were the subject of some notable innovations. After highlighting the form, importance and dynamics of abstract and concrete utopias in France and the United States, two communities inspired by C. Fourier are compared: the Familistère de Guise (France), and the Oneida Association (United States). If both learn about the Fourierist utopia, they put it into practice differently, in particular because of issues specific to each of the two countries.
Policy Analysis of Educational Services for the One Belt One Road Initiative under the covid-19 Epidemic
Authors: Tingzhou Li , Sha Lu , Yuyang Zhao , Wanying Li
Published: March 2021

Education undertakes the era mission of serving China’s external development strategy, and provides comprehensive personnel support, constructive intellectual support, shared humanistic exchanges, and harmonios understanding of value for the interconnections among countries along the One Belt One Road (obor). Since 2014, China’s policies on “education + ‘One Belt One Road’” have been continuously refined and expanded, and a policy system of education’s services for the obor initiative has been initially formed, which providing high-quality and top-level designs for promoting the construction of obor initiative. Educational services for the obor initiative are facing new challenges and opportunities under the global covid-19 epidemic. For example, the international misunderstandings and stigmatizations bring opportunities for introspecting the construction of China’s international discourse system; the traditional cooperation modes of offline education is blocked, which brings opportunities for exploring new forms of educational services; the contents and modes of education are becoming increasingly diversified, putting forward higher requirements for the comprehensive qualities of each educational subject. In the future period of normalization of epidemic prevention and control, it is urgent to improve the quality of educational services by maintaining strategical focuses, such as deepening the educational opening up and cooperation, optimizing the personnel training concepts and teaching modes, and improving the guarantee mechanism.
FoxO1-GAB1 axis regulates homing capacity and tonic AKT activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Seda Vaclav , Vojackova Eva , Ondrisova Laura , Kostalova Lenka , Sharma Sonali , Loja Tomas , Mladonicka Pavlasova Gabriela , Zicha Daniel , Kudlickova Peskova Marie , Krivanek Jan , Liskova Kvetoslava , Kren Leos , Benes Vladimir , Musilova Litzmanova Katerina , Borsky Marek , Oppelt Jan , Verner Jan , Pospisilova Sarka , Brychtova Yvona , Panovska Anna , Tan Zhi , Zhang Shuxing , Doubek Michael , Amruz Cerna Katerina , Mayer Jiri , Mraz Marek
Published: March 2021

Recirculation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells between the peripheral blood and lymphoid niches plays a critical role in disease pathophysiology, and inhibiting this process is one of the major mechanisms of action for B-cell receptor (BCR) inhibitors such as ibrutinib and idelalisib. Migration is a complex process guided by chemokine receptors and integrins. However, it remains largely unknown how CLL cells integrate multiple migratory signals while balancing survival in the peripheral blood and the decision to return to immune niches. Our study provided evidence that CXCR4/CD5 intraclonal subpopulations can be used to study the regulation of migration of CLL cells. We performed RNA profiling of CXCR4dimCD5bright vs CXCR4brightCD5dim CLL cells and identified differential expression of dozens of molecules with a putative function in cell migration. GRB2–associated binding protein 1 (GAB1) positively regulated CLL cell homing capacity of CXCR4brightCD5dim cells. Gradual GAB1 accumulation in CLL cells outside immune niches was mediated by FoxO1-induced transcriptional GAB1 activation. Upregulation of GAB1 also played an important role in maintaining basal phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity and the “tonic” AKT phosphorylation required to sustain the survival of resting CLL B cells. This finding is important during ibrutinib therapy, because CLL cells induce the FoxO1-GAB1-pAKT axis, which represents an adaptation mechanism to the inability to home to immune niches. We have demonstrated that GAB1 can be targeted therapeutically by novel GAB1 inhibitors, alone or in combination with BTK inhibition. GAB1 inhibitors induce CLL cell apoptosis, impair cell migration, inhibit tonic or BCR-induced AKT phosphorylation, and block compensatory AKT activity during ibrutinib therapy.
Heat transfer, physiological responses, and subjective perceptions during short contact time with wood or other materials
Authors: Tsunetsugu Yuko , Sugiyama Masaki
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the physiological responses and subjective perceptions of touching wood. In particular, it focuses on their respective relationships with the amount of heat transfer across the hand–material interface during contact. The study participants included 55 university students (20 females and 35 males) who gave written informed consent. The participants’ blood pressure, pulse rate, and cerebral blood hemoglobin concentrations were measured continuously for 90 s while they gently held vertical bar-shaped specimens of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), Japanese oak (Quercus crispula), polyethylene, and aluminum. The specimens also included wood with a surface coating. We measured subjective warmth and comfort as well as the heat flux between the palm and the surface of the material. The wooden materials were rated as significantly warmer compared to aluminum and polyethylene, regardless of the wood species (cypress or oak) or its coating; this result corresponds with smaller heat transfers in the wooden materials. Additionally, the wooden materials were more comfortable to hold as compared to the aluminum bar. Based on the changes in blood pressure, touching Japanese cypress and uncoated Japanese oak were interpreted to induce less physiological stress. Therefore, we can conclude that wood, with lower thermal conductivity, feels warm, and it causes relatively smaller physiological changes compared to other materials with higher thermal conductivity. Thus, they may present less physiological burdens when touched.
Protein kinase C activation upregulates human L-type amino acid transporter 2 function
Authors: Morio Hanae , Reien Yoshie , Hirayama Yuri , Hashimoto Hirofumi , Anzai Naohiko
Published: March 2021

