bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Scale to Measure School Leaders’ Use of Twitter for Professional Development and Learning
Authors: Fancera Samuel F.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this research was to develop and test an instrument to measure school leaders’ use of Twitter for professional development (PD) and learning. Findings from an exploratory factor analysis indicate that the resulting nine-item Twitter for PD Scale offers a valid and reliable instrument to measure school leaders’ use of Twitter for PD and learning. Researchers and practitioners can use the Twitter for PD Scale to measure the influence of Twitter-delivered PD on various educational outcomes.
Comparison Between Manual and Automated Analyses in Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance: pH Monitoring for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Authors: Kang Hee Jin , Park Jung Min , Choi Soo Young , Kim Su Il , Lee Young Chan , Eun Young‐Gyu , Ko Seong‐Gyu
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate differences between manual and automated analyses of 24‐hour multichannel intraluminal impedance–pH monitoring for diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Academic center outpatient clinic.

Methods

The study group comprised 127 patients with symptoms suspicious of laryngopharyngeal reflux, who underwent 24‐hour multichannel intraluminal impedance–pH monitoring. Automated and manual analyses were performed for each patient. The following parameters were compared between analyses: number of proximal reflux episodes, proximal exposure time, symptom index, and symptom association probability.

Results

The number of proximal reflux episodes detected by manual analysis was significantly lower than that detected by automated analysis, except in acid reflux cases. The false positive of automated analysis was 39.8%. In addition, the proximal exposure time for manual analysis was significantly lower than that for automated analysis, except in cases of acid reflux. Symptom index and symptom association probability values based on manual analysis were significantly lower than in automated analysis, except in heartburn cases.

Conclusions

Automated analysis demonstrated a tendency of excessive reflux measurement when compared with manual analysis. It is necessary to increase the accuracy of laryngopharyngeal reflux diagnosis through manual analysis.
Studies on friction and wear characteristics of wire rope used in multi-layer winding hoist during inter-circle transition under dry friction
Authors: Zhang Qing , Peng Yuxing , Zhu Zhencai , Tang Wei , Chen Guoan , Zhao Xingning , Wang Fangfang
Published: April 2021

A winding hoist is a key equipment for ultra-deep mine hoisting. The inter-circle transition in the winding process of the hoisting wire rope causes vibration, impact, extrusion, wear, and other negative phenomena, which seriously affect the service life of the rope. In order to explore the effect of inter-circle transition on the friction and wear performance of wire ropes, the present study adopts the principle of equal ratio scaling to build a test rig for an inter-circle transition of wire ropes, and the evolutions of coefficient of friction and maximum friction temperature with increasing the tensioning force and rope speed under dry friction were investigated by the test rig, and the major wear mechanisms under different working conditions were investigated in combination with the wear morphologies. The results show that the coefficient of friction decreases first and then increases with an increase in the tensioning force, and decreases linearly with increasing the rope speed. The evolution of maximum temperature over time under different tensioning forces and rope speeds are all mainly divided into three stages: The rapid growth phase, the slow growth phase, and the stable phase. The influence of the rope speed on the temperature of the wire rope is greater than that of the tensioning force. Moreover, in the process of inter-circle transition, the major wear mechanism is abrasive wear. Furthermore, larger tensioning force and rope speed may cause the steel wires on the contact surface of the wire rope to break.
The pathophysiology of “happy” hypoglycemia
Authors: Loeb Thomas , Ozguler Anna , Baer Geraldine , Baer Michel
Published: April 2021

Background

Hypoglycemia usually includes various neurological symptoms, which are the consequence of neuroglycopenia. When it is severe, it is associated with altered mental status, even coma.

Case presentation

We report the case of a patient with severe hypoglycemia, completely asymptomatic, due to the increase of lactate production in response to tissue hypoperfusion following a hemorrhagic shock. This illustrates that lactate can substitute glucose as an energy substrate for the brain. It is also a reminder that this metabolite, despite its bad reputation maintained by its role as a marker of severity in critical care patients, has a fundamental role in our metabolism.

Conclusions

Following the example of the “happy hypoxemia” recently reported in the literature describing asymptomatic hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients, we describe a case of “happy hypoglycemia.”
A systematic review to identify biomarkers of intake for fermented food products
Authors: Li Katherine J. , Brouwer-Brolsma Elske M. , Burton-Pimentel Kathryn J. , Vergères Guy , Feskens Edith J. M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Fermented foods are ubiquitous in human diets and often lauded for their sensory, nutritious, and health-promoting qualities. However, precise associations between the intake of fermented foods and health have not been well-established. This is in part due to the limitations of current dietary assessment tools that rely on subjective reporting, making them prone to memory-related errors and reporting bias. The identification of food intake biomarkers (FIBs) bypasses this challenge by providing an objective measure of intake. Despite numerous studies reporting on FIBs for various types of fermented foods and drinks, unique biomarkers associated with the fermentation process (“fermentation-dependent” biomarkers) have not been well documented. We therefore conducted a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature to identify biomarkers of fermented foods commonly consumed in diets across the world.

