bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long non-coding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2: role and function in human cancers
Authors: Ma ShuoShuo , Wang WenJing , Zhang DengYong , Zhao GuanRu , Lu Zheng
Published: September 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a family of non-protein-coding RNAs that span a length of over 200 nucleotides. Research reports have illustrated that lncRNAs are involved in various cellular processes and that their abnormal expression leads to the occurrence and development of various tumors. Colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) was first reported as an oncogene in colon cancer. LncRNA CCAT2 is abnormally expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, glioma, and other tumors. In tumor tissues, abnormally overexpressed CCAT2 can affect cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, and other biological behaviors through endogenous RNAs mechanisms, various signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, and other complex mechanisms. Additionally, the overexpression of CCAT2 is also closely related to the tumor size, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, survival time, and other prognostic factors, suggesting that it is a potential prognostic indicator. This article reviews the biological functions of CCAT2 and its mechanisms of action in tumors from previous studies. In this review, we attempt to provide a molecular basis for future clinical applications of lncRNA CCAT2.
The Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Postpartum Depression Between Primiparous and Secundiparous
Authors: Huang Cuiqin , Fan Yajing , Hu Sanlian
Published: September 2022

Since the implementation of “two-child policy” in China, the prevalence and influencing factors of postpartum depression (PPD) between women at first childbirth and second childbirth remains unclear. We aimed to compare the prevalence and the influencing factors of PPD between the two groups. Postpartum women were recruited at their 6-week postpartum checkups and invited to complete questionnaires. The prevalence rate of PPD was 42.1%. There was no statistical difference found regarding the prevalence of PPD and the total score on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale between the two groups. The median of the item “self-injury” was significantly higher among women at first childbirth. Women with gestational diabetes in pregnancy, antenatal anxiety and depression, abortion, having babies getting sick occasionally, and deteriorated relationships with partner in pregnancy had much higher risks for PPD. Both primiparous and secundiparous had a high prevalence of PPD. It provides scientific evidence for clinical preventive and nursing care for PPD.
Optimizing the Use of Autografts, Allografts, and Alloplastic Materials in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Chen Kevin , Schultz Benjamin D. , Mattos David , Reish Richard G.
Published: September 2022

Learning Objectives:

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the autologous graft options available to the rhinoplasty surgeon, including septal cartilage, auricular cartilage, costal cartilage, and bone. 2. Understand the autograft and allograft options available to the rhinoplasty surgeon, including cadaveric costal cartilage, silicone, Medpor, and Gore-Tex. 3. Identify the ideal situations to use each of these implant materials. 4. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the different autografts, allografts, and implants in rhinoplasty.

This review focuses on the graft options available to the modern rhinoplasty surgeon. Autologous options are varied in the quality of cartilage harvested and the morbidity of the donor site. In addition, surgeons should understand the allograft options should autologous grafting be unfeasible or undesirable. New technological advances in processing of allograft cartilage makes this an attractive secondary option.
Competency-Based Education: Will This be the New Training Paradigm in Plastic Surgery?
Authors: Reddy Narainsai K. , Applebaum Sarah A. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: September 2022

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education created the “Next Accreditation System” in 2013 requiring residents to meet educational milestones based on core competencies over the course of their training. The 6 core competencies include patient care and technical skills, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. Since the traditional time-based model requires a predetermined length of training irrespective of learning style, pace, or activity, a competency-based model is appealing because it refocuses education on deliberate and relevant skills acquisition and retention. Plastic surgery has been slowly transitioning to competency-based education (CBE), thereby permitting residents to learn at their own pace to master each competency. We performed a nonsystematic literature review of the efficacy of CBE and implementation efforts, particularly within plastic surgery. The literature revealed perceived barriers to implementation, as well as the nuts and bolts of implementation. We highlighted possible solutions and training tools with practical applications in plastic surgery. Success of CBE in plastic surgery requires instituting a transparent process that involves continuously piloting multiple assessment tools and a discussion of related costs. CBE may be particularly appealing for trainees focused on further training in craniofacial or pediatric plastic surgery after completion of an integrated or independent training program in plastic surgery to allow them to focus on their career interests once competence is achieved in the core skills required of a plastic surgeon.
Pressure Injury Prevention and Management
Authors: Pittman Joyce , Otts Jo Ann , Riley Bettina , Mulekar Madhuri S.
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to examine pressure injury prevention and management (PIPM) practices in an academic acute care setting. Specific aims were to (1) develop and examine key stakeholder engagement regarding PIPM practices, (2) develop a valid/reliable gap analysis instrument, and (3) conduct a gap analysis of current PIPM practices.

DESIGN:

Mixed-methods convergent design and participatory action research.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

A nurse-led council (Council) of key stakeholders from a large academic university healthcare setting was developed. The gap analysis was conducted in a southern gulf coast level I trauma academic acute care hospital in the Southeastern United States.

