bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of the Use of Aspirin and Statins for Preventing Cardiovascular Events in the Colombian Population with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Comparison of 2008 and 2018
Authors: Machado-Duque Manuel E. , Garcia Diego Arturo , Emura-Vélez Melissa Hiromi , Gaviria-Mendoza Andrés , Machado-Alba Jorge E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) greatly increases cardiovascular risk. Primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention lead to lower cardiovascular events, improved quality of life and lower costs related to complications.

Objective

To estimate the proportion of patients with T2DM undergoing drug therapy for cardiovascular prevention (aspirin and statins) in Colombia and to describe the change in patterns of use between 2008 and 2018.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study comparing prescriptions for aspirin and statins in 2008 and in 2018 in outpatients diagnosed with T2DM. Records were obtained from a national drug claim database. The proportion of use of cardiovascular prevention drugs and antidiabetic drugs, medications for comorbidities and sociodemographic variables were analyzed for both periods.

Results

In total, 26 742 patients in 2008 and 188 321 in 2018 with a diagnosis of T2DM treated with antidiabetic drugs were identified, among whom 57.5% and 44.2% received aspirin and 44.9% and 60.2% received statins, respectively. The use of high-intensity statins increased from 1.1% in 2008 to 95.2% in 2018. The probabilities of receiving drugs in 2008 and in 2018 were higher for men (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.17 and OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.23-1.28, respectively), for those persons over 75 years of age (OR: 6.5, 95% CI: 5.3-7.9 and OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 5.4-6.2) and for those who also received clopidogrel (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 4.4-7.6 and OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 2.1-2.4).

Conclusions

The use of high-intensity statins in patients with T2DM has increased significantly in the last decade, which should reduce cardiovascular events, morbidity and mortality.
Proof of Concept for the Autobiographical Memory Flexibility (MemFlex) Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Moradi Ali Reza , Piltan Maryam , Choobin Mohammad Hasan , Azadfallah Parviz , Watson Peter , Dalgleish Tim , Hitchcock Caitlin
Published: April 2021

Autobiographical memory distortions are a key feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial ( N = 43), we evaluated an autobiographical memory flexibility intervention, MemFlex. We aimed to determine whether the mechanism-focused intervention, which aims to improve autobiographical memory processes, may also affect other cognitive predictors of PTSD and potentially reduce PTSD symptoms in Iranian trauma survivors diagnosed with PTSD. Results indicated significant, moderate to large between-groups effect sizes in favor of MemFlex, relative to wait-list control, for the targeted cognitive mechanism of autobiographical memory flexibility and PTSD symptoms. A large, significant effect was also observed on maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions—a strong predictor of PTSD prognosis, which is a key target of high-intensity cognitive therapies for PTSD. Findings support future completion of a scaled-up trial to evaluate treatment efficacy of MemFlex for PTSD to determine whether MemFlex may offer a culturally adaptive, low-cost, low-intensity intervention able to improve cognitive mechanisms of PTSD.
Ultrasound-guided thermal radiofrequency ablation to treat refractory knee and hip pain: Outcomes of a case series
Authors: Carneiro Ismael , Silva Joana , Lopes Tiago , Carvalho José Luís
Published: April 2021

A number of options are currently available to treat symptomatic knee and hip pain. Among them, there is the use of thermal radiofrequency ablation. It is a more recent technique and we still have a lack regarding safety and effectiveness. In this report, we briefly present a case series of patients with refractory knee and hip pain, treated with thermal radiofrequency ablation, where we discuss the results in safety and effectiveness, concerning not only the pain control, but also the return to participation in activities.
Civic Engagement, Legal Status, and the Context of Reception: Participation in Voluntary Associations among Undocumented Immigrants in California
Authors: Beck Kevin , Shklyan Karina
Published: April 2021

For undocumented immigrants, processes of integration are contingent on the qualities of their local context. A lack of legal status may require them to strategically manage their presence in order to avoid detection that could lead to deportation. The authors ask how the need to mask one’s legal status affects the civic integration of undocumented immigrants. Drawing primarily on data from the California Health Interview Survey, the authors estimate the probability of participation in voluntary associations for undocumented immigrants. They naturalized immigrants and find that undocumented immigrants exhibit a lower rate of participation but that this low rate of participation is unlikely the result of their legal status. The findings also show that undocumented immigrants are less likely to participate in voluntary associations if they live in counties where large shares of voters cast votes for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
Creation of a rough runnability index using an affordance-based framework
Authors: Shashank Aateka , Schuurman Nadine , Copley Russell , Lear Scott
Published: April 2021

