bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crafting successful music careers: Insights from the professional lives of Australian pianists
Authors: Zhukov Katie , Rowley Jennifer
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the careers of 28 classical pianists in Australia to develop greater understanding of skills needed to build professional music careers and to highlight implications for higher music education training. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed for emerging themes using Subotnik and Jarvin’s scholarly productivity or artistry (SP/A) model, looking for connections between distinct skills developed during education and their role in the building of professional careers. Participants in this study began learning to play the piano at an early age and pursued lessons during primary education, developing their technique, learning numerous works, and participating in competitions. In high school, the pianists learned to play other instruments, studied more complex and demanding piano solo repertoire, and participated in extra-curricular music activities. During performance-focused undergraduate study, all concentrated on improving technique, building solo and collaborative repertoire (including contemporary music), and exploring other music-related areas. Postgraduate study overseas and concertizing broadened their understanding of world-class standards. The participants undertook casual music jobs at the start of their careers, but eventually many achieved permanent full-time employment. Hard work, ability to learn quickly, natural gifts/talent, and passion for music helped these pianists build successful portfolio careers. The findings reveal that today’s tertiary music graduates will require diverse music and entrepreneurial skills, and a positive attitude. The implications highlight the need for the development of wide-ranging playing skills beyond solo performance and entrepreneurial competency as important factors for music careers.
Reflections on the experiences of attending peer support groups for fathers of children with cancer
Authors: Archibald Sarah-Jane , Luk Diana , Potts Susan , Davis Sally , Kirby Angela
Published: August 2021

Fathers appear to be less researched than mothers, in particular with regard to their emotional well-being during their child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study investigates a small-scale service evaluation of a father’s support group for fathers of children with cancer in a paediatric oncology and haematology service. The group was set up in October 2017 to enable a safe and supportive reflective space for fathers of children with cancer. The group was open to fathers with a child on the ward on treatment, as well as fathers with children out of treatment, and in remission in the community. Data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. A number of themes are identified and discussed, including the emotional impact, ways of coping, gender roles, loss and feeling part of an oncology family. The fathers valued hearing each other’s stories about their child’s cancer diagnosis and experiences as this appeared to empower them in helping each other to feel a sense of normalisation for their feelings. They appreciated the group structure and discussed further ways for group improvement. Suggestions are made for developing services to meet emotional support needs of fathers of children with cancer.
Association between self-reported binge drinking and absenteeism in the Baltic countries
Authors: Saar Indrek , Trasberg Viktor
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Substantial loss of productivity due to absenteeism is associated with alcohol use. This study examined the associations between absenteeism in the workplace and in schools and binge drinking across various beverage types in the Baltic countries.

Methods:

We utilised a dataset of 3,778 individuals compiled from 2015 to 2016 and performed multiple negative binomial regression analysis with multiple imputations to deal with missing data. Self-reported measures were used for both absenteeism and binge drinking.

Results:

We found evidence to support the claim that absenteeism, in terms of self-reported absence days, is positively associated with self-reported binge drinking, specifically with beer bingeing. On average, beer bingers reported 49% ( p < .05) more absences than people who drink alcohol but do not binge on beer. For wine and spirits variables, the estimates indicated positive but statistically insignificant associations. No group differences were identified across gender and education.

Conclusions:

A considerable proportion of days absent from work and from school can be associated with beer bingeing. Therefore, it should be acknowledged that beverage-specific alcohol policies that are more lenient toward beer than other types of alcohol can inadvertently increase absenteeism and decrease workplace productivity.
Assessment and design of real world driving cycles targeted to the calibration of vehicles with electrified powertrain
Authors: Doulgeris Stylianos , Toumasatos Zisimos , Prati Maria Vittoria , Beatrice Carlo , Samaras Zissis
Published: August 2021

Vehicles’ powertrain electrification is one of the key measures adopted by manufacturers in order to develop low emissions vehicles and reduce the CO2 emissions from passenger cars. High complexity of electrified powertrains increases the demand of cost-effective tools that can be used during the design of such powertrain architectures. Objective of the study is the proposal of a series of real-world velocity profiles that can be used during virtual design. To that aim, using three state of the art plug-in hybrid vehicles, a combined experimental, and simulation approach is followed to derive generic real-world cycles that can be used for the evaluation of the overall energy efficiency of electrified powertrains. The vehicles were tested under standard real driving emissions routes, real-world routes with reversed order (compared to a standard real driving emissions route) of urban, rural, motorway, and routes with high slope variation. To enhance the experimental activities, additional virtual mission profiles simulated using vehicle simulation models. Outcome of the study consists of specific driving cycles, designed based on standard real-world route, and a methodology for real-world data analysis and evaluation, along with the results from the assessment of the impact of different operational parameters on the total electrified powertrain.
Participatory research in a pandemic: The impact of Covid-19 on co-designing research with autistic people
Authors: Rudd Danielle , Hwang Se Kwang
Published: August 2021