Results

After title, abstract, and full-text screening, extraction of data from 301 articles resulted in an extensive list of compounds that were detected in human biofluids following the consumption of various fermented foods, with the majority of articles focusing on coffee (69), wine (69 articles), cocoa (62), beer (34), and bread (29). The identified compounds from all included papers were consolidated and sorted into FIBs proposed for a specific food, for a food group, or for the fermentation process. Alongside food-specific markers (e.g., trigonelline for coffee), and food-group markers (e.g., pentadecanoic acid for dairy intake), several fermentation-dependent markers were revealed. These comprised compounds related to the fermentation process of a particular food, such as mannitol (wine), 2-ethylmalate (beer), methionine (sourdough bread, cheese), theabrownins (tea), and gallic acid (tea, wine), while others were indicative of more general fermentation processes (e.g., ethanol from alcoholic fermentation, 3-phenyllactic acid from lactic fermentation).

Conclusions

Fermented foods comprise a heterogeneous group of foods. While many of the candidate FIBs identified were found to be non-specific, greater specificity may be observed when considering a combination of compounds identified for individual fermented foods, food groups, and from fermentation processes. Future studies that focus on how fermentation impacts the composition and nutritional quality of food substrates could help to identify novel biomarkers of fermented food intake.
Hydrological and biogeochemical controls on temporal variations of dissolved carbon and solutes in a karst river, South China
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhong Jun , Chen Shuai , Xu Sen , Li Si-Liang
Published: April 2021

Background

Understanding the responses of riverine dissolved carbon dynamics and chemical weathering processes to short-term climatic variabilities is important to understand the Surface-Earth processes under ongoing climate change. Temporal variations of solutes and stable carbon isotope of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) were analysed during a hydrological year in the Guijiang River, South China. We aimed to unravel the chemical weathering processes and carbon dynamics in karst areas under ongoing climate changes.

Results

Significant positive relationships were found between weathering rates and climatic factors (i.e. temperature and discharge) over the hydrological year. The total flux of CO2 consumption (760.4 × 103 mol/km2/year) in the Guijiang River was much higher than the global mean flux, with a higher CO2 consumption capacity in the Guijiang River relative to most other global rivers. Chemical weathering fluxes in this karst area showed high sensitivity to global climate change. CO2 evasion during the warm–wet seasons was much lower than those during cold–dry seasons. Light δ13CDIC values occurred under high-flow conditions, corresponding with the high temperatures in high-flow seasons. IsoSource modelling revealed that biological carbon could account for 53% of all dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), controlling the temporal carbon variabilities.

Conclusion

This study quantitatively evaluated the temporal variations in CO2 fluxes and carbon cycling of karstic river systems and demonstrated that riverine carbon cycling will have a higher sensibility to ongoing global climate change. High discharges accelerate solutes transport, with relatively large quantities of 13C-depleted carbon being flushed into rivers. Meanwhile, high temperatures also accelerate organic carbon mineralisation, producing high content of soil CO2, whose influx can shift the 13C-depleted values in the high-flow seasons. Taken together, biological carbon influx should be responsible for the temporal carbon dynamics.
Insights from macroevolutionary modelling and ancestral state reconstruction into the radiation and historical dietary ecology of Lemuriformes (Primates, Mammalia)
Authors: Fulwood Ethan L. , Shan Shan , Winchester Julia M. , Kirveslahti Henry , Ravier Robert , Kovalsky Shahar , Daubechies Ingrid , Boyer Doug M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Lemurs once rivalled the diversity of rest of the primate order despite thier confinement to the island of Madagascar. We test the adaptive radiation model of Malagasy lemur diversity using a novel combination of phylogenetic comparative methods and geometric methods for quantifying tooth shape.

Results

We apply macroevolutionary model fitting approaches and disparity through time analysis to dental topography metrics associated with dietary adaptation, an aspect of mammalian ecology which appears to be closely related to diversification in many clades. Metrics were also reconstructed at internal nodes of the lemur tree and these reconstructions were combined to generate dietary classification probabilities at internal nodes using discriminant function analysis. We used these reconstructions to calculate rates of transition toward folivory per million-year intervals. Finally, lower second molar shape was reconstructed at internal nodes by modelling the change in shape of 3D meshes using squared change parsimony along the branches of the lemur tree. Our analyses of dental topography metrics do not recover an early burst in rates of change or a pattern of early partitioning of subclade disparity. However, rates of change in adaptations for folivory were highest during the Oligocene, an interval of possible forest expansion on the island.

Conclusions

There was no clear phylogenetic signal of bursts of morphological evolution early in lemur history. Reconstruction of the molar morphologies corresponding to the ancestral nodes of the lemur tree suggest that this may have been driven by a shift toward defended plant resources, however. This suggests a response to the ecological opportunity offered by expanding forests, but not necessarily a classic adaptive radiation initiated by dispersal to Madagascar.
Health-related quality of life in patients with recurrent pericarditis: results from a phase 2 study of rilonacept
Authors: Lin David , Klein Allan , Cella David , Beutler Anna , Fang Fang , Magestro Matt , Cremer Paul , LeWinter Martin M. , Luis Sushil Allen , Abbate Antonio , Ertel Andrew , Litcher-Kelly Leighann , Klooster Brittany , Paolini John F.
Published: April 2021