Running is one of the most popular forms of physical activity. To date, no literature explores association between the features of the built environment and running. A limited amount of literature uses walkability as a proxy for runnability, thereby misjudging the differing goals of walking and running: leisure, sport or commute. We create a rough runnability index using an affordance-based framework as a conceptual and methodological attempt to quantify features of the built environment that facilitate or hinder running as a form of leisure or sport activity. Three indices are created in the City of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada using pixelated edges. We find that areas in the downtown core and near high traffic routes show low safety and general runnability, whereas areas near parks and in low traffic, residential areas show higher safety for runners. Representing runnability using pixelated edges allows for sub-block level analysis of runnability as experienced by runners.
Identifying Top Predictors of Change in Noncalcified Coronary Burden in Psoriasis by Machine Learning Over 1-Year
Authors: Munger Eric , Dey Amit K. , Rodante Justin , Playford Martin P. , Sorokin Alexander V. , Tian Xin , Wu Colin O. , Hasan Ahmed , Chen Marcus Y. , Gelfand Joel M. , Jafri Mohsin Saleet , Mehta Nehal N.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Psoriasis is associated with accelerated non-calcified coronary burden (NCB) by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been shown to effectively identify cardiometabolic variables with NCB in cross-sectional analysis.

Objective:

To use ML methods to characterize important predictors of change in NCB by CCTA in psoriasis over 1-year of observation.

Methods:

The analysis included 182 consecutive patients with 80 available variables from the Psoriasis Atherosclerosis Cardiometabolic Initiative, a prospective, observational cohort study at baseline and 1-year using the random forest regression algorithm. NCB was assessed at baseline and 1-year from CCTA.

Results:

Using ML, we identified variables of high importance in the context of predicting changes in NCB. For the cohort that improved NCB (n = 102), top baseline variables were cholesterol (total and HDL), white blood cell count, psoriasis area severity index score, and diastolic blood pressure. Top predictors of 1-year change were change in visceral adiposity, white blood cell count, total cholesterol, c-reactive protein, and absolute lymphocyte count. For the cohort that worsened NCB (n = 80), the top baseline variables were HDL cholesterol related including apolipoprotein A1, basophil count, and psoriasis area severity index score, and top predictors of 1-year change were change in apoA, apoB, and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion:

ML methods ranked predictors of progression and regression of NCB in psoriasis over 1 year providing strong evidence to focus on treating LDL, blood pressure, and obesity; as well as the importance of controlling cutaneous disease in psoriasis.
Prison officers’ coping strategies in a high-profile critical situation: Imprisonment after the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway
Authors: Sørensen Knut Mellingsæter , Johnsen Berit
Published: April 2021

The terror attacks in Norway on 22 July 2011 had a significant and lasting impact on Norwegian society. This article discusses a study of the prison officers who worked with the convicted offender Anders Behring Breivik in the days and weeks following the attacks. The prison officers were emotionally affected by the case, to the point where they were concerned that their professional performance might suffer. When not at work, they were constantly reminded of the consequences of the terrorist attacks through media channels and conversations with family, friends and neighbours. To remain professional in a situation that they found personally very challenging, they developed particular coping strategies. These strategies allowed them to avoid conflicts between the work, family and society spheres in the sense of their personal lives affecting their work performance and vice versa. The officers were forced to make concessions in their personal lives, however, which meant that their professional lives as prison officers moved beyond the boundaries of the prison.
Early mortality in hip fracture patients admitted during first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Italy: a multicentre study
Authors: Dallari Dante , Zagra Luigi , Cimatti Pietro , Guindani Nicola , D’Apolito Rocco , Bove Federico , Casiraghi Alessandro , Catani Fabio , D’Angelo Fabio , Franceschini Massimo , Massè Alessandro , Momoli Alberto , Mosconi Mario , Ravasi Flavio , Rivera Fabrizio , Zatti Giovanni , Castelli Claudio Carlo
Published: April 2021

Background

Treatment of hip fractures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed unique challenges for the management of COVID-19-infected patients and the maintenance of standards of care. The primary endpoint of this study is to compare the mortality rate at 1 month after surgery in symptomatic COVID-positive patients with that of asymptomatic patients. A secondary endpoint of the study is to evaluate, in the two groups of patients, mortality at 1 month on the basis of type of fracture and type of surgical treatment.

Materials and methods

For this retrospective multicentre study, we reviewed the medical records of patients hospitalised for proximal femur fracture at 14 hospitals in Northern Italy. Two groups were formed: COVID-19-positive patients (C+ group) presented symptoms, had a positive swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and received treatment for COVID-19; COVID-19-negative patients (C− group) were asymptomatic and tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. The two groups were compared for differences in time to surgery, survival rate and complications rate. The follow-up period was 1 month.

Results

Of the 1390 patients admitted for acute care for any reason, 477 had a proximal femur fracture; 53 were C+ but only 12/53 were diagnosed as such at admission. The mean age was > 80 years, and the mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 3 in both groups. There was no substantial difference in time to surgery (on average, 2.3 days for the C+ group and 2.8 for the C− group). As expected, a higher mortality rate was recorded for the C+ group but not associated with the type of hip fracture or treatment. No correlation was found between early treatment (< 48 h to surgery) and better outcome in the C+ group.