Social work research should adopt a critical approach to research methodology, opposing oppression that is reproduced through epistemological assumptions or research methods and processes. However, traditional approaches to autism research have often problematised and pathologized autistic 1 individuals, reinforcing autistic people’s positions as passive subjects. This has resulted in autistic people being largely excluded from the production of knowledge about autism, and about the needs of autistic people. Participatory approaches promote collaborative approaches to enquiry and posit autistic people as active co-constructors of knowledge, a stance that is congruent with social work values of social justice and liberation. However, Covid-19 is not only altering our everyday life but also upending social research. This paper discusses the challenges faced by a participatory study involving autistic people during the Covid-19 pandemic. This paper examines how Covid-19 increased the individual vulnerability of autistic participants and changed their research priorities, increased the researcher’s decision-making power, and placed greater emphasis on barriers created by inaccessible methods. Covid-19 did not present novel challenges, but rather exacerbated existing tensions and inevitable challenges that are inherent in adopting an approach that aims to oppose oppression.
Hub clearance effect in the design space of the cantilevered stator embedded in a 4-stage low-speed research compressor
Authors: Ju Zhenzhou , Teng Jinfang , Ma Yuchen , Zhu Mingmin , Qiang Xiaoqing
Published: August 2021

This paper focuses on the effect of hub clearance in the design space of the highly loaded cantilevered stator. The embedded 1.5 stages of a low-speed research compressor (LSRC) were conducted with Unsteady Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes (URANS) numerical investigation, and the cantilevered stator adopts positive bowed and fore-sweep three-dimensional design. The research details that with the hub clearance increasing from 1.1% to 4.5% span, the loss coefficient and the total leakage momentum of the cantilevered stator correspond to the change of the blade loading near the hub. When designing the inlet metal angle of the rotor downstream the cantilevered stator, emphasis should be given to considering the inter-stage matching below 15% span. The mixing of leakage flow in 1.1% span clearance and 2.5% span clearance is basically completed in the S3 passage, but the mixing of leakage flow in 3.5% span clearance and 4.5% span clearance is still relatively strong downstream of S3. When calculating the relative entropy variation based on Denton’s mixing model, attention should be paid to the relationship between the leakage flow velocity affected by the hub gap and the mainstream velocity, as well as whether the mixing has been completed in the blade passage.
The psychometric and pragmatic evidence rating scale (PAPERS) for measure development and evaluation
Authors: Lewis Cara C , Mettert Kayne D , Stanick Cameo F , Halko Heather M , Nolen Elspeth A , Powell Byron J , Weiner Bryan J
Published: August 2021

To rigorously measure the implementation of evidence-based interventions, implementation science requires measures that have evidence of reliability and validity across different contexts and populations. Measures that can detect change over time and impact on outcomes of interest are most useful to implementers. Moreover, measures that fit the practical needs of implementers could be used to guide implementation outside of the research context. To address this need, our team developed a rating scale for implementation science measures that considers their psychometric and pragmatic properties and the evidence available. The Psychometric and Pragmatic Evidence Rating Scale (PAPERS) can be used in systematic reviews of measures, in measure development, and to select measures. PAPERS may move the field toward measures that inform robust research evaluations and practical implementation efforts.
Arthroscopic Bennett Lesion Resection: A Novel Technique
Authors: Hammonds Samuel C. , Creighton R. Alexander
Published: August 2021

Background:

Bennett lesion is ossification of the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament complex. Though often asymptomatic, these lesions can become painful and interfere with throwing ability.

Indications:

The Bennett lesion is relatively common among elite throwers, present in 22% to 25% of asymptomatic pitchers. Suggested causes of this lesion include traction on the posterior joint and posterior impingement in the late cocking phase. These lesions can become painful due to displacement and irritation of the joint capsule and axillary nerve. Therefore, efficient arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic lesions is essential.

Technique Description:

The patient is positioned in the lateral decubitus position, and the glenohumeral joint is accessed via posterior and anterior portals. Once the lesion is identified, it may be probed and debrided via the posterior portal. A posterior capsular release is performed, and 4.0 mm burr resection of the lesion is started, viewing from the anterior portal with a 70° arthroscope. Direct visualization through the posterior portal can be used to verify complete lesion resection. If there is a true tear of the posterior labrum, this can be repaired with a knotless suture anchor back to the glenoid, but usually there is delamination that can be left alone after addressing the Bennett lesion.