L-type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2) is a Na+-independent neutral amino acid transporter, whose function regulation system remains unclarified. Since protein kinase C (PKC) is known to regulate the functions of various transporters, we investigated whether human LAT2 (hLAT2) function is regulated by PKC. In mouse proximal tubule S2 cells, hLAT2 transport activity was upregulated by PKC activation. However, we found that the mRNA and protein expression of hLAT2 was not affected by PKC activation and that the upregulation was independent of the three potential PKC consensus sites in the hLAT2 amino acid sequence. Moreover, we found that PKC activation upregulated the Vmax value for hLAT2-mediated alanine transport, which was not accompanied by the induction of hLAT2 membrane insertion. In conclusion, we showed that hLAT2 function is upregulated by PKC activation, which is not related to either the de novo synthesis, the phosphorylation or the membrane insertion of hLAT2.
A novel end-to-end method to predict RNA secondary structure profile based on bidirectional LSTM and residual neural network
Authors: Wang Linyu , Zhong Xiaodan , Wang Shuo , Zhang Hao , Liu Yuanning
Published: March 2021

Background

Studies have shown that RNA secondary structure, a planar structure formed by paired bases, plays diverse vital roles in fundamental life activities and complex diseases. RNA secondary structure profile can record whether each base is paired with others. Hence, accurate prediction of secondary structure profile can help to deduce the secondary structure and binding site of RNA. RNA secondary structure profile can be obtained through biological experiment and calculation methods. Of them, the biological experiment method involves two ways: chemical reagent and biological crystallization. The chemical reagent method can obtain a large number of prediction data, but its cost is high and always associated with high noise, making it difficult to get results of all bases on RNA due to the limited of sequencing coverage. By contrast, the biological crystallization method can lead to accurate results, yet heavy experimental work and high costs are required. On the other hand, the calculation method is CROSS, which comprises a three-layer fully connected neural network. However, CROSS can not completely learn the features of RNA secondary structure profile since its poor network structure, leading to its low performance.

Results

In this paper, a novel end-to-end method, named as “RPRes, was proposed to predict RNA secondary structure profile based on Bidirectional LSTM and Residual Neural Network.

Conclusions

RPRes utilizes data sets generated by multiple biological experiment methods as the training, validation, and test sets to predict profile, which can compatible with numerous prediction requirements. Compared with the biological experiment method, RPRes has reduced the costs and improved the prediction efficiency. Compared with the state-of-the-art calculation method CROSS, RPRes has significantly improved performance.
GroEL protein of the Leptospira spp. interacts with host proteins and induces cytokines secretion on macrophages
Authors: Ho Joana Dias , Takara Luiz Eduardo Massao , Monaris Denize , Gonçalves Aline Patrícia , Souza-Filho Antonio Francisco , de Souza Gisele Oliveira , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Ho Paulo Lee , Abreu Patrícia Antonia Estima
Published: March 2021

Background

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with spirochetes fromLeptospiragenus. It has been classified into at least 17 pathogenic species, with more than 250 serologic variants. This wide distribution may be a result of leptospiral ability to colonize the renal tubules of mammalian hosts, including humans, wildlife, and many domesticated animals. Previous studies showed that the expression of proteins belonging to the microbial heat shock protein (HSP) family is upregulated during infection and also during various stress stimuli. Several proteins of this family are known to have important roles in the infectious processes in other bacteria, but the role of HSPs inLeptospiraspp. is poorly understood. In this study, we have evaluated the capacity of the protein GroEL, a member of HSP family, of interacting with host proteins and of stimulating the production of cytokines by macrophages.