Conclusions

Hip fracture in COVID-19-positive patients accounted for 11% of the total. On average, the time to surgery was > 48 h, which reflects the difficulty of maintaining normal workflow during a medical emergency such as the present pandemic and notwithstanding the suspension of non-urgent procedures. Hip fracture was associated with a higher 30-day mortality rate in COVID-19-positive patients than in COVID-19-negative patients. This fact should be considered when communicating with patients and/or their family. Our data suggest no substantial difference in hip fracture management between patients with or without COVID-19 infection. In this sample, the COVID-19-positive patients were generally asymptomatic at admission; therefore, routine screening is recommended.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study, level 4.
To denoise or to cluster, that is not the question: optimizing pipelines for COI metabarcoding and metaphylogeography
Authors: Antich Adrià , Palacin Creu , Wangensteen Owen S. , Turon Xavier
Published: April 2021

Background

The recent blooming of metabarcoding applications to biodiversity studies comes with some relevant methodological debates. One such issue concerns the treatment of reads by denoising or by clustering methods, which have been wrongly presented as alternatives. It has also been suggested that denoised sequence variants should replace clusters as the basic unit of metabarcoding analyses, missing the fact that sequence clusters are a proxy for species-level entities, the basic unit in biodiversity studies. We argue here that methods developed and tested for ribosomal markers have been uncritically applied to highly variable markers such as cytochrome oxidase I (COI) without conceptual or operational (e.g., parameter setting) adjustment. COI has a naturally high intraspecies variability that should be assessed and reported, as it is a source of highly valuable information. We contend that denoising and clustering are not alternatives. Rather, they are complementary and both should be used together in COI metabarcoding pipelines.

Results

Using a COI dataset from benthic marine communities, we compared two denoising procedures (based on the UNOISE3 and the DADA2 algorithms), set suitable parameters for denoising and clustering, and applied these steps in different orders. Our results indicated that the UNOISE3 algorithm preserved a higher intra-cluster variability. We introduce the program DnoisE to implement the UNOISE3 algorithm taking into account the natural variability (measured as entropy) of each codon position in protein-coding genes.  This correction increased the number of sequences retained by 88%. The order of the steps (denoising and clustering) had little influence on the final outcome.

Conclusions

We highlight the need for combining denoising and clustering, with adequate choice of stringency parameters, in COI metabarcoding. We present a program that uses the coding properties of this marker to improve the denoising step. We recommend researchers to report their results in terms of both denoised sequences (a proxy for haplotypes) and clusters formed (a proxy for species), and to avoid collapsing the sequences of the latter into a single representative. This will allow studies at the cluster (ideally equating species-level diversity) and at the intra-cluster level, and will ease additivity and comparability between studies.
Assessing the risk of rapid radiographic progression in Hungarian rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Végh Edit , Gaál János , Géher Pál , Gömöri Edina , Kovács Attila , Kovács László , Nagy Katalin , Posta Edit Feketéné , Tamási László , Tóth Edit , Varga Eszter , Domján Andrea , Szekanecz Zoltán , Szűcs Gabriella
Published: April 2021

Background

The outcome of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should be determined early. Rapid radiological progression (RRP) is > or = 5 units increase according to the van der Heijde-Sharp score within a year. The risk of RRP can be estimated by a matrix model using non-radiographic indicators, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and swollen joint count (SJC).

Patients and methods

A non-interventional, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted in eleven Hungarian arthritis centres. We assessed RRP risk in biologic-naïve RA patients with the prevalence of high RRP risk as primary endpoint. RRP was calculated according to this matrix model. As a secondary endpoint, we compared RRP in methotrexate (MTX) responders vs non-responders.

Results

We analyzed data from 1356 patients. Mean CRP was 17.7 mg/l, RF was 139.3 IU/ml, mean 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) was 5.00 and mean SJC was 6.56. Altogether 18.2% of patients had high risk (≥40%) of RRP. RA patients with high RRP risk of RRP (n = 247) had significantly lower age compared to those with RRP < 40% (n = 1109). MTX non-response (OR: 16.84), male gender (OR: 1.67), erosions at baseline (OR: 1.50) and ACPA seropositivity (OR: 2.18) were independent predictors of high-risk RRP. Male gender (OR: 5.20), ACPA seropositivity (OR: 4.67) and erosions (OR: 7.98) were independent predictors of high RRP risk in MTX responders.

Conclusions

In this Hungarian study, high RRP risk occurred in 18% of RA patients. These patients differ from others in various parameters. RRP was associated with non-response to MTX.
Use of Gracile and semi-tendinosus tendons (GRAST) for the reconstruction of irreparable rotator cuff tears
Authors: Protais Marie , Laurent-Perrot Maxime , Artuso Mickaël , Moody M. Christian , Sautet Alain , Soubeyrand Marc
Published: April 2021

Background

Irreparable rotator cuff tears are common and difficult to treat. Techniques for “filling the loss of substance” require fixation to the rotator cuff stump (tendon augmentation) or to the glenoid (superior capsular reconstruction), which are complicated by the narrow working zone of the subacromial space. The main objective of this study was to determine whether a braided graft of gracilis (GR) and semitendinosus (ST) could fill a loss of tendon substance from an irreparable rupture of the supra- and infraspinatus, by fixing the graft to the greater tuberosity and the spine of the scapula.