Results:

We have found good success treating Bennett lesions via the above technique. This is supported by previous literature as well, with return to preinjury levels ranging from 69% to 85% following arthroscopic resection.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Four diagnostic criteria have been described to ensure accurate diagnosis: detection of a bony spur at the posterior glenoid rim on plain x-ray films, best seen on Stryker notch and Bennett view; posterior shoulder pain while throwing; tenderness at the posteroinferior aspect of the glenohumeral joint; and improvement in pain following lidocaine injection. Magnetic resonance imaging is also an excellent diagnostic tool to detect early enthesopathic changes in the posterior glenoid or periosteum, as well as labral pathology. Following arthroscopic resection, 88% of patients were satisfied with their treatment when using these diagnostic criteria. Accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment of Bennett lesions are imperative in the throwing athlete, and when performed correctly, our technique provides significant and lasting improvement for patients.
ASH, ABHH, ACHO, Grupo CAHT, Grupo  CLAHT, SAH, SBHH, SHU, SOCHIHEM, SOMETH, Sociedad Panameña de Hematología, SPH, and SVH 2021 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism in Latin America
Authors: Neumann Ignacio , Izcovich Ariel , Aguilar Ricardo , Basantes Guillermo León , Casais Patricia , Colorio Cecilia C. , Esposito María Cecilia Guillermo , Lázaro Pedro P. García , Meillon-García Luis A. , Pereira Jaime , Rezende Suely Meireles , Serrano Juan Carlos , Valle Mario L. Tejerina , Vera Felipe , Karzulovic Lorena , Rada Gabriel , Schünemann Holger
Published: August 2021

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease in Latin American settings. Implementing international guidelines in Latin American settings requires additional considerations.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to provide evidence-based guidelines about managing VTE for Latin American patients, clinicians, and decision makers.

Methods: We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT method to adapt recommendations from 2 American Society of Hematology (ASH) VTE guidelines (Treatment of VTE and Anticoagulation Therapy). ASH and local hematology societies formed a guideline panel comprised of medical professionals from 10 countries in Latin America. Panelists prioritized 18 questions relevant for the Latin American context. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence reviews of health effects conducted for the original ASH guidelines and summarized information about factors specific to the Latin American context (ie, values and preferences, resources, accessibility, feasibility, and impact on health equity).

Results: The panel agreed on 17 recommendations. Compared with the original guideline, 4 recommendations changed direction and 1 changed strength.

Conclusions: This guideline adolopment project highlighted the importance of contextualization of recommendations suggested by the changes to the original recommendations. The panel also identified 2 implementation priorities for the region: expanding the availability of home treatment and increasing the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The guideline panel made a conditional recommendation in favor of home treatment for individuals with deep venous thrombosis and a conditional recommendation for either home or hospital treatment for individuals with pulmonary embolism. In addition, a conditional recommendation was made in favor of DOACs over vitamin K antagonists for several populations.
Effects of Grain Shape Genes Editing on Appearance Quality of Erect-Panicle Geng/Japonica Rice
Authors: Mao Ting , Zhu Mingdong , Sheng Zhonghua , Shao Gaoneng , Jiao Guiai , Mawia Amos Musyoki , Ahmad Shakeel , Xie Lihong , Tang Shaoqing , Wei Xiangjin , Hu Shikai , Hu Peisong
Published: August 2021

Long grain geng/japonica rice has a higher market preference due its excellent appearance quality. The dense and erect-panicle 1 (dep1) gene has been widely used in the breeding of high-yielding geng/japonica rice cultivars in China. However, this gene causes short and round grain shape thus making it less attractive in global rice markets. Therefore, breeding of high-yielding long-grain geng/japonica rice cultivars by incorporating dep1 with major-effect grain shape gene is of high priority in rice industry. Up to now, multiple grain shape genes’ effect mechanism has been clearly elaborated, however, under the background of erect-panicle geng/japonica rice, the effect of major grain shape genes on the appearance quality need to be further clarified, as detailed reports are limited. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a series of near-isogenic lines (NILs) (YF47dep1-gw8, YF47dep1-gs3, YF47dep1-gl7, YF47dep1-qgl3 and YF47dep1-tgw6) in Yanfeng 47(YF47dep1) background were created. Grain appearance and yield components analysis showed that: (1) All NILs’ grain length to width ratio was significantly increased compared to that of YF47dep1, excepted YF47dep1-gs3, (2) The chalkiness degree was significantly reduced in all of the NILs, (3) In all of the NILs, YF47dep1-gw8 grains exhibited the greatest length to width ratio and the lowest chalkiness degree, (4) The composition of glume cells and filling characteristics of the endosperm were two key factors contributing grain shape and grain chalk variations, respectively, and v) Owning to a substantial increase in the thousand grain weight, the yields of YF47dep1-gs3 and YF47dep1-tgw6 were significantly higher than that of YF47dep1, whereas YF47dep1-qgl3 exhibited the lowest yield because of a dramatic decrease in the effective panicle number and thousand grain weight. All the results revealed that pyramiding dep1 with major-effect grain shape alleles was an effective approach to improving the appearance quality of erect-panicle geng/japonica rice, owning to both of the appearance quality and yield improvement, GS3 and TGW6 alleles can be applied directly for breeding long-grain shape geng/japonica rice, and editing GW8 resulted in excellent appearance quality but low yield, therefore, this gene would be difficult to use directly but can be considered as the core germplasm resource.
From a genome assembly to full regulatory network prediction: the case study of Rhodotorula toruloides putative Haa1-regulon
Authors: Oliveira Jorge , Antunes Miguel , Godinho Claudia P. , Teixeira Miguel C. , Sá-Correia Isabel , Monteiro Pedro T.
Published: August 2021

