bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic Features of Chronic Intestinal Schistosomiasis and Its Distinction From Crohn Disease
Authors: Cai Lijun , Chen Yanyan , Xiao Shu-Yuan
Published: September 2020

Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis (CIS) can mimic chronic colitis of other etiologies, particularly inflammatory bowel disease. Recognizing clinical and pathologic features unique to schistosomiasis can facilitate differential diagnosis. Clinical, endoscopic, imaging, macroscopic, and histologic features of 40 CIS cases were reviewed and compared with 40 cases of Crohn disease (CD). The most common symptoms of CIS were abdominal pain, distention, bloody stool, weight loss, and anemia. Lesions were mainly located in the rectum and/or left colon in 67.5% of patients. Polyps were seen colonoscopically in 57.1% and yellow granular hyperplasia in 40% of patients. Spotty or linear calcifications were radiographically seen in 21.7% of patients. Macroscopically mural thickening and stricture with erosions or ulcerations were seen in resected specimens of CIS. Four patients were initially diagnosed as having ulcerative colitis and 3 as CD (a misdiagnosis rate of 17.5%). The key microscopic feature was calcified ova in the submucosa, some accompanied by fibrosis, granulomas, or multinucleated giant cells. Crypt distortion, ulceration, and transmural lymphoid aggregates were less frequent in CIS than CD (P<0.05). Pyloric gland metaplasia was absent in CIS. Interestingly, eosinophilic counts were not significantly increased in tissue in CIS as compared with CD. Thus, clinical, endoscopic, imaging, and macroscopic manifestations are not specific for CIS. Correct diagnosis relies on increased awareness of this disease and rigorous search for parasitic eggs in tissue, particularly in patients from endemic areas who are suspected to have inflammatory bowel disease.
Physical therapy and opioid use for musculoskeletal pain management: competitors or companions?
Authors: George Steven Z. , Goode Adam P.
Published: September 2020

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain conditions are highly prevalent and a leading cause of disability globally. When people with MSK pain seek health care, they often receive treatment not aligned with best practices, including initial management options such as opioids. In recent practice guidelines, nonpharmacological treatments have been emphasized for initial pain management, and physical therapists are providers who routinely deliver nonpharmacological treatments. The purpose of this review is to describe the current and future state for how physical therapy may be used to increase exposure to nonpharmacological treatments for MSK pain conditions. For the current state, we review existing observational evidence investigating early exposure to physical therapy and its influence on subsequent opioid use. For the future state, we propose clinical research questions that could define the role of physical therapy on interdisciplinary teams working towards improving effectiveness of nonpharmacological treatments through more rigorous study designs. These clinical questions are intended to guide health services research and clinical trials when building an evidence base of nonpharmacological care options for MSK pain conditions.
Physiotherapy for people with painful peripheral neuropathies: a narrative review of its efficacy and safety
Authors: Jesson Tom , Runge Nils , Schmid Annina B.
Published: September 2020

Pharmacological treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain has only modest effects and is often limited by serious adverse responses. Alternative treatment approaches including physiotherapy management have thus gained interest in the management of people with peripheral neuropathies. This narrative review summarises the current literature on the efficacy and safety of physiotherapy to reduce pain and disability in people with radicular pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, 2 common peripheral neuropathies. For chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, the current evidence based on 8 randomised controlled trials suggests that exercise may reduce symptoms in patients with established neuropathy, but there is a lack of evidence for its preventative effect in patients who do not yet have symptoms. For radicular pain, most of the 21 trials investigated interventions targeted at improving motor control or reducing neural mechanosensitivity. The results were equivocal, with some indication that neural tissue management may show some benefits in reducing pain. Adverse events to physiotherapy seemed rare; however, these were not consistently reported across all studies. Although it is encouraging to see that the evidence base for physiotherapy in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain is growing steadily, the mixed quality of available studies currently prevents firm treatment recommendations. Based on promising preliminary data, suggestions are made on potential directions to move the field forward.
Evaluation of Spatial Resolution of Virtual Monochromatic Imaging In Vitro: Effect of Energy Level and Contrast
Authors: Suzuki Shigeru , Fukui Rika , Yamamoto Yuzo , Nakayama Suguru , Suzuki Mayuka , Kuwahara Sadatoshi
Published: September 2020

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate effects of the energy level and contrast on the spatial resolution of virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI).

