bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Body Politic: Planning History, Design, and Public Health
Authors: Ramos Stephen J.
Published: June 2021

Guest editor Stephen J. Ramos introduces the special issue, themed “The Body Politic: Planning History, Design, and Public Health.” The issue has five contributions from Australia, South Africa, Northern Europe, and the United States. Throughout its history, planning is continually tasked with both modernization and reflexive modernization simultaneously. The duality serves as an instrument of the state in the broader governance negotiation of private capital accumulation and public welfare. The contemporary COVID-19 pandemic provides the opportunity to reconsider relationships between planning, design, and public health, and the politics and policies that constitute and mediate these relationships. The hope is for the special issue to inspire empathy for a more civic, international body politic.
A Semi-Structured Approach to Photo Elicitation Methodology for Research Participants With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Sigstad Hanne Marie Høybråten , Garrels Veerle
Published: June 2021

Using photo elicitation with participants with intellectual disability is a creative approach to inclusive research as the method promotes research participation. Through the photographs that they take, individuals with intellectual disability convey their thoughts and experiences, without the high cognitive demands that are typical of many other data collection methods. People with intellectual disability rely on environmental support to function optimally in everyday life situations. This is also the case for their functioning in research situations. This article provides a novel contribution to photo elicitation methodology, as we share our experiences from using a semi-structured approach, which offers support and guidance to research participants with intellectual disability in the empirical phase of the research process. We discuss the benefits and challenges such a new approach could introduce. The article concludes that provision of adequate support is a prerequisite for successful research participation for individuals with intellectual disability, and our semi-structured approach offers a suggestion on how to deliver this support.
Does pre-existent physical inactivity have a role in the severity of COVID-19?
Authors: Yuan Qilin , Huang Hua-yao , Chen Xiao-ling , Chen Rong-hua , Zhang Yixian , Pan Xiao-bin , Chen Jun-nian , Liu Nan , Du Houwei
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims:

Physical inactivity is considered an important lifestyle factor for overweight and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the association between pre-existent physical inactivity and the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:

We included 164 (61.8 ± 13.6 years) patients with COVID-19 who were admitted between 15 February and 14 March 2020 in this retrospective study. We evaluated the association between pre-existent physical inactivity and severe COVID-19 using a logistic regression model.

Results:

Of 164 eligible patients with COVID-19, 103 (62.8%) were reported to be physically inactive. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that physical inactivity was associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 6.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88–22.62]. In the multivariable regression analysis, physical inactivity remained significantly associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (adjusted OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.12–15.14) after adjustment for age, sex, stroke, and overweight.

Conclusion:

Our data showed that pre-existent physical inactivity was associated with an increased risk of experiencing severe COVID-19. Our findings indicate that people should be encouraged to keep physically active to be at a lower risk of experiencing a severe illness when COVID-19 infection seems unpredicted. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
The nonhuman turn: Critical reflections on alienation, entanglement and nature under capitalism
Authors: Büscher Bram
Published: June 2021

This article critically reflects on contemporary discussions of human–nonhuman relations and their consequences for ecological politics. Recent critiques push back against popular ‘nonhuman turn’ appeals to ‘decentre’ humans and downplay distinctions between humans and nonhumans. The article seeks to both extend and nuance these critiques by emphasising how uneven developments from colonial to digital platform capitalism have intensified historical processes of alienation between humans and the rest of nature. This focus contextualises the nonhuman turn as a response to increasingly alienated forms of entanglement, which may hamper rather than enable challenging contemporary forms of domination. To address this, two conceptual shifts are proposed. First, a shift away from ‘decentring the human’ to a dialectics between more-than-human and ‘less-than-human’. This move emphasises how forms of capitalist domination continue to diminish (certain) humans and nonhumans and how challenging this requires pivoting between de- and recentring humans where needed. Second, a shift from ‘more-than-human’ to ‘more-than-life’, to emphasise how through extremely uneven histories of capitalist development the intensification of alienation has led to growing tensions between ontological relationality and epistemological and practical distinctions.
Tweeting #RamNavami: A Comparison of Approaches to Analyzing Bipartite Networks
Authors: Heaney Michael T.
Published: June 2021

Bipartite networks, also known as two-mode networks or affiliation networks, are a class of networks in which actors or objects are partitioned into two sets, with interactions taking place across but not within sets. These networks are omnipresent in society, encompassing phenomena such as student-teacher interactions, coalition structures and international treaty participation. With growing data availability and proliferation in statistical estimators and software, scholars have increasingly sought to understand the methods available to model the data-generating processes in these networks. This article compares three methods for doing so: (a) Logit (b) the bipartite Exponential Random Graph Model (ERGM) and (c) the Relational Event Model (REM). This comparison demonstrates the relevance of choices with respect to dependence structures, temporality, parameter specification and data structure. Considering the example of Ram Navami, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ram, the ego network of tweets using #RamNavami on 21April 2021 is examined. The results of the analysis illustrate that critical modelling choices make a difference in the estimated parameters and the conclusions to be drawn from them.
Recurrent Chylous Ascites Leading to Transudative Chylothorax Due to Bi-Ventricular Heart Failure
Authors: Do Tuong Vi Cassandra , Cozza Justin , Ganti Shyam , Depa Jayaramakrishna
Published: June 2021

