bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Exercise Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Stage 3–4 Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Otobe Yuhei , Yamada Minoru , Hiraki Koji , Onari Satoshi , Taki Yasuhiro , Sumi Hirofumi , Hachisuka Rina , Han Wei , Takahashi Masaki , Suzuki Mizue , Kimura Yosuke , Koyama Shingo , Masuda Hiroaki , Shibagaki Yugo , Tominaga Naoto
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit a higher probability of having cognitive impairment or dementia than those without CKD. The beneficial effects of physical exercise on cognitive function are known in the general older population, but more research is required in older adults with CKD. Methods: Eighty-one outpatients (aged ≥65 years) with CKD stage G3–G4 were assessed for eligibility. Among them, 60 were randomized (single-center, unblinded, and stratified) and 53 received the allocated intervention (exercise n = 27, control n = 26). Patients in the exercise group undertook group-exercise training at our facility once weekly and independent exercises at home twice weekly or more, for 24 weeks. Patients in the control group received general care. General and specific cognitive functions (memory, attention, executive, and verbal) were measured, and differences in their scores at baseline and at the 24-week follow-up visit were assessed between the 2 groups. Results: Forty-four patients completed the follow-up at 24 weeks (exercise n = 23, control n = 21). Patients in the exercise group showed significantly greater changes in Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Logical Memory delayed recall (exercise effect: 2.82, 95% CI: 0.46–5.19, p = 0.03), and immediate and delayed recall (exercise effect: 5.97, 95% CI: 1.13–10.81, p = 0.02) scores than those in the control group. Conclusions: The 24-week exercise intervention significantly improved the memory function in older adults with pre-dialysis CKD. This randomized controlled trial suggests that physical exercise is a useful nonpharmacological strategy for preventing cognitive decline in these patients.
Efficacy of Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis for Acute Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Haitao , Zhang Bing , Zhao Yuqi , Zhou Huan , Chen Hongfang , Yan Shenqiang
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The best management strategy still remains strong controversy for acute nonarteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). We thus performed a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) for visual improvement according to different times from symptom onset. Methods: We searched EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science for relevant studies assessing efficiency of IAT in patients with CRAO compared with standard therapy. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were performed. Results: Five eligible studies including 459 patients with acute CRAO were pooled in the meta-analysis. In all, 219 (47.7%) received IAT, and the mean time from symptom onset to IAT was 13 h. The pooled analysis demonstrates odds ratio (OR) for the procedure of IAT and any visual improvement to be 1.520 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.258–1.837; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses further indicated that the CRAO patients who received IAT achieved any visual improvement more easily within 6 h from symptom onset (OR = 1.703, 95% CI 1.219–2.381; p = 0.002), but not those beyond 6 h (OR = 1.260, 95% CI 0.973–1.632; p = 0.080). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis of available published data supports IAT to be an alternative treatment option for CRAO patients within 6 h from symptom onset.
ОСВІТНЬО-НАУКОВА ПРОГРАМА ЗА СПЕЦІАЛЬНІСТЮ 224 «ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ МЕДИЧНОЇ ДІАГНОСТИКИ ТА ЛІКУВАННЯ»
Authors: Мінцер О. П. , Бабкіна Т. М. , Щербіна О. В. , Краснов В. В. , Бісюк Ю. А. , Сергієнко Л. І.
Published: November 2021

Представлено сучасний формат стратегії і програми навчання майбутніх спеціалістів ступеня доктора філософії за спеціальністю 224 «Технології медичної діагностики та лікування» галузі знань 22 «Охорона здоров'я». Методами експертного оцінювання проаналізовано розвиток теорії і практики застосування технологій діагностики та лікування захворювань внутрішніх органів, у тому числі інформаційних. Уніфіковано сучасні технології клінічних лабораторних і променевих методів дослідження, що сприяють підвищенню якості надання медичної допомоги; методи променевої терапії, що сприяють підвищенню ефективності лікування онкологічних і неонкологічних захворювань, а також методи прийняття рішень у діагностиці, лікуванні та прогнозуванні станів пацієнта.
По завершенню навчання, здобувачі вищої освіти третього рівня мають оволодіти загальнонауковими компетентностями, здобути універсальні навики дослідника та мовні компетентності. Тематика курсів професійної підготовки розроблена з метою сприяння здатності інтегрувати знання та розв'язувати складні завдання в мультидисциплінарних і трансдисциплінарних контекстах. Отже, зміст запропонованої освітньо-наукової програми за спеціальністю 224 «Технології медичної діагностики та лікування» направлено на підготовку висококваліфікованих і конкурентоспроможних спеціалістів ступеня доктора філософії та здобуття ними в процесі навчання необхідних теоретичних знань, що носять мультидисциплшарний характер, та комплексу практичних умінь, навиків і компетентностей для виконання інноваційних наукових досліджень та впровадження отриманих результатів у практичну охорону здоров'я.
Unsupervised Learning for Automated Detection of Coronary Artery Disease Subgroups
Authors: Flores Alyssa M. , Schuler Alejandro , Eberhard Anne Verena , Olin Jeffrey W. , Cooke John P. , Leeper Nicholas J. , Shah Nigam H. , Ross Elsie G.
Published: November 2021

Background

The promise of precision population health includes the ability to use robust patient data to tailor prevention and care to specific groups. Advanced analytics may allow for automated detection of clinically informative subgroups that account for clinical, genetic, and environmental variability. This study sought to evaluate whether unsupervised machine learning approaches could interpret heterogeneous and missing clinical data to discover clinically important coronary artery disease subgroups.