Results

The binding experiments demonstrated that the recombinant GroEL protein showed interaction with several host components in a dose-dependent manner. It was also observed that GroEL is a surface protein, and it is secreted extracellularly. Moreover, two cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) were produced when macrophages cells were stimulated with this protein.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that GroEL protein may contribute to the adhesion of leptospires to host tissues and stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines during infection. These features might indicate an important role of GroEL in the pathogen-host interaction in the leptospirosis.
Effect of physician attire on patient perceptions of empathy in Japan: a quasi-randomized controlled trial in primary care
Authors: Matsuhisa Takaharu , Takahashi Noriyuki , Takahashi Kunihiko , Yoshikawa Yuki , Aomatsu Muneyoshi , Sato Juichi , Mercer Stewart W. , Ban Nobutaro
Published: March 2021

Background

There is limited quantitative research on the effect of physician attire on patient–physician relationships. This study aimed to measure the influence of Japanese family physicians’ attire on the “human” aspects of medical care in terms of patient-perceived relational empathy.

Methods

This was a multicenter, prospective, controlled trial conducted in primary clinics in Japan. We explored the effects of family physician attire (white coat vs. casual attire) on patient-perceived empathy. Family physicians were allocated to alternate weeks of wearing a white coat or casual attire during consultations. Patients’ perceptions of physician empathy were evaluated using the self-rated Japanese Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure. We used a linear mixed model to analyze the CARE Measure scores, adjusting for cluster effects of patients nested within doctor, age, and sex of patients, and doctors’ sex and years of clinical experience. We used the same method with Bonferroni adjustment to analyze patient sex differences in perceived empathy.

Results

A total of 632 patients of seven family physicians were allocated to white coat-wearing consultations (n = 328), and casual attire-wearing consultations (n = 304). There was no difference in CARE Measure scores between white coat and casual primary care consultations overall (p = 0.162). Subgroup analysis of patient sex showed that CARE Measure scores of male patients were significantly higher in the Casual group than in the White coat group (adjusted p-value = 0.044). There was no difference in female patient scores between White coat and Casual groups (adjusted p-value = 1.000).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that physician attire (white coat or casual attire) in a primary care setting did not affect patient-perceived relational empathy overall. However, male patients of physicians wearing casual attire reported higher physician empathy. Although empathy cannot be reduced to simple variables such as attire, white coats may have a negative effect on patients, depending on the context. Family physicians should choose their attire carefully.

Trial registration

Japanese University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN-ICDR). Clinical Trial identifier number UMIN000037687 (Registered August 14, 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000042749). The study was prospectively registered.
Comparison of preoperative two-dimensional shear wave elastography, indocyanine green clearance test and biomarkers for post hepatectomy liver failure prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fu Rong , Qiu Tingting , Ling Wenwu , Lu Qiang , Luo Yan
Published: March 2021

Background

The preoperative prediction of post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is essential, but there is no gold standard for the prediction at present, and the efficacy of different methods for the prediction has not been compared systematically. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of preoperative two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test and biomarkers for PHLF prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We retrospectively studied 215 patients with HCC, who had undergone major liver resection in our hospital. Preoperative data of each patient, including liver stiffness value (LSV) of underlying hepatic parenchyma measured by 2D-SWE, ICG retention rate at 15 min (ICG-R15) measured by ICG clearance test, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores, aspartate aminotransferase–platelet ratio index (APRI), and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) were collected for analysis. Post hepatectomy outcomes of study patients were also recorded for assessment of PHLF. The study patients were divided into development cohort (133 patients without PHLF, and 17 patients with PHLF) and validation cohort (59 patients without PHLF, and 6 patients with PHLF) randomly.

Results

In the development cohort, LSV, ICG-R15 and ALBI scores were significantly different between patients with and without PHLF, while no significant difference of APRI and FIB-4 scores was found. LSV had higher AUC (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) (AUC = 0.795) for PHLF prediction than ICG-R15 (AUC = 0.619) and ALBI scores (AUC = 0.686) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). In the validation cohort, the cutoff value of LSV obtained from the development cohort, 10.35 kPa,  revealed higher specificity (76.3%) for PHLF prediction than ICG-R15 (specificity: 66.1%) and ALBI scores (specificity: 69.5%) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Compared with ICG-R15, ALBI scores, APRI and FIB-4, LSV measured by 2D-SWE may demonstrate better efficacy for preoperative PHLF prediction in patients with HCC.
Circadian variations in the occurrence of first‐ever intracerebral hemorrhage from different sources of income: a hospital‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Yan-Yue , Yan Ning , Wang En-Yuan , Pu Yun-Tao
Published: March 2021

Background

The onset time of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may be closely related to the working style and living habits of people, which are determined by different income sources in China. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the Circadian Variations in the occurrence of ICH from different sources of income.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 4,327 patients with first-ever ICH. Based on the time of day at which the patients developed symptoms, the classifiable onset time was assigned to one of eight three-hour intervals. And based on different income sources, they were categorized into three groups: Farmers, Wage-earners, and Freelancers. Demographic and risk factors of patients were then summarized, and the circadian variation of the 3 groups of patients’ known time of onset and those stratified by sex and age were analyzed.