Chylothorax is a pleural effusion of >110 mg/dL of triglycerides with a milky appearance with transudative being rare. In this article, we present a case of transudative chylothorax with concurrent chylous ascites that is secondary to congestive heart failure (CHF). A 70-year-old male with CHF with ejection fraction of 10%, coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass graft, sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease stage 3, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with worsening abdominal distention, shortness of breath, and increased lower extremities edema. He denied any cough or fever but had orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. He requires monthly paracentesis with drainage of 5 to 9 L each time. On physical examination, he had crackles bilaterally with no wheezes or jugular venous distension. His cardiac examination was unremarkable. He did have abdominal distension with dullness to percussion and a positive fluid wave. There was +2 bilateral pitting edema of lower extremities. He had a diagnostic paracentesis where 9.2 L of cloudy milky fluid was drained and therapeutic thoracentesis where 1.1 L of milky fluid was drained. Pleural fluid for triglycerides was 280. His peritoneal fluid had triglycerides of 671 confirming chylous ascites. CHF can lead to chylous ascites due to the increased lymph production in the abdomen, which flows to the thoracic duct. Due to the stiffness at the lymphatic junction, there is high pressure for less flow. The diaphragm plays a role allowing the chylous ascites to be absorb into the thorax.
APKASS Consensus Statement on Chronic Syndesmosis Injury, Part 3: Fusion Techniques, Comorbidity Treatments, Postoperative Rehabilitation, and Return-to-Sport Indications
Authors: Song Yujie , Shi Zhongmin , Kurokawa Hiroaki , Tanaka Yasuhito , Ling Samuel K.K. , Yung Patrick , Angthong Chayanin , Han Seung Hwan , Hua Yinghui , Li Hongyun , Jiao Chen , Gui Jianchao , Li Qi
Published: June 2021

Background:

Questions regarding surgical fusion techniques, postoperative treatment, and indications for return to sport after chronic syndesmosis injury or its comorbidities remain unanswered.

Purpose:

An international group of experts representing the field of injuries in the foot and ankle area was invited to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence regarding chronic syndesmosis injury. All were members of the Asia-Pacific Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society (APKASS).

Study Design:

Consensus statement.

Methods:

From November to December 2020, a total of 111 international experts on sports medicine or ankle surgery participated in a 2-stage Delphi process that included an anonymous online survey and an online meeting. A total of 13 items with 38 statements were drafted by 13 core authors. Of these, 4 items with 6 clinical questions and statements were related to surgical fusion techniques, comorbidity treatments, postoperative rehabilitation, and return-to-sports indications and are presented here. Each statement was individually presented and discussed, followed by a general vote. The strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; and unanimous, 100%.

Results:

Of the 6 questions and statements, 5 achieved unanimous support and 1 reached strong consensus.

Conclusion:

This APKASS consensus statement, developed by international experts in the field, will assist surgeons and physical therapists with surgical and postoperative treatment strategies for chronic syndesmosis injury.
Modified Anterolateral Approach for Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Hirao Makoto , Ebina Kosuke , Etani Yuki , Kaneshiro Shoichi , Tsuboi Hideki , Noguchi Takaaki , Okamura Gensuke , Kunugiza Yasuo , Nakaya Hiroyuki , Nishikawa Masataka , Tsuji Shigeyoshi , Takahi Koichiro , Owaki Hajime , Hashimoto Jun
Published: June 2021

Level of Evidence:

Level V.
Vitrectomy With Internal Limiting Membrane Transplants in the Closure of 2 Adjacent Macular Holes
Authors: Kokame Gregg T. , Card Kevin
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Two adjacent macular holes (MHs), which were noted in the highly myopic left eye of an 85-year-old woman, is an uncommon clinical presentation. This case report presents the successful closure of the 2 adjacent MHs using internal limiting membrane (ILM) transplants during vitrectomy that included.

Methods:

ILM transplants were placed within both MHs during vitrectomy that included ILM peeling and fluid gas exchange with 18% perfluoropropane (C3F8) and postoperative facedown positioning for 1 week.

Results:

Both MHs were successfully closed following surgery with improvement in vision and decrease in metamorphopsia.