Background

Impact of recurrent pericarditis (RP) on patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated through qualitative patient interviews and as an exploratory endpoint in a Phase 2 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of rilonacept (IL-1α/IL-1β cytokine trap) to treat RP.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten adults with RP to understand symptoms and HRQoL impacts, and the 10-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health (PROMIS GH) v1.2 was evaluated to determine questionnaire coverage of patient experience. The Phase 2 trial enrolled participants with active symptomatic RP (A-RP, n = 16) and corticosteroid-dependent participants with no active recurrence at baseline (CSD-RP, n = 9). All participants received rilonacept weekly during a 6-week base treatment period (TP) plus an optional 18-week extension period (EP). Tapering of concomitant medications, including corticosteroids (CS), was permitted during EP. HRQoL was assessed using the PROMIS GH, and patient-reported pain and blood levels of c-reactive protein (CRP) were collected at Baseline and follow-up periods. A secondary, descriptive analysis of the Phase 2 trial efficacy results was completed using HRQoL measures to characterize both the impact of RP and the treatment effect of rilonacept.

Results

Information from qualitative interviews demonstrated that PROMIS GH concepts are relevant to adults with RP. From the Phase 2 trial, both participant groups showed impacted HRQoL at Baseline (mean PROMIS Global Physical Health [GPH] and Global Mental Health [GMH], were lower than population norm average). In A-RP, GPH/MPH improved by end of base TP and were sustained through EP (similar trends were observed for pain and CRP). Similarly, in CSD-RP, GPH/MPH improved by end of TP and further improved during EP, during CS tapering or discontinuation, without disease recurrence (low pain scores and CRP levels continued during the TP and EP).

Conclusion

This is the first study demonstrating impaired HRQoL in RP. Rilonacept treatment was associated with HRQoL improvements using PROMIS GH scores. Maintained/improved HRQoL during tapering/withdrawal of CS without recurrence suggests that rilonacept may provide an alternative to CS.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov; NCT03980522; 5 June 2019, retrospectively registered; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03980522.
Translation of the updated clinical frailty scale 2.0 into Danish and implications for cross-sectoral reliability
Authors: Fournaise Anders , Nissen Søren Kabell , Lauridsen Jørgen T. , Ryg Jesper , Nickel Christian H. , Gudex Claire , Brabrand Mikkel , Poulsen Lone Musaeus , Andersen-Ranberg Karen
Published: April 2021

The Clinical Frailty Scale, which provides a common language about frailty, was recently updated to version 2.0 to cater for its increased use in areas of medicine usually involved in the care and treatment of older patients. We have previously translated the Clinical Frailty Scale 1.2 into Danish and found inter-rater-reliability to be excellent for primary care physicians, community nurses, and hospital doctors often involved in cross-sectoral collaborations. In this correspondence we present the Danish translation and cultural adaption of the Clinical Frailty Scale 2.0. Our recent findings on cross-sectoral inter-rater reliability for the Clinical Frailty Scale 1.2 are likely also applicable for the Clinical Frailty Scale 2.0.
DNA methylation of tumor associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TACSTD2) loci shows association with clinically aggressive renal cell cancers
Authors: Katzendorn Olga , Peters Inga , Dubrowinskaja Natalia , Tezval Hossein , Tabrizi Pouriya Faraj , von Klot Christoph A. , Hennenlotter Jörg , Lafos Marcel , Kuczyk Markus A. , Serth Jürgen
Published: April 2021

Background

DNA methylation is frequently observed in the development and progression of many human tumors as well as renal cell cancer (RCC). Tumor Associated Calcium Signal Transducer 2 (TACSTD2) participates in cell cycle progression through MAPK signalling pathway activation. Moreover, tumor-specific hypermethylation and association with aggressive cancer characteristics has been found for lung adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Whether TACSTD2 is tumor specifically hypermethylated in RCC or shows association of methylation with adverse clinicopathological parameters and survival of patients has not been investigated at yet.

Methods

Quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) analysis of a locus in the intron 1 region of TACSTD2 gene was carried out in a cross-sectional study of 127 paired RCC and normal samples. In silico analysis of TACSTD2 methylation in the TCGA Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) dataset of 280 patients served as validation cohort. Statistical analyses were carried out using the two-sided paired t-test for matched tumor and normal sample comparisons, logistic regression for subgroup comparisons, Cox regression for analysis of recurrence free survival (RFS) and Pearson correlation analysis for correlation of TACSTD2 methylation and TACSTD2 mRNA in KIRC data.

Results

Higher methylation levels in RCC were significantly associated with advanced disease (p < 0.001), high tumor stage (p = 0.003), tumor differentiation (p = 0.033) and presence of lymph node (p = 0.021) or distant metastases (p = 0.008). TACSTD2 hypermethylation was associated with a shorter RFS of patients and demonstrate statistical independency from clinical parameters as state of metastasis, tumor stage, grade and state of advanced disease. In silico validation using TCGA KIRC data also demonstrated association of TACSTD2 loci with adverse clinicopathology and shortened RFS of patients. In addition, in silico analyses of TCGA KIRC data showed an inverse correlation between DNA methylation levels of TACSTD2 and mRNA expression.