Methods

This was a cadaveric study with the use of ten specimens. The GRA and ST tendons were harvested, braided and reinforced with suture. An experimental tear of the supraspinatus (SS) and upper infraspinatus (IS) retracted at the glenoid was made. The GRAST transplant was positioned over the tear. The transplant was attached to the greater tuberosity by two anchors and then attached to the medial third of the scapular spine by trans-osseous stitching. The percentage of filling obtained was then measured and passive mobility of the shoulder was assessed. We proceeded to the same technique under arthroscopy for a 73 years old patient whom we treated for a painful shoulder with irreparable cuff tear. We inserted a GRAST graft using arthroscopy.

Results

The Braided-GRAST allowed a 100% filling of the loss of tendon substance. Mobility was complete in all cases.

Conclusion

This technique simplifies the medial fixation and restores the musculo-tendinous chain where current grafting techniques only fill a tendinous defect. The transplant could have a subacromial “spacer” effect and lower the humeral head. The donor site morbidity and the fate of the transplant in-vivo are two limits to be discussed. This anatomical study paves the way for clinical experimentation.
Long-term results after the one-stage posterior-only surgical correction of thoraco-lumbar kyphoscoliosis in congenital spine deformity caused by two ipsilateral hemi-vertebrae
Authors: Xue Xuhong , Zhao Sheng , Miao Feng , Li Kai , Zhao Bin
Published: April 2021

Background

Two ipsilateral hemivertebrae is less common and presents severe growth imbalance caused by the vertebral anomalies. However, there is a paucity of reports regarding to two ipsilateral thoracolumbar hemivertebrae. The purpose of present study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the posterior surgical correction of thoraco-lumbar spine deformity caused by two ipsilateral hemivertebrae.

Methods

From 2006 to 2014, a total of 14 consecutive pediatric patients with congenital thoraco-lumbar hemivertebrae were treated by posterior excision of hemivertebrae with short segment fusion. The following parameters were measured: coronal major curvature, cranial and caudal compensatory curvature, segmental kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, trunk shift, apical vertebra translation and sagittal vertical axis. These results were compared and evaluated in preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and at the final follow-up. All patients had a minimum of 5 years follow-up.

Results

The mean age at surgery was 11.1 ± 4.8 years (2yos to 17yos). The mean follow-up period was 80.2 ± 19.4 months (60mons to 117mons). There was a mean improvement of 74.2% in the coronal major curve from a mean angle of 64.1° before surgery to 15.8° at the final follow-up. The cranial and caudal curves improved of 69.8 and 69.0% from 25.6° to 7.7°, 26.9 to 8.2, respectively. The mean thoraco-lumbar kyphosis was 59.9° before and 13.6° after surgery, 20.8° at the final follow-up. Alignment in the coronal and sagittal plane was either maintained or improved within normal values in all patients.

Conclusions

Good correction and spinal balance can be achieved by posterior-only hemivertebrectomy in patients with thoracolumbar kyphocsoliosis caused by two ipsilateral hemivertebra. The complication of neurological injury is low but a technically demanding procedure. More attention should be paid in residual curve progression after surgery.
The prediction of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis with electronic health records: a comparative study of six machine learning models
Authors: Fan Jiaxin , Chen Mengying , Luo Jian , Yang Shusen , Shi Jinming , Yao Qingling , Zhang Xiaodong , Du Shuang , Qu Huiyang , Cheng Yuxuan , Ma Shuyin , Zhang Meijuan , Xu Xi , Wang Qian , Zhan Shuqin
Published: April 2021

Background

Screening carotid B-mode ultrasonography is a frequently used method to detect subjects with carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). Due to the asymptomatic progression of most CAS patients, early identification is challenging for clinicians, and it may trigger ischemic stroke. Recently, machine learning has shown a strong ability to classify data and a potential for prediction in the medical field. The combined use of machine learning and the electronic health records of patients could provide clinicians with a more convenient and precise method to identify asymptomatic CAS.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using routine clinical data of medical check-up subjects from April 19, 2010 to November 15, 2019. Six machine learning models (logistic regression [LR], random forest [RF], decision tree [DT], eXtreme Gradient Boosting [XGB], Gaussian Naïve Bayes [GNB], and K-Nearest Neighbour [KNN]) were used to predict asymptomatic CAS and compared their predictability in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCROC), accuracy (ACC), and F1 score (F1).