METHODS:

A multidisciplinary key stakeholder Council with 27 members was developed to accomplish study aims using the participatory action research approach to train, promote, and foster key stakeholder engagement in all aspects of the research process. The Pressure Injury Prevention Gap Analysis Instrument (PIPGAI) was developed and psychometrically tested. A gap analysis of PIPM practices across a level I trauma academic acute care hospital was conducted using the PIPGAI.

RESULTS:

The PIPGAI was developed using 2019 Pressure Ulcer/Injury Clinical Practice Guideline recommendations, an integrative literature review/appraisal, a concept map, and Council input. The overall PIPGAI content validity index of 0.95 demonstrated excellent content validity. The individual item content validity index scores ranged from 0.62 to1.0. Low-scoring items (0.62-0.75) were deleted or revised. Interrater reliability was demonstrated by percentage of agreement (62%-79%). Using a modified Delphi approach, items of disagreement were summarized and discussed until 100% consensus was achieved. A gap analysis of PIPM practices was conducted resulting in a cumulative score of 267/553 (48%), indicating gaps in PIPM practices. Fifty (73%) items had content present; 37 of 58 (64%) items had minimal detail, and 36 of 58 (62%) items were difficult or required notable effort to accomplish. Fifty items (63%) had a total score of 4 or less and were identified as a gap (range: 0-7).

CONCLUSIONS:

The main outcome of this study was an innovative and evidence-based gap analysis process. The study provides (1) a model for key stakeholder engagement, (2) a valid/reliable gap analysis instrument, and (3) a method to evaluate PIPM practices.
A Cross-Sectional Survey Reporting on the Value of Patient-Centered Ostomy Programs
Authors: McNichol Laurie , Markiewicz Anna , Goldstine Jimena , Nichols Thom R.
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate a postsurgical ostomy patient support program in regard to postsurgical experience, education, skin care, pouching system and accessory use, insurance issues, supplier assistance, hospital readmission status, and the benefit of multiple interactions.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional design.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

Potential respondents were randomly selected from a group of adults 18 years or older who underwent ostomy surgery within 6 months prior to survey completion. Nine hundred seventy-one individuals met inclusion criteria, and 297 were selected for analysis, based on having 1 or more program interactions. Data were collected between the second and third quarters of 2020. All participants were residents of the United States.

METHODS:

Participants were contacted by e-mail containing an invitation to participate in a survey; the e-mail also described the intent of the survey. Survey distribution was conducted by the sponsor and linked to a third-party survey management organization for compilation. The survey questionnaire, developed specifically for the purpose of this study, comprised 73 items that queried demographic and pertinent clinical data, participation in an industry-sponsored patient support program, and their post–hospital discharge experiences including unplanned health care provider visits, emergency department visits, and hospital readmissions.

RESULTS:

Eighty-three percent (n = 237) of respondents did not have postsurgical ostomy-related emergency department visits, 75% (n = 223) did not have related unplanned physician visits, and 90% (n = 268) did not have related hospitalizations. Participants with 2 or more interactions were more likely to contact a program representative for issues of stoma care, leakage and skin care, ostomy products/accessories, and supplier issues than their single-interaction counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS:

Study findings suggest that patients with new ostomies benefited from engagement in an industry-sponsored patient support program. The benefit appears to arise from personal interactions and respondents; 2 or more interactions were shown to have greater benefit than a single interaction.
United Ostomy Associations of America's Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights
Authors: Gleba Jeanine , Miller Leslie Riggle , Peck B. Mitchell , Burgess-Stocks Joanna
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to examine best practices through utilization of United Ostomy Associations of America's (UOAA's) Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights (PBOR) from the perspective of patients and clinicians.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional, comparative design.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

The sample comprised 412 patients with ostomies (colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy) and continent diversions (such as J-pouch) and 195 clinicians (physicians, nurses, nurse assistants) residing in the United States. All patients underwent surgery within the United States. Almost half of participants (n = 196/412; 47.6%) had surgery within 5 years of data collection.

METHODS:

Participants were recruited between 2019 and 2020. Patient data were collected from UOAA's national conference and affiliated ostomy support groups. Clinician data were collected at the 2019 National WOCN Society Conference and through affiliated nursing and medical professional societies. Participants completed a self-administered online or printed survey; items focused on the Ostomy and Continent Diversion PBOR and standards of ostomy care.