Numerous genomes are sequenced and made available to the community through the NCBI portal. However, and, unlike what happens for gene function annotation, annotation of promoter sequences and the underlying prediction of regulatory associations is mostly unavailable, severely limiting the ability to interpret genome sequences in a functional genomics perspective. Here we present an approach where one can download a genome of interest from NCBI in the GenBank Flat File (.gbff) format and, with a minimum set of commands, have all the information parsed, organized and made available through the platform web interface. Also, the new genomes are compared with a given genome of reference in search of homologous genes, shared regulatory elements and predicted transcription associations. We present this approach within the context of Community YEASTRACT of the YEASTRACT + portal, thus benefiting from immediate access to all the comparative genomics queries offered in the YEASTRACT + portal. Besides the yeast community, other communities can install the platform independently, without any constraints. In this work, we exemplify the usefulness of the presented tool, within Community YEASTRACT, in constructing a dedicated database and analysing the genome of the highly promising oleaginous red yeast species Rhodotorula toruloides currently poorly studied at the genome and transcriptome levels and with limited genome editing tools. Regulatory prediction is based on the conservation of promoter sequences and available regulatory networks. The case-study examined is focused on the Haa1 transcription factor—a key regulator of yeast resistance to acetic acid, an important inhibitor of industrial bioconversion of lignocellulosic hydrolysates. The new tool described here led to the prediction of a RtHaa1 regulon with expected impact in the optimization of R. toruloides robustness for lignocellulosic and pectin-rich residue biorefinery processes.
Characterization and comparative analysis of transcriptional profiles of porcine colostrum and mature milk at different parities
Authors: Keel Brittney N. , Lindholm-Perry Amanda K. , Oliver William T. , Wells James E. , Jones Shuna A. , Rempel Lea A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Porcine milk is a complex fluid, containing a myriad of immunological, biochemical, and cellular components, made to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the neonate. Whole milk contains many different cell types, including mammary epithelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, as well nanoparticles, such as milk exosomes. To-date, only a limited number of livestock transcriptomic studies have reported sequencing of milk. Moreover, those studies focused only on sequencing somatic cells as a proxy for the mammary gland with the goal of investigating differences in the lactation process. Recent studies have indicated that RNA originating from multiple cell types present in milk can withstand harsh environments, such as the digestive system, and transmit regulatory molecules from maternal to neonate. Transcriptomic profiling of porcine whole milk, which is reflective of the combined cell populations, could help elucidate these mechanisms. To this end, total RNA from colostrum and mature milk samples were sequenced from 65 sows at differing parities. A stringent bioinformatic pipeline was used to identify and characterize 70,841 transcripts.

Results

The 70,841 identified transcripts included 42,733 previously annotated transcripts and 28,108 novel transcripts. Differential gene expression analysis was conducted using a generalized linear model coupled with the Lancaster method for P-value aggregation across transcripts. In total, 1667 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified for the milk type main effect, and 33 DEG were identified for the milk type x parity interaction. Several gene ontology (GO) terms related to immune response were significant for the milk type main effect, supporting the well-known fact that immunoglobulins and immune cells are transferred to the neonate via colostrum.

Conclusions

This is the first study to perform global transcriptome analysis from whole milk samples in sows from different parities. Our results provide important information and insight into synthesis of milk proteins and innate immunity and potential targets for future improvement of swine lactation and piglet development.
Quantifying and communicating the burden of COVID-19
Authors: von Cube Maja , Timsit Jéan-Francois , Kammerlander Andreas , Schumacher Martin
Published: August 2021

Background

An essential aspect of preventing further COVID-19 outbreaks and to learn for future pandemics is the evaluation of different political strategies, which aim at reducing transmission of and mortality due to COVID-19. One important aspect in this context is the comparison of attributable mortality.

Methods

We give a comprehensive overview of six epidemiological measures that are used to quantify COVID-19 attributable mortality (p-score, standardized mortality ratio, absolute number of excess deaths, per capita rate, z-score and the population attributable fraction).

Results

By defining the six measures based on observed and expected deaths, we explain their relationship. Moreover, three publicly available data examples serve to illustrate the interpretational strengths and weaknesses of the various measures.

Finally, we give recommendation which measures are suitable for an evaluation of public health strategies against COVID-19. The R code to reproduce the results is available as online supplementary material.