Methods and Results

The Genetic Determinants of Peripheral Arterial Disease study is a prospective cohort that includes individuals with newly diagnosed and/or symptomatic coronary artery disease. We applied generalized low rank modeling and K‐means cluster analysis using 155 phenotypic and genetic variables from 1329 participants. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations between clusters and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and all‐cause mortality. We then compared performance of risk stratification based on clusters and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association pooled cohort equations. Unsupervised analysis identified 4 phenotypically and prognostically distinct clusters. All‐cause mortality was highest in cluster 1 (oldest/most comorbid; 26%), whereas major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event rates were highest in cluster 2 (youngest/multiethnic; 41%). Cluster 4 (middle‐aged/healthiest behaviors) experienced more incident major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (30%) than cluster 3 (middle‐aged/lowest medication adherence; 23%), despite apparently similar risk factor and lifestyle profiles. In comparison with the pooled cohort equations, cluster membership was more informative for risk assessment of myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality.

Conclusions

Unsupervised clustering identified 4 unique coronary artery disease subgroups with distinct clinical trajectories. Flexible unsupervised machine learning algorithms offer the ability to meaningfully process heterogeneous patient data and provide sharper insights into disease characterization and risk assessment.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00380185.
PRRX1 Loss‐of‐Function Mutations Underlying Familial Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Guo Xiao‐Juan , Qiu Xing‐Biao , Wang Jun , Guo Yu‐Han , Yang Chen‐Xi , Li Li , Gao Ri‐Feng , Ke Zun‐Ping , Di Ruo‐Min , Sun Yu‐Min , Xu Ying‐Jia , Yang Yi‐Qing
Published: November 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of clinical cardiac dysrhythmia responsible for thromboembolic cerebral stroke, congestive heart failure, and death. Aggregating evidence highlights the strong genetic basis of AF. Nevertheless, AF is of pronounced genetic heterogeneity, and in an overwhelming majority of patients, the genetic determinants underpinning AF remain elusive.

Methods and Results

By genome‐wide screening with polymorphic microsatellite markers and linkage analysis in a 4‐generation Chinese family affected with autosomal‐dominant AF, a novel locus for AF was mapped to chromosome 1q24.2–q25.1, a 3.20‐cM (≈4.19 Mbp) interval between markers D1S2851 and D1S218, with the greatest 2‐point logarithm of odds score of 4.8165 for the marker D1S452 at recombination fraction=0.00. Whole‐exome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses showed that within the mapping region, only the mutation in the paired related homeobox 1 (
PRRX1
) gene, NM_022716.4:c.319C>T;(p.Gln107*), cosegregated with AF in the family. In addition, sequencing analyses of
PRRX1
in another cohort of 225 unrelated patients with AF revealed a new mutation, NM_022716.4:c.437G>T; (p.Arg146Ile), in a patient. The 2 mutations were absent in 908 control subjects. Biological analyses in HeLa cells demonstrated that the 2 mutants had significantly diminished transactivation on the target genes
ISL1
and
SHOX2
and markedly decreased ability to bind the promoters of
ISL1
and
SHOX2
(2 genes causally linked to AF), although with normal intracellular distribution.

Conclusions

This study first indicates that PRRX1 loss‐of‐function mutations predispose to AF, which provides novel insight into the molecular pathogenesis underpinning AF, implying potential implications for precisive prophylaxis and management of AF.
Kawasaki Disease May Increase the Risk of Subsequent Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Lin Chien-Heng , Lai Jung-Nien , Lee Inn-Chi , Chou I-Ching , Lin Wei-De , Lin Mei-Chen , Hong Syuan-Yu
Published: November 2021

Background:

Previous epidemiological investigations examining the association between Kawasaki disease (KD) and cerebrovascular disease have had conflicting results. We analyzed the association between KD and cerebrovascular disease by conducting a population-based retrospective cohort study designed to investigate the hypothesis that KD could be a risk factor for subsequent cerebrovascular disease.

Methods:

From the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, the data of children (aged 0–18 years old) with KD (n=8467) were collected. Starting with the first year of study observation (referred to as the baseline year), data was collected for each child with KD, and 4 non-KD patients matched for sex, urbanization level of residence, and parental occupation were randomly selected to form the non-KD cohort (n=33 868) for our analysis. For the period from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2012, we calculated the follow-up person-years for each patient, which is the time from the index date to the diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, death, or the end of 2012. Furthermore, we compared the incidence, the incidence rate ratio, and the 95% CI of cerebrovascular disease between the KD and non-KD cohorts.