Results

Of the 18,441 subjects, 6553 were diagnosed with asymptomatic CAS. Compared to DT (AUCROC 0.628, ACC 65.4%, and F1 52.5%), the other five models improved prediction: KNN + 7.6% (0.704, 68.8%, and 50.9%, respectively), GNB + 12.5% (0.753, 67.0%, and 46.8%, respectively), XGB + 16.0% (0.788, 73.4%, and 55.7%, respectively), RF + 16.6% (0.794, 74.5%, and 56.8%, respectively) and LR + 18.1% (0.809, 74.7%, and 59.9%, respectively). The highest achieving model, LR predicted 1045/1966 cases (sensitivity 53.2%) and 3088/3566 non-cases (specificity 86.6%). A tenfold cross-validation scheme further verified the predictive ability of the LR.

Conclusions

Among machine learning models, LR showed optimal performance in predicting asymptomatic CAS. Our findings set the stage for an early automatic alarming system, allowing a more precise allocation of CAS prevention measures to individuals probably to benefit most.
Correction to: Gastrointestinal ultrasonographic findings in cats with Feline panleukopenia: a case series
Authors: Isaya Rosaria , Ciccarelli Stefano , Enache Daniela , Specchi Swan , Pesaresi Marco , Ferri Filippo , Porporato Federico , Auriemma Edoardo , Contiero Barbara , Coppola Luigi M. , Zini Eric
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Actual survival after resection of primary colorectal cancer: results from a prospective multicenter study
Authors: van den Berg Inge , Coebergh van den Braak Robert R. J. , van Vugt Jeroen L. A. , Ijzermans Jan N. M. , Buettner Stefan
Published: April 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world. We characterize a cohort of patients who survived up to 5 years without recurrence and identify factors predicting the probability of cure.

Methods

We analyzed data of patients who underwent curative intent surgery for stage I–III CRC between 2007 and 2012 and who had had been included in a large multicenter study in the Netherlands. Cure was defined as 5-year survival without recurrence. Survival data were retrieved from a national registry.

Results

Analysis of data of 754 patients revealed a cure rate of 65% (n = 490). Patients with stage I disease and T1- and N0-tumor had the highest probability of cure (94%, 95% and 90%, respectively). Those with a T4-tumor or N2-tumor had the lowest probability of cure (62% and 50%, respectively). A peak in the mortality rate for older patients early in follow-up suggests early excess mortality as an explanation. Patients with stage III disease, poor tumor grade, postoperative complications, sarcopenia and R1 resections show a similar trend for decrease in CSS deaths over time.

Conclusion

In the studied cohort, the probability of cure for patients with stage I–III CRC ranged from 50 to 95%. Even though most patients will be cured from CRC with standard therapy, standard therapy is insufficient for those with poor prognostic factors, such as high T- and N-stage and poor differentiation grade.
Clinical efficacy of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) versus sham therapy (part I) and TTNS versus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) (part II) on the short term in children with the idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome: protocol for part I of the twofold double-blinded randomized controlled TaPaS trial
Authors: Ghijselings Lynn , Renson Catherine , Van de Walle Johan , Everaert Karel , Spinoit Anne-Françoise
Published: April 2021

Background

Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) are effective and safe therapies for overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in adults. However, few randomized sham-controlled trials have been conducted in a pediatric population. To our knowledge, both therapies never have been compared in children.

Aim

The aim of the complete study is twofold: (1) to assess the efficacy of TTNS therapy on bladder symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment in a pediatric population with idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome (iOAB) and/or nocturnal enuresis (part I) and (2) to assess the effect of TTNS compared to PTNS (part II). In this article, we aim to present the protocol of the first part of the TaPaS trial (TTNS, PTNS, sham therapy).

Methods

Part I of the TaPaS trial is set up as a single-center randomized-controlled trial. Children, aged from 5 to 12 years with iOAB and/or nocturnal enuresis, are assigned to two groups by computer-generated randomization: TTNS therapy (intervention) and sham therapy (control). The primary outcome is the percentage difference in average voided volume (AVV) between baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints are the percentage difference in supervoid volumes, number of urinary incontinence episodes/24 h and in voiding frequency, the difference in parent reported outcomes between baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment, and the duration of clinical response.

Discussion

We hypothesize that TTNS is a non-inferior treatment for iOAB in children compared to PTNS therapy. Since literature is inconclusive about the efficacy of TTNS in a pediatric population, a sham-controlled RCT on TTNS will be conducted (part I). A protocol for a prospective randomized sham-controlled trial has been developed. Enrolment has started in November 2018. Study completion of part I is expected by August 2021.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 04256876. Retrospectively registered on February 5, 2020.
Comorbidity between Alzheimer’s disease and major depression: a behavioural and transcriptomic characterization study in mice
Authors: Martín-Sánchez Ana , Piñero Janet , Nonell Lara , Arnal Magdalena , Ribe Elena M. , Nevado-Holgado Alejo , Lovestone Simon , Sanz Ferran , Furlong Laura I. , Valverde Olga
Published: April 2021

Background

Major depression (MD) is the most prevalent psychiatric disease in the population and is considered a prodromal stage of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite both diseases having a robust genetic component, the common transcriptomic signature remains unknown.