Conclusions

Our results suggest an association between TACSTD2 methylation and disease progression and clinical course of RCC.
Clinically relevant dual probe difference specimen imaging (DDSI) protocol for freshly resected breast cancer specimen staining
Authors: House Broderick J. , Kwon Marcus J. , Schaefer Jasmin M. , Barth Connor W. , Solanki Allison , Davis Scott C. , Gibbs Summer L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Re-excision rates following breast conserving surgery (BCS) remain as high as ~ 35%, with positive margins detected during follow-up histopathology. Additional breast cancer resection surgery is not only taxing on the patient and health care system, but also delays adjuvant therapies, increasing morbidity and reducing the likelihood of a positive outcome. The ability to precisely resect and visualize tumor margins in real time within the surgical theater would greatly benefit patients, surgeons and the health care system. Current tumor margin assessment technologies utilized during BCS involve relatively lengthy and labor-intensive protocols, which impede the surgical work flow.

Methods

In previous work, we have developed and validated a fluorescence imaging method termed dual probe difference specimen imaging (DDSI) to accurately detect benign and malignant tissue with direct correlation to the targeted biomarker expression levels intraoperatively. The DDSI method is currently on par with touch prep cytology in execution time (~ 15-min). In this study, the main goal was to shorten the DDSI protocol by decreasing tissue blocking and washing times to optimize the DDSI protocol to < 10-min whilst maintaining robust benign and malignant tissue differentiation.

Results

We evaluated the utility of the shortened DDSI staining methodology using xenografts grown from cell lines with varied epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression levels, comparing accuracy through receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses across varied tissue blocking and washing times. An optimized 8-min DDSI methodology was developed for future clinical translation.

Conclusions

Successful completion of this work resulted in substantial shortening of the DDSI methodology for use in the operating room, that provided robust, highly receptor specific, sensitive diagnostic capabilities between benign and malignant tissues.
Th cytokine profile in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Quan Wei , An Jingnan , Li Gang , Qian Guanghui , Jin Meifang , Feng Chenxi , Li Si , Li Xiaozhong , Xu Yunyun , Hu Xiaohan
Published: April 2021

Background

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a kind of chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a highly abnormal immune system. This study aimed to detect the serum levels of Th (T helper) cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IFN-γ and TNF-α) in cSLE and healthy controls, and then to elucidate their association with clinical manifestations, disease activity and laboratory parameters. In order to provide clues for early diagnosis and timely intervention treatment of cSLE patients.

Methods

A total of 33 children with cSLE and 30 healthy children were enrolled in this study. Children in the cSLE group were classified into the inactive or active cSLE group according to their SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) score. Th cytokine profiles in the peripheral blood were detected and analysed.

Results

Levels of IL-2, IL-10 and IL-21 in the cSLE group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). Expression of IL-2, IL-10 and IL-21 in the active cSLE group was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), but that of IL-22 expression was markedly lower in the active cSLE group than in the healthy control group (P < 0.001). IL-21 in the inactive SLE group was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group (P < 0.05), and levels of IL-2 and IL-10 in the active cSLE group were significantly higher than those in the inactive cSLE group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). In-depth analysis showed that after excluding age, gender and drug interference, the levels of IL-2 (P < 0.05), IL-6 (P < 0.05) and IL-10 (P < 0.05) were still positively correlated with SLEDAI-2 K scores. However, the levels of IL-6 (P < 0.05) and IFN- γ (P < 0.05) were still negatively correlated with CD4+/CD8+, and the concentration of IL-6 (P < 0.05) was still positively correlated with the occurrence of nephritis.

Conclusion

This study provides a theoretical basis for the discovery of effective methods to regulate imbalance in T lymphocyte subsets in cSLE, which may lead to new approaches for the diagnosis of cSLE.
Economic gradient of onset of disability in India
Authors: Mishra Radhe Shyam , Mohanty Sanjay K. , Cordes Jack , Sahoo Umakanta , Singh Rajeev R. , Subramanian S. V.
Published: April 2021

Background

Disability in India is associated with increasing non-communicable diseases, rising longevity, and increasing accidents and injuries. Though studies have examined prevalence, patterns, and socioeconomic correlates of disability, no attempt has been made in estimating age of onset of disability in India.

Objective

This paper investigates the economic gradient of age of onset of locomotor, visual, hearing, speech, mental retardation, mental illness, and other disabilities in India.

Method

We use nationally representative data of 106,894 disabled individuals from the 76th round of National Sample Survey (NSS), 2018. Descriptive statistics, kernel density, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and linear regression models are used in the analysis.

Result

The disability rate in India was 2184 per 100,000 persons. The disability rate was highest for locomotor (1353) followed by hearing (296), visual (234), speech (228), mental retardation (158), and mental illness (131). Over 85% of mental retardation and 80% of speech disabilities occur at birth, while 82% of locomotor and 81% of visual disabilities occur after birth. Among those who had disability after birth, the median age for mental retardation was 2 years followed by mental illness (28 years), speech (29 years), locomotor (42 years), visual (55 years), and 56 years for hearing disability. Adjusting for socioeconomic covariates, the age of onset of locomotor and speech disabilities among the poorest individuals were 7 and 11 years earlier than the richest, respectively.