Results:

The overall cerebrovascular disease incidence rate was found to be 3.19-fold higher, which is significantly higher, in the KD cohort than in the non-KD cohort (14.73 versus 4.62 per 100 000 person-years), and the overall risk of cerebrovascular disease remained higher in the KD cohort (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.16 [95% CI, 1.46–6.85]). Furthermore, children aged <5 years showed a significantly higher risk of subsequent cerebrovascular disease in the KD cohort (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.14 [95% CI, 1.43–6.92]).

Conclusions:

This nationwide retrospective cohort study shows that KD may increase the risk of subsequent cerebrovascular disease, especially in those with KD aged <5 years old.
Radical Empiricism: William James and Gilles Deleuze
Authors: Stuhr John J.
Published: November 2021

Both William James and Gilles Deleuze labeled their philosophies "radical empiricism." In this context, this essay explores the similarities and differences between James's radical empiricism (particularly as it is present early inches Principles of Psychology) and Deleuze's "transcendental empiricism" (particularly as set forth in The Logic of Sense). These accounts then inform a view of philosophy understood as a creative art. This art demands flexible habits--what James termed "genius"--in a changing world. Accordingly, radically empirical accounts of creativity and genius are sketched.
Paradoxes of Pure Experience: From the Radical to the Transcendental with James and Deleuze
Authors: Duvernoy Russell J
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the relationship between James’ radical empiricism and Deleuze’s study of the genesis of sense without a transcendental subject as necessary condition. It shows that James’ concept of pure experience changes the form of relation between mind and world. Considering how to conceptualize experience without a fixed metaphysical or transcendental subject destabilizes ontological identity, leads to a founding conceptual divergence from traditional phenomenology, and motivates Deleuze’s efforts towards transcendental empiricism. The paper reads Deleuze’s work on the genesis of sense in this context, arguing that one important result is an ontological pluralism. Such pluralism is crucial in considering how meaning can be made between and across differences and is in keeping with radical empiricism’s openness to life’s complexity.
The Need for a New Paradigm in International Law to Provide International Protection
Authors: Sarkin Jeremy Julian
Published: November 2021

Too little is provided, not only in international law, but also by the United Nations, for victims around the world. This article therefore argues that a new paradigm is needed. It uses the conflict in Syria since 2011, specifically focusing on how enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions have been used, to examine these questions. It has been reported that at least 150,000 people have been affected by these practices, but the number may be as high as a million. Because the state has used these practices methodically, they amount to a widespread and systemic attack on the civilian population and, therefore, to crimes against humanity. While the Syrian regime is primarily responsible, non-state actors have also been committing these types of crimes. The article discusses the general processes that have been set up to deal with the conflict in international law and by the United Nations in places like Syria. It finds that very little has been done to end the conflict in Syria, other than mediation. The article then reviews the international processes dealing with disappearances and detentions in Syria that families can report to, and the role these institutions have played so far. It again finds that very little has been achieved. The article also examines other countries where processes have been set up to deal with missing and disappeared persons, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Georgia, to learn the lessons from these past processes for the Syrian situation. It is argued that, generally when mass atrocities occur, the UN on rare occasions will create an accountability process, but never creates a process that focuses on the needs of victims: finding their loved ones, getting them released from custody if they are alive, or finding the truth about what happened to them and where their remains are. The article therefore argues that a new mechanism is needed for Syria (but also for other places) to get people released, and to find information on others whose whereabouts are unknown due to the conflict and/or the mass human rights abuses. It contends that the mechanism could be set up by the UN, and if not, by a regional actor such as the European Union, or by several states. It is reasoned that the mechanism ought to have a Board made up of a representative each from the International Committee of the Red Cross (icrc), the International Commission on Missing Persons (icmp), the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (wgeid), the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions (wgad) and a Syrian organisation, elected each year.
A Central Voice in Caribbean Literature
Authors: van Dijk Yra , Kowsoleea Ghanima
Published: November 2021

This essay explores the complex ways in which narrative may signify in the contemporary Caribbean cultural context. Specifically, it is concerned with a trilogy written by award-winning Surinamese author Astrid Roemer, set in the years of independence of the Caribbean country after 300 years of Dutch occupation. The analysis focuses not on the usual postcolonial themes but on structures of signification: allegory, materiality and media of language, affect, and the function of objects. Roemer’s texts demonstrate the relation between discourse and physical violence, her language being tied to material media, bodies, and earth. Not just postmodern, but posthuman too, the Surinamese narrative is characterized by the attempt to connect objects to language, objects to emotions, or nature to memories. Language brings us in touch with Caribbean reality and memory, all the while questioning its capacity to do so through allegory and metaphor.
A new species of Trichoglossum (Geoglossales, Ascomycota) from South Korea
Authors: LEE SEUNG-HAK , KO PYEUNG-YEUL , KOH KI-BEOM , JUN YONG-WOO , KIM YOUNG-JIN , JUNG YONG-HWAN , YOON WEON-JONG , OH DAE-JU
Published: November 2021