Results

The frequency of ICH onset exhibited significant circadian variation among the 3 income groups, demonstrating a bimodal distribution in the daytime, with a nadir during the night (all P < 0.001). Three groups showed a significant initial peak between 06:01 and 09:00, and the same peak was observed in their subgroups of sex and age. In the 3 income source groups, there was a smaller second peak that between 15:01 and 18:00 for Farmers and Wage-earners and 18:01 and 21:00 for Freelancers. After stratification by sex and age, the second peak was between 18:01 and 21:00 for female in Farmers, female in Freelancers, under 65 years of age in Wage-earners and 65 years or older in Freelancers, while 15:01 and 18:00 for the other groups.

Conclusions

Different circadian variations of ICH onset time are found in patients with different income sources in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality cohort. Moreover, the frequency and distribution pattern of peak hours may be closely related to the working style and living habits of people with different income sources.
Co-expression of SOX2 and HR-HPV RISH predicts poor prognosis in small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix
Authors: Zhang Shi-Wen , Luo Rong-Zhen , Sun Xiao-Ying , Yang Xia , Yang Hai-Xia , Xiong Si-Ping , Liu Li-Li
Published: March 2021

Background

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix (SCNEC) is a rare cancer involving the human papilloma virus (HPV), and has few available treatments. The present work aimed to assess the feasibility of SOX2 and HPV statuses as predictive indicators of SCNEC prognosis.

Methods

The associations of SOX2 and/or high-risk (HR)-HPV RNA in situ hybridization (RISH) levels with clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic outcomes for 88 neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) cases were analyzed.

Results

Among these patients with SCNEC, SOX2, P16INK4A and HR-HPV RISH expression and SOX2/HR-HPV RISH co-expression were detected in 68(77.3%), 76(86.4%), 73(83.0%), and 48(54.5%), respectively. SOX2-positive and HR-HPV RISH-positive SCNEC cases were associated with poorer overall survival (OS, P = 0.0170, P = 0.0451) and disease-free survival (DFS, P = 0.0334, P = 0.0309) compared with those expressing low SOX2 and negative HR-HPV RISH. Alternatively, univariate analysis revealed that SOX2 and HR-HPV RISH expression, either separately or in combination, predicted the poor prognosis of SCNEC patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that the co-expression of SOX2 with HR-HPV RISH may be an independent factor of OS [hazard ratio = 3.597; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.085–11.928; P = 0.036] and DFS [hazard ratio = 2.880; 95% CI: 1.199–6.919; P = 0.018] prediction in SCNEC.

Conclusions

Overall, the results of the present study suggest that the co-expression of SOX2 with HR-HPV RISH in SCNEC may represent a specific subgroup exhibiting remarkably poorer prognostic outcomes compared with the expression of any one marker alone.
Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with limited-disease small-cell lung cancer: a retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Seo Ree , Hong Ji Hyung , Sung Soo-Yoon , Kim Yeo Hyung , Chun Sang Hoon , Lee Hyun Woo , Lee Jung Soo , Ko Yoon Ho
Published: March 2021

Background

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly proliferative, rapidly growing tumor with a poor prognosis, even in cases of limited disease (LD). Timely and accurate high-intensity therapy is necessary. For concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), etoposide/platinum (EP)-based regimens are recommended, although irinotecan/platinum (IP)-based regimens are also effective with radiotherapy. This large-scale, retrospective, nationwide cohort study aimed to analyze the efficacy of CCRT in patients with LD-SCLC.

Methods

Population data registered between January 2008 and December 2018 was extracted from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea database. Survival outcomes of 4446 LD-SCLC patients who received CCRT were analyzed.