Conclusions:

This case suggested that relief of traction by ILM peeling and placement of ILM transplants within both MHs to provide a scaffold and stimulate glial tissue proliferation may have facilitated closure of the 2 adjacent MHs, which is a difficult management problem to manage and not previously reported to the best of our knowledge.
Analysis of flow and heat transfer over stretching/shrinking and porous surfaces
Authors: Ali Azhar , Marwat Dil Nawaz Khan , Ali Aamir
Published: June 2021

Flows and heat transfer over stretching/shrinking and porous surfaces are studied in this paper. Unusual and generalized similarity transformations are used for simplifying governing equations. Current model includes all previous cases of stretched/shrunk flows with thermal effects discussed so far. Moreover, we present three different cases of thermal behavior (i) prescribed surface temperature (ii) Variable/uniform convective heat transfer at plat surface and (iii) prescribed variable/uniform heat flux. Stretching/shrinking velocity Uw(x), porosity [Formula: see text], heat transfer [Formula: see text], heat flux [Formula: see text] and convective heat transfer at surface are axial coordinate dependent. Boundary layer equations and boundary conditions are transformed into nonlinear ODEs by introducing unusual and generalized similarity transformations for the variables. These simplified equations are solved numerically. Final ODEs represent suction/injection, stretching/shrinking, temperature, heat flux, convection effects and specific heat. This current problem encompasses all previous models as special cases which come under the scope of above statement (title). The results of classical models are scoped out as a special case by assigning proper values to the parameters. Numerical result shows that the dual solutions can be found for different possible values of the shrinking parameter. A stability analysis is accomplished and apprehended in order to establish a criterion for determining linearly stable and physically compatible solutions. The significant features and diversity of the modeled equations are scrutinized by recovering the previous problems of fluid flow and heat transfer from a uniformly heated sheet of variable (uniform) thickness with variable (uniform) stretching/shrinking and injection/suction velocities.
Can social capital play a role in contracting services of family doctors in China? Reflections based on an integrative review
Authors: Xu Xinglong , Antwi Henry Asante , Zhou Lulin , Mustafa Tehzeeb , Boafo-Arthur Ama
Published: June 2021

Background

The family doctors’ contract service problem is not about government management alone, but an interaction of a complex social environment. Consequently, the effect of contracted services of family doctors not only depends on policy incentives but also needs to win the participation, acknowledgement, and confidence of community residents. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine whether there is any significant evidence that social capital in the form of social networking groups and other forms of social groups have any positive impact on the acceptance and the effectiveness of family doctors' contractual services.

Method

Research on qualitative, quantitative and hybrid methods published in peer-reviewed journals on the social capital role in the process of contract service of family doctors were eligible for inclusion. In view of the increasing attention paid to the contract service effect of family doctors during this period, a 10-year time scale was selected to ensure full coverage of relevant literature in the same period. In total, 809 articles were determined in the database retrieval results which were downloaded and transferred to the Mendeley reference application software.

Results

Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria for this integrative review and the quality of the included studies were assessed using the published criteria for the critical appraisal of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Majority of the articles assessed reported that there was evidence of a positive link between social support, especially a sense of belonging and the presence of regular family doctors. The influencing factors of patients' contract behavior of studies conducted in China were social interaction of social capital, acceptance of the first contact in the community, year of investigation, and exposure to the public.

Conclusion

The study affirms previous studies that suggest that social resources have the propensity to improve relationship between patients and clients and between doctors and peers for the benefit of the patients and the stability of the overall healthcare system. Through the integration of various social resources family doctor systems accelerate the development of community construction. These social capital (social network groups) can guide residents to use family doctor services to maintain health. Social capital can also help residents have a regular and reliable family doctor.
Effects of long-term anti-seizure medication monotherapy on all-cause death in patients with post-stroke epilepsy: a nationwide population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chia-Yu , Cheng Chun-Yu , Lee Jiann-Der , Lee Meng , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: June 2021

Objective

We aim to compare the effect of long-term anti-seizure medication (ASM) monotherapy on the risk of death and new ischemic stroke in patients with post-stroke epilepsy (PSE).

Patients and methods

We identified all hospitalized patients (≥ 20 years) with a primary diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke from 2001 to 2012 using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. The PSE cohort were defined as the stroke patients (1) who had no epilepsy and no ASMs use before the index stroke, and (2) who had epilepsy and ASMs use after 14 days from the stroke onset. The patients with PSE receiving ASM monotherapy were enrolled and were categorized into phenytoin, valproic acid, carbamazepine, and new ASM groups. We employed the Cox regression model to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of death and new ischemic stroke within 5 years across all groups, using the new ASM group as the reference.