Herein, a new species of the genus Trichoglossum is described. The new species named as T. jejuense was collected from Jeju Island in Korea. It is distinguished from other Trichoglossum species by thick, 8-spored asci and 15–16 septate ascospores. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal RNA and morphological characteristics suggest that T. jejuense is a distinct species.
“Species imperfecte cognita”—enlightening Paepalanthus cordatus (Eriocaulaceae): nomenclatural and taxonomic notes on an endangered species from central Brazil
Authors: TROVÓ MARCELO
Published: November 2021

Paepalanthus cordatus is an endangered species described from a single collection which lacks fully developed inflorescences and flowers. Despite the absence of these characters, the species was unambiguously placed in P. sect. Diphyomene, one of the few groups of Paepalanthus with dimerous flowers and which is mainly distributed in central Brazil. In this manuscript, I provide a full description of the species, detailing and illustrating the fully developed inflorescences and flowers for the first time. The spherical umbel-shaped inflorescence is composed of sets of capitula bearing dimerous flowers; the pistillate flowers have dolabriform sepals and bifid stigmatic branches; the staminate ones have an elongated fleshy anthophore. These characters fully match the current circumscription of P. sect. Diphyomene. Based on the specimens recently collected and additional data, the new conservation status for the species is Endangered instead of Critically Endangered, as previously assessed. I also clarify the inadvertent lectotype selection and previous interpretations of the type specimens. Comments on the species distribution, morphology, and ecology, as well as a geographic distribution map, photos, and a detailed illustration are also provided.
Polycarpaea palakkadensis (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Kerala, South-West India
Authors: ARYA SINDHU , KUMAR VENUGOPALAN NAIR SARADAMMA ANIL , NATHANPILLAI AMBIKA VISWA , PHILIP ALEN ALEX , SOJAN JOSE , SURESH VEERANKUTTY
Published: November 2021

Polycarpaea palakkadensis, a new species of Caryophyllaceae from the hillocks of Palakkad District (Kerala, India) is described and illustrated. P. palakkadensis is morphologically similar to P. rangaiahiana from which differs in having fused ovate bracts, capilliform bracteoles, linear stipules, ovate-cordate petals, filaments much shorter than anther, capsule with 1–2 ovoid elliptical seeds.
Overview of the genus Sympodium Ehrenberg, 1834 (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea, Xeniidae), with the description of new species, revealing regional endemism
Authors: BENAYAHU YEHUDA , EKINS MERRICK , MCFADDEN CATHERINE S.
Published: November 2021

The oldest existing type material for any of the xeniid soft corals, Sympodium caeruleum Ehrenberg, 1834, is re-described. An integrated analysis of molecular and morphological characters of Indo-Pacific Xeniidae support the description of seven new species of that genus. The extent of interspecific morphological variation within the genus is extensive; colonies arise from an encrusting membrane of variable thickness that can be either mat-like or may have ribbon-like extensions or irregularly shaped low mounds. The polyps can either arise separately from the membrane or may be arranged into clusters of polyps that bud off at different levels to form small branched groups. The sclerites of all species are uniformly ellipsoid platelets, abundant throughout the colony. The genetic results suggest that Sympodium species demonstrate restricted geographic ranges and regional endemism, with distinct genotypes (molecular operational taxonomic units) each mostly found at a single Indo-Pacific location. The results emphasize the importance of integrating classical taxonomy with a re-examination of original old type material and molecular phylogenetic analyses, in order to delineate species boundaries and to recognize biodiversity patterns.
A new species of Zographetus Watson, 1893 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from Sikkim, eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: KARMAKAR TARUN , LEPCHA SONAM WANGCHUK , BASU DIPENDRA NATH , KUNTE KRUSHNAMEGH
Published: November 2021

A new species, Zographetus dzonguensis sp. nov., is described based on three male specimens from Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim District, Sikkim, India. The new species is closely similar to Z. pangi from Guangdong and Z. hainanensis from Hainan, China, from which it is distinguished based on the following combination of external characters: (a) forewing with the white spot at the base of space M3 being sharply pointed at the inner edge and conspicuously more elongated, and (b) on underside of hindwing, all chocolate-brown spots being smaller, in Z. dzonguensis sp. nov. compared with both Z. pangi and Z. hainanensis. In Z. dzonguensis sp. nov., the male genitalia may be distinguished as follows: (c) tegumen and uncus are almost equal in length, (d) the dorsal outline of tegumen is relatively flat, and (e) saccus is distinctly bent upward as angle between vinculum and saccus is more acute than in Z. pangi and Z. hainanensis.
Petersen-star networks modeled by optical transpose interconnection system
Authors: Seo Jung-hyun , Lee HyeongOk
Published: November 2021