Conclusion

The number of excess deaths should be always reported together with the population attributable fraction, the p-score or the standardized mortality ratio instead of a per capita rate. For a complete picture of COVID-19 attributable mortality, quantifying and communicating its relative burden also to a lay audience is of major importance.
Comparison of prevalence and exposure-disease associations using self-report and hospitalization data among enrollees of the world trade center health registry
Authors: Alper Howard E. , Brite Jennifer , Cone James E. , Brackbill Robert M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Although many studies have investigated agreement between survey and hospitalization data for disease prevalence, it is unknown whether exposure-chronic disease associations vary based on data collection method. We investigated agreement between self-report and administrative data for the following: 1) disease prevalence, and 2) the accuracy of self-reported hospitalization in the last 12 months, and 3) the association of seven chronic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, asthma, diabetes, hyperlipidemia) with four measures of 9/11 exposure.

Methods

Enrollees of the World Trade Center Health Registry who resided in New York State were included (N = 18,206). Hospitalization data for chronic diseases were obtained from the New York State Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS). Prevalence for each disease and concordance measures (kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive agreement, and negative agreement) were calculated. In addition, the associations of the seven chronic diseases with the four measures of exposure were evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

Self-report disease prevalence ranged from moderately high (40.5% for hyperlipidemia) to low (3.8% for heart attack). Self-report prevalence was at least twice that obtained from administrative data for all seven chronic diseases. Kappa ranged from 0.35 (stroke) to 0.04 (rheumatoid arthritis). Self-reported hospitalizations within the last 12 months showed little overlap with actual hospitalization data. Agreement for exposure-disease associations was good over the twenty-eight exposure-disease pairs studied.

Conclusions

Agreement was good for exposure-disease associations, modest for disease prevalence, and poor for self-reported hospitalizations. Neither self-report nor administrative data can be treated as the “gold standard.” Which source to use depends on the availability and context of data, and the disease under study.
A case-control study on correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphism of CLEC4E and the susceptibility to tuberculosis among Han people in Western China
Authors: Zhou Wenjing , Wu Lijuan , Song Jiajia , Jiao Lin , Zhou Yi , Zhou Juan , Wang Nian , Liu Tangyuheng , Zhao Zhenzhen , Bai Hao , Wu Tao , Ying Binwu
Published: August 2021

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Western China. Preclinical studies have suggested the protective effect of the C-type lectin receptor of family 4 member E (CLEC4E) from TB. Herein, we investigated the association between CLEC4E gene variants and TB susceptibility in a western Chinese Han population.

Methods

We genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10841856, rs10770847, rs10770855 and rs4480590 in the CLEC4E gene using the improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) assay in 900 TB cases and 1534 healthy controls.

Results

After stratifying the whole data by sex, it was found that males exhibited mutant allele G of rs10841856 was more strongly associated with increased TB risk after Bonferroni correction (OR = 1.334, 95% CI: 1.142–1.560; P < 0.001 after adjusting for age; p = 0.001 after Bonferroni correction). The genetic model analysis found that rs10841856 was associated with the increased risk of TB among males under the dominant model (OR = 1.557, 95% CI = 1.228–1.984, P < 0.001 after adjusting for age, P < 0.001 after Bonferroni correction). Bioinformatics analysis suggested that rs10841856 might fall in putative functional regions and might be the expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) for CLEC4E and long noncoding RNA RP11-561P12.5.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that rs10841856 in the CLEC4E gene might be related to increased TB risk, especially the dominant genetic model among male Han individuals from Western China
Evaluation of the added value of viral genomic information for predicting severity of influenza infection
Authors: Van Goethem Nina , Robert Annie , Bossuyt Nathalie , Van Poelvoorde Laura A. E. , Quoilin Sophie , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Thomas Isabelle , Vanneste Kevin , Roosens Nancy H. C. , Van Oyen Herman
Published: August 2021

Background

The severity of an influenza infection is influenced by both host and viral characteristics. This study aims to assess the relevance of viral genomic data for the prediction of severe influenza A(H3N2) infections among patients hospitalized for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), in view of risk assessment and patient management.

Methods

160 A(H3N2) influenza positive samples from the 2016–2017 season originating from the Belgian SARI surveillance were selected for whole genome sequencing. Predictor variables for severity were selected using a penalized elastic net logistic regression model from a combined host and genomic dataset, including patient information and nucleotide mutations identified in the viral genome. The goodness-of-fit of the model combining host and genomic data was compared using a likelihood-ratio test with the model including host data only. Internal validation of model discrimination was conducted by calculating the optimism-adjusted area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC) for both models.

Results

The model including viral mutations in addition to the host characteristics had an improved fit ($${X}^{2}$$X2=12.03, df = 3, p = 0.007). The optimism-adjusted AUC increased from 0.671 to 0.732.