Methods

We investigated the cognitive and emotional behavioural responses in 3- and 6-month-old APP/PSEN1-Tg mice, before β-amyloid plaques were detected. We studied the genetic and pathway deregulation in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus and amygdala of mice at both ages, using transcriptomic and functional data analysis.

Results

We found that depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours, as well as memory impairments, are already present at 3-month-old APP/PSEN1-Tg mutant mice together with the deregulation of several genes, such as Ciart, Grin3b, Nr1d1 and Mc4r, and other genes including components of the circadian rhythms, electron transport chain and neurotransmission in all brain areas. Extending these results to human data performing GSEA analysis using DisGeNET database, it provides translational support for common deregulated gene sets related to MD and AD.

Conclusions

The present study sheds light on the shared genetic bases between MD and AD, based on a comprehensive characterization from the behavioural to transcriptomic level. These findings suggest that late MD could be an early manifestation of AD.
Rhopressa-induced corneal edema: a case report
Authors: Chu Matthew J. , Song Michael , Palmares Trisa , Song Alice , Song Julia
Published: April 2021

Background

Rhopressa (netarsudil) has recently been added to the arsenal of treatment for open-angle glaucoma. It is an effective norepinephrine transporter and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor used to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP), with the most common side effect being conjunctival hyperemia.

Case presentation

We report a unique case of Rhopressa-induced corneal edema in a 79-year-old African-American woman, which resolved after discontinuation. She had a history of smoking one cigarette per day and did not consume alcohol. She had no history of corneal edema or uveitis.

Conclusions

Previous case reports have documented patients with Rhopressa-induced corneal edema; however, they have all had a preexisting history of corneal edema or uveitis. We believe that this is a unique case of Rhopressa-induced corneal edema in a relatively healthy eye. While Rhopressa is effective in managing glaucoma, there may be effects of treatment that are still unknown. We will discuss clinical findings of our case, along with a review of previous literature on Rhopressa and novel ROCK inhibitors. We hope that we can add to the existing body of literature and invite further investigation of Rhopressa and ROCK inhibitors and their effects on the cornea.
Correction to: Mettl14-mediated m6A modification modulates neuron apoptosis during the repair of spinal cord injury by regulating the transformation from pri‐mir‐375 to miR-375
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Yuan Jing , Dang Xiaoqian , Shi Zhibin , Ban Wenrui , Ma Dong
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Iterative guided machine learning-assisted systematic literature reviews: a diabetes case study
Authors: Zimmerman John , Soler Robin E. , Lavinder James , Murphy Sarah , Atkins Charisma , Hulbert LaShonda , Lusk Richard , Ng Boon Peng
Published: April 2021

Background

Systematic Reviews (SR), studies of studies, use a formal process to evaluate the quality of scientific literature and determine ensuing effectiveness from qualifying articles to establish consensus findings around a hypothesis. Their value is increasing as the conduct and publication of research and evaluation has expanded and the process of identifying key insights becomes more time consuming. Text analytics and machine learning (ML) techniques may help overcome this problem of scale while still maintaining the level of rigor expected of SRs.

Methods

In this article, we discuss an approach that uses existing examples of SRs to build and test a method for assisting the SR title and abstract pre-screening by reducing the initial pool of potential articles down to articles that meet inclusion criteria. Our approach differs from previous approaches to using ML as a SR tool in that it incorporates ML configurations guided by previously conducted SRs, and human confirmation on ML predictions of relevant articles during multiple iterative reviews on smaller tranches of citations. We applied the tailored method to a new SR review effort to validate performance.

Results

The case study test of the approach proved a sensitivity (recall) in finding relevant articles during down selection that may rival many traditional processes and show ability to overcome most type II errors. The study achieved a sensitivity of 99.5% (213 out of 214) of total relevant articles while only conducting a human review of 31% of total articles available for review.

Conclusions

We believe this iterative method can help overcome bias in initial ML model training by having humans reinforce ML models with new and relevant information, and is an applied step towards transfer learning for ML in SR.
Maternal body condition during late-pregnancy is associated with in utero development and neonatal growth of Holstein calves
Authors: Alharthi A. S. , Coleman D. N. , Alhidary I. A. , Abdelrahman M. M. , Trevisi E. , Loor J. J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Nutritional management in the dry period can alter body condition score (BCS) in dairy cows, a subjective measure of body fat. As such, differences in BCS during late-pregnancy not only mirror nutrient utilization by fat depots, but also can play important roles on the metabolic and hormonal environment. We investigated the association between cow BCS during late-pregnancy on developmental parameters and blood variables of neonatal calves. Forty-nine multiparous Holstein cows were retrospectively divided by prepartal BCS into normal BCS ≤3.25 (NormBCS; 3.02 ± 0.17, n = 30) or high BCS ≥3.75 (HighBCS; 3.83 ± 0.15, n = 19) groups. Plasma samples were collected from cows at − 10 d relative to parturition. Body weight, hip and wither height, hip width and body length were measured at birth and weekly through weaning (42 d of age) and until 9 weeks of age. Calf blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at birth (before receiving colostrum, 0 d), 24 h after first colostrum and at 7, 21, 42 and 50 d of age. The data were subjected to ANOVA using the mixed procedure of SAS. The statistical model included day, BCS, and their interactions.