Results

Of 6962 patients with PSE using ASM monotherapy, 3917 (56 %) were on phenytoin, 1623 (23 %) on valproic acid, 457 (7 %) on carbamazepine, and 965 (14 %) on new ASMs. After adjusting for confounders, compared with new ASM users, phenytoin users had a higher risk of death in 5 years (HR: 1.64; 95 % CI: 1.06–2.55). On the other hand, all ASM groups showed a similar risk of new ischemic stroke in 5 years.

Conclusions

Among patients with PSE on first-line monotherapy, compared to new ASMs, use of phenytoin was associated with a higher risk of death in 5 years.
Local Random Pattern Flap Coverage for Implant Exposure following Open Reduction Internal Fixation via Extensile Lateral Approach to the Calcaneus
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Cai Peihua , Cheng Liang , Li Yanfeng
Published: June 2021

Background

Skin necrosis and implant exposure most often appear at the corner of Extensile Lateral Approach for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for displaced intra-articular fracture of the calcaneus. Flap transfer is often used for coverage of this implant exposure. We introduced a new simple local random pattern flap to cover the implant exposure.

Methods

From March 2017 to March 2020, 12 patients with implant exposure after ORIF for displaced intra-articular fracture of the calcaneus were treated with this procedure. The sizes of the defects ranged from 2 × 2 cm2to 5 × 2 cm2. A local random pattern flap was designed according to the defect size. The lower edge of the flap was along with the wound upper edge and extended distally. The upper horizontal incision of the flap was made at the lateral malleolus level with a length of 5–7 cm depending on the wound defect. Then the random pattern flap was elevated and transferred to cover the defect area.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 6.3 months (ranging 4–13 months). All 12 flaps were uneventfully healed and all patients were able to wear shoes, and no debulking procedures were required.

Conclusion

The local random pattern flap could be a choice for surgeons when implant exposure at the corner of Extensile Lateral Approach to the Calcaneus occurs.
Does vitamin D supplementation improve ovarian reserve in women with diminished ovarian reserve and vitamin D deficiency: a before-and-after intervention study
Authors: Aramesh Shahintaj , Alifarja Touran , Jannesar Ramin , Ghaffari Parvin , Vanda Raziyeh , Bazarganipour Fatemeh
Published: June 2021

Objective

Evaluation of vitamin D supplementation on ovarian reserve in women with diminished ovarian reserve and vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

The study is a before-and-after intervention study that was performed on women with diminished ovarian reserve referred to Shahid Mofteh Clinic in Yasuj, Iran. Eligible women were prescribed vitamin D tablets at a dose of 50,000 units weekly for up to 3 months. Serum levels of vitamin D and AMH were evaluated at the end of 3 months. Significance level was also considered P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Our results have been showed there was a statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels of participants before [12.1(6.5)] and after [26(9.15)] the intervention (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in serum AMH levels of participants before [0.50(0.44)] and after [0.79(0.15)] the intervention (P=0.02 ).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of the current study support a possible favorable effect of vitamin D on increase AMH expression by acting on the AMH gene promoter. Therefore, it is possible that vitamin D increases AMH levels without changing the antral follicle count/ovarian reserve.
Malignant transformation of hepatic endometriosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Dandan , Yang Qing , Wang Huaitao , Liu Chang
Published: June 2021

Background

Extrapelvic endometriosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue in structures outside the pelvis. Although extra-pelvic endometriosis is generally considered benign conditions, malignant potential within endometriotic foci occurs even after definitive surgery. Malignant transformation of hepatic endometriosis is extremely rare. Preoperative diagnosis of this cancer is difficult, and no guidelines on the optimal management currently exist. Here, we present a case report of malignant transformation of hepatic endometriosis and a brief literature review to highlight the current knowledge of the prevalence, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of this condition.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old woman with a 2-year duration of progressive right upper quadrant abdominal pain was admitted to the hospital. She underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for benign conditions 4 years prior. Tumor markers demonstrated elevated carbohydrate antigen (CA)-199 112U/mL (normal range: 0–35U/mL) only. Radiological imaging suggested the presence of a 10.7 × 7.7-cm mass in the right lobe of the liver extending to the diaphragm. The intraoperative frozen sections suggested malignant tumor. Right hepatectomy with infiltrating diaphragm resection was performed. The final pathology with immunohistochemistry staining confirmed endometrioid adenocarcinoma in the liver originating from preexisting hepatic endometriosis. After the multidisciplinary team meeting, the consensus was surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of Chinese woman of a malignant liver tumor originating from endometriosis ever reported by reviewing the current English medical literature.

Conclusion

Though rare, extrapelvic endometriosis-associated cancers should be considered as differentiated diagnosis even after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This case highlights the importance of collaborative efforts across multiple disciplines for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of malignant transformation of hepatic endometriosis.
Development, production and evaluation of 2-dimensional transfer tattoos to simulate skin conditions in health professions education
Authors: Bauer Daniel , Lörwald Andrea C. , Wüst Sandra , Beltraminelli Helmut , Germano Miria , Michel Adrian , Schnabel Kai P.
Published: June 2021

Background

Moulages can greatly extend the possibilities of simulation in teaching and assessment. Since moulages that fit an educator’s exact needs are often unavailable commercially, this paper explains how 2-dimensional transfer tattoos can be independently developed, produced, and evaluated.

Methods

From representative photographs of the specific skin condition an analogue copy of the pathological finding is drawn. Once validated by the medical expert, it can be digitized by scanning and processed using graphics software. The final digital image file is printed onto transfer paper. Once applied and fixed onto the intended wearer, usually a simulated patient, its authenticity can be confirmed, and further transfer tattoos can be produced.

Results

Using this moulage technique we produced 10 different 2-dimensional transfer tattoos to date, including hematoma, Janeway lesions and splinter nails. These moulages are used in clinical skills training, formative and high-stakes summative assessment in undergraduate medical and nursing programs.

Conclusions

By sharing our development process for 2-dimensional transfer tattoos, health profession educators can produce their own that best fit their local educational needs. Due to their high authenticity and standardization, 2-dimensional transfer tattoos are ideal for use in high-stakes assessment.
A novel approach for heart disease prediction using strength scores with significant predictors
Authors: Yazdani Armin , Varathan Kasturi Dewi , Chiam Yin Kia , Malik Asad Waqar , Wan Ahmad Wan Azman
Published: June 2021

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in many countries. Physicians often diagnose cardiovascular disease based on current clinical tests and previous experience of diagnosing patients with similar symptoms. Patients who suffer from heart disease require quick diagnosis, early treatment and constant observations. To address their needs, many data mining approaches have been used in the past in diagnosing and predicting heart diseases. Previous research was also focused on identifying the significant contributing features to heart disease prediction, however, less importance was given to identifying the strength of these features.

Method

This paper is motivated by the gap in the literature, thus proposes an algorithm that measures the strength of the significant features that contribute to heart disease prediction. The study is aimed at predicting heart disease based on the scores of significant features using Weighted Associative Rule Mining.

Results

A set of important feature scores and rules were identified in diagnosing heart disease and cardiologists were consulted to confirm the validity of these rules. The experiments performed on the UCI open dataset, widely used for heart disease research yielded the highest confidence score of 98% in predicting heart disease.

Conclusion

This study managed to provide a significant contribution in computing the strength scores with significant predictors in heart disease prediction. From the evaluation results, we obtained important rules and achieved highest confidence score by utilizing the computed strength scores of significant predictors on Weighted Associative Rule Mining in predicting heart disease.
The advanced machine learner XGBoost did not reduce prehospital trauma mistriage compared with logistic regression: a simulation study
Authors: Larsson Anna , Berg Johanna , Gellerfors Mikael , Gerdin Wärnberg Martin
Published: June 2021

Background

Accurate prehospital trauma triage is crucial for identifying critically injured patients and determining the level of care. In the prehospital setting, time and data are often scarce, limiting the complexity of triage models. The aim of this study was to assess whether, compared with logistic regression, the advanced machine learner XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) is associated with reduced prehospital trauma mistriage.

Methods

We conducted a simulation study based on data from the US National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) and the Swedish Trauma Registry (SweTrau). We used categorized systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale and age as our predictors. The outcome was the difference in under- and overtriage rates between the models for different training dataset sizes.

Results

We used data from 813,567 patients in the NTDB and 30,577 patients in SweTrau. In SweTrau, the smallest training set of 10 events per free parameter was sufficient for model development. XGBoost achieved undertriage rates in the range of 0.314–0.324 with corresponding overtriage rates of 0.319–0.322. Logistic regression achieved undertriage rates ranging from 0.312 to 0.321 with associated overtriage rates ranging from 0.321 to 0.323. In NTDB, XGBoost required the largest training set size of 1000 events per free parameter to achieve robust results, whereas logistic regression achieved stable performance from a training set size of 25 events per free parameter. For the training set size of 1000 events per free parameter, XGBoost obtained an undertriage rate of 0.406 with an overtriage of 0.463. For logistic regression, the corresponding undertriage was 0.395 with an overtriage of 0.468.

Conclusion

The under- and overtriage rates associated with the advanced machine learner XGBoost were similar to the rates associated with logistic regression regardless of sample size, but XGBoost required larger training sets to obtain robust results. We do not recommend using XGBoost over logistic regression in this context when predictors are few and categorical.
Validation of the German version of the work and social adjustment scale in a sample of depressed patients
Authors: Heissel A. , Bollmann J. , Kangas M. , Abdulla K. , Rapp M. , Sanchez A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Depression is one of the key factors contributing to difficulties in one’s ability to work, and serves as one of the major reasons why employees apply for psychotherapy and receive insurance subsidization of treatments. Hence, an increasing and growing number of studies rely on workability assessment scales as their primary outcome measure. The Work and Social Assessment Scale (WSAS) has been documented as one of the most psychometrically reliable and valid tools especially developed to assess workability and social functioning in patients with mental health problems. Yet, the application of the WSAS in Germany has been limited due to the paucity of a valid questionnaire in the German language. The objective of the present study was to translate the WSAS, as a brief and easy administrable tool into German and test its psychometric properties in a sample of adults with depression.

Methods

Two hundred seventy-seven patients (M = 48.3 years, SD = 11.1) with mild to moderately severe depression were recruited. A multistep translation from English into the German language was performed and the factorial validity, criterion validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and floor and ceiling effects were examined.

Results

The confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed the one-factor structure of the WSAS. Significant correlations with the WHODAS 2–0 questionnaire, a measure of functionality, demonstrated good convergent validity. Significant correlations with depression and quality of life demonstrated good criterion validity. The WSAS also demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = .89), and the absence of floor and ceiling effects indicated good sensitivity of the instrument.

Conclusions

The results of the present study demonstrated that the German version of the WSAS has good psychometric properties comparable to other international versions of this scale. The findings recommend a global assessment of psychosocial functioning with the sum score of the WSAS.

Trial registration

ISRCTN identifier: ISRCTN28972230. Date of registration June 26th 2018.
Sexually transmitted infections and semen quality from subfertile men with and without leukocytospermia
Authors: Bai Shun , Li Yuan , Wan Yangyang , Guo Tonghang , Jin Qi , Liu Ran , Tang Wenjuan , Sang Meiying , Tao Yuanyuan , Xie Baoguo , Zhao Yun , Li Wei , Xu Xiangdong , Yue Qiuling , Hu Xuechun , Xu Bo
Published: June 2021

Background

The role of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in semen parameters and male infertility is still a controversial area. Previous studies have found bacterial infection in a minority of infertile leukocytospermic males. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of STIs in semen from subfertile men with leukocytospermia (LCS) and without leukocytospermia (non-LCS) and their associations with sperm quality.

Methods

Semen samples were collected from 195 men who asked for a fertility evaluation. Infection with the above 6 pathogens was assessed in each sample. Sperm quality was compared in subfertile men with and without LCS.

Results

The LCS group had significantly decreased semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility and normal morphology. The infection rates ofUreaplasma urealyticum(Uuu),Ureaplasma parvum(Uup),Mycoplasma hominis(MH),Mycoplasma genitalium(MG),Chlamydia trachomatis(CT), herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) were 8.7 %, 21.0 %, 8.2 %, 2.1 %, 3.6 %, 1.0 and 0 %, respectively. The STI detection rates of patients with LCS were higher than those of the non-LCS group (52.3 % vs. 39.3 %), although there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.07). All semen parameters were not significantly different between LCS with STIs and without STIs, except the semen volume in the MG-infected patients with LCS was significantly lower than that in the noninfected group.

Conclusions

LCS was associated with a reduction in semen quality, but was not associated with STIs.
Integrated multi-omics analyses on patient-derived CRC organoids highlight altered molecular pathways in colorectal cancer progression involving PTEN
Authors: Codrich Marta , Dalla Emiliano , Mio Catia , Antoniali Giulia , Malfatti Matilde Clarissa , Marzinotto Stefania , Pierobon Mariaelena , Baldelli Elisa , Di Loreto Carla , Damante Giuseppe , Terrosu Giovanni , Pucillo Carlo Ennio Michele , Tell Gianluca
Published: June 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The heterogeneity of CRC identity limits the usage of cell lines to study this type of tumor because of the limited representation of multiple features of the original malignancy. Patient-derived colon organoids (PDCOs) are a promising 3D-cell model to study tumor identity for personalized medicine, although this approach still lacks detailed characterization regarding molecular stability during culturing conditions. Correlation analysis that considers genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data, as well as thawing, timing, and culturing conditions, is missing.

Methods

Through integrated multi–omics strategies, we characterized PDCOs under different growing and timing conditions, to define their ability to recapitulate the original tumor.

Results

Whole Exome Sequencing allowed detecting temporal acquisition of somatic variants, in a patient-specific manner, having deleterious effects on driver genes CRC-associated. Moreover, the targeted NGS approach confirmed that organoids faithfully recapitulated patients’ tumor tissue. Using RNA-seq experiments, we identified 5125 differentially expressed transcripts in tumor versus normal organoids at different time points, in which the PTEN pathway resulted of particular interest, as also confirmed by further phospho-proteomics analysis. Interestingly, we identified the PTEN c.806_817dup (NM_000314) mutation, which has never been reported previously and is predicted to be deleterious according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) classification.