Methods

With 2 types of computed tomographic (CT) scanners (Discovery CT750 HD and Revolution CT), we scanned an elliptical cylinder acrylic phantom with 20- or 40-fold dilutions of contrast medium and obtained VMI data sets at 40, 50, 60, and 70 keV. We evaluated the effects of energy levels and contrast on modulation transfer function (MTF) and the effect of energy levels on noise power spectra (NPS).

Results

With both CT scanners, MTF decreased significantly as the energy level decreased. The effect of the dilution of contrast media on MTF varied with CT scanners. With both scanners, NPS curves demonstrate uniform increase in NPS across the entire spatial frequency as the energy levels decreased.

Conclusions

The energy level and contrast can affect the spatial resolution of VMIs.
Computed Tomography-Guided Biopsy for Small (≤20 mm) Lung Nodules: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Guang-Sheng , Wang Shao-Qing , Liu Hui-Ling , Liu Yi , Fu Yu-Fei , Shi Yi-Bing
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy for small lung nodules (SLNs) (≤20 mm) and to assess related complication rates.

Methods

We reviewed the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify all relevant studies published as of April 2020. Random effects modeling were then used to evaluate pooled data pertaining to technical success rates, diagnostic accuracy, pneumothorax rates, and rates of hemoptysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata v12.0.

Results

In total, we identified 25 relevant studies for incorporation into this meta-analysis, incorporating 2922 total CT-guided lung biopsy. Pooled technical success rates, diagnostic accuracy, pneumothorax rates, and hemoptysis rates were 94% (95% confidential interval [CI], 0.91–0.98), 90% (95% CI, 0.88–0.93), 19% (95% CI:, 0.15–0.24), and 12% (95% CI, 0.08–0.15), respectively. We observed significant heterogeneity among these studies for all 4 of these parameters (I2
= 90.0%, 82.7%, 88.6%, and 88.4%, respectively). When we conducted a meta-regression analysis, we did not identify any variables that influenced diagnostic accuracy or technical success, pneumothorax, or hemoptysis rates. Publication bias risk analyses suggested that there was relatively little risk of publication bias pertaining to pneumothorax rates (P = 0.400) or hemoptysis rates (P = 0.377). In contrast, we detected a high risk of publication bias pertaining to reported technical success rates (P = 0.007) and diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.000).

Conclusions

A CT-guided biopsy can be safely and effectively used to diagnose SLNs.
The Evaluation of Radiomic Models in Distinguishing Pilocytic Astrocytoma From Cystic Oligodendroglioma With Multiparametric MRI
Authors: Zhao Yajing , Lu Yiping , Li Xuanxuan , Zheng Yingyan , Yin Bo
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To assess whether a machine-learning model based on texture features extracted from multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging could yield an accurate diagnosis in differentiating pilocytic astrocytoma from cystic oligodendrogliomas.

Materials and Methods

The preoperative images from multisequences were used for tumor segmentation. Radiomic features were extracted and selected for machine-learning models. Semantic features and selected radiomic features from training data set were built, and the performance of each model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and accuracy from isolated testing data set.

Results

In terms of different sequences, the best classifier was built by radiomic features extracted from enhanced T1WI-based classifier. The best model in our study turned out to be the gradient boosted trees classifier with an area under curve value of 0.99.

Conclusion

Our study showed that gradient boosted trees based on texture features extracted from enhanced T1WI could become an additional tool for improving diagnostic accuracy to differentiate pilocytic astrocytoma from cystic oligodendroglioma.
Detection of Shunting Into Pulmonary Artery on Multidetector Row Computed Tomography Arteriography Before Bronchial Arterial Embolization: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Takeuchi Hitoshi , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Morimoto Kozo , Osawa Takeshi , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Yoshimori Kozo , Kamei Shunsuke , Yamamoto Shota , Kurosaki Atsuko , Hasebe Terumitsu
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of detecting systemic arterial pulmonary circulation shunts on multidetector row computed tomography arteriography (MDCTA).

Methods

Thirty-five consecutive bronchial artery embolization sessions with preprocedural MDCTA were performed for 32 patients and 35 sessions. The MDCTA studies with computed tomography value of pulmonary trunk visually lower than that of ascending aorta were defined as “diagnostic MDCTA.” Angiographic studies and “diagnostic MDCTA” were evaluated, respectively, for shunting into pulmonary artery. Based on the results of angiographic studies, diagnostic performance of “diagnostic MDCTA” was evaluated.