Conclusion

The economic gradient of onset of locomotive and speech disabilities are strong. The age of onset of disability was earliest for mental retardation followed by mental illness and speech disability.
Robotic versus laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Isobe Taro , Murakami Naotaka , Minami Taizan , Tanaka Yuya , Kaku Hideaki , Umetani Yuki , Kizaki Junya , Aoyagi Keishiro , Fujita Fumihiko , Akagi Yoshito
Published: April 2021

Background

Robotic distal gastrectomy (RDG) has been increasingly used for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). However, whether RDG has a clinical advantage over laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) is yet to be determined. Thus, this study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of RDG for the treatment of GC as compared with LDG.

Methods

In total, 157 patients were enrolled between February 2018 and August 2020 in this retrospective study. We then compared the surgical outcomes between RDG and LDG using propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis to reduce the confounding differences.

Results

After PSM, a clinicopathologically well-balanced cohort of 100 patients (50 in each group) was analyzed. The operation time for the RDG group (350.1 ± 58.1 min) was determined to be significantly longer than that for the LDG group (257.5 ± 63.7 min; P < 0.0001). Of interest, there was a decreased incidence of pancreatic fistulas and severe complications after RDG as compared with LDG (P = 0.092 and P = 0.061, respectively). In addition, postoperative hospital stay was statistically slightly shorter in the RDG group as compared with the LDG group (12.0 ± 5.6 vs. 13.0 ± 12.3 days; P = 0.038).

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that RDG is a feasible and safe procedure for GC in terms of short-term surgical outcomes. A surgical robot might reduce postoperative severe complications and length of hospital stay.
Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus accompanied with central nephrogenic diabetes secondary to pituitary surgery -a case report
Authors: Zhang Wei , Shen Yimin , Ren Yuezhong , Xin Yvbo , Wang Lijun
Published: April 2021

Background

Diabetes insipidus (DI) can be a common cause of polydipsia and polyuria. Here, we present a case of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI) accompanied with central diabetes insipidus (CDI) secondary to pituitary surgery.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old Chinese woman came to our hospital with the complaints of polydipsia and polyuria for 6 months. Six months ago, she was detected with pituitary apoplexy, and thereby getting pituitary surgery. However, the water deprivation test demonstrated no significant changes in urine volume and urine gravity in response to fluid depression or AVP administration. In addition, the genetic results confirmed a heterozygous mutation in arginine vasopressin receptor type 2 (AVPR2) genes.

Conclusions

She was considered with CNDI as well as acquired CDI secondary to pituitary surgery. She was given with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 25 mg twice a day as well as desmopressin (DDAVP, Minirin) 0.1 mg three times a day. There is no recurrence of polyuria or polydipsia observed for more than 6 months. It can be hard to consider AVPR2 mutation in female carriers, especially in those with subtle clinical presentation. Hence, direct detection of DNA sequencing with AVPR2 is a convenient and accurate method in CNDI diagnosis.
Contribution of the classical polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of a HIV-1 infected patient in Benin: a case report
Authors: Tchiakpe Edmond , Keke René K. , Vidal Nicole , Bachabi Moussa , Gangbo Flore Armande , Diop‑Ndiaye Halimatou , Toure‑Kane Coumba , Yessoufou Akadiri
Published: April 2021

Background

First ambitious target by 2020 of UNAIDS is that 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status. In people older than 18 months of age, serological confirmation test is recommended to confirm HIV infection.

Case presentation

Here we report the case of a patient tested positive with HIV-1, ELISA, Murex® Ag⁄Ab Combination assay (OD450 = 0.802 and cutoff-OD = 0.279) and negative by using FIRST RESPONSE HIV1-2.O CARD TEST (version 2.0) RAPID HIV CARD TEST. Viral load performed with Cobas® TaqMan® 96/Cobas® Ampliprep® was 6.49log10. The virus could be sequenced in partial gag and pol genes and belonged to CRF02_AG clade.

Conclusion

Conventional PCR is a complementary method for the diagnosis of inconclusive HIV-1 serologies by antibodies.
Fungal ethnoecology: observed habitat preferences and the perception of changes in fungal abundance by mushroom collectors in Poland
Authors: Kotowski Marcin Andrzej , Molnár Zsolt , Łuczaj Łukasz
Published: April 2021

Background

Scientists frequently raise the topic of data deficiency related to the abundance and distribution of macrofungi in the context of climate change. Our study is the first detailed documentation on locals’ perception of fungal ecology which covers a large mycophilous region of Europe (Mazovia, Poland).

Methods

A total of 695 semi-structured interviews were carried out among local informants in 38 localities proportionally distributed throughout the study area (one locality approximately every 30 km). Interview questions concerned fungi species collected, their perceived habitats, and whether any changes had been noted in their abundance. As many as 556 respondents provided information concerning fungal ecology. In these descriptions, 35 taxa were mentioned by at least 5 respondents.

Results

The data collected during interviews allowed us to create collective folk descriptions of habitat preferences and a list of 98 different macro-, meso-, and microhabitats of macrofungi described by the respondents. This list of recurring habitats assigned to particular macrofungal taxa coincides with, and sometimes exceeds, data available in scientific publications. Some habitat preferences observed by the informants have not yet been researched or tested by science.

Out of 695 respondents, 366 (53%) noticed a steady decrease in local macrofungi abundance, and only one person claimed to have observed a steady increase. Imleria badia was the only species with increased abundance, as noted by fifteen independent respondents. The main listed reason for abundance decrease was drought (f = 186).

Conclusions

Collected information on the ecology of fungi shows that local knowledge does not generally diverge from scientific knowledge. The acquired information related to macrofungal abundance and ecology may also be used as a tool for the formulation of new scientific questions and theories. The analysis of local fungi observations might contribute to broadening knowledge about local changes in fungi and enable new estimations related to large-scale analysis of macrofungal abundance.
Bleeding risk stratification in coronary artery surgery: the should-not-bleed score
Authors: Petricevic Mirna , Petricevic Mate , Pasalic Marijan , Golubic Cepulic Branka , Raos Mirela , Vasicek Vesna , Goerlinger Klaus , Rotim Kresimir , Gasparovic Hrvoje , Biocina Bojan
Published: April 2021

Background

An estimated 20% of allogeneic blood transfusions in the United States are associated with cardiac surgery. It is estimated that 11% of red cell resources were used for transfusion support of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with a documented wide variability in transfusion rate (7.8 to 92.8%). To address the issue of unnecessary transfusions within the CABG population, we developed a model to predict which patients are at low risk of bleeding for whom transfusion treatment might be considered unnecessary. Herein we present our “SHOULD-NOT-BLEED-SCORE” application developed for the Windows® software platform which is based on our previous research.

Methods

This study is aimed to develop a user-friendly application that stratifies patients with respect to bleeding risk. The statistical model we used in our previous research was focused on detection of CABG patients at low risk of bleeding. The rationale behind such an approach was to identify a CABG patient subgroup at low risk of bleeding. By identifying patients at low risk of bleeding we can define a subgroup of patients for whom transfusion treatment might be considered unnecessary. We developed a Windows platform application based on risk modelling which we previously calculated for 1426 patients undergoing elective CABG from January 2010 to January 2018.

Results

The SHOULD-NOT-BLEED-SCORE risk score is developed for the Windows software platform. A mathematical model that is based on multivariate analysis was used for app development. The variables that entered the scoring system were: Age; Body Mass Index; Chronic Renal Failure; Preoperative Clopidogrel Exposure; Preoperative Red Blood Cells Count; Preoperative Fibrinogen Level; Preoperative Multiplate ASPI test area under the curve (AUC) units. The SHOULD-NOT-BLEED-SCORE identifies/predicts patients without a risk for excessive bleeding with strong discriminatory performance (Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis AUC 72.3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The SHOULD-NOT-BLEED risk scoring application may be useful in the preoperative risk screening process. The clinical and economic burden associated with unnecessary transfusions may be adequately addressed by a preoperative scoring system detecting patients at low risk of bleeding for whom transfusion treatment might be considered unnecessary.
Serum amyloid A levels and alpha 2 and gamma globulins on serum protein electrophoresis in cats exposed to and infected with Leishmania infantum
Authors: Savioli Giulia , Archer Joy , Brianti Emanuele , Benelli Giovanni , Schnyder Manuela , Iatta Roberta , Otranto Domenico , Cantacessi Cinzia
Published: April 2021

Background

Dogs are the main reservoir hosts of Leishmania infantum; nevertheless, recent investigations indicate a likely role for cats in the epidemiology of Leishmania infection. Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) remains poorly characterised, partly due to the lack of suitable diagnostic tools. This study aimed to compare serum amyloid A (SAA) levels and serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) profiles (specifically, alpha 2 and gamma globulins) in cats naturally exposed to or infected by L. infantum from southern Italy versus those of healthy controls and versus cats with neoplastic or inflammatory conditions from non-endemic areas.

Methods

Serum or plasma samples from four cohorts of cats were analysed for SAA levels and by SPE: (i) G1: healthy controls from Leishmania-non-endemic regions of Switzerland; (ii) G2: cats pre-diagnosed with neoplastic or inflammatory conditions available from the University of Cambridge sample archive; (iii) G3: L. infantum-seropositive, quantitative (q)PCR-negative cats from southern Italy; (iv) G4: L. infantum-seropositive and qPCR-positive cats from southern Italy. SAA data were assessed for normality and homoscedasticity using the Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s tests, respectively; the Kruskall–Wallis test, followed by Dunn’s test with Bonferroni correction were subsequently used to compare SAA serum levels between groups. A weighted generalised linear model with a binomial distribution was used to assess statistically significant differences in the numbers of animals displaying elevated gamma globulins and increased alpha 2 globulins between groups.

Results

Overall, 68 samples were analysed (G1: n = 16, G2: n = 20, G3: n = 20, G4: n = 12). Cats suffering from neoplastic and inflammatory conditions (G2 ) showed significantly higher SAA levels than healthy controls (G1) (median values [interquartile range]: G1: 0.00 [0.00–0.00] mg/l versus G2: 0.85 [0.00–49.55] mg/l). G2, G3 and G4 cats showed higher percentages of individuals with increased alpha 2 globulins (percentages ± standard error: G1 = 20.0% ± 10.3, G2 = 80.0% ± 8.9, G3 = 70.0% ± 10.2, G4 = 75.0% ± 12.5) and gamma globulins (G1 = 0.0% ± 0, G2 = 65.0% ± 10.7, G3 = 50.0% ± 11.2, G4 = 58.3% ± 14.2) than healthy control cats (G1). For all three markers, no significant difference between cats within G2, G3 and G4 was recorded.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the proportions of animals with elevated levels of alpha 2 and gamma globulins are significantly higher in cats exposed to and infected with L. infantum. Levels of SAA and alpha 2 and gamma globulins may not be used to differentiate between L. infantum infection or exposure, and neoplastic and/or inflammatory conditions.

Graphical Abstract
“Walking into the unknown…” key challenges of pregnancy and early parenting with inflammatory arthritis: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Rebić Nevena , Garg Ria , Ellis Ursula , Kitchin Vanessa , Munro Sarah , Hazlewood Glen , Amiri Neda , Bansback Nick , De Vera Mary A.
Published: April 2021

Background

To conduct a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies on the pregnancy and early parenting experiences of patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA).

Methods

We searched online databases for English-language, qualitative studies capturing the experiences of females with IA or their healthcare providers with pregnancy and/or early parenthood. We extracted findings from included studies and used thematic synthesis to develop descriptive and higher-order analytical themes.

Results

Of 20 included studies, our analysis identified 5 analytical themes among patients and 3 among providers. Patients’ reproductive desires, the impact of IA on their ability to experience pregnancy, and the availability of information to guide preparedness informed their pregnancy decisions. Patients’ IA management, pregnancy expectations, and access to support influenced their reproductive experiences. Patients’ experiences seeking information and care revealed substantial gaps in reproductive care provision to patients with IA. Reproductive uncertainty related to IA placed a heavy burden on patients’ emotional and psychological wellbeing. Reproductive care provision was influenced by providers’ perceived professional responsibility to address patients’ reproductive goals, fears of negative outcomes, and capacity to harness patient trust, incorporate reproductive care into rheumatology practice and facilitate multi-disciplinary care coordination.

Conclusions

Our review illuminated several barriers to experiencing pregnancy among patients with IA, particularly related to pregnancy planning support, availability of information, and care coordination among the patient’s healthcare team. To improve care, these barriers may be mitigated through the provision of relevant, practical, and consistent information as well as patient-centred multi-disciplinary approaches for managing pregnancy among patients with IA.
Trained immunity induced by in vivo peptide-based STAT6 inhibition prevents ragweed allergy in mice
Authors: Michael Husheem , Li Yuanyi , Wang Yufa , McCusker Christine T.
Published: April 2021

Background

Trained immunity is the ability of the innate immune system to form immune memory responses to provide support the formation of appropriate adaptive responses. Allergic airways disease (AAD) is a maladapted immune response to allergens, initiated and maintained by the type 2 (T2) inflammatory pathway. It is predicated by the elaboration of cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 and follows activation of the STAT6 transcription factor.

Objective

To investigate the role of trained immunity in mucosal immune responses following neonatal vaccination with the STAT6 inhibitory peptide (STAT6-IP), in preventing the development of ragweed-induced AAD.

Methods

We demonstrate that transfer of CD4+ T cells or dendritic cells (DC) from STAT6-IP vaccinated wild-type BALB/c mice to naïve mice, that were subsequently chronically exposed to sensitizing doses of ragweed allergen, is sufficient to prevent development of T2 responses in recipients.

Results

Our results demonstrate significant reductions in; airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR); ragweed-specific IgE; pulmonary inflammation; T2 cytokines; and inflammatory gene expressions in recipient mice. Expression of IDO, TGFβ and T regulatory cells were all significantly increased. Anti-TGFβ treatment during the ragweed sensitization phase re-constituted the pro-inflammatory T2 immune response. We show that tolerance can be attained via DC trained in the STAT6-IP-mediated tolerant milieu. This effect is not restricted to a particular allergen and does not require antigen-mediated T cell activation prior to transfer.

Conclusion

Adoptive transfer experiments suggest that STAT6-IP treatment trains dendritic and cells to mediate tolerant immunity to chronic ragweed exposure in the airways. This indicates that early transient STAT6-inhibition constitutes an effective immunomodulatory airways allergy preventative strategy.
Difference monotonicity analysis on discrete fractional operators with discrete generalized Mittag-Leffler kernels
Authors: Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Hamasalh Faraidun Kadir , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we present the monotonicity analysis for the nabla fractional differences with discrete generalized Mittag-Leffler kernels$( {}^{ABR}_{a-1}{\nabla }^{\delta ,\gamma }y )(\eta )$(a−1ABR∇δ,γy)(η)of order$0<\delta <0.5$0<δ<0.5,$\beta =1$β=1,$0<\gamma \leq 1$0<γ≤1starting at$a-1$a−1. If$({}^{ABR}_{a-1}{\nabla }^{\delta ,\gamma }y ) ( \eta )\geq 0$(a−1ABR∇δ,γy)(η)≥0, then we deduce that$y(\eta )$y(η)is$\delta ^{2}\gamma $δ2γ-increasing. That is,$y(\eta +1)\geq \delta ^{2} \gamma y(\eta )$y(η+1)≥δ2γy(η)for each$\eta \in \mathcal{N}_{a}:=\{a,a+1,\ldots\}$η∈Na:={a,a+1,…}. Conversely, if$y(\eta )$y(η)is increasing with$y(a)\geq 0$y(a)≥0, then we deduce that$({}^{ABR}_{a-1}{\nabla }^{\delta ,\gamma }y )(\eta ) \geq 0$(a−1ABR∇δ,γy)(η)≥0. Furthermore, the monotonicity properties of the Caputo and right fractional differences are concluded to. Finally, we find a fractional difference version of the mean value theorem as an application of our results. One can see that our results cover some existing results in the literature.
Correction to: Effects of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act and environmental, social and economic factors on biogas plant adoption and agricultural land use change
Authors: Yang Xueqing , Liu Yang , Thrän Daniela , Bezama Alberto , Wang Mei
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Oxidative status in plasma, urine and saliva of girls with anorexia nervosa and healthy controls: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kovalčíková Alexandra Gaál , Tichá Ľubica , Šebeková Katarína , Celec Peter , Čagalová Alžbeta , Sogutlu Fatma , Podracká Ľudmila
Published: April 2021

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychosomatic disorder with unclear pathomechanisms. Metabolic dysregulation is associated with disruption of redox homeostasis that might play a pivotal role in the development of AN. The aim of our study was to assess oxidative status and carbonyl stress in plasma, urine and saliva of patients with AN and healthy controls.

Methods

Plasma, spot urine, and saliva were collected from 111 girls with AN (aged from 10 to 18 years) and from 29 age-matched controls. Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status were measured using spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods.

Results

Plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were significantly higher in patients with AN than in healthy controls (by 96, and 82%, respectively). Accordingly, urinary concentrations of AOPP and fructosamines and salivary concentrations of AGEs were higher in girls with AN compared with controls (by 250, and 41% in urine; by 92% in saliva, respectively). Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in saliva were 3-times higher in the patients with AN than in the controls. Overall antioxidants were lower in plasma of girls with AN compared to the controls, as shown by total antioxidant capacity and ratio of reduced and oxidized glutathione (by 43, and 31%, respectively).

Conclusions

This is the first study assessing wide range of markers of oxidative status in plasma, urine and saliva of the patients with AN. We showed that both, higher levels of markers of oxidative stress and lower antioxidants play a role in redox disruption. Restoration of redox homeostasis might be of the clinical relevance
Chemical components of essential oils and biological activities of the aqueous extract of Anethum graveolens L. grown under inorganic and organic conditions
Authors: Ozliman Sedef , Yaldiz Gulsum , Camlica Mahmut , Ozsoy Nurten
Published: April 2021

Background

In sustainable agriculture, the use of farmyard manure (FYM) is of great interest to environmental security and is effective as a good nitrogen source for sustainable crop production. Therefore, determining the effective doses of FYM that will be an alternative to chemical fertilizers, is also important to improve soil fertility and produce healthy products. This study aimed to determine the effects of FYM and ammonium nitrate (AN) fertilizers on the biological value and essential oil content of dill (Anethum graveolensL.).

Methods

Different doses FYM (7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 t ha−1) and AN (30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha−1) were applied by sowing and compared to a control group (no manure). We evaluated the chemical constituents as well as the biological activities of dill herbs and seeds growing at various doses of FYM and AN fertilizers.

Results

The most abundant components of essential oils were found to be dill apiole (11.96 ± 0.83 and 18.65 ± 1.89%) and carvotanacetone (15.90 ± 2.34 and 21.76 ± 1.62%) in the leaves and seeds, respectively. Limonene (9.01 ± 1.11%), 4-isopropyltoluen (8.24 ± 0.89%), dill ether (9.13 ± 1.12%) and mycrene (7.44 ± 0.68%) were major essential oils components in herbs. The highest concentration of the essential oil components was determined as 12.5–15 t ha−1in FYM and 90 AN applications. From the effective concentration (EC50) of the samples, it was seen that 60 kg ha−1AN infusion, 120 kg ha−1AN decoction as well as 7.5 t ha−1FYM and 10 t ha−1FYM essential oils had the highest DPPH, ABTS+and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity as shown by the lowest value of EC50compared to the control. Although the antioxidant activities of the samples were significantly lower than those of the reference antioxidant gallic acid, it was evident that they did show the antioxidative potential for hydrogen and a single electron donor activities, thus could serve as free radical scavengers, and act as reductant. In particular, the highest total phenolic content (18.36 ± 0.35 mg g−1) was found in the infusion extract after applying the 60 kg ha−1AN fertilizer. Essential oils extracted from the seeds also exhibited strong antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, andPseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest antibacterial activity against all tested microbial species was observed with the 10 t ha−1FYM application.

Conclusion

The findings of the study suggest that the application of FYM has promising effects on dill leaf, seed, and herb and can be considered as a suitable substitute for chemical fertilizers when growing dill, a plant with increasing importance and demand.