Conclusion

The crosstalk of genomic, transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic data allowed to observe that PDCOs recapitulate, at the molecular level, the tumor of origin, accumulating mutations over time that potentially mimic the evolution of the patient’s tumor, underlining relevant potentialities of this 3D model.
Genetic correlation and causal relationships between cardio-metabolic traits and lung function impairment
Authors: Wielscher Matthias , Amaral Andre F. S. , van der Plaat Diana , Wain Louise V. , Sebert Sylvain , Mosen-Ansorena David , Auvinen Juha , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Dehghan Abbas , Jarvis Debbie L. , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta
Published: June 2021

Background

Associations of low lung function with features of poor cardio-metabolic health have been reported. It is, however, unclear whether these co-morbidities reflect causal associations, shared genetic heritability or are confounded by environmental factors.

Methods

We performed three analyses: (1) cardio-metabolic health to lung function association tests in Northern Finland Birth cohort 1966, (2) cross-trait linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) to compare genetic backgrounds and (3) Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis to assess the causal effect of cardio-metabolic traits and disease on lung function, and vice versa (bidirectional MR). Genetic associations were obtained from the UK Biobank data or published large-scale genome-wide association studies (N > 82,000).

Results

We observed a negative genetic correlation between lung function and cardio-metabolic traits and diseases. In Mendelian Randomisation analysis (MR), we found associations between type 2 diabetes (T2D) instruments and forced vital capacity (FVC) as well as FEV1/FVC. Body mass index (BMI) instruments were associated to all lung function traits and C-reactive protein (CRP) instruments to FVC. These genetic associations provide evidence for a causal effect of cardio-metabolic traits on lung function. Multivariable MR suggested independence of these causal effects from other tested cardio-metabolic traits and diseases. Analysis of lung function specific SNPs revealed a potential causal effect of FEV1/FVC on blood pressure.

Conclusions

The present study overcomes many limitations of observational studies by using Mendelian Randomisation. We provide evidence for an independent causal effect of T2D, CRP and BMI on lung function with some of the T2D effect on lung function being attributed to inflammatory mechanisms. Furthermore, this analysis suggests a potential causal effect of FEV1/FVC on blood pressure. Our detailed analysis of the interplay between cardio-metabolic traits and impaired lung function provides the opportunity to improve the quality of existing intervention strategies.
TE Hub: A community-oriented space for sharing and connecting tools, data, resources, and methods for transposable element annotation
Authors:   The TE Hub Consortium, Elliott Tyler A. , Heitkam Tony , Hubley Robert , Quesneville Hadi , Suh Alexander , Wheeler Travis J.
Published: June 2021

Transposable elements (TEs) play powerful and varied evolutionary and functional roles, and are widespread in most eukaryotic genomes. Research into their unique biology has driven the creation of a large collection of databases, software, classification systems, and annotation guidelines. The diversity of available TE-related methods and resources raises compatibility concerns and can be overwhelming to researchers and communicators seeking straightforward guidance or materials. To address these challenges, we have initiated a new resource, TE Hub, that provides a space where members of the TE community can collaborate to document and create resources and methods. The space consists of (1) a website organized with an open wiki framework, https://tehub.org, (2) a conversation framework via a Twitter account and a Slack channel, and (3) bi-monthly Hub Update video chats on the platform’s development. In addition to serving as a centralized repository and communication platform, TE Hub lays the foundation for improved integration, standardization, and effectiveness of diverse tools and protocols. We invite the TE community, both novices and experts in TE identification and analysis, to join us in expanding our community-oriented resource.
Differential seeding and propagating efficiency of α-synuclein strains generated in different conditions
Authors: Liu Di , Guo Jian-Jun , Su Ji-Hui , Svanbergsson Alexander , Yuan Lin , Haikal Caroline , Li Wen , Gouras Gunnar , Li Jia-Yi
Published: June 2021

Background

Accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a main pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s and related diseases, which are collectively known as synucleinopathies. Growing evidence has supported that the same protein can induce remarkably distinct pathological progresses and disease phenotypes, suggesting the existence of strain difference among α-syn fibrils. Previous studies have shown that α-syn pathology can propagate from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to the central nervous system (CNS) in a “prion-like” manner. However, the difference of the propagation potency from the periphery to CNS among different α-syn strains remains unknown and the effect of different generation processes of these strains on the potency of seeding and propagation remains to be revealed in more detail.