Results

Dry matter intake (kg/d or % of body weight) during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy was lower (P ≤ 0.06) in HighBCS cows. Plasma concentrations of fatty acids, ceruloplasmin, and nitric oxide were greater overall (P < 0.05) at d − 10 prior to calving in HighBCS cows, and they tended (P = 0.08) to have greater concentrations of reactive oxygen metabolites. Birth body weight was lower (P = 0.03) in calves born to dams with HighBCS. In addition, plasma concentrations of fatty acids, albumin and urea (P < 0.05) were greater in those calves. Although calves born to cows with HighBCS maintained a lower postnatal body weight (P = 0.04), hip and wither height, hip width, and body length, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in daily starter intake and average daily gain due to maternal BCS.

Conclusions

Overall, results highlight an association between BCS during late-gestation on in utero calf development and postnatal growth. A high maternal BCS during late-gestation was associated with lower calf body weights, which could be due to lower maternal intakes and a state of inflammation and metabolic stress.
Ultrasonic bone removal from the ossicular chain affects cochlear structure and function
Authors: Siu Jennifer M. , Negandhi Jaina , Harrison Robert V. , Wolter Nikolaus E. , James Adrian
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Ultrasonic bone removal devices (UBD) are capable of cutting through bony tissue without injury to adjacent soft tissue. The feasibility and safety of using this technology for removal of bone from an intact ossicular chain (as might be required for otosclerosis or congenital fixation) was investigated in an animal model.

Methods

This was a prospective animal study conducted on seven anesthetised adult chinchillas. An UBD was used to remove bone from the malleus head in situ. Pre and post-operative distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) levels and auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were recorded. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess cochlear haircell integrity.

Results

Precise removal of a small quantity of bone from the malleus head was achieved by a 30s application of UBD without disruption of the ossicular chain or tympanic membrane. DPOAEs became undetectable after the intervention with signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) < 5 dB SPL in all ears. Furthermore, ABR thresholds were elevated > 85 dB SPL in 13 ears. SEM showed significant disruption of structural integrity of the organ of Corti, specifically loss and damage of outer haircells.

Conclusions

Although UBD can be used to reshape an ossicle without middle ear injury, prolonged contact with the ossicular chain can cause structural and functional injury to the cochlea. Extensive cochlea pathology was found, but we did not investigate for recovery from any temporary threshold shift. In the authors’ opinion, further study should be undertaken before consideration is given to use of the device for release of ossicular fixation.

Graphical Abstract
Computing the Hazard Ratios Associated With Explanatory Variables Using Machine Learning Models of Survival Data
Authors: Sundrani Sameer , Lu James
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

The application of Cox proportional hazards (CoxPH) models to survival data and the derivation of hazard ratio (HR) are well established. Although nonlinear, tree-based machine learning (ML) models have been developed and applied to the survival analysis, no methodology exists for computing HRs associated with explanatory variables from such models. We describe a novel way to compute HRs from tree-based ML models using the SHapley Additive exPlanation values, which is a locally accurate and consistent methodology to quantify explanatory variables’ contribution to predictions.

METHODS

We used three sets of publicly available survival data consisting of patients with colon, breast, or pan cancer and compared the performance of CoxPH with the state-of-the-art ML model, XGBoost. To compute the HR for explanatory variables from the XGBoost model, the SHapley Additive exPlanation values were exponentiated and the ratio of the means over the two subgroups was calculated. The CI was computed via bootstrapping the training data and generating the ML model 1,000 times. Across the three data sets, we systematically compared HRs for all explanatory variables. Open-source libraries in Python and R were used in the analyses.

RESULTS

For the colon and breast cancer data sets, the performance of CoxPH and XGBoost was comparable, and we showed good consistency in the computed HRs. In the pan-cancer data set, we showed agreement in most variables but also an opposite finding in two of the explanatory variables between the CoxPH and XGBoost result. Subsequent Kaplan-Meier plots supported the finding of the XGBoost model.