One method to create a high-performance computer is to use parallel processing to connect multiple computers. The structure of the parallel processing system is represented as an interconnection network. Traditionally, the communication links that connect the nodes in the interconnection network use electricity. With the advent of optical communication, however, optical transpose interconnection system networks have emerged, which combine the advantages of electronic communication and optical communication. Optical transpose interconnection system networks use electronic communication for relatively short distances and optical communication for long distances. Regardless of whether the interconnection network uses electronic communication or optical communication, network cost is an important factor among the various measures used for the evaluation of networks. In this article, we first propose a novel optical transpose interconnection system–Petersen-star network with a small network cost and analyze its basic topological properties. Optical transpose interconnection system–Petersen-star network is an undirected graph where the factor graph is Petersen-star network. OTIS–PSN n has the number of nodes 102n, degree n+3, and diameter 6 n − 1. Second, we compare the network cost between optical transpose interconnection system–Petersen-star network and other optical transpose interconnection system networks. Finally, we propose a routing algorithm with a time complexity of 6 n − 1 and a one-to-all broadcasting algorithm with a time complexity of 2 n − 1.
Deferiprone vs deferoxamine for transfusional iron overload in SCD and other anemias: a randomized, open-label noninferiority study
Authors: Kwiatkowski Janet L. , Hamdy Mona , El-Beshlawy Amal , Ebeid Fatma S. E. , Badr Mohammed , Alshehri Abdulrahman , Kanter Julie , Inusa Baba , Adly Amira A. M. , Williams Suzan , Kilinc Yurdanur , Lee David , Tricta Fernando , Elalfy Mohsen S.
Published: November 2021

Many people with sickle cell disease (SCD) or other anemias require chronic blood transfusions, which often causes iron overload that requires chelation therapy. The iron chelator deferiprone is frequently used in individuals with thalassemia syndromes, but data in patients with SCD are limited. This open-label study assessed the efficacy and safety of deferiprone in patients with SCD or other anemias receiving chronic transfusion therapy. A total of 228 patients (mean age: 16.9 [range, 3-59] years; 46.9% female) were randomized to receive either oral deferiprone (n = 152) or subcutaneous deferoxamine (n = 76). The primary endpoint was change from baseline at 12 months in liver iron concentration (LIC), assessed by R2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The least squares mean (standard error) change in LIC was −4.04 (0.48) mg/g dry weight for deferiprone vs −4.45 (0.57) mg/g dry weight for deferoxamine, with noninferiority of deferiprone to deferoxamine demonstrated by analysis of covariance (least squares mean difference 0.40 [0.56]; 96.01% confidence interval, −0.76 to 1.57). Noninferiority of deferiprone was also shown for both cardiac T2* MRI and serum ferritin. Rates of overall adverse events (AEs), treatment-related AEs, serious AEs, and AEs leading to withdrawal did not differ significantly between the groups. AEs related to deferiprone treatment included abdominal pain (17.1% of patients), vomiting (14.5%), pyrexia (9.2%), increased alanine transferase (9.2%) and aspartate transferase levels (9.2%), neutropenia (2.6%), and agranulocytosis (0.7%). The efficacy and safety profiles of deferiprone were acceptable and consistent with those seen in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. This trial study was registered at www://clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02041299.
Automatic consistency assurance for literature-based gene ontology annotation
Authors: Chen Jiyu , Geard Nicholas , Zobel Justin , Verspoor Karin
Published: November 2021

Background

Literature-based gene ontology (GO) annotation is a process where expert curators use uniform expressions to describe gene functions reported in research papers, creating computable representations of information about biological systems. Manual assurance of consistency between GO annotations and the associated evidence texts identified by expert curators is reliable but time-consuming, and is infeasible in the context of rapidly growing biological literature. A key challenge is maintaining consistency of existing GO annotations as new studies are published and the GO vocabulary is updated.

Results

In this work, we introduce a formalisation of biological database annotation inconsistencies, identifying four distinct types of inconsistency. We propose a novel and efficient method using state-of-the-art text mining models to automatically distinguish between consistent GO annotation and the different types of inconsistent GO annotation. We evaluate this method using a synthetic dataset generated by directed manipulation of instances in an existing corpus, BC4GO. We provide detailed error analysis for demonstrating that the method achieves high precision on more confident predictions.

Conclusions

Two models built using our method for distinct annotation consistency identification tasks achieved high precision and were robust to updates in the GO vocabulary. Our approach demonstrates clear value for human-in-the-loop curation scenarios.
Predicting environmentally responsive transgenerational differential DNA methylated regions (epimutations) in the genome using a hybrid deep-machine learning approach
Authors: Mavaie Pegah , Holder Lawrence , Beck Daniel , Skinner Michael K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Deep learning is an active bioinformatics artificial intelligence field that is useful in solving many biological problems, including predicting altered epigenetics such as DNA methylation regions. Deep learning (DL) can learn an informative representation that addresses the need for defining relevant features. However, deep learning models are computationally expensive, and they require large training datasets to achieve good classification performance.

Results

One approach to addressing these challenges is to use a less complex deep learning network for feature selection and Machine Learning (ML) for classification. In the current study, we introduce a hybrid DL-ML approach that uses a deep neural network for extracting molecular features and a non-DL classifier to predict environmentally responsive transgenerational differential DNA methylated regions (DMRs), termed epimutations, based on the extracted DL-based features. Various environmental toxicant induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance sperm epimutations were used to train the model on the rat genome DNA sequence and use the model to predict transgenerational DMRs (epimutations) across the entire genome.