Conclusions

Adding genomic data (selected season-specific mutations in the viral genome) to the model containing host characteristics improved the prediction of severe influenza infection among hospitalized SARI patients, thereby offering the potential for translation into a prospective strategy to perform early season risk assessment or to guide individual patient management.
Horseshoe kidney with PLA2R-positive membranous nephropathy
Authors: Shi Shuai-Shuai , Yang Xian-Zu , Zhang Xiao-Ye , Guo Hui-Dan , Wang Wen-Feng , Zhang Li , Wu Peng , Zhang Wei , Wen Wen-Bin , Huo Xiao-Lei , Zhang Yi-Qiang
Published: August 2021

Background

Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is a common congenital defect of the urinary system. The most common complications are urinary tract infection, urinary stones, and hydronephrosis. HSK can be combined with glomerular diseases, but the diagnosis rate of renal biopsy is low due to structural abnormalities. There are only a few reports on HSK with glomerular disease. Here, we have reported a case of PLA2R-positive membranous nephropathy occurring in a patient with HSK.

Case presentation

After admission to the hospital due to oedema of both the lower extremities, the patient was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome due to abnormal 24-h urine protein (7540 mg) and blood albumin (25 g/L) levels. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed HSK. The patient’s brother had a history of end-stage renal disease due to nephrotic syndrome. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with PLA2R-positive stage II membranous nephropathy through renal biopsy under abdominal ultrasonography guidance. He was administered adequate prednisone and cyclophosphamide, and after 6 months of treatment, urinary protein excretion levels significantly decreased.

Conclusion

The risk and difficulty of renal biopsy in patients with HSK are increased due to structural abnormalities; however, renal biopsy can be accomplished through precise positioning with abdominal ultrasonography. In the literature, 20 cases of HSK with glomerular disease have been reported thus far. Because of the small number of cases, estimating the incidence rate of glomerular diseases in HSK is impossible, and the correlation between HSK and renal pathology cannot be stated. Further studies should be conducted and cases should be accumulated to elucidate this phenomenon.
Prevalence and socio-demographic associations of diet and physical activity risk-factors for cardiovascular disease in Bo, Sierra Leone
Authors: Bockarie Tahir , Odland Maria Lisa , Wurie Haja , Ansumana Rashid , Lamin Joseph , Witham Miles , Oyebode Oyinlola , Davies Justine
Published: August 2021

Background

Little is known about modifiable dietary and physical activity risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Sierra Leone. This information is critical to the development of health improvement interventions to reduce the prevalence of these diseases. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of dietary and physical activity risk behaviours amongst adults in Bo District, Sierra Leone.

Methods

Adults aged 40+ were recruited from 10 urban and 30 rural sub-districts in Bo. We examined risk factors including: ≤150 min of moderate or vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) weekly, physical inactivity for ≥3 h daily, ≤5 daily portions of fruit and vegetables, and salt consumption (during cooking, at the table, and in salty snacks). We used logistic regression to investigate the relationship between these outcomes and participants’ socio-demographic characteristics.

Results

1978 eligible participants (39.1% urban, 55.6% female) were included in the study. The prevalence of behavioural risk factors was 83.6% for ≤5 daily portions of fruit and vegetables; 41.4 and 91.6% for adding salt at the table or during cooking, respectively and 31.1% for eating salty snacks; 26.1% for MVPA ≤150 min weekly, and 45.6% for being physically inactive ≥3 h daily. Most MVPA was accrued at work (nearly 24 h weekly). Multivariable analysis showed that urban individuals were more likely than rural individuals to consume ≤5 daily portions of fruit and vegetables (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% Confidence Interval (1.04–1.15)), add salt at the Table (OR 1.88 (1.82–1.94)), eat salty snacks (OR 2.00 (1.94–2.07)), and do MVPA ≤150 min weekly (OR 1.16 (1.12–1.21)). Male individuals were more likely to add salt at the Table (OR 1.23 (1.20–1.27)) or consume salty snacks (OR 1.35 (1.31–1.40)) than female individuals but were less likely to report the other behavioural risk-factors examined. Generally, people in lower wealth quintiles had lower odds of each risk factor than those in the higher wealth quintiles.

Conclusion

Dietary risk factors for CVD are highly prevalent, particularly among urban residents, of Bo District, Sierra Leone. Our findings highlight that forthcoming policies in Sierra Leone need to consider modifiable risk factors for CVD in the context of urbanisation.
Malignant phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor-ossifying fibroma-like subtype: a case report and literature review
Authors: Qin Hongyu , Zeng Hao , Li Hao , Yuan Shuangshuang , Yang Jinsong
Published: August 2021

Background

A phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) is classified into four histological subtypes: mixed connective tissue, osteoblast-like, non-ossifying fibroma-like, and ossifying fibroma-like. The ossifying fibroma-like subtype being extremely rare. Most PMTs are benign, with a minimal number becoming malignant after recurrence. In this study, we report a case of recurrence and malignant transformation of PMT-ossifying fibroma-like subtype in the left hip bone.