Results

The rate of diagnostic MDCTA was 63% (23 of 35). On “diagnostic MDCTA,” sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for detecting shunts were 83% 100%, 100%, 94%, respectively.

Conclusions

Systemic arterial pulmonary circulation shunts were detected on “diagnostic MDCTA” with high sensitivity and specificity.
Accuracy of Pulmonary Nodule Volumetry Using Noise-Optimized Virtual Monoenergetic Image and Nonlinear Blending Image Algorithms in Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: A Phantom Study
Authors: He Changjiu , Liu Jieke , Hu Shibei , Qing Haomiao , Qiao Liang , Luo Hongbing , Chen Xiaoli , Zhou Peng
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess accuracy of pulmonary nodule volumetry using noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic image (VMI+) and nonlinear blending image (NBI) algorithms in dual-energy computed tomography (DECT).

Methods

An anthropomorphic chest phantom with 10 simulated nodules (5 solid nodules and 5 ground-glass opacities) was scanned using DECT80/Sn140kV, DECT100/Sn140kV, and single-energy CT (SECT120kV/200mAs), respectively. The dual-energy images were reconstructed using VMI+ (70 keV) and NBI algorithms. The contrast-to-noise ratio and absolute percentage error (APE) of nodule volume were measured to assess image quality and accuracy of nodule volumetry. The radiation dose was also estimated.

Results

The contrast-to-noise ratio of SECT120kV/200mAs was significantly higher than that of NBI80/Sn140kV and VMI+80/Sn140kV (both corrected P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences between NBI100/sn140kV and SECT120kV/200mAs and between VMI+100/sn140kV and SECT120kV/200mAs (both corrected P > 0.05). The APE of SECT120kV/200mAs was significantly lower than that of NBI80/Sn140kV and VMI+80/Sn140kV in both types of nodules (all corrected P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences between VMI+100/sn140kV and SECT120kV/200mAs in solid nodules and between NBI100/Sn140kV and SECT120kV/200mAs in ground-glass opacities (both corrected P > 0.05). The radiation dose of DECT100/Sn140kV and DECT80/Sn140kV were significantly lower than that of SECT120kV/200mAs (both corrected P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The DECT100/sn140kV can ensure image quality and nodule volumetry accuracy with lower radiation dose compared with SECT120kV/200mAs. Specifically, the VMI+ algorithm could be used in solid nodules and NBI algorithm in ground-glass opacities.
Urinary Cellular Profile as a Biomarker for Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Abdelati Abeer Ali , Eshak Nouran Y. , Donia Hanaa M. , El-Girby Amira H.
Published: September 2020

Background/Objective

A search for the ideal biomarker for lupus nephritis (LN) is still underway, one that can be used for early detection and correlate with the class and activity of LN. Urine is normally devoid of leukocytes; however, it has been observed that macrophages and T lymphocytes are routinely present in the urine of LN patients and those with other proliferative renal diseases. This provides the idea for their potential use as biomarkers for proliferative LN. Here, we measured the urinary CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and CD14+ monocytes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as potential biomarkers for LN.

Methods

A longitudinal case-control study included 30 SLE patients with LN, 30 SLE patients without past or current LN, and 20 healthy subjects as a control group. The flow cytometric analysis was done using BD FACS Calibur multiparameter flow cytometer equipped with BD CellQuest Pro software for data analysis.

Results

CD14+ cells were the most abundant cells in the urine of LN patients. The mean numbers of urinary CD8+, CD4+, and CD14+ cells/mL were significantly higher in patients with LN than in those without. The cell counts correlated significantly with proteinuria. Urinary CD14+ cells seem to occur in much higher counts in class IV than class III LN.