Conclusion

The approach was also used to predict potential DMRs in the human genome. Experimental results show that the hybrid DL-ML approach outperforms deep learning and traditional machine learning methods.
Association between baseline serum uric acid and development of LDL-C level in patients with first acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Yang , Ding Congcong , Hu Longlong , Ruan Yuehua , Zou Kai , Dai Cong , Liao Yanhui , Liao Hanhui , Xia Yi , Zhao Yuanbin , Yang Renqiang
Published: November 2021

Background

Data on the relationship of baseline serum uric acid (SUA) with development of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level in patients with first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are limited. The present study is to evaluate whether elevated SUA predicts the development of LDL-C in the first AMI.

Methods

This is a retrospective 6-month cohort study of 475 hospitalized Chinese patients who underwent first AMI between January 2015 and December 2019 and were reevaluated half a year later at the Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province, China. The associations of baseline SUA with the percentage decrease of LDL-C (%) and LDL-C control were analyzed by using logistic regression analyses, multivariate linear regression analyses and the restricted cubic spline.

Results

Over the 6-month follow-up, baseline SUA was independently and positively associated with the percentage decrease of LDL-C (%) and LDL-C control in a dose response fashion. After multivariable adjustment, per SD increment of baseline SUA (120.58 μmol/L) was associated with 3.96% higher percentage decrease of LDL-C(%). The adjusted OR (95% CI) for LDL-C control was 5.62 (2.05, 15.36) when comparing the highest tertile (SUA ≥ 437.0 μmol/L) to the lowest tertile (< 341.7 μmol/L) of baseline SUA.

Conclusions

Among Chinese patients with first AMI, higher baseline SUA was associated with higher LDL-C deduction percentage (%), and higher rate of LDL-C control in the short-term follow-up, respectively. SUA acquired when AMI occurred was prone to be profitable in predicting the risk stratification of uncontrolled LDL-C and dyslipidemia management.
Mental health outcomes of a pilot 2-arm randomized controlled trial of a HIV-prevention program for South African adolescent girls and young women and their female caregivers
Authors: Donenberg Geri , Merrill Katherine G. , Atujuna Millicent , Emerson Erin , Bray Bethany , Bekker Linda Gail
Published: November 2021

Background

South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) report significant mental distress and sexual and reproductive health concerns. Mental health problems and trauma symptoms are consistently associated with sexual and reproductive health behavior. Despite their intersection, few interventions address them simultaneously or engage female caregivers (FC) as collaborators. This study presents findings from a pilot test of an empirically supported culturally adapted family-based HIV-prevention program, Informed Motivated Aware and Responsible Adolescents and Adults- South Africa (IMARA-SA), on AGYW anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Methods

Sixty 15–19-year-old AGYW (mean age = 17.1 years) and their FC from outside Cape Town were randomized to IMARA-SA or a health promotion control program. AGYW reported their anxiety using the GAD-7, depression using the PHQ-9, and trauma using the PC-PTSD-5 at baseline and follow-up (6–10 months post). Both interventions were delivered by Xhosa-speaking Black South African women in groups over 2 days for approximately 10 h. We examined intervention effects using zero-inflated negative binomial regression for anxiety, multinomial logistic regression for depression, and logistic regression for trauma.

Results

At baseline, groups did not differ in demographic characteristics but AGYW randomized to IMARA-SA had higher depression scores than controls (p = 0.04) and a greater proportion screened positive for PTSD (p = .07). Controlling for baseline mental health scores, AGYW who received IMARA-SA compared to controls had significantly fewer anxiety symptoms at follow-up (adjusted incidence rate ratio for count model = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.29–0.99, p = 0.05), were less likely to report at least one depressive symptom relative to no symptoms (relative risk ratio = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.95, p = 0.04), and were less likely to report symptoms of PTSD relative to no symptoms, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Mental health is implicated in risky sexual behavior, and reducing emotional distress can mitigate exposure to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. This pilot study yielded promising findings for the mental health impact of IMARA-SA, justifying replication in a larger randomized trial.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT04758390, accepted 17/02/2021.
Bevacizumab-induced esophageal pleural fistula during maintenance therapy without radiation in lung cancer
Authors: Wang Ting , Thakur Asmitananda , Chen Baoqing
Published: November 2021

Background

Esophageal pleural fistula (EPF) is a rare but fatal complication associated with bevacizumab use; however, cases reports of EPF caused by bevacizumab have not been previously published.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old male patient diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma on April 24, 2020 received 6 cycles of platinum-containing dual chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab followed by three cycles of bevacizumab monotherapy. Five days before admission, he experienced chest tightness, dyspnea, and right chest pain. Bed-side X-ray examination revealed a massive right hydrothorax, and food was found in the extracted pleural effusion. EPF was further confirmed by upper gastrointestinal radiography after oral administration of iohexol. The patient underwent jejunostomy as the distal esophagus could not be identified on gastroscopy, and eventually died of septic shock on January 16, 2021.

Conclusions

It is necessary to pay attention to EPF during bevacizumab use in patients with or without risk factors.
Digital analysis of external fixation area of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients
Authors: Xing Baorui , Zhang Yadi , Hou Xiuxiu , Li Yunmei , Li Guoliang , Han Guangpu
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The purpose is based on anatomical basis, combined with three-dimensional measurement, to guide the clinical repositioning of proximal humeral fractures, select the appropriate pin entry point and angle, and simulate surgery.

Methods

11 fresh cadaveric specimens were collected, the distance of the marked points around the shoulder joint was measured anatomically, and the vertical distance between the inferior border of the acromion and the superior border of the axillary nerve, the vertical distance between the apex of the humeral head and the superior border of the axillary nerve, the vertical distance between the inferior border of the acromion and the superior border of the anterior rotator humeral artery, and the vertical distance between the apex of the humeral head and the superior border of the anterior rotator humeral artery were marked on the 3D model based on the anatomical data to find the relative safety zone for pin placement.

Results

Contralateral data can be used to guide the repositioning and fixation of that side of the proximal humerus fracture, and uniform data cannot be used between male and female patients. For lateral pining, the distance of the inferior border of the acromion from the axillary nerve (5.90 ± 0.43) cm, range (5.3-6.9) cm, was selected for pining along the medial axis of the humeral head, close to the medial cervical cortex, and the pining angle was measured in the coronal plane (42.84 ± 2.45)°, range (37.02° ~ 46.31°), and in the sagittal plane (28.24 ± 2.25)°, range (19.22° ~ 28.51°). The pin was advanced laterally in front of the same level of the lateral approach point to form a cross-fixed support with the lateral pin, and the pin angle was measured in the coronal plane (36.14 ± 1.75)°, range (30.32° ~ 39.61°), and in the sagittal plane (28.64 ± 1.37)°, range (22.82° ~ 32.11°). Two pins were taken at the greater humeral tuberosity for fixation, with the proximal pin at an angle (159.26 ± 1.98) to the coronal surface of the humeral stem, range (155.79° ~ 165.08°), and the sagittal angle (161.76 ± 2.15)°, with the pin end between the superior surface of the humeral talus and the inferior surface of the humeral talus. The distal needle of the greater humeral tuberosity was parallel to the proximal approach trajectory, and the needle end was on the inferior surface of the humeral talus.

Conclusion

Based on the anatomical data, we can accurately identify the corresponding bony structures of the proximal humerus and mark the location of the pin on the 3D model for pin placement, which is simple and practical to meet the relevant individual parameters.
A comparison of the da Vinci Xi vs. da Vinci Si surgical systems for radical prostatectomy
Authors: Lei Kun-Yang , Xie Wen-Jie , Fu Sheng-Qiang , Ma Ming , Sun Ting
Published: November 2021

Background

To compare the perioperative and short-term efficacy and cost of the da Vinci Xi and da Vinci Si surgical systems for radical prostatectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 175 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci Si or Xi surgical systems in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2020. Of the 175 patients, 82 underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci Xi surgery system, and 93 patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci Si surgical system. The perioperative outcomes, short-term efficacy and costs were compared between the two groups.

Results

The anesthesia time, operation time, docking time, indwelling catheter time and postoperative bed rest time in the Xi group were shorter than those in the Si group (respectively, 268.8 min vs. 219.3 min, P = 0.001; 228.2 min vs. 259.6 min, P < 0.001; 7.4 min vs. 12.7 min, P < 0.001; 8.6 d vs. 9.7 d, P = 0.036; 2.2 d vs. 2.6 d, P = 0.002). However, the total cost of hospitalization and the cost of intraoperative consumables in the Xi group were higher than those in the Si group (84,740.7 vs. 76,739.1 ¥, P = 0.003; 13,199.4 vs. 10,823.0 ¥, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Although the cost of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is higher, compared with the Si system, the Xi system has better perioperative outcomes and can provide similar short-term efficacy and oncology outcomes.
Evaluation of a caries prevention programme for preschool children in Switzerland: is the target group being reached?
Authors: Mühlemann Anina , von Felten Stefanie
Published: November 2021

Background

With the goal of reducing the prevalence of early childhood caries, the city of Zurich, Switzerland, started a specific prevention programme in 2010. All 2-year-olds are invited to a free dental check-up at a local public dental health service before the first legally mandated yearly dental check-up for school children between 4 and 5 years of age (at kindergarten). However, for the success of this prevention programme, it is of particular importance that children at high risk of caries are reached. The objective of our study was to assess the effectiveness of the prevention programme in (1) reaching the children who needed it the most and (2) improving subsequent oral health.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all children born between July 1, 2013 and July 15, 2014 who had lived in Zurich between the ages of 23 and 36 months. Socio-economic data were extracted from official school records, and dental health data from public dental clinic records. Binomial and quasi-binomial generalised linear models were used to identify the socio-economic factors associated with toddler check-up attendance and to assess the associations between attendance and caries experience (dmft $$\ge$$
≥
 1) as well as degree of treatment (proportion m+f out of dmft) at the kindergarten check-up, adjusting for socio-economic factors.

Results

From a total of 4376 children, 2360 (54%) attended the toddler check-up (mean age 2.4 years) and 3452 (79%) had a dental examination at kindergarten (mean age 5.3 years). Non-Swiss origin of the primary caretaker, presence of older siblings, low amount of savings and allocation to certain public dental clinics were associated with a lower odds of attendance. Factors associated with a higher odds of caries experience were similar to those associated with a lower odds of attendance at the toddler check-up, but additionally included low income. Attendance at the toddler check-up was non-significantly associated with a lower odds of caries experience at kindergarten (adjusted OR 0.84, 95% CI from 0.70 to 1.01), but was significantly associated with a higher degree of treatment at this stage (adjusted OR 2.41, 95% CI from 1.79 to 3.24).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that children with a high caries risk are less likely to attend the toddler check-up. Greater effort should be put into reaching these children.
Effects of desensitizing dentifrices on dentin tubule occlusion and resistance to erosive challenges
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyi , Wang Lin , Pan Jie , Malmstrom Hans , Ren Yan-Fang
Published: November 2021

Background

Many studies have demonstrated efficacy of casein phosphopeptide (CPP) containing products for dentin tubule occlusion for treatment of dentin sensitivity, but their effectiveness under dynamic erosive challenges remains to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a desensitizing dentifrice containing CPP in occluding dentin tubules and resisting erosive challenges in comparison to that containing polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic acid (PVM/MA) copolymers.

Methods

A total of 33 dentin discs were prepared from coronal sections of human third molars and divided into 3 groups: a toothpaste containing CPP; a toothpaste containing PVM/MA and submicron silica; and a regular toothpaste (Controls). A soft-bristle toothbrush was used to brush the dentin discs with the dentifrices for 45 strokes in 30 s at a force of approximately 200 g. The brushing cycle was repeated after immersion of the dentin discs in artificial saliva overnight. The dentin discs were then challenged in orange juice for 10 min in an incubator rocking at 120 rpm. Three fields were randomly selected on each dentin disk surface to assess dentin tubule occlusions after each brushing cycle and after orange juice challenge with a 3D laser scanning microscope. Specimen cross sections were examined with a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS).

Results

After the first and second cycles of brushing, dentin tubules were occluded on average by 56.3% and 85.7% in CPP group, 66.2% and 88.1% in PVM/MA group, and 0.0 and 13.0% in the controls, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in dentin tubule occlusions between the CPP and PVM/MA groups after two cycles of brushing (p>0.05). After dynamic erosive challenges with orange juice, 20.3% of the dentin tubules in the CPP group, 79.1% in the PVM/MA group and none in the control remained occluded (P<0.05). SEM/EDS imaging showed that dentin tubules were blocked with plugs containing dentifrice substances in CPP and PVM/MA groups after treatments, but none in the controls.

Conclusions

Desensitizing dentifrices containing CPP or PVM/MA could effectively occlude dentin tubules after two cycles of brushing. PVM/MA in combination with submicron silicon dioxide exhibited stronger resistance to dynamic erosive challenges by acidic beverages. Inorganic fillers that can enter dentin tubules and resist erosive challenges may be key for desensitizing dentifrices.
Trend analysis of palliative care consultation service for terminally ill non-cancer patients in Taiwan: a 9-year observational study
Authors: Lin Lian-Shin , Huang Ling-Hui , Chang Yu-Chen , Wang Chun-Li , Lee Lung-Chun , Hu Chung-Chieh , Hsu Pi-Shan , Chu Wei-Min
Published: November 2021

Backgrounds

Early integration of palliative care for terminally ill non-cancer patients improves quality of life. However, there are scanty data on Palliative Care Consultation Service (PCCS) among non-cancer patients.

Methods

In this 9-year observational study Data were collected from the Hospice-Palliative Clinical Database (HPCD) of Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH). Terminally ill non-cancer patients with 9 categories of diagnoses who received PCCS during 2011 to 2019 were enrolled. Trend analysis was performed to evaluate differences in categories of diagnosis throughout study period, duration of PCCS, patient outcomes, DNR declaration, awareness of disease by patients and families before and after PCCS.

Results

In total, 536 non-cancer patients received PCCS from 2011 to 2019 with an average age of 70.7 years. The average duration of PCCS was 18.4 days. The distributions of age, gender, patient outcomes, family’s awareness of disease before PCCS, and patient’s awareness of disease after PCCS were significantly different among the diagnoses. Organic brain disease and Chronic kidney disease (CKD) were the most prevalent diagnoses in patients receiving PCCS in 2019. For DNR declaration, the percentage of patients signing DNR before PCCS remained high throughout the study period (92.8% in 2019). Patient outcomes varied according to the disease diagnoses.

Conclusion

This 9-year observational study showed that the trend of PCCS among non-cancer patients had changed over the duration of the study. An increasing number of terminally ill non-cancer patients received PCCS during late life, thereby increasing the awareness of disease for both patients and families, which would tend to better prepare terminally ill patients for end-of-life as they may consider DNR consent. Early integration of PCCS into ordinary care for terminally non-cancer patients is essential for better quality of life.