Case presentation

Here, we report the clinical manifestations, histology, pathological features, and treatment of a 57-year-old Chinese woman with a recurrent and malignant ossifying fibroma-like subtype PMT of the left iliac bone. The tumor was first discovered 3 years ago when the patient underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Precisely 2 years and 6 months after the operation, the pain in the left hip reappeared. After 6 months, the patient went to our hospital for treatment. After the tumor resection, the postoperative symptoms improved significantly, and the serum alkaline phosphatase level returned to normal. Based on clinical manifestations, evaluation of serum biochemical indicators, X-ray examination, computerized tomography scan of the pelvis, and histopathological examination of the two operations, the patient was finally diagnosed with a recurring and malignant transformation of the left iliac bone phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor-ossifying fibroma-like subtype. No tumor recurrence was found during the follow-up 15 months after the operation.

Conclusions

This case increases the awareness of a rare malignant subtype of PMT and provides a valuable reference for the diagnosis of this disease.
Ectopic bronchogenic cyst arising from the diaphragm: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Tang Juan , Zeng Zhen , Deng Senyi , Lin Feng
Published: August 2021

Background

Bronchogenic cysts can be caused by errors in the growth of the ventral foregut. Localization of the bronchogenic cyst (BC) varies depending on the level of the abnormal budding. They are usually located in the lungs and mediastinum. BCs of the diaphragm are a rare form of this abnormality.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old woman coughs and expectorates. CT scan evaluation revealed a soft tissue shadow of 6 × 5 cm in the left lung. Under thoracoscopic surgery, we found that the mass originated from the diaphragm away from the lung tissue, we completely removed the mass and the pathological result was diagnosed as BC.

Conclusions

The prognosis of ectopic BC is usually optimistic for benign tumors, as long as the tumor is completely removed.
A review on the relationship between anti-mullerian hormone and fertility in treating young breast cancer patients
Authors: Song Yixuan , Liu Hong
Published: August 2021

Despite the fact that the long-term survival rate of breast cancer patients had been significantly improved owing to the systemic breast cancer therapies, there are still some side effects such as amenorrhea and fertility retention to be resolved, leaving it an important thing to understand the possible side effects on fertility and fertility preservation strategies while undergoing breast cancer treatment, due to the fact that most young patients hope to become pregnant and have children after breast cancer treatment. With anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) being the most sensitive marker for predicting ovarian function in young premenopausal women with breast cancer, this review is aimed to provide the additional guidance for clinical application of AMH by exploring the impacts of AMH on the fertility of young breast cancer patients, the relationship between AMH and metabolism, and the relationship between BRAC gene mutation and fertility protection strategies.
The social licence for data-intensive health research: towards co-creation, public value and trust
Authors: Muller Sam H. A. , Kalkman Shona , van Thiel Ghislaine J. M. W. , Mostert Menno , van Delden Johannes J. M.
Published: August 2021

Background

The rise of Big Data-driven health research challenges the assumed contribution of medical research to the public good, raising questions about whether the status of such research as a common good should be taken for granted, and how public trust can be preserved. Scandals arising out of sharing data during medical research have pointed out that going beyond the requirements of law may be necessary for sustaining trust in data-intensive health research. We propose building upon the use of a social licence for achieving such ethical governance.

Main text

We performed a narrative review of the social licence as presented in the biomedical literature. We used a systematic search and selection process, followed by a critical conceptual analysis. The systematic search resulted in nine publications. Our conceptual analysis aims to clarify how societal permission can be granted to health research projects which rely upon the reuse and/or linkage of health data. These activities may be morally demanding. For these types of activities, a moral legitimation, beyond the limits of law, may need to be sought in order to preserve trust. Our analysis indicates that a social licence encourages us to recognise a broad range of stakeholder interests and perspectives in data-intensive health research. This is especially true for patients contributing data. Incorporating such a practice paves the way towards an ethical governance, based upon trust. Public engagement that involves patients from the start is called for to strengthen this social licence.

Conclusions

There are several merits to using the concept of social licence as a guideline for ethical governance. Firstly, it fits the novel scale of data-related risks; secondly, it focuses attention on trustworthiness; and finally, it offers co-creation as a way forward. Greater trust can be achieved in the governance of data-intensive health research by highlighting strategic dialogue with both patients contributing the data, and the public in general. This should ultimately contribute to a more ethical practice of governance.
Proteomic mechanistic profile of patients with diabetes at risk of developing heart failure: insights from the HOMAGE trial
Authors: Verdonschot Job A. J. , Ferreira João Pedro , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , Clark Andrew L. , Cosmi Franco , Cuthbert Joe , Girerd Nicolas , Mariottoni Beatrice , Petutschnigg Johannes , Rossignol Patrick , Cleland John G. F. , Zannad Faiez , Heymans Stephane R. B. ,   HOMAGE “Heart Omics in AGEing” consortium
Published: August 2021

Background

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk of developing heart failure (HF). The “Heart OMics in AGEing” (HOMAGE) trial suggested that spironolactone had beneficial effect on fibrosis and cardiac remodelling in an at risk population, potentially slowing the progression towards HF. We compared the proteomic profile of patients with and without diabetes among patients at risk for HF in the HOMAGE trial.