RESULTS:

Among clinicians familiar with the PBOR, 54% (n = 58/106) reported UOAA's PBOR was being used to inform ostomy care. When analyzing the full sample of both clinicians and patients, we found that less than 13% (n = 25/195) of clinicians and 5% (n = 20/412) of patients reported that all 16 of the recommended standards of care outlined in the PBOR were incorporated into ostomy care. Analysis also revealed differences between patients' and clinicians' reports of provision of 14 of the 16 PBOR components. They include a discussion on emotional impact of the ostomy surgery, instructions on troubleshooting potential difficulties with the ostomy, provision of educational materials, and providing information for ordering supplies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Study findings showed discrepancies between the PBOR standards of care being provided by clinicians versus the care patients reported they received. Findings also indicated variability in the consistency of delivering all components of the PBOR. We assert that further awareness and wider utilization of the PBOR in every health care setting in the United States are needed to provide best care to patients living with an ostomy.
Preliminary Exploration on the Efficacy of Augmented Reality-Guided Hepatectomy for Hepatolithiasis
Authors: Wu Xiwen , Zeng Ning , Hu Haoyu , Pan Mingxin , Jia Fucang , Wen Sai , Tian Jie , Yang Jian , Fang Chihua
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND:

The augmented reality-assisted navigation system (AR-ANS) has been initially applied to the management of hepatolithiasis. The current study examines the safety and efficacy of the AR-ANS for hepatectomy in the treatment of hepatolithiasis. It is the first study to assess the preoperative and long-term outcomes of hepatectomy guided by the AR-ANS for hepatolithiasis.

STUDY DESIGN:

From January 2018 to December 2021, 77 patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent hepatectomy at Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University were included. The subjects were divided into the AR group (n = 31) and the non-AR group (n = 46) according to whether the surgery was guided by the AR-ANS. Clinical baseline features, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, immediate postoperative residual stone rate, postoperative stone recurrence rate at 6 months, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS:

There was no significant difference between preoperative baseline data from the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The AR group had a longer surgical time than the non-AR group (p < 0.001). The intraoperative blood loss in the AR group was lower than in the non-AR group (p < 0.001). Alanine transaminase, aminotransferase, immediate residual stone rate, and stone recurrence rate in the AR group were lower than in the non-AR group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

The application of the AR-ANS in hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis has not only achieved satisfactory therapeutic efficacy, but has also shown significant advantages in reducing intraoperative blood loss, immediate stone residual rate, and stone recurrence rate, which has clinical promotion value.
A stable home for an equine pathogen: valid publication of the binomial Prescottella equi gen. nov., comb. nov., and reclassification of four rhodococcal species into the genus Prescottella.
Authors: Sangal Vartul , Goodfellow Michael , Jones Amanda L. , Sutcliffe Iain C.
Published: September 2022

Opinion 106 of the Judicial Commission has clarified the nomenclature of the taxon variously named

Rhodococcus equi

, ‘Prescottella equi’ and

Rhodococcus hoagii

. As a consequence, we present here the genus name

Prescottella

and that of its nomenclatural type species,

Prescottella equi

comb. nov., for valid publication and propose the reclassification of four rhodococcal species as novel combinations in the genus, namely Prescottella agglutinans Guo et al. 2015 comb. nov., Prescottella defluvii Kämpfer et al. 2014 comb. nov., Prescottella soli Li et al. 2015 comb. nov. and Prescottella subtropica Lee et al. 2019 comb. nov. In addition, we note that a clinical isolate, strain 86–07 (=W8901), likely represents an additional species within the genus

Prescottella

. Nearly a century after the original description of the type strain of the type species as

Corynebacterium equi

, we provide a stable home for

Prescottella equi

and its relatives.
Phylodynamic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spread in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, highlights how metropolitan areas act as dispersal hubs for new variants
Authors: Lamarca Alessandra Pavan , de Almeida Luiz G. P. , Francisco Ronaldo da Silva , Cavalcante Liliane , Brustolini Otávio , Gerber Alexandra L. , Guimarães Ana Paula de C. , de Oliveira Thiago Henrique , dos Santos Nascimento Érica Ramos , Policarpo Cintia , de Souza Isabelle Vasconcellos , de Carvalho Erika Martins , Ribeiro Mario Sergio , Carvalho Silvia , Dias da Silva Flávio , de Oliveira Garcia Marcio Henrique , de Souza Leandro Magalhães , Da Silva Cristiane Gomes , Ribeiro Caio Luiz Pereira , Cavalcanti Andréa Cony , de Mello Claudia Maria Braga , Tanuri Amilcar , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R. de
Published: September 2022

During the first semester of 2021, all of Brazil has suffered an intense wave of COVID-19 associated with the Gamma variant. In July, the first cases of Delta variant were detected in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In this work, we have employed phylodynamic methods to analyse more than 1 600 genomic sequences of Delta variant collected until September in Rio de Janeiro to reconstruct how this variant has surpassed Gamma and dispersed throughout the state. After the introduction of Delta, it has initially spread mostly in the homonymous city of Rio de Janeiro, the most populous of the state. In a second stage, dispersal occurred to mid- and long-range cities, which acted as new close-range hubs for spread. We observed that the substitution of Gamma by Delta was possibly caused by its higher viral load, a proxy for transmissibility. This variant turnover prompted a new surge in cases, but with lower lethality than was observed during the peak caused by Gamma. We reason that high vaccination rates in the state of Rio de Janeiro were possibly what prevented a higher number of deaths.
COVID-19 induced birth sex ratio changes in England and Wales
Authors: Masukume Gwinyai , Ryan Margaret , Masukume Rumbidzai , Zammit Dorota , Grech Victor , Mapanga Witness , Inoue Yosuke
Published: September 2022

Background

The sex ratio at birth (male live births divided by total live births) may be a sentinel health indicator. Stressful events reduce this ratio 3-5 months later by increasing male fetal loss. This ratio can also change 9 months after major population events that are linked to an increase or decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse at the population level, with the ratio either rising or falling respectively after the event. We postulated that stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected the ratio in England and Wales.

Methods

Publicly available, monthly live birth data for England and Wales was obtained from the Office for National Statistics up to December 2020. The sex ratio at birth for 2020 (global COVID-19 onset) was predicted using data from 2012-2019. Observed and predicted values were compared.

Results

Three months after COVID-19 was declared pandemic (March 2020), there was a significant fall in the sex ratio at birth to 0.5100 in June 2020 which was below the 95% prediction interval of 0.5102-0.5179. Nine months after the pandemic declaration, (December 2020), there was a significant rise to 0.5171 (95% prediction interval 0.5085-0.5162). However, December 2020 had the lowest number of live births of any month from 2012 to 2020.

Conclusions

Given that June 2020 falls within the crucial window when population stressors are known to affect the sex ratio at birth, these findings imply that the start of the COVID-19 pandemic caused population stress with notable effects on those who were already pregnant by causing a disproportionate loss of male fetuses. The finding of a higher sex ratio at birth in December 2020, i.e., 9 months after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, suggests that lockdown restrictions initially spurred more sexual activity in a subset of the population in March 2020.
Profiling Neuronal Methylome and Hydroxymethylome of Opioid Use Disorder in the Human Orbitofrontal Cortex
Authors: Rompala Gregory , Nagamatsu Sheila T. , Martínez-Magaña José Jaime , Wang Jiawei , Girgenti Matthew J. , Krystal John H. , Gelernter Joel ,   Traumatic Stress Brain Research Group, Hurd Yasmin L. , Montalvo-Ortiz Janitza L.
Published: September 2022

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. While recent research suggests that there are epigenetic disturbances in OUD, these studies were limited to DNA methylation (5mC). DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) has been understudied in psychiatric disorders and addiction, despite being highly enriched in the brain where it regulates critical functions, including neural plasticity. Here, we conducted a multi-omic profiling of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of OUD, integrating neuronal-specific 5mC and 5hmC as well as within-subject correlations with gene expression profiles from human postmortem samples (OUD=12; controls=26). Further, co-methylation modules and GWAS enrichment were analyzed for 5mC and 5hmC. Evaluation of single locus methylomic alterations identified 397 and 1740 differentially 5mC and 5hmC CpGs, respectively. Enrichment for neuronal function was observed for 5hmC, while no significant pathways were observed for 5mC. 5mC and 5hmC co-methylation analysis identified modules associated with OUD enriched for Pre-NOTCH Transcription and Translation, and WNT signaling. Transcriptomic analysis identifiedHBBas significantly associated with OUD. Finally, drug interaction analysis showed seven differential 5hmC genes and one differential 5mC gene interacting with opioid use. Our multi-omic findings suggest an important role of 5hmC and reveal novel loci epigenetically dysregulated in OFC neurons of individuals with OUD.
Rehabilitation strategies for lateral ankle sprain do not reflect established mechanisms of re-injury: A systematic review
Authors: Wagemans Jente , Bleakley Chris , Taeymans Jan , Kuppens Kevin , Schurz Alexander Philipp , Baur Heiner , Vissers Dirk
Published: September 2022

Research questions

What is the primary impairment addressed by each exercise included in exercise-based rehabilitation programs for patients who suffered an acute ankle sprain?

Do prescribed exercises incorporate complex tasks associated with common ankle sprain injury mechanisms?

Methods

We searched six electronic databases (CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro, Google Scholar) for randomized controlled trials including patients with acute ankle sprains, managed through exercise-based rehabilitation. Exercises were analysed based on: the primary impairment(s) addressed (muscle strength, mobility, neuromuscular training, performance); direction of movement (uni-vs multiplanar); base of support (single vs double limb); weightbearing status (open vs closed chain); and use of a flight phase. (PROSPERO: CRD42020210858)

Results

We included fourteen randomized controlled trials comprising 177 exercises. Neuromuscular function was addressed in 44% of exercises, followed by performance tasks (23%), and muscle strengthening (20%). Exercises were limited to movements across the sagittal plane (48%), with 31% incorporating multiplanar movements. Weight bearing exercises were almost divided equally between single-limb (59/122) and double leg stance exercises (61/122). Eighteen percent of all exercises (34/177) incorporated a flight phase.

Conclusions

Rehabilitation after LAS largely comprises simple exercises in the sagittal plane that do not reflect established mechanisms of re-injury. Future interventions can be enhanced by incorporating more open chain joint position sense training, multiplanar single limb challenges, and jumping and landing exercises.
Genetic variants associated with longitudinal cognitive performance in older breast cancer patients and controls
Authors: Nudelman Kelly N. H. , Nho Kwangsik , Zhang Michael , McDonald Brenna C. , Zhai Wanting , Small Brent J. , Wegel Claire E. , Jacobsen Paul B. , Jim Heather S. L. , Patel Sunita K. , Graham Deena M. A. , Ahles Tim A. , Root James C. , Foroud Tatiana M. , Breen Elizabeth C. , Carroll Judith E. , Mandelblatt Jeanne S. , Saykin Andrew J. ,   the Thinking and Living with Cancer (TLC) Study
Published: September 2022

Background

There have been no published genome-wide studies of the genetics of cancer- and treatment-related cognitive decline (CRCD); the purpose of this study is to identify genetic variants associated with CRCD in older female breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Analyses included white non-Hispanic breast cancer women with non-metastatic breast cancer aged 60+ (N=325) and age-, racial/ethnic group, and education-matched controls (N=340) with pre-systemic treatment and one-year follow-up cognitive outcomes. CRCD was assessed using longitudinal domain scores on neurocognitive tests of Attention, Processing speed, and Executive function (APE), and Learning and Memory (LM). Linear regression models of one-year cognition included an interaction term for SNP or gene SNP enrichment*cancer case/control status, controlling for demographic variables and baseline cognition.

Results

Cancer patients carrying minor alleles for two SNPs, rs76859653 (chromosome 1) in the hemicentin 1 (HMCN1) gene (p=1.624×10−8), and rs78786199 (chromosome 2, p=1.925×10−8) in an intergenic region had lower one-year APE scores than non-carriers and controls. Gene-level analyses showed the POC5 centriolar protein gene was enriched for SNPs associated with differences in longitudinal LM performance between patients and controls.

Conclusion

The SNPs associated with cognition in survivors, but not controls, were members of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase family, which play important roles in cell signaling, cancer risk, and neurodegeneration. These findings provide preliminary evidence that novel genetic loci may drive susceptibility to CRCD.
Toxicity of microplastics and plastic additive co-exposure in liver Disse organoids from healthy donors and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Liang Shaojun , Luo Yixue , Yi Jun , Feng Lu , Xu Mingen , Yao Rui
Published: September 2022

The ubiquitous microplastics (MPs) and plastic additives in the environment usually form complexes, enter human blood circulation, and increase the risk of steatohepatitis. The liver Disse space plays a vital role in corresponding hepatic pathological processes. However, due to the limited understanding of the regulatory cues in multilineage maturation, the generation of large-scale Disse-like organoids (DOs) mirroring the comprehensive toxicity responses of MPs is challenging. Here, using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), we biofabricated healthy donors and patient-derived DOs containing hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and hepatic stellate cells, resembling the features of Disse space. These organoids revealed that polystyrene MPs preferentially entered endothelial cells and then dispersed throughout the organoids, similar to reported studies in zebrafish. Co-exposure to MPs and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a common plastic additive, showed enhanced accumulation of contamination in the organoids. We also biofabricated alcoholic liver disease (ALD) patient-derived DOs representing the specific disease transcriptional profiles. We found that co-exposure to MPs and TBBPA at environmental-related dosages significantly elevated the pathological transcriptional expression and biochemical profiles in patient-derived DOs but not in healthy organoids, suggesting that both hereditary factors and pollutants contribute to susceptibility to environmental toxicants. This study exemplified the value of biofabricated hiPSC-derived organoids in environmental toxicology and offered a powerful strategy for personalized toxicology evaluation.
The relationship between the interdisciplinary activation of children’s scientific concepts and their mastery of basic knowledges: A pre-study based on reaction times
Authors: Zhong Wang , Zhen Cui , Yi Zhang
Published: September 2022

the activation of scientific concepts (such as association) is not only an important way for children to organize scientific knowledges, but also an important way for them to learn complex concepts (such as compound concepts composed of multiple knowledge points). Inspired by the details of a primary electrical lesson, we used the E-Prime software to study the activation of concepts inside and outside the electrical unit by students with different electrical knowledge levels (taking reaction time as the main index). The results showed that: ① the levels of basic knowledge was negatively correlated with the cross domain activation ability of concepts, that is, the worse the basic knowledge, the faster the cross domain activation speed (P < 0.05); ② The better the basic knowledges, the closer the activation behavior is to science teachers. Conclusion: ① the poorer the basic knowledges, the stronger the cross domain association ability and the more active the thinking; ② The reason for this phenomenon may be human’s thinking is patterned; ③ Therefore, there is a potential logical contradiction in the view that divergent thinking is the psychological basis of creativity.
PARNAS: Objectively Selecting the Most Representative Taxa on a Phylogeny
Authors: Markin Alexey , Wagle Sanket , Grover Siddhant , Vincent Baker Amy L. , Eulenstein Oliver , Anderson Tavis K.
Published: September 2022

The use of next-generation sequencing technology has enabled phylogenetic studies with hundreds of thousands of taxa. Such large-scale phylogenies have become a critical component in genomic epidemiology in pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. However, detailed phenotypic characterization of pathogens or generating a computationally tractable dataset for detailed phylogenetic analyses requires bias free subsampling of taxa. To address this need, we propose parnas, an objective and flexible algorithm to sample and select taxa that best represent observed diversity by solving a generalized k-medoids problem on a phylogenetic tree. parnas solves this problem efficiently and exactly by novel optimizations and adapting algorithms from operations research. For more nuanced selections, taxa can be weighted with metadata or genetic sequence parameters, and the pool of potential representatives can be user-constrained. Motivated by influenza A virus genomic surveillance and vaccine design, parnas can be applied to identify representative taxa that optimally cover the diversity in a phylogeny within a specified distance radius. We demonstrated that parnas is more efficient and flexible than current approaches, and applied it to select representative influenza A virus in swine genes derived from over 5 years of genomic surveillance data. Our objective selection of 4 to 6 strains selected every two years from the 16 distinct genetic clades were sufficient to cover 80% of diversity circulating in US swine. We suggest that this method, through the objective selection of representatives in a phylogeny, provides criteria for rational multivalent vaccine design and for quantifying diversity. PARNAS is available at https://github.com/flu-crew/parnas.
PLAE web app enables powerful searching and multiple visualizations across one million unified single-cell ocular transcriptomes
Authors: Swamy Vinay , Batz Zachary , McGaughey David
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE

To create a high performance reactive web application to query single cell gene expression data across cell type, species, study, and other factors.

METHODS

We updated the content and structure of the underlying data (single cell Eye in a Disk, scEiaD) and wrote the web application PLAE (https://plae.nei.nih.gov) to visualize and explore it.

RESULTS

The new portal provides quick visualization of over a million individual cells from vertebrate eye-and body transcriptomes encomopassing four species, 60 cell types, six ocular tissues, and 23 body tissues across 37 publications. To demonstrate the value of this unified pan-eye dataset, we replicate known neurogenic and cone macula markers as well as propose six new cone human region markers.

CONCLUSION

The PLAE web application provides the eye community a powerful and quick means to test hypotheses related to gene expression across a highly diverse, community-derived database.
Modelling homeostatic plasticity in the auditory cortex results in neural signatures of tinnitus
Authors: Schultheiβ Hannah , Zulfiqar Isma , Moerel Michelle
Published: September 2022

Tinnitus is a clinical condition where a sound is perceived without external sound source. Homeostatic plasticity (HSP), serving to increase neural activity as compensation for the reduced input to the auditory pathway after hearing loss, has been proposed as causal mechanism underlying tinnitus. In support, animal models of tinnitus show evidence of increased neural activity after hearing loss, including increased spontaneous and sound-driven firing rate, as well as increased neural noise throughout the auditory processing pathway. Bridging these findings to human tinnitus, however, has proven to be challenging. Here we implement hearing loss-induced HSP in a Wilson-Cowan Cortical Model of the auditory cortex to predict how homeostatic principles operating at the microscale translate to the meso- to macroscale accessible through human neuroimaging. We observed HSP-induced response changes in the model that were previously proposed as neural signatures of tinnitus. As expected, HSP increased spontaneous and sound-driven responsiveness in hearing-loss affected frequency channels of the model. We furthermore observed evidence of increased neural noise and the appearance of spatiotemporal modulations in neural activity, which we discuss in light of recent human neuroimaging findings. Our computational model makes quantitative predictions that require experimental validation, and may thereby serve as the basis of future human tinnitus studies.

Highlights

We implement homeostatic plasticity (HSP) in an auditory cortex computational model

After HSP, model behavior shows neural signatures of tinnitus

Increased neural noise and oscillations match human neuroimaging findings

The proposed model can serve to design future human tinnitus studies
The Effects of Long COVID-19, its Severity, and the Need for Immediate Attention: Analysis of Clinical Trials and Twitter data
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arinjita , Seth Anand , Rai Shesh
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic since March 2020 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The infection pathway follows symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, dyspnea, and severe cases that lead to hospitalization, emergency life support, and even death. Identifying the disease progression and predicting patient outcomes early, precisely predicting the possibility of long-term adverse events through effective modeling, and use of real-world data such as longitudinal clinical trial data, electronic health records data, and health insurance data are of immense importance to effective treatment, resource allocation, and prevention of severe adverse events (SAE) of grades four or five.

The main goal of the study is threefold. Firstly, we raise awareness about the different clinical trials that are being conducted concurrently on Long covid-19, and how these are beneficial. Secondly, we analyze the recent tweets on Long haul covid-19 and give an overview of the sentiments of the opinion of the people. Finally, we analyze the sentiment scores and find if they are associated with the demographics of the tweeters via a negative binomial regression model.

The trials were selected with long Covid-19 available in ClinicalTrials.Gov. Also, the tweets obtained with the term #long covid-19 consisted of 8436 tweets. We utilized the NRC Emotion Lexicon method for sentiment analysis is a list of English words and their associations with eight basic emotions (anger, fear, anticipation, trust, surprise, sadness, joy, and disgust) and two sentiments (negative and positive) (11). We obtained a matrix of sentiment scores, as well as retweet counts and favorite counts which were analyzed. We regressed the retweet counts and the favorite counts with the sentiment scores and find if they are associated with the emotions and sentiments of the tweeters via a negative binomial regression model since the outcome variable is count data.

Our results find that there are two types of clinical trials (a total of 298) being conducted 1)observational and b) interventional. The details about enrollment, time to completion, clinical trial phases, etc., are discussed. Sentiment analysis with the NRC method of the tweets shows that there are both positive and negative sentiments. The retweet counts and favorite counts are associated with the sentiments and emotions such as disgust, joy, sadness, surprise, trust, negative, positive, etc.

Finally, to conclude we need resources, and further research needs to be conducted in this area of long Covid-19.
Home-based High Intensity Functional Strength Training (HIFST) for Older Adults: A Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Description of an Exercise Program to Prevent Functional Decline after an Injury
Authors: Morgan Ashley , Tang Ada , Heisz Jennifer , Thabane Lehana , Richardson Julie
Published: September 2022

Background

Slip, trips, and falls are a common cause of injury in older adults; limiting physical activity participation and mobility task performance. These injuries may result in preclinical mobility limitation (PCML), a period in which individuals report modifications but not difficulty in mobility tasks. Individuals with PCML are at risk of functional decline which can be prevented with exercise. High-intensity functional strength training (HIFST) involves short intervals of ‘hard’ interspersed with ‘easy’ exercise that may be a time efficient strategy to improve functioning for older adults experiencing PCML.

Objective

This protocol outlines the rationale, methods, and planned analyses for a pilot randomized controlled trial and qualitative description (QD) to investigate the feasibility, preliminary effects, and acceptability of a home-based 12-week HIFST intervention for community-dwelling older adults (≥ 55 years) with PCML who have had an injury from a slip, trip, or fall.

Methods

Twenty-four participants (target) will be randomized into a 12-week home-based HIFST or lower extremity stretching intervention. Feasibility will be determined using criteria for adherence, recruitment, retention, and safety and results will be presented using descriptive statistics. Preliminary effects on physical functioning, cognitive functioning, enjoyment, and harms will be assessed and presented as mean between-group differences with 95% confidence intervals. HIFST participants will be recruited for follow-up interviews using QD methodology to investigate the acceptability of the intervention. The results of this pilot trial will provide essential information for future research regarding the process, resources, and scientific merit of conducting home-based high-intensity exercise in a post-injury older adult population.

Trial Registration

NCT05266911
A case-control study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to evaluate the effects of human papilloma virus on bone health in women
Authors: Li Xiang , Jiao Guangjun , Chen Yunzhen
Published: September 2022

Background

Globally, both human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and osteoporosis (OP) are more prevalent in women than in men. It remains unclear whether HPV has an impact on bone health.

Methods

This case-control study was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Comparable datasets were created via the nearest neighbor propensity score matching (PSM) method (1:2). The Welch two-sample t test was used to analyze the association between HPV infection and bone mineral density (BMD). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) and Kendall’s tau-b tests were used to explore the effect of HPV infection type on BMD.

Results

BMDs in the legs and lumbar spine were lower in subjects infected with HPV than in uninfected subjects. RCS analysis showed that the larger the number of cooccurring HPV types in a woman, the lower the BMD was. In addition, four HPV types were negatively associated with leg BMD, and 14 HPV types were negatively associated with lumbar spine BMD. HPV types 53, 59, and 89 had effects on both leg and lumbar spine BMDs.

Conclusions

HPV infection was associated with a decrease in BMD. Appropriately designed trials can help determine whether interventions to prevent HPV infection will have a protective effect on BMD.

Funding

This research was not supported by any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.
Real-World Effectiveness of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir in Preventing Hospitalization Among Patients With COVID-19 at High Risk for Severe Disease in the United States: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , Kelly Scott P. , Liang Caihua , Li Ling , Shen Rongjun , Leister-Tebbe Heidi K. , Terra Steven G. , Gaffney Michael , Russo Leo
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The aim of this analysis was to describe nirmatrelvir/ritonavir real-world effectiveness in preventing hospitalization among high-risk US COVID-19 patients during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron predominance.

Design

An ongoing population-based cohort study with retrospective and prospective collection of electronic healthcare data in the United States.

Methods

Data for this analysis were collected from the US Optum® de-identified COVID-19 Electronic Health Record (EHR) dataset during December 22, 2021−June 8, 2022. Key eligibility criteria for inclusion in the database analysis were ≥12-years-old; positive SARS-CoV-2 test, COVID-19 diagnosis, or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir prescription; and high risk of severe COVID-19 based on demographic/clinical characteristics. Potential confounders between groups were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM). Immortal time bias was addressed.

Outcome measures

Hospitalization rates within 30 (primary analysis) or 15 (sensitivity analysis) days from COVID-19 diagnosis overall and within subgroups were evaluated.

Results

Before PSM, the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group (n=2811) was less racially diverse, older, and had higher COVID-19 vaccination rates and a greater number of comorbidities than the non-nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group (n=194,542). Baseline characteristics were well balanced across groups (n=2808 and n=10,849, respectively) after PSM. Incidence of hospitalization (95% CI) within 30 days was 1.21% (0.84%−1.69%) for the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group and 6.94% (6.03%−7.94%) for the non-nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group, with a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.16 (0.11−0.22; 84% relative risk reduction). Incidence within 15 days was 0.78% (0.49%−1.18%) for the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group and 6.54% (5.65%−7.52%) for the non-nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group; hazard ratio 0.11 (0.07−0.17; 89% relative risk reduction). Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was effective in African American patients (hazard ratio, 0.35 [0.15−0.83]; 65% relative risk reduction). Relative risk reductions were comparable with overall results across ages and among vaccinated patients.

Conclusions

Real-world nirmatrelvir/ritonavir effectiveness against hospitalization during the Omicron era supports EPIC-HR efficacy among high-risk patients. Future research should confirm these early real-world results and address limitations.
Sorting of droplets at kHz rates using absorbance activated acoustic sorting
Authors: Richter Esther S. , Link Andreas , McGrath John S. , Sparrow Raymond W. , Gantz Maximilian , Medcalf Elliot J. , Hollfelder Florian , Franke Thomas
Published: September 2022

Droplet microfluidics allows one to address the ever-increasing demand to screen large libraries of biological samples. Absorbance spectroscopy complements the golden standard of fluorescence detection by label free target identification and providing more quantifiable data. However, this is limited by speed and sensitivity. In this paper we increase the speed of sorting by including acoustofluidics, achieving sorting rates of target droplets of 1 kHz. We improved the devices design for detection of absorbance using fibre-based interrogation of samples with integrated lenses in the microfluidic PDMS device for focusing and collimation of light. This optical improvement reduces the scattering and refraction artefacts, improving the signal quality and sensitivity. The novel design allows us to overcome limitations based on dielectrophoresis sorting, such as droplet size dependency, material and dielectric properties of samples. Our acoustic activated absorbance sorter removes the need for offset dyes or matching oils and sorts about a magnitude faster than current absorbance sorter.
Metabolons, quinary structure, and domain motion: enzyme choreography in the cytoplasm
Authors: Samuel Russell Premila P. , Rickard Meredith M. , Pogorelov Taras V. , Gruebele Martin
Published: September 2022

How do enzymes form metabolons inside cells? To answer that question, we created an all-atom model of a section of the human cytoplasm and simulated it for over 30 microseconds. Among other proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites, the model contains three successive members of the glycolytic cycle: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), and phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM). These enzymes interact to form transient, but long-lived, multi-enzyme complexes with characteristic lifetimes in the 1 to 5 μs range, thus modeling the functional metabolon structures that facilitate compartmentalization of metabolic pathways and substrate channeling in cell. We analyze the quinary structure between enzymes down to the formation of specific hydrogen-bonded interactions between side chains, together with the movement, in concert, of water molecules in or out between interacting amino acids to mediate contact formation and dissolution. We also observed large-scale enzymatic domain motion that has been proposed to convert between substrate-accessible and catalytically functional states: a direct hinge-bending motion of up to 28° changes the relative orientation of the N- and C-terminal domains of PGK, causing the initially open, and presumably inactive, conformation of PGK to sample both “semi-closed” and “closed” conformations. Although classical molecular dynamics (MD) cannot simulate enzymatic activity, closed structures are the functionally active forms of PGK, and their equilibrium with open structures opens the door for future quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) and other reactive simulations of the cytoplasm.