Conclusions

Urinary CD8+, CD4+, and CD14+ cells are highly sensitive and specific markers for detecting proliferative LN. A low CD4:CD8 ratio provides a further clue. Urinary CD14 cell counts may be a potential biomarker to differentiate between the different classes of proliferative LN.
A New Visual Transient Elastography Technique for Grading Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Ren Xinping , Zhang Lu , Xia Shujun , Chen Zhijie , Zhou Wei , Ji Ri , Zhou Jianqiao , Lin Yanyan , Zhan Weiwei
Published: September 2020

Liver fibrosis is evaluated to assess the prognosis and guide the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). To compare the efficiency of 2 transient elastography techniques for grading liver fibrosis in CHB: visual transient elastography (ViTE) with real-time image guidance and FibroScan (FS) with no image guidance. All of the CHB patients in this study underwent both FS and ViTE examinations. The final diagnosis was based on the histological findings of a liver biopsy. According to the severity of liver fibrosis (based on the Scheuer criteria), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for diagnostic efficiency were calculated for the 2 elastography techniques. This study enrolled 227 patients (79 [39.1%] women; mean age, 45.8 ± 16.8 years). The ViTE and FS liver elasticity measurements were highly correlated with liver fibrosis stage (r = 0.852 and r = 0.813, respectively). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value was larger for ViTE compared with FS, with respect to differentiating liver fibrosis stage, but not significantly (P > 0.05). The ViTE and FS can be used to detect and stage liver fibrosis. ViTE, easier and quicker to perform with superior interoperator reproducibility, is a stable and reliable elastography technique that benefits from real-time visual guidance.
Reflections on the Ultrasound Mirror Image Artifact
Authors: Kerr Dana Middleton , Middleton William Dana
Published: September 2020

A key assumption in ultrasound is that the reflected echoes that return to the transducer travel in a straight line. Mirror image artifacts occur when the transmitted pulse and returning echo reflect off of a highly reflective interface (an acoustic mirror) and change direction before returning to the transducer, thereby breaking this assumption. Mirror image artifacts are seen throughout the body on gray scale, color Doppler, power Doppler, and spectral Doppler. They may closely duplicate the true structure in shape and echo strength, may distort the true structure, may appear weaker than the true structure, or may appear on images that do not simultaneously show the true structure. If not properly recognized, mirror image artifacts can be misinterpreted as true pathology and lead to additional unnecessary tests and potentially harmful interventions.
Accuracy of Bedside Lung Ultrasound as a Rapid Triage Tool for Suspected Covid-19 Cases
Authors: Karagöz Arif , Sağlam Caner , Demirbaş Hakan Bariş , Korkut Semih , Ünlüer Erden Erol
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak began in China. The characteristic of the disease is development of pneumonia. We aimed to investigate the accuracy of bedside lung ultrasound (BLUS) for diagnosing Covid-19 pneumonia, and its effectiveness for the correct triage of patients with suspected Covid-19 in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

This study was a prospective, cross-sectional cohort study. During their shifts, 3 accredited and certificated emergency physicians performed BLUS using BLUE protocol at the triage area of the ED on patients with suspected Covid-19. All of the patients underwent chest computed tomography. The BLUS findings were statistically compared with formal radiology reports of computed tomographies as the criterion standard for the diagnosis of Covid-19 pneumonia. Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis, Shapiro-Wilk test, and Q-Q plots were performed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy of BLUS were 96.9% (95% CI, 84.2%–99.9%), 92.3% (95% CI, 79.1%–98.3%), 84.3% (95% CI, 64.5%–94.1%), 98.6% (95% CI, 91.1%–99.8%), and 93.7% (95% CI, 85.3%–98.0%), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 84.3% (95% CI, 64.5%–94.1%) and 98.6% (95% CI, 91.1%–99.8%), respectively. The area under curve was found to be 0.946 (95% CI, 0.866–0.986; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Bedside lung ultrasound can be used to detect the presence of pulmonary involvement in suspected cases of Covid-19 for the effective triage of patients in the ED.
Aerosolized pH1N1 influenza infection induces less systemic and local immune activation in the lung than combined intrabronchial, nasal and oral exposure in cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Mooij Petra , Mortier Daniella , Stammes Marieke , Fagrouch Zahra , Verschoor Ernst J. , Bogers Willy M. J. M. , Koopman Gerrit
Published: September 2020

Non-human primates form an important animal model for the evaluation of immunogenicity and efficacy of novel ‘universal’ vaccine candidates against influenza virus. However, in most studies a combination of intra-tracheal or intra-bronchial, oral and nasal virus inoculation is used with a standard virus dose of between 1 and 10 million tissue culture infective doses, which differs from typical modes of virus exposure in humans. This paper studies the systemic and local inflammatory and immune effects of aerosolized versus combined-route exposure to pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. In agreement with a previous study, both combined-route and aerosol exposure resulted in similar levels of virus replication in nose, throat and lung lavages. However, the acute release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, acute monocyte activation in peripheral blood as well as increased cytokine production and T-cell proliferation in the lungs were only observed after combined-route infection and not after aerosol exposure. Longitudinal evaluation by computed tomography demonstrated persistence of lung lesions after resolution of the infection and a tendency for more lesions in the lower lung lobes after combined-route exposure versus upper and middle lung lobes after aerosol exposure. Computed tomography scores were observed to correlate with fever. In conclusion, influenza virus infection by aerosol exposure is accompanied by less immune-activation and inflammation in comparison with direct virus installation, despite similar levels of virus replication and development of lesions in the lungs.
Friend or foe? Exploring the fine line between Pseudomonas brassicacearum and phytopathogens
Authors: Gislason April S. , de Kievit Teri R.
Published: September 2020

Pseudomonas brassicacearum

is one of over fifty species of bacteria classified into the

P. fluorescens

group. Generally considered a harmless commensal, these bacteria are studied for their plant-growth promotion (PGP) and biocontrol characteristics. Intriguingly,

P. brassicacearum

is closely related to

P. corrugata

, which is classified as an opportunistic phytopathogen. Twenty-one

P. brassicacearum

genomes have been sequenced to date. In the current review, genomes of

P. brassicacearum

and strains from the

P. corrugata

clade were mined for regions associated with PGP, biocontrol and pathogenicity. We discovered that ‘beneficial’ bacteria and those classified as plant pathogens have many genes in common; thus, only a fine line separates beneficial/harmless commensals from those capable of causing disease in plants. The genotype and physiological state of the plant, the presence of biotic/abiotic stressors, and the ability of bacteria to manipulate the plant immune system collectively contribute to how the bacterial-plant interaction plays out. Because production of extracellular metabolites is energetically costly, these compounds are expected to impart a fitness advantage to the producer.

P. brassicacearum

is able to reduce the threat of nematode predation through release of metabolites involved in biocontrol. Moreover this bacterium has the unique ability to form biofilms on the head of Caenorhabditis elegans, as a second mechanism of predator avoidance. Rhizobacteria, plants, fungi, and microfaunal predators have occupied a shared niche for millions of years and, in many ways, they function as a single organism. Accordingly, it is essential that we appreciate the dynamic interplay among these members of the community.
Host phylogeny and host ecology structure the mammalian gut microbiota at different taxonomic scales
Authors: Rojas Connie A. , Ramírez-Barahona Santiago A. , Holekamp Kay E. , Theis Kevin. R.
Published: September 2020

The gut microbiota is critical for host function. Among mammals, host phylogenetic relatedness and diet are strong drivers of gut microbiota structure, but one factor may be more influential than the other. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the relative contributions of host phylogeny and host dietary guild in structuring the gut microbiotas of 11 herbivore species from 5 families living sympatrically in southwest Kenya. Herbivore species were classified as grazers, browsers, or mixed-feeders. We found that gut microbiotas were highly species-specific, and that host taxonomy accounted for more variation in the gut microbiota (30%) than did host dietary guild (10%) or sample month (8%). Overall, similarity among gut microbiotas increased with host phylogenetic relatedness (r=0.73), yet this relationship was not consistent among seven closely related Bovid host species (r=0.21 NS). Within bovids, host dietary guild explained more of the variation in the gut microbiota than did host species. Lastly, while we found that the gut microbiotas of herbivores residing in southwest Kenya converge with those of distinct populations of conspecifics from central Kenya, fine-scale differences in the abundances of bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) between individuals from the two regions were also observed. Overall, our findings suggest that host phylogeny and taxonomy strongly structure the gut microbiota, but these gut microbial communities could be furthered modified by host ecology, especially among closely related host species.
Extracting the phylogenetic dimension of coevolution reveals hidden functional signal
Authors: Colavin Alexandre , Atolia Esha , Bitbol Anne-Florence , Huang Kerwyn Casey
Published: September 2020

Despite the structural and functional information contained in the statistical coupling between pairs of residues in a protein, coevolution associated with function is often obscured by artifactual signals such as genetic drift, which shapes a protein’s phylogenetic history and gives rise to concurrent variation between protein sequences that is not driven by selection for function. Here, we introduce a method for explicitly defining a phylogenetic dimension of coevolution signal, and demonstrate that coevolution can occur on multiple phylogenetic timescales within a single protein. Our method, Nested Coevolution (NC), can be applied as an extension to any coevolution metric. We use NC to demonstrate that poorly conserved residues can nonetheless have important roles in protein function. Moreover, NC improved structural-contact prediction over gold-standard coevolution-based methods, particularly in subsampled alignments with fewer sequences. NC also lowered the noise in detecting functional sectors of collectively coevolving residues. Sectors of coevolving residues identified after NC correction were more spatially compact and phylogenetically distinct from the rest of the protein, and strongly enriched for mutations that disrupt protein activity. Our conceptualization of the phylogenetic separation of coevolution represents an advance from previous pragmatic attempts to reduce phylogenetic artifacts in measurements of coevolution. Application of NC broadens the application of protein coevolution measurements, particularly to eukaryotic proteins with fewer naturally available sequences, and further elucidates relationships among protein evolution and genetic diseases.
Characteristics, Management And Outcomes Of Critically Ill Covid-19 Patients Admitted To Icu In Hospitals In Bangladesh: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Saha Ayan , Ahsan Mohammad Moinul , Tarek-Ul-Quader  , Sharif Shohan Mohammad Umer , Naher Sabekun , Dutta Preya , Akash Al-Shahriar , Mehedi H M Hamidullah , Chowdhury A S M Arman Ullah , Karim Hasanul , Rahman Tazrina , Parvin Ayesha
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to analyse the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of critical COVID-19 cases and investigate risk factors including comorbidities and age in relation with the clinical aftermath of COVID-19 in critical cases in Bangladesh.

Methods

In this retrospective study, epidemiological and clinical characteristics, complications, laboratory results, and clinical management of the patients were studied from data obtained from 168 individuals diagnosed with an advanced prognosis of COVID-19 admitted in two hospitals in Bangladesh.

Results

Individuals in the study sample contracted COVID-19 through community transmission. 56.5% (n = 95) cases died in intensive care units (ICU) during the study period. The median age was 56 years and 79.2% (n=134) were male. Typical clinical manifestation included Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related complications (79.2%), fever (54.2%) and cough (25.6%) while diabetes mellitus (52.4%), hypertension (41.1%) and heart diseases (16.7%) were the conventional comorbidities. Clinical outcomes were detrimental due to comorbidities rather than age and comorbid individuals over 50 were at more risk. In the sample, oxygen saturation was low (< 95% SpO2) in 135 patients (80.4%) and 158 (93.4%) patients received supplemental oxygen. Identical biochemical parameters were found in both deceased and surviving cases. Administration of antiviral drug Remdesivir and the glucocorticoid, Dexamethasone increased the proportion of surviving patients slightly.

Conclusions

Susceptibility to developing critical illness due to COVID-19 was found more in comorbid males. These atypical patients require more clinical attention from the prospect of controlling mortality rate in Bangladesh.
Plasticity of the primary metabolome in 241 cold grownArabidopsis thalianaaccessions and its relation to natural habitat temperature
Authors: Weiszmann Jakob , Clauw Pieter , Jagoda Joanna , Reichardt-Gomez Ilka , Koemeda Stefanie , Jez Jakub , Nordborg Magnus , Walther Dirk , Nägele Thomas , Weckwerth Wolfram
Published: September 2020

In the present study, 241 natural accessions ofArabidopsis thalianawere grown under two different temperature regimes, 16 °C and 6 °C, and growth parameters were recorded together with metabolite profiles to investigate the natural variation in metabolic responses and growth rates. Primary metabolism and growth rates of accessions significantly differed between accessions and both growth conditions. Relative growth rates showed high correlations to specific metabolite pools. Metabolic distances based on whole metabolite profiles were built from principal component centroids between both growth setups. Genomic prediction using ridge-regression best linear unbiased prediction (rrBLUP) revealed a significant prediction accuracy of metabolite profiles in both conditions and metabolic distances, which suggests a tight relationship between genome and primary metabolome. GWAS analysis revealed significantly associated SNPs for a number of metabolites, especially for fumarate metabolism at low temperature. A highly significant correlation was observed between metabolic distances and maximum temperature in the original growth habitat between January and March. Inverse data-driven modelling revealed that metabolic pathway regulation and metabolic reaction elasticities distinguish accessions originating from warm and cold growth habitats.
Traditional practices, knowledge and perceptions of fire use in a West African savanna parkland
Authors: Amoako Esther Ekua , Gambiza James
Published: September 2020

Understanding people’s fire practices, knowledge and perceptions of the use of fire and fire regimes can inform fire management plans that could contribute to sustainable savanna conservation and management. We investigated the frequency of fire use, control and perceptions of fire regime for selected livelihood and socio-cultural activities in six districts in the Guinea savanna of Ghana. The majority of respondents (83%) across the study districts indicated that they used fire once a year for at least one of the following activities: land preparation, weed/grass/pest control, burning stubble after harvest, bush clearing around homesteads, firebreaks, charcoal burning and hunting. The study showed a higher frequency of fire use in the dry season for land preparation for cropping. Less than a fifth of the respondents (17%) indicated that they do not use fire for any of the above activities. The majority of respondents (62%) across the districts mentioned that they controlled their use of fire to prevent destruction to property, with the remaining 3% who indicated the prevention of killing or injuring humans. The study showed a higher frequency of fire use for land preparation for cropping than for the other socio-cultural activities. However, respondents rated season of burning as the most important attribute, with little attention to the other attributes of a fire regime, contrary to what is theoretically recognized. Understanding traditional fire use practices in terms how to regulate the mix of frequency, intensity/severity, season, size and type of fire for these and other socio-cultural purposes could enhance sustainable savanna conservation and management. There is a need to unravel the specifics of fire assisted socio-cultural practices and fire regimes in West Africa.
TFIIH kinase CDK7 antagonizes phenotype switching and emergence of drug tolerance in melanoma
Authors: Berico Pietro , Cigrang Max , Braun Cathy , Davidson Guillaume , Sandoz Jeremy , Legras Stephanie , Peyresaubes François , Robles Carlos Mario Gene , Egly Jean-Marc , Compe Emmanuel , Davidson Irwin , Coin Frederic
Published: September 2020

Melanoma cells switch back-and-forth between phenotypes of proliferation and invasion in response to changing microenvironment, driving metastatic progression. We show that inhibition of the TFIIH kinase CDK7 (CDK7i) results in a melanocytic to mesenchymal phenotype switching and acquisition of targeted therapy tolerance. We identify a gene expression program controlled by the transcription factor GATA6, which participates in drug tolerance in mesenchymal-like cells and which is antagonized by CDK7 in melanocytic-like cells. This program emerges concomitantly with loss of melanocyte lineage-specific MITF protein following CDK7i. By dissecting the underlying mechanism, we observe that CDK7 accumulates at the super-enhancer regulating MITF to drive its expression. MITF itself binds to a intronic region of GATA6 to transcriptionally repress it. This molecular cascade antagonizes expression of the GATA6 regulon that only emerges in MITF-low cells of metastatic melanoma. Our work reveals a role for CDK7 in counteracting phenotype switching and activation of a gene expression program mediating multidrug tolerance in melanoma cells.
Macrophage-derived insulin/IGF antagonist ImpL2 regulates systemic metabolism for mounting an effective acute immune response inDrosophila
Authors: Krejčová Gabriela , Bajgar Adam , Nedbalová Pavla , Kovářová Julie , Kamps-Hughes Nick , Zemanová Helena , Strych Lukáš , Doležal Tomáš
Published: September 2020

In response to invading pathogens, macrophages metabolically polarize towards Hif1α-induced aerobic glycolysis, requiring increased supply of nutrients. Here, we show that in order to obtain sufficient resources, Drosophila macrophages release the insulin/IGF antagonist ImpL2, whose expression is regulated by Hif1α. ImpL2 remotely induces the release of lipids and carbohydrates from adipose tissue by reducing insulin signaling, followed by increased nutrient accumulation in activated immune cells. ImpL2 thus translates the metabolic requirements of immune cells into a systemic metabolic switch. Although these ImpL2 effects are essential during the acute immune response to streptococcal infection, they become maladaptive upon chronic infection by an intracellular pathogen. The relevance of our model to mammalian immunometabolism is demonstrated by the increased expression of the ImpL2 homolog IGFBP7 in human macrophages exposed to Streