bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of icteric index in clinical laboratories: more than a preanalytical indicator
Authors: Mondejar Rufino , Mayor Reyes María , Melguizo Madrid Enrique , Cañavate Solano Consuelo , Pérez Ramos Santiago
Published: April 2021

Total bilirubin tests are highly demanded in clinical laboratories. Since icteric index (I-index) has zero cost, we aimed to evaluate its clinical utility and cost-effectiveness to determine if total bilirubin is necessary to be tested. We took into account if haemolysis could interfere to icteric index determination.
Retrospectively we reviewed I-index results in two cohorts (43,372 and 8507 non-haemolysed and haemolysed samples, respectively). All determinations were done using Alinity c chemistry analysers (Abbott Diagnostics). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal index cut-off to discriminate between normal and abnormal bilirubin concentration (20.5 µmol/L).
The ROC curve analysis suggested 21.4 µmol/L as the optimal I-index cut-off but differences in sensitivity and specificity were detected between patient derivation. For rejecting purpose, 15.4 µmol/L and 17.1 µmol/L I-index thresholds were selected based on patient derivation (inpatients and emergency room; and primary care and outpatients, respectively) with 97% sensitivity and 0.25% false negative results. Sensitivity was much lower in haemolysed samples. We selected 34.2 µmol/L I-index as threshold to detect hyperbilirubinemia with 99.7% specificity and 0.26% false positive results, independent of haemolysis. With the icteric index cut-offs proposed, we would save 66% of total bilirubin requested and analyse total bilirubin in around 2% of samples without total bilirubin requested.
This study supports the use of I-index to avoid bilirubin determination and to identify patients with hyperbilirubinemia. This work considers that the economic and test savings could help to increase the efficiency in clinical laboratories.
Impact of combining data from multiple instruments on performance of patient-based real-time quality control
Authors: Zhou Qianqian , Loh Tze Ping , Badrick Tony , Zhou Qianqian
Published: April 2021

It is unclear what is the best strategy for applying patient-based real-time quality control (PBRTQC) algorithm in the presence of multiple instruments. This simulation study compared the error detection capability of applying PBRTQC algorithms for instruments individually and in combination using serum sodium as an example.
Four sets of random serum sodium measurements were generated with differing means and standard deviations to represent four simulated instruments. Moving median with winsorization was selected as the PBRTQC algorithm. The PBRTQC parameters (block size and control limits) were optimized and applied to the four simulated laboratory data sets individually and in combination.
When the PBRTQC algorithm were individually optimized and applied to the data of the individual simulated instruments, it was able to detect bias several folds faster than when they were combined. Similarly, the individually applied algorithms had perfect error detection rates across different magnitudes of bias, whereas the error detection rates of the algorithm applied on the combined data missed smaller biases. The performance of the individually applied PBRTQC algorithm performed more consistently among the simulated instruments compared to when the data were combined.
While combining data from different instruments can increase the data stream and hence, increase the speed of error detection, it may widen the control limits and compromising the probability of error detection. The presence of multiple instruments in the data stream may dilute the effect of the error when it only affects a selected instrument.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children in Children’s Hospital Zagreb during the initial and second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia
Authors: Lenicek Krleza Jasna , Lukic-Grlic Amarela , Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana , Barbic Ljubo , Hruskar Zeljka , Mayer Dijana , Kaic Bernard , Roic Goran , Misak Zrinjka , Tabain Irena , Stevanovic Vladimir , Zrinski Topic Renata
Published: April 2021

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and titres of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children treated at the Children’s Hospital Zagreb in the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical significance of difference at two time points was done to determine how restrictive epidemiological measures and exposure of children to COVID-19 infection affect this prevalence in different age groups.
At the first time point (13th to 29th May 2020), 240 samples and in second time point (24th October to 23rd November 2020), 308 serum samples were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Confirmation of results and titre determination was done using virus micro-neutralization test. Subjects were divided according to gender, age and epidemiological history.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies differs significantly in two time points (P = 0.010). In first time point 2.9% of seropositive children were determined and in second time point 8.4%. Statistically significant difference (P = 0.007) of seroprevalence between two time points was found only in a group of children aged 11-19 years. At the first time point, all seropositive children were asymptomatic with titre < 8. At the second time point, 69.2% seropositive children were asymptomatic with titre ≥ 8.
The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was significantly lower at the first time point than at the second time point. Values of virus micro-neutralization test showed that low titre in asymptomatic children was not protective at the first time point but in second time point all seropositive children had protective titre of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
The comparison of the three assays for determination of fecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Osredkar Joško , Kurent Tina , Fabjan Teja , Kumer Kristina , Božnar Alič Elizabeta , Drobne David
Published: April 2021

Fecal calprotectin is a biomarker for monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity. Our aim, therefore, was to evaluate two new assays, the point of care test Quantum Blue and the Liaison Calprotectin with respect to the Calprest, commonly used assay, and to determine their performance for IBD diagnosis.
We included 73 prospective patients with IBD. Fecal calprotectin was measured and analysed with the routine Calprest assay and two recently introduced assays, the Quantum Blue and the Liaison Calprotectin. Furthermore, we compared the results by Bland and Altman analysis, and Passing-Bablok regression.
We observed no difference in median calprotectin values obtained by the Calprest (94.6 µg/g, 95%CI 66.5 to 166.1) and Liaison assay (101.0 µg/g, 95%CI 48.1 to 180.1) whereas significantly higher concentrations were obtained with the Quantum Blue assay (240.0 µg/g, 95%CI 119.9 to 353.2). The mean absolute and relative difference between the Calprest and Quantum Blue methods was statistically significant (- 162.3 µg/g and - 143.1%). Mean absolute difference between the Calprest and Liaison calprotectin methods was positive (2.2 µg/g). The agreement between assays revealed that Quantum Blue and Calprest have fair agreement with Kappa coefficient of 0.38 (95%CI 0.26 to 0.51). Liaison Calprotectin and Calprest revealed moderate agreement with a weak Kappa coefficient of 0.47 (95%CI 0.32 to 0.62).
Clinicians should be aware of these differences between the assays and avoid comparison of their respective results.
A long-hidden pigmy shows itself again after almost a century: the rediscovery and lectotypification of Pygmaeorchis brasiliensis (Laeliinae, Orchidaceae)
Authors: MIRANDA MARCELO RODRIGUES , FURTADO SAMYRA GOMES , MENINI NETO LUIZ
Published: April 2021

Pygmaeorchis Brade (1939: 42) is a rare genus endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The two known species are exclusively found in the montane areas of the Minas Gerais (MG) and Rio de Janeiro (RJ) states (Withner 1990, van den Berg 2006). The first species to be recognized, Pygmaeorchis brasiliensis Brade (1939: 43), was described on the basis of collections made in the rainforests at Serra dos Órgãos and Itatiaia (RJ). While the second, P. seidelii Toscano de Brito & Moutinho Neto (1981: 194), was found as an epiphyte on Velloziaceae in Ouro Preto (MG) (Fig. 1).
A new species of Cosmoclopius Stål, 1866 from Argentina (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)
Authors: VARELA PABLO S. , MELO MARIA CECILIA
Published: April 2021

A new species of Cosmoclopius Stål, 1866, C. joceliae sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected in northern Argentina. This new species is recognized by the vertical and truncate median process of pygophore, and the short-recurved spine on the apex of the dorsal phallothecal sclerite; and other features such as the dorsally black head, pronotum, and femora, and the thoracic sterna black with median pale markings; some females show lighter posterior pronotal lobe and femora with more conspicuous dark and pale bands. Digital images of the adult male and female and male genitalia are provided, as well as a comparison with the species of the genus are given.
Tagalis graziae, a new species of Saicinae from the Chocó biogeographic region in Colombia (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: CASTRO-HUERTAS VALENTINA , FORERO DIMITRI
Published: April 2021

Tagalis graziae sp. nov., is described from a specimen collected in Risaralda, Colombia, in an area considered part of the Chocó biogeographic region. Among the species of Tagalis with a large and nearly horizontal posteromedial process of the pygophore, T. graziae sp. nov. can be recognized by its coloration pattern, in particular by having the profemur with a basal and apical dark brown band, the apex of the meso and metafemur with an apical narrow dark brown band, and the supracoxal lobes dark brown. Digital images of external morphological characters and of the genitalia are provided. An updated key to the species of Tagalis is presented to facilitate the identification of the new species.
A milestone for Pentatomoidea: Grazia et al. 2008—What do we know and where can we go?
Authors: BIANCHI FILIPE MICHELS , BARÃO KIM RIBEIRO , GRASSI AUGUSTO , FERRARI AUGUSTO
Published: April 2021

Pentatomoidea is the third largest superfamily in Heteroptera. The internal systematics and classification of this superfamily have an intricate history. The paper by Grazia et al. (2008) is a milestone to the phylogenetic hypothesis of Pentatomoidea. Subsequent papers explored the limited conclusions and unanswered questions left by Grazia et al. (2008). We proposed to look at the body of knowledge produced since Grazia et al. (2008) and to compile the molecular data for Pentatomoidea deposited in Genbank to achieve three aims: (i) to evaluate the advances on the phylogenetic relationships of the Pentatomoidea; (ii) to produce a phylogenetic hypothesis based on molecular data deposited in Genbank; and (iii) to highlight the shortcomings and strengths of the available data. We retrieved sequences of four molecular markers (COI, 16S, 18S, and 28S) for 167 terminal taxa, including 149 pentatomoids. A concatenated matrix was analyzed under maximum likelihood (ML) and parsimony (MP). Both methods supported the monophyly of Pentatomoidea, and poorly resolved internal relationships among the families. Acanthosomatidae, Dinidordae, Pentatomidae, Scutelleridae, Thaumastellidae, and Urostylididae were monophyletic (under ML and MP), and also Plataspidae and Thyreocoridae (under ML). Tessaratomidae and Cydnidae were non-monophyletic under both methods. Our results were compared to the phylogenetic hypotheses proposed for Pentatomoidea. The analysis of the data available on the GenBank allowed us to affirm that many problems mentioned previously remain unsolved, even though the sampling of terminals has increased. In summary, the efforts in the last two decades to better understand the relationships within the Pentatomoidea have been insufficient to propose robust advances in phylogenetic hypothesis for the group. We discuss topics we understand are paramount to upcoming developments:1) better taxon sample; 2) collection management; 3) increased markers; and 4) morphology and anatomical ontology.
Revision of the Neotropical Stilt Bug Genus Metajalysus Štusák (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Berytidae), with Descriptions of Three New Species
Authors: HENRY THOMAS J. , DELLAPÉ PABLO M.
Published: April 2021

The stilt bug genus Metajalysus Štusák is revised and three new species are recognized. A neotype of the type species, M. horvathi Štusák, is designated and the new species M. clavatus, n. sp. from Argentina, M. graziae, n. sp. from Argentina and Bolivia, and M. pilosus, n. sp. from Ecuador are described. Digital images of the adult male and female and male genitalia are provided and a key to the species of the genus is given.
Variable Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Air Quality across 91 Indian Cities
Authors: Khan Ansar , Khorat Samiran , Khatun Rupali , Doan Quang-Van , Nair U. S. , Niyogi Dev
Published: April 2021

India responded to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through a three-phase nationwide lockdown: 25 March–14 April, 15 April–3 May, and 4–17 May 2020. We utilized this unique opportunity to assess the impact of restrictions on the air quality of Indian cities. We conducted comprehensive statistical assessments for the air quality index (AQI) and criteria pollutant concentrations for 91 cities during the lockdown phases relative to the preceding seven days (prelockdown phase of 18–24 March 2020) and to corresponding values from the same days of the year in 2019. Both comparisons show statistically significant countrywide mean decrease in AQI (33%), PM2.5 (36%), PM10 (40%), NO2 (58%), O3 (5%), SO2 (25%), NH3 (28%), and CO (60%). These reductions represent a background or the lower bound of air quality burden of industrial and transportation sectors. The northern region was most impacted by the first two phases of the lockdown, whereas the southern region was most affected in the last phase. The northeastern region was least affected, followed by the eastern region, which also showed an increase in O3 during the lockdown. Analysis of satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) shows that effects of restrictions on particulate pollution were variable—locally confined in some areas or having a broader impact in other regions. Anomalous behavior over the eastern region suggests a differing role of regional societal response or meteorological conditions. The study results have policy implications because they provide the observational background values for the industrial and transportation sector’s contribution to urban pollution.
A Northern Hemispheric Wave Train Associated with Interannual Variations in the Bermuda High during Boreal Summer
Authors: Luo Haochang , Adames Ángel F. , Rood Richard B.
Published: April 2021

The processes that lead to the spatial and temporal evolution of the Bermuda high (BH) during July and August (JA) are investigated on the basis of linear regression analysis. The analysis is based on a Bermuda high index (BHI): the difference in standardized, deseasonalized, and detrended sea level pressure (SLP) between northeast of Bermuda (40°N, 60°W) and New Orleans (30°N, 90°W). Negative values of BHI indicate a westward expansion of the Bermuda high relative to its climatological-mean location and reduced precipitation in the southeastern United States (SEUS), whereas positive values correspond to BH contraction and enhanced precipitation in the SEUS. Linear regression of the 200-hPa geopotential height based on the BHI reveals the existence of a Rossby wave train that extends zonally from the eastern North Pacific to the eastern North Atlantic. The troughs and ridges associated with this wave train are spatially collocated with the climatological-mean jet stream, indicating that the jet serves as their waveguide. Anomalous troughing in the SEUS associated with this wave train is linked to the contraction of the Bermuda high during JA. The enhanced precipitation is associated with anomalous ascent to the east and south of this trough where anomalous warm advection is observed. Based on these results, it is hypothesized that this Rossby wave train may partially explain the occurrence of suppressed precipitation tied to midsummer drought in the SEUS during July and August. It is found that the BHI has trended from negative to positive in recent decades, suggesting that it may be influenced by low-frequency variability.
Diurnal Variations in Rainfall and Precipitation Asymmetry of Tropical Cyclones in the Northwest Pacific Region
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Xu Weixin
Published: April 2021

This study investigates diurnal variations of tropical cyclone precipitation in the northwest Pacific (NWP) region, including the South China Sea (SCS) and adjacent landmasses. Diurnal cycles of TC rainfall show significant land-sea contrasts. The primary peak of (unconditional) mean TC rain rate occurs in the early morning (06 LT) and the afternoon (15 LT) over the ocean and land, respectively. Both the total and heavy TC precipitation extend further inland in the afternoon, while nocturnal heavy TC rain is more confined to the coast. A significant semidiurnal cycle of TC precipitation is observed over the ocean, i.e., a secondary peak near 18 LT. The diurnal cycle of TC rainfall also depends on precipitation frequency, intensity, and radial distance from the TC center. Over the ocean, though TC precipitation intensity shows a pronounced diurnal cycle, its precipitation frequency exhibits virtually no diurnal variation. Over land, TC precipitation frequency markedly peaks in the afternoon (15 LT), while its precipitation intensity interestingly maximizes in the early morning (03-06 LT). Diurnal variations of TC asymmetric rainfall structure are consistent with diurnal changes of vertical wind shear. Over the SCS, maximum precipitation located in the downshear-left quadrant and is the most extensive in the morning. However, this heavy rain area shrinks and shifts downshear-ward in the afternoon, consistent with changes of the magnitude (reduced) and direction (clockwise) of shear. In contrast, TCs over the open ocean of NWP (OWP) have little diurnal variability of precipitation asymmetry, due mainly to a diurnally invariant shear environment.
Internal salt content: a useful framework for understanding the oceanic branch of the water cycle
Authors: Bladwell Christopher , Holmes Ryan M. , Zika Jan D.
Published: April 2021

The global water cycle is dominated by an atmospheric branch which transfers fresh water away from subtropical regions and an oceanic branch which returns that fresh water from subpolar and tropical regions. Salt content is commonly used to understand the oceanic branch because surface freshwater fluxes leave an imprint on ocean salinity. However, freshwater fluxes do not actually change the amount of salt in the ocean and – in the mean – no salt is transported meridionally by ocean circulation. To study the processes which determine ocean salinity we introduce a new variable: “internal salt” and its counterpart “internal fresh water”. Precise budgets for internal salt in salinity coordinates relate meridional and diahaline transport to surface freshwater forcing, ocean circulation and mixing, and reveal the pathway of fresh water in the ocean. We apply this framework to a 1° global ocean model. We find that in order for fresh water to be exported from the ocean’s tropical and subpolar regions to the subtropics, salt must be mixed across the salinity surfaces that bound those regions. In the tropics, this mixing is achieved by parameterized vertical mixing, along-isopycnal mixing, and numerical mixing associated with truncation errors in the model’s advection scheme, while along-isopycnal mixing dominates at high latitudes. We analyze the internal freshwater budgets of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins and identify the transport pathways between them which redistribute fresh water added through precipitation, balancing asymmetries in freshwater forcing between the basins.
Broadscale Assessment of Groundhog (Marmota monax) Predictions of Spring Onset No Better than Chance
Authors: Ross Alexander J. , Grow Ryan C. , Hayhurst Lauren D. , MacLeod Haley A. , McKee Graydon I. , Stratton Kyle W. , Wegher Marissa E. , Rennie Michael D.
Published: April 2021

Groundhog Day is a widespread North American ritual that marks the onset of spring, with festivities centered around animals that humans believe have abilities to make seasonal predictions. Yet, the collective success of groundhog Marmota monax prognosticators has never been rigorously tested. Here, we propose the local climate-predicted phenology of early blooming spring plants (Carolina spring beauty, or Claytonia caroliniana, which overlaps in native range with groundhogs) as a novel and relevant descriptor of spring onset that can be applied comparatively across a broad geographical range. Of 530 unique groundhog-year predictions across 33 different locations, spring onset was correctly predicted by groundhogs exactly 50% of the time. While no singular groundhog predicted the timing of spring with any statistical significance, there were a handful of groundhogs with notable records of both successful and unsuccessful predictions: Essex Ed (Essex, Connecticut), Stonewall Jackson (Wantage, New Jersey), and Chuckles (Manchester, Connecticut) correctly predicted spring onset over 70% of the time. By contrast, Buckeye Chuck (Marion, Ohio), Dunkirk Dave (Dunkirk, New York), and Holland Huckleberry (Holland, Ohio) made incorrect predictions over 70% of the time. The two most widely recognized and long-tenured groundhogs in their respective countries—Wiarton Willie (Canada) and Punxsutawney Phil (United States)—had success rates of 54% and 52%, respectively, despite over 150 collective guesses. Using a novel phenological indicator of spring, this study determined, without a shadow of a doubt, that groundhog prognosticating abilities for the arrival of spring are no better than chance.
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome presenting with aortic barrage: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Moroni Luca , Righini Paolo , Ramirez Giuseppe A , Farina Nicola , Mancuso Gaia , Bozzolo Enrica , Rodríguez-Pintó Ignasi , Cervera Ricard , Nano Giovanni , Dagna Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by multiple thromboembolic events occurring in a short period of time, frequently accompanied by significant systemic inflammation. Aortic involvement is rare in antiphospholipid syndrome and it had been never described in the context of its catastrophic variant. Here, we report an unusual case of aortic occlusion as a debut manifestation of CAPS and discuss its clinical features with an up-to-date review of the literature to identify risk factors and clues for clinical practice.
Child with Kawasaki Disease Complicated by A Single Right Coronary Artery
Authors: Nakagawa Ryota , Ishido Hirotaka , Iwamoto Yoichi , Sekine Mai , Momose Taichi , Tanikawa Shoyo , Moriwaki Koichi , Masutani Satoshi
Published: April 2021

A 3-year-old boy was referred to our hospital for management of Kawasaki disease at 5 days of illness. Echocardiographic examination on admission suggested aneurysmal dilation of the right coronary artery and a possible aorta-left main trunk connection. However, detailed echocardiography at 12 days of illness revealed an abnormal bifurcation of the proximal right coronary artery and no real connection of the aorta-left main trunk, all of which indicated the presence of a single right coronary artery. These diagnoses were confirmed by selective coronary angiography, which was performed later. Considering the difficulties in diagnosing congenital coronary anomalies, which may increase the risk of future fatal events, knowing the disease entity of the congenital coronary arterial anomaly is important for the accurate evaluation of coronary arteries in patients with Kawasaki disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient with Kawasaki disease complicated by a single right coronary artery; however, following a search of the literature, we found a brief conference abstract written in Japanese relating to the same clinical condition.
A Literature Review of Rapid Prototyping and Patient Specific Implants for the Treatment of Orbital Fractures
Authors: Graham Danyon O. , Lim Christopher G. T. , Coghlan Peter , Erasmus Jason
Published: April 2021

Post-traumatic reconstruction of the orbit can pose a challenge due to inherent intraoperative problems. Intra-orbital adipose tissue is difficult to manipulate and retract making visualization of the posterior orbital contents difficult. Rapid prototyping (RP) is a cost-effective method of anatomical model production allowing the surgeon to produce a patient specific implant (PSI) which can be pre-surgically adapted to the orbital defect with exact reconstruction. Intraoperative imaging allows immediate assessment of reconstruction at the time of surgery. Utilization and combination of both technologies improves accuracy of reconstruction with orbital implants and reduces cost, surgical time, and the rate of revision surgery.
Antenatal care service satisfaction and its associated factors among pregnant women in public health centres in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Lire Tsegaye , Megerssa Berhane , Asefa Yisalemush , Hirigo Agete Tadewos
Published: April 2021

Background:

Self-reported client satisfaction is vital in order to address service provider and facility-based factors that can be upgraded to maximise antenatal care (ANC) satisfaction and utilisation in service-providing institutions.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess ANC service satisfaction and associated factors among pregnant women attending Hawassa city public health centres (HC), Sidama regional state, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

This health facility–based cross-sectional study was conducted on 422 pregnant women from 14 March to 13 April 2017. Exit interview data were collected from pregnant women attending care service at five randomly selected public HC.

Results:

Overall, 79.2% were satisfied with the ANC service. As per specific components, 74.2% of respondents were satisfied with the information provided, and 74.2% were satisfied with the institution’s health care. Respondents who had received iron tablets were 3.2 times more likely to be satisfied than their counterparts (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–5.9). Pregnant women who were counselled on human immunodeficiency virus infection and its testing were 4.3 times more likely to be satisfied than those who had not received such counselling (AOR=4.3, 95% CI 2.2–8.4). Also, those women who waited ⩽30 minutes (AOR=2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.5) and who received information on foetal movement (AOR=3.5, 95% CI 1.8–6.5) were significantly associated with ANC service satisfaction.

Conclusion:

More than 20% of pregnant women were not satisfied with ANC services. This reflects a need for attention in each aspect of health-care service provision in order to assure client satisfaction.
Compositional variation and genesis of pyrochlore, belkovite and baotite from the Sevattur carbonatite complex, India
Authors: Dey Monojit , Bhattacharjee Sourav , Chakrabarty Aniket , Mitchell Roger H. , Pal Supriyo , Pal Supratim , Sen Amit Kumar
Published: April 2021

Pyrochlore-group minerals are common in the Neoproterozoic Sevattur carbonatite complex. This complex is composed of dolomite-, calcite-, banded- and blue carbonatite together with pyroxenite, albitite and diverse syenites. This work reports the paragenetic-textural types and compositional variation of pyrochlore hosted by dolomite carbonatite, banded carbonatite and albitite together with that of alteration assemblages containing belkovite and baotite. On the basis of composition, five different types of pyrochlore are recognised and termed Pcl-I through to Pcl-V. The Pb-rich Pcl-I are present exclusively as inclusions in U-rich Pcl-IIa in dolomite carbonatite. The alteration assemblages of Pb-poor Pcl-IIb + Ba-rich or Ba–Si- rich Pcl-IV + belkovite (dolomite carbonatite) and Si-rich Pcl-V + baotite (banded carbonatite) formed after Pcl-IIa differ in these carbonatites. The albitite hosts extremely U-Ti-rich Pcl-III, mantled by Ba-rich potassium feldspar. In common with the banded carbonatite, Pcl-V is formed by alteration of Pcl-III where this mantle is partially, or completely broken. The Ba-Si-enrichment of Pcl-IV and Pcl-V together with the ubiquitous presence of baryte in all Sevattur lithologies suggests late-stage interaction with a Ba-Si-rich acidic hydrothermal fluid. This fluid was responsible for leaching silica from the associated silicates and produced Pcl-V in the silicate-rich lithologies of the banded carbonatite and albitite. The absence of Pcl-V in dolomite carbonatite is a consequence of the low modal abundance of silicates. The complex compositional diversity and lithology specific pyrochlore alteration assemblages suggest that all pyrochlore (Pcl-I to Pcl-IV) were formed initially in an unknown source and transported subsequently in their respective hosts as altered antecrysts.
The use of proteomics for blood biomarker research in premature infants: a scoping review
Authors: Letunica Natasha , Cai Tengyi , Cheong Jeanie L. Y. , Doyle Lex W. , Monagle Paul , Ignjatovic Vera
Published: April 2021

Over the last decade, the use of proteomics in the setting of prematurity has increased and has enabled researchers to successfully identify biomarkers for an array of associated morbidities. The objective of this scoping review was to identify the existing literature, as well as any knowledge gaps related to proteomic biomarker discoveries in the setting of prematurity. A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Medline databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The study selection process yielded a total of 700 records, of which 13 studies were included in this review. Most studies used a tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) proteomics approach to identify key biomarkers. The corresponding studies identified proteins associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), late onset sepsis (LOS) and gestational age. This scoping review demonstrates the limited use of proteomics to identify biomarkers associated with severe complications of prematurity. Further research is warranted to identify biomarkers of other important morbidities associated with prematurity, such as intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and cerebral palsy, and to investigate the mechanisms associated with these outcomes.
Genetic diversity in global chicken breeds in relation to their genetic distances to wild populations
Authors: Malomane Dorcus Kholofelo , Weigend Steffen , Schmitt Armin Otto , Weigend Annett , Reimer Christian , Simianer Henner
Published: April 2021

Background

Migration of a population from its founder population is expected to cause a reduction of its genetic diversity and facilitates differentiation between the population and its founder population, as predicted by the theory of genetic isolation by distance. Consistent with that theory, a model of expansion from a single founder predicts that patterns of genetic diversity in populations can be explained well by their geographic expansion from their founders, which is correlated with genetic differentiation.

Methods

To investigate this in chicken, we estimated the relationship between the genetic diversity of 160 domesticated chicken populations and their genetic distances to wild chicken populations.

Results

Our results show a strong inverse relationship, i.e. 88.6% of the variation in the overall genetic diversity of domesticated chicken populations was explained by their genetic distance to the wild populations. We also investigated whether the patterns of genetic diversity of different types of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes are similar to that of the overall genome. Among the SNP classes, the non-synonymous SNPs deviated most from the overall genome. However, genetic distance to the wild chicken still explained more variation in domesticated chicken diversity across all SNP classes, which ranged from 83.0 to 89.3%.

Conclusions

Genetic distance between domesticated chicken populations and their wild relatives can predict the genetic diversity of the domesticated populations. On the one hand, genes with little genetic variation across populations, regardless of the genetic distance to the wild population, are associated with major functions such as brain development. Changes in such genes may be detrimental to the species. On the other hand, genetic diversity seems to change at a faster rate within genes that are associated with e.g. protein transport and protein and lipid metabolic processes. In general, such genes may be flexible to changes according to the populations’ needs. These results contribute to the knowledge of the evolutionary patterns of different functional genomic regions in the chicken.
Analysis of temporal gene regulation of Listeria monocytogenes revealed distinct regulatory response modes after exposure to high pressure processing
Authors: Nikparvar Bahareh , Andreevskaya Margarita , Duru Ilhan C. , Bucur Florentina I. , Grigore-Gurgu Leontina , Borda Daniela , Nicolau Anca I. , Riedel Christian U. , Auvinen Petri , Bar Nadav
Published: April 2021

Background

The pathogen Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is known to survive heat, cold, high pressure, and other extreme conditions. Although the response of this pathogen to pH, osmotic, temperature, and oxidative stress has been studied extensively, its reaction to the stress produced by high pressure processing HPP (which is a preservation method in the food industry), and the activated gene regulatory network (GRN) in response to this stress is still largely unknown.

Results

We used RNA sequencing transcriptome data of L. monocytogenes (ScottA) treated at 400 MPa and 8∘C, for 8 min and combined it with current information in the literature to create a transcriptional regulation database, depicting the relationship between transcription factors (TFs) and their target genes (TGs) in L. monocytogenes. We then applied network component analysis (NCA), a matrix decomposition method, to reconstruct the activities of the TFs over time. According to our findings, L. monocytogenes responded to the stress applied during HPP by three statistically different gene regulation modes: survival mode during the first 10 min post-treatment, repair mode during 1 h post-treatment, and re-growth mode beyond 6 h after HPP. We identified the TFs and their TGs that were responsible for each of the modes. We developed a plausible model that could explain the regulatory mechanism that L. monocytogenes activated through the well-studied CIRCE operon via the regulator HrcA during the survival mode.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the timely activation of TFs associated with an immediate stress response, followed by the expression of genes for repair purposes, and then re-growth and metabolism, could be a strategy of L. monocytogenes to survive and recover extreme HPP conditions. We believe that our results give a better understanding of L. monocytogenes behavior after exposure to high pressure that may lead to the design of a specific knock-out process to target the genes or mechanisms. The results can help the food industry select appropriate HPP conditions to prevent L. monocytogenes recovery during food storage.
Development of a pre-hospital emergencies protocol for the management of suicidal patients in Iran
Authors: Shirzad Fatemeh , Gholamzad Shakiba , Shafiee Maisam , Shariat Seyed Vahid
Published: April 2021

Background

Suicide is a painful consequence of many psychiatric disorders and one of the most frequent psychiatric emergencies. Generally, pre-hospital technician is the first person in the treatment chain who attends the situation; hence, his/her sound clinical judgment and professional behavior can play an important role in preventing or stopping the suicide process. We tried to develop a concise, evidence-based, and step-by-step guide for dealing with a suicidal patient, which could be quickly reviewed by technicians before confronting a suicide situation.

Method

We reviewed the literature for suicide management plans and protocols, to extract the evidence-based interventions and instructions for dealing with a suicide situation. Then, we discussed the extracted material in an expert panel, and developed the initial version of the protocol considering the local socio-cultural issues and available facilities. Subsequently, we reviewed the protocol in a meeting with pre-hospital technicians and emergency physicians, to receive their feedback and address any possible executive problems. Finally, we revised the protocol to its final version considering the feedbacks.

Results

The basic principles of dealing with a suicidal patient are similar to other psychiatric emergencies and include: Patient Safety; Patient evaluation and diagnosis; and Patient (behavioral and pharmacological) management. However, specific considerations should be taken into account and special arrangements are necessary for suicidal patients. Whether the patient has attempted suicide or not, would guide the management to one of the two major paths. In addition, the needs of the family should be considered.

Conclusion

A locally adapted protocol considering existing facilities in the emergency system and cultural issues in Iranian society is provided for pre-hospital emergency technicians.
Correction to: Comparison of hypoxemia, intubation procedure, and complications for noninvasive ventilation against high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a nonrandomized retrospective analysis for effectiveness and safety (NIVaHIC-aHRF)
Authors: Zhang Chao , Ou Min
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Investigating factors affecting the interval between a burn and the start of treatment using data mining methods and logistic regression
Authors: Ahmadi-Jouybari Touraj , Najafi-Ghobadi Somayeh , Karami-Matin Reza , Najafian-Ghobadi Saeid , Najafi-Ghobadi, Khadijeh
Published: April 2021

Background

Burn is a tragic event for an individual, the family, and community. It can cause irreparable physical, mental, economic, and social injury. Researches well documented that a quick visit to a healthcare center can greatly reduce burn injuries. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the effective factors in the interval between a burn and start of treatment in burn patients by comparing three classification data mining methods and logistic regression.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted on 389 hospitalized patients in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Kermanshah city since 2012 to 2015. The data collection instrument was a three-part questionnaire, including demographic information, geographical information, and burn information. Four classification methods (decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression (LR)) were used to identify the effective factors in the interval between burn and start of treatment (less than two hours and equal or more than two hours).

Results

The mean total accuracy of all models is higher than 0.8. The DT model has the highest mean total accuracy (0.87), sensitivity (0.44), positive likelihood ratio (14.58), negative predictive value (0.89) and positive predictive value (0.71). However, the specificity of the SVM model and RF model (0.99) was higher than other models, and the mean negative likelihood ratio (0.98) of the SVM model are higher than other models.

Conclusions

The results of this study shows that DT model performed better that data mining models in terms of total accuracy, sensitivity, positive likelihood ratio, negative predictive value and positive predictive value. Therefore, this method is a promising classifier for investigating the factors affecting the interval between a burn and the start of treatment in burn patients. Also, key factors based on DT model were location of transfer to hospital, place of occurrence, time of accident, religion, history and degree of burn, income, province of residence, burnt limbs and education.
Identifying potential biomarkers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via genome-wide analysis of copy number variation
Authors: Li Yang fan , Zheng Jing , Peng He wei , Cai Xiao lin , Pan Xin ting , Li Hui quan , Hong Qi zhu , Hu Zhi jian , Wu Yun li , Peng Xian-E.
Published: April 2021

Background

The prevalence of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing and emerging as a global health burden. In addition to environmental factors, numerous studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in the development of NAFLD. Copy number variation (CNV) as a genetic variation plays an important role in the evaluation of disease susceptibility and genetic differences. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of CNV to the evaluation of NAFLD in a Chinese population.

Methods

Genome-wide analysis of CNV was performed using high-density comparative genomic hybridisation microarrays (ACGH). To validate the CNV regions, TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was utilized.

Results

A total of 441 CNVs were identified, including 381 autosomal CNVs and 60 sex chromosome CNVs. By merging overlapping CNVs, a genomic CNV map of NAFLD patients was constructed. A total of 338 autosomal CNVRs were identified, including 275 CNVRs with consistent trends (197 losses and 78 gains) and 63 CNVRs with inconsistent trends. The length of the 338 CNVRs ranged from 5.7 kb to 2.23 Mb, with an average size of 117.44 kb. These CNVRs spanned 39.70 Mb of the genome and accounted for ~ 1.32% of the genome sequence. Through Gene Ontology and genetic pathway analysis, we found evidence that CNVs involving nine genes may be associated with the pathogenesis of NAFLD progression. One of the genes (NLRP4 gene) was selected and verified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) method with large sample size. We found the copy number deletion of NLRP4 was related to the risk of NAFLD.

Conclusions

This study indicate the copy number variation is associated with NAFLD. The copy number deletion of NLRP4 was related to the risk of NAFLD. These results could prove valuable for predicting patients at risk of developing NAFLD.
Understanding factors associated with sarcopenic obesity in older African women from a low-income setting: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Mendham Amy E. , Goedecke Julia H. , Micklesfield Lisa K. , Brooks Naomi E. , Faber Mieke , Christensen Dirk L. , Gallagher Iain J. , Lundin-Olsson Lillemor , Myburgh Kathryn H. , Odunitan-Wayas Feyisayo A. , Lambert Estelle V. , Kalula Sebastiana , Hunter Angus M.
Published: April 2021

Background

High rates of food insecurity, obesity and obesity-related comorbidities in ageing South African (SA) women may amplify the risk of developing sarcopenic obesity. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of sarcopenic obesity and its diagnostic components [grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and body mass index (BMI)] in older SA women from a low-income setting.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited black SA women between the ages of 60–85 years (n = 122) from a low-income community. Testing included a fasting blood sample (markers of cardiometabolic risk, HIV), whole body and regional muscle and fat mass (dual-energy absorptiometry x-ray), anthropometry, blood pressure, functional movement tests, current medication use, demographic and health questionnaires, physical activity (PA; accelerometery), household food insecurity access scale, and a one-week quantified food frequency questionnaire. Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) criteria (grip strength and ASM, adjusted for BMI) were used to classify sarcopenia. Participants with sarcopenia alongside a BMI of > 30.0 kg/m2 were classified as having sarcopenic obesity. Prevalence using other criteria (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia and the International Working Group for Sarcopenia) were also explored.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 27.9%, which comprised of sarcopenia without obesity (3.3%) and sarcopenic obesity (24.6%). Other classification criteria showed that sarcopenia ranged from 0.8–14.7%, including 0.8–9.8% without obesity and 0–4.9% with sarcopenic obesity. Using multivariate-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) those with sarcopenic obesity presented with a descriptive profile of higher C-reactive protein, waist circumference, food security and sedentary time than women without sarcopenic obesity (p = 0.046). A similar profile described women with low BMI-adjusted grip strength (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The majority of women with sarcopenia were also obese (88%). We show a large discrepancy in the diagnostic criteria and the potential for significantly underestimating the prevalence of sarcopenia if BMI is not adjusted for. The main variables common to women with sarcopenic obesity were higher food security, lower PA and chronic inflammation. Our data highlights the importance of addressing obesity within these low-income communities to ensure the prevention of sarcopenic obesity and that quality of life is maintained with ageing.
Salivary flow rate and the risk of cognitive impairment among Korean elders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Do Minh-Tung , Vu Huong , Lee Jong-Koo , Park Sang-Min , Son Joung-Sik , Kim Hyun-Duck
Published: April 2021

Background

Salivary function has been suggested to be associated with cognitive impairment. However, the effect of salivary flow rate (SFR) on cognitive impairment remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether SFR is associated with cognitive impairment among Korean elders.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 649 elders aged 65 and older in the Korean community-dwelling population. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Examination. Unstimulated SFR was measured and dichotomized. Denture status, age, sex, education level, smoking, drinking, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were considered confounders. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the adjusted association. Stratified analysis by sex and denture status was performed to clarify the effect modification.

Results

Participants without cognitive impairment showed a higher SFR level than those with cognitive impairment (0.81 mL/min for non-cognitive impairment versus 0.52 mL/min for cognitive impairment,p < 0.001). After controlling for confounders, participants with low SFR (< 0.3 mL/min) were more likely to have cognitive impairment by 1.5 times than participants with normal SFR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–2.10). The association of low SFR with cognitive impairment was higher in women and dentate participants: about 10% higher in women (OR = 1.63, CI = 1.07–2.50) and about 22% higher in dentate participants (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.41–2.90).

Conclusions

Salivary flow rate is independently associated with cognitive impairment among Korean elders. The association was modified in females and dentate elders. Physicians and dentists should consider low SFR and cognitive impairment as a risk factor between them in clinics.