Methods

Protein biomarkers (n = 276) from the Olink®Proseek-Multiplex cardiovascular and inflammation panels were measured in plasma collected at baseline and 9 months (or last visit) from HOMAGE trial participants including 217 patients with, and 310 without, diabetes.

Results

Twenty-one biomarkers were increased and five decreased in patients with diabetes compared to non-diabetics at baseline. The markers clustered mainly within inflammatory and proteolytic pathways, with granulin as the key-hub, as revealed by knowledge-induced network and subsequent gene enrichment analysis. Treatment with spironolactone in diabetic patients did not lead to large changes in biomarkers. The effects of spironolactone on NTproBNP, fibrosis biomarkers and echocardiographic measures of diastolic function were similar in patients with and without diabetes (all interaction analyses p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Amongst patients at risk for HF, those with diabetes have higher plasma concentrations of proteins involved in inflammation and proteolysis. Diabetes does not influence the effects of spironolactone on the proteomic profile, and spironolactone produced anti-fibrotic, anti-remodelling, blood pressure and natriuretic peptide lowering effects regardless of diabetes status. 

Trial registration NCT02556450.
Macrophage polarization-associated lnc-Ma301 interacts with caprin-1 to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through the Akt/Erk1 pathway
Authors: Luo Hong-Lin , Luo Tao , Liu Jun-Jie , Wu Fei-Xiang , Bai Tao , Ou Chao , Chen Jie , Li Le-Qun , Zhong Jian-Hong
Published: August 2021

Background

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes migration, invasion, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The molecular mechanisms behind EMT and metastasis in HCC remain unclear.

Methods

Microarray analysis was used to identify lncRNAs expression during polarization of U937 macrophages from M2 to M1 phenotype. The expression of the identified lncRNA was compared between clinical samples of HCC tissues or adjacent normal tissues, as well as between HCC and normal liver cell lines. lnc-Ma301 was overexpressed or knocked-down in HCC cell lines, and the effects were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Interactions among lnc-Ma301 and its potential downstream targets caprin-1 were investigated in HCC cell lines. Effects of lnc-Ma301 over- and underexpression on the Akt/Erk1 signaling pathways were examined.

Results

Microarray analyses identified lnc-Ma301 as one of the most overexpressed long non-coding RNAs during polarization of U937 macrophages from M2 to M1 phenotype. Lnc-Ma301 showed lower expression in HCC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, and lower expression was associated with worse prognosis. Activation of lnc-Ma301 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and EMT in HCC cell cultures, and it inhibited lung metastasis of HCC tumors in mice. Mechanistic studies suggested that lnc-Ma301 interacts with caprin-1 to inhibit HCC metastasis and EMT through Akt/Erk1 pathway.

Conclusions

Lnc-Ma301 may help regulate onset and metastasis of HCC.
Low-frequency STN-DBS provides acute gait improvements in Parkinson’s disease: a double-blinded randomised cross-over feasibility trial
Authors: Conway Zachary J. , Silburn Peter A. , Perera Thushara , O’Maley Karen , Cole Michael H.
Published: August 2021

Background

Some people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) report poorer dynamic postural stability following high-frequency deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS), which may contribute to an increased falls risk. However, some studies have shown low-frequency (60 Hz) STN-DBS improves clinical measures of postural stability, potentially providing support for this treatment. This double-blind randomised crossover study aimed to investigate the effects of low-frequency STN-DBS compared to high-frequency stimulation on objective measures of gait rhythmicity in people with PD.

Methods

During high- and low-frequency STN-DBS and while off-medication, participants completed assessments of symptom severity and walking (e.g., Timed Up-and-Go). During comfortable walking, the harmonic ratio, an objective measures of gait rhythmicity, was derived from head- and trunk-mounted accelerometers to provide insight in dynamic postural stability. Lower harmonic ratios represent less rhythmic walking and have discriminated people with PD who experience falls. Linear mixed model analyses were performed on fourteen participants.

Results

Low-frequency STN-DBS significantly improved medial–lateral and vertical trunk rhythmicity compared to high-frequency. Improvements were independent of electrode location and total electrical energy delivered. No differences were noted between stimulation conditions for temporal gait measures, clinical mobility measures, motor symptom severity or the presence of gait retropulsion.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the acute benefits of low-frequency stimulation for gait outcomes in STN-DBS PD patients, independent of electrode location. However, the perceived benefits of this therapy may be diminished for people who experienced significant tremor pre-operatively, as lower frequencies may cause these symptoms to re-emerge.

Trial registration: This study was prospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 5 June 2018 (ACTRN12618000944235).