CONCLUSION

Enabling the derivation of HR from ML models can help to improve the identification of risk factors from complex survival data sets and to enhance the prediction of clinical trial outcomes.
The Norm Orientation of English in the Caribbean
Authors: Deuber Dagmar , Hackert Stephanie , Hänsel Eva Canan , Laube Alexander , Hejrani Mahyar , Laliberté Catherine
Published: April 2021

This study examines newspaper writing from 10 Caribbean countries as a window on the norm orientation of English in the region. The English used in the former British colonies of the Caribbean has been assumed to be especially prone to postcolonial linguistic Americanization, due to mass tourism, media exposure, and long-standing personal and sociocultural links. The authors present a quantitative investigation of variable features, comparing their Caribbean data with American and British reference corpora as well as newspaper collections from India and Nigeria. The amount of American features employed varies by type of feature and country. In all Caribbean corpora, they are more prevalent in the lexicon than in spelling. With regard to grammar, an orientation toward a singular norm cannot be deduced from the data. While Caribbean journalists do partake in worldwide American-led changes, the frequencies of the relevant features align with neither American English nor British English but instead resemble those found in the Indian and Nigerian corpora. Contemporary Caribbean newspaper writing, thus, neither follows traditional British norms nor is it characterized by massive linguistic Americanization; rather, there appears to be a certain conservatism common to New Englishes generally. These results are discussed in light of new considerations on normativity in English in the twenty-first century.
Happiness and Projects between London and Vienna
Authors: Keller Vera
Published: April 2021

This essay situates Wilhelm Schröder’s 1686 Princely Treasury and Exchequer (Fürstliche Schatzund Rent-Cammer) within the context of manufacturing projects in London and Vienna and debates over happiness they engaged. Conceptualizations of happiness have been seen as chief differences between Germanophone and Anglophone political economy. This comparison shows that Schröder was deeply engaged with English economic thought, particularly in the milieu of his fellow members of the Royal Society. In many respects, he shared their attitudes. However, due to the way he situated happiness as shared between the prince and the common man, Schröder came to differ on the issue of labor-saving technology and its use in manufacturing workhouses. Despite championing absolutism, Schröder related studies of natural science, technology, and society in more integrated and less hierarchical ways than was usual for the Royal Society.
Public Happiness through Manufacturing and Innovation
Authors: Zhao Xuan
Published: April 2021

This article uncovers the theory of industrialization of the eighteenth-century German Cameralist Johann Heinrich Gottlob von Justi, who was the most important figure in German Cameralism. This topic is highly underexamined. This article finds that Justi proposed four reasons for industrialization in order to promote economic development: (1) manufacturing had a highly differentiated division of labor; (2) manufacturing was an innovation- intensive activity; (3) manufacturing was a science-based activity; and (4) manufacturing cultivated people’s psychological qualities which were required to realize economic development. Based on these findings, this thesis argues that Justi’s theories of industrialization and innovation contemplated a model of economic development similar to what is known today as “Schumpeterian growth.” This article aims to deepen our understanding of the significance of manufacturing and innovation in the early modern mercantilist and Cameralist economic theories.
The Geopolitics of Citizenship: Evidence from North Korean Claims to Citizenship in South Korea
Authors: Greitens Sheena Chestnut
Published: April 2021

North Koreans have a constitutionally guaranteed right to citizenship in the Republic of Korea and high coethnic communitarian affinity; as such, they are often described as having automatic citizenship in South Korea. This article demonstrates that portrayals of automatic citizenship are problematic. North Koreans have often struggled to acquire state recognition when making claims to citizenship from abroad, and acquisition of ROK citizenship remains an incremental and contingent process, one that requires a high degree of agency from North Koreans seeking resettlement. This article draws on analysis of approximately 120 North Korean memoirs published in Korean and English, as well as other documentary and interview evidence. It finds that although citizenship is typically thought of as membership within a political community, it is also an identity practiced, claimed, and negotiated externally. Moreover, extraterritorial negotiations over citizenship recognition can be strongly influenced by state geopolitical and security considerations.
Anxiety and its role for cognitive changes in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Eremina Daria
Published: April 2021

Aim of the study

Several psychosocial characteristics are well known to be importantly related to coronary heart disease (CHD). However, psychological aspects of surgical treatment of CHD and its implications for rehabilitation perspectives and cognitive changes of cardiac patients remain poorly understood.
The article presents the results of studying the dynamics of emotional state of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), measured before the surgery and at different stages of the rehabilitation process, and on a comparative analysis of trait and state anxiety and alexithymia of patients with CHD with different cognitive dynamics.

Subject or material and methods

118 patients with CHD, undergoing CABG were examined (average age 59,86 ± 7,31 years). The study was conducted using the clinical and psychological method and a specially developed complex of pato- and neuropsychological methods for assessing various spheres of cognitive functioning and emotional state of the patients.

Results

It was shown that patients with cognitive impairment are characterized by great anxiety in the field of social contacts and an understanding of the social sphere as the main source of anxiety stress and uncertainty in itself. Patients complaining about the state of the cognitive sphere generally have a greater degree of personal anxiety, a feeling of emotional discomfort, dissatisfaction with life situations, and increased anxiety in the field of social contacts.

Discussion

Most differences in the emotional state of patients with different cognitive dynamics were found even before surgery.

Conclusions

Therefore, it seems reasonable to introduce additional short-term psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at stabilizing the emotional state of patients preparing for CABG surgery.