Results

Patients who received EP-CCRT (n = 4187) showed better time to first subsequent therapy (TFST: 11.2 months) and overall survival (OS: 22.2 months) than those who received IP-CCRT (n = 259; TFST: 9.6 months, P = 0.0477; OS: 16.4 months, P <  0.0001). When CCRT failed, dual-agent chemotherapy (n = 925; OS: 9.1 months) provided a better survival benefit than single-agent chemotherapy (n = 815; OS: 7.5 months). IP-based chemotherapy resulted in better OS (9.6 months) than EP-based chemotherapy (7.1 months, P = 0.017) in platinum-resistant relapsed patients; the opposite was observed for platinum-sensitive relapsed patients (OS: EP, 17.2 months; IP, 6.6 months; P <  0.0001). Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that age, EP-CCRT, and hypercholesterolemia retained significant associations with OS after adjustment for all variables.

Conclusion

In the Korean population, the effects of EP-CCRT on OS and TFST are significantly more favorable than those of IP-CCRT.
Case report: restored vision after ocular Closantel intoxication and blindness
Authors: Khalili Mohammad Reza , Zareei Athar
Published: March 2021

Background

Closantel is the best-known anti-parasitic medicine for veterinarians, which is contraindicated in humans. After reviewing the literature on ocular toxicity following mistaken usage of Closantel in humans, this report was found as the first complete restoration of visual function after Closantel intoxication. This report could be useful in anticipating the possibility of a further improvement based on a dose-response relationship. An important point of this report is the apparent reversibility of the vision and Electrophysiological parameters after Closantel intoxication and blindness. To conclude, the present case report demonstrates the importance of immediate referral and management in Closantel intoxication to avoid the long-term adverse effects of drug on visual function.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old man mistakenly took about 20 cc of Closantel 5% (15.87 mg/kg). Four hours after mistaken usage of Closantel, he was transferred to the district hospital due to dizziness and nausea. His stomach was washed out immediately after hospital arrival. He was being hospitalized in that hospital for 3 days. Then, he was referred to our clinic due to progressive vision loss. Methylprednisolone acetate 250 mg was injected once on 5th day after taking Closantel. His vision was reducing gradually so low that he could only detect hand motion (HM) on the 14th day after taking Closantel. ERG test was requested. It showed an exclusive reduction in b-wave amplitude under photopic and scotopic conditions. Later, his vision surprisingly improved gradually and his visual acuity was fully restored on the 28th day after the incident. After 3 years, we checked him again. His visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and the patient did not have any problem and his ERG report was completely normal.

Conclusions

In low dose of Closantel and immediate referral, ocular toxicity could be resolved.
The burden of chronic pain for patients with osteoarthritis in Germany: a retrospective cohort study of claims data
Authors: Schild Marie , Müller Ulrike , von Schenck Ursula , Prieur Sigurd , Miller Robert
Published: March 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that is often associated with chronic pain. Pain often leads patients to seek healthcare advice and treatment. In this retrospective cohort analysis of German longitudinal healthcare claims data, we aimed to explore the healthcare resource utilisation (HRU) and related healthcare costs for patients with OA who develop chronic pain.

Methods

Patient-level data was extracted from the German Institut für Angewandte Gesundheitsforschung (InGef) database. Insured persons (≥18 years) were indexed between January 2015 and December 2017 with a recent (none in the last 2 years) diagnosis of OA. HRU and costs were compared between patients categorised as with (identified via diagnosis or opioid prescription) and without chronic pain. Unweighted HRU (outpatient physician contacts, hospitalisations, prescriptions for physical therapy or psychotherapy, and incapacity to work) and healthcare costs (medication, medical aid/remedy, psychotherapy, inpatient and outpatient and sick pay in Euros [quartile 1, quartile 3]) were calculated per patient for the year following index. Due to potential demographic and comorbidity differences between the groups, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to estimate weighted costs and rate ratio (RR; 95% confidence interval) of HRU by negative binomial regression modelling.

Results

Of 4,932,543 individuals sampled, 238,306 patients with OA were included in the analysis: 80,055 (34%) categorised as having chronic pain (24,463 via opioid prescription) and 158,251 (66%) categorised as not having chronic pain. The chronic pain cohort was slightly older, more likely to be female, and had more comorbidities. During the year following index, unweighted and IPTW-weighted HRU risk and healthcare costs were higher in patients with chronic pain vs those without for all categories. This led to a substantially higher total annual healthcare cost ─ observed mean; €6801 (1439, 8153) vs €3682 (791, 3787); estimated RR = 1.51 (1.36, 1.66).

Conclusions

German patients with chronic pain and OA have higher healthcare costs and HRU than those with OA alone. Our findings suggest the need for better prevention and treatment of OA in order to reduce the incidence of chronic pain, and the resultant increase in disease burden experienced by patients.