Methods

Three strains of preformed α-syn fibrils (PFFs) were generated in different buffer conditions which varied in pH and ionic concentrations. The α-syn PFFs were intramuscularly (IM) injected into a novel bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mouse line that expresses wild-type human α-syn, and the efficiency of seeding and propagation of these PFFs from the PNS to the CNS was evaluated.

Results

The three strains of α-syn PFFs triggered distinct propagation patterns. The fibrils generated in mildly acidic buffer led to the most severe α-syn pathology, degeneration of motor neurons and microgliosis in the spinal cord.

Conclusions

The different α-syn conformers generated in different conditions exhibited strain-specific pathology and propagation patterns from the periphery to the CNS, which further supports the view that α-syn strains may be responsible for the heterogeneity of pathological features and disease progresses among synucleinopathies.
Microbiomes attached to fresh perennial ryegrass are temporally resilient and adapt to changing ecological niches
Authors: Huws Sharon A. , Edwards Joan E. , Lin Wanchang , Rubino Francesco , Alston Mark , Swarbreck David , Caim Shabhonam , Stevens Pauline Rees , Pachebat Justin , Won Mi-Young , Oyama Linda B. , Creevey Christopher J. , Kingston-Smith Alison H.
Published: June 2021

Background

Gut microbiomes, such as the rumen, greatly influence host nutrition due to their feed energy-harvesting capacity. We investigated temporal ecological interactions facilitating energy harvesting at the fresh perennial ryegrass (PRG)-biofilm interface in the rumen using an in sacco approach and prokaryotic metatranscriptomic profiling.

Results

Network analysis identified two distinct sub-microbiomes primarily representing primary (≤ 4 h) and secondary (≥ 4 h) colonisation phases and the most transcriptionally active bacterial families (i.eFibrobacteriaceae,SelemondaceaeandMethanobacteriaceae) did not interact with either sub-microbiome, indicating non-cooperative behaviour. Conversely,Prevotellaceaehad most transcriptional activity within the primary sub-microbiome (focussed on protein metabolism) andLachnospiraceaewithin the secondary sub-microbiome (focussed on carbohydrate degradation). Putative keystone taxa, with low transcriptional activity, were identified within both sub-microbiomes, highlighting the important synergistic role of minor bacterial families; however, we hypothesise that they may be ‘cheating’ in order to capitalise on the energy-harvesting capacity of other microbes. In terms of chemical cues underlying transition from primary to secondary colonisation phases, we suggest that AI-2-based quorum sensing plays a role, based on LuxS gene expression data, coupled with changes in PRG chemistry.

Conclusions

In summary, we show that fresh PRG-attached prokaryotes are resilient and adapt quickly to changing niches. This study provides the first major insight into the complex temporal ecological interactions occurring at the plant-biofilm interface within the rumen. The study also provides valuable insights into potential plant breeding strategies for development of the utopian plant, allowing optimal sustainable production of ruminants.
Willingness of youth without disabilities to have romantic love and marital relationships with persons with disabilities
Authors: Zewude Bewunetu , Habtegiorgis Tewodros
Published: June 2021

People with disabilities face attitudinal barriers including prejudice, stereotypes, and low expectations. Many young people without disabilities may doubt that people with disabilities can be fulfilling partners in any loving adult relationship. The objective of the present research was to assess the willingness of non-disabled youth to engage in conjugal relationships with persons with disabilities in Wolaita Sodo town, Ethiopia. Both descriptive and explanatory study designs were used and quantitative data were collected. A self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed to randomly selected 403 (202 females & 201 males) unmarried youth. Data analysis was undertaken using SPSS software in which both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were utilized for data presentation. The result showed that most (85.5%) of the young people without disabilities participated in the survey were not willing to have any type of personal relationships with persons with disabilities and the main reason for 44.2% of these respondents being the fear of reaction from family members. Furthermore, it was found that the level of willingness of youth without disabilities to engage in romantic love and marital relationships was not influenced by the socio-economic status of people with disabilities. Moreover, the result of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the willingness of respondents to have marital and romantic love relationship with persons with disabilities is significantly associated to the sex (OR = 2.376; P < 0.05; 95%CI = 1.210, 4.664), raised-up area (OR = 2.512; P < 0.01; 95%CI = 1.319, 4.783), age (OR = 2.886; P < 0.05; 95%CI = 1.012, 8.228) and the presence of person with disability in the family (OR = 3.945; P < 0.01; 95%CI = 1.648, 9.442) of respondents. The findings of the present research demonstrate that people with disabilities have continued to face stereotypes and discriminations. Such stereotypes extend to assuming them as asexual and unfit to carryout roles that arise from love or marital relationships which violates the rights of PWDs to form their own family and have children. It is therefore, important to raise the awareness of young people about the differences between disability and sexuality and that physical disability has nothing to do with sexuality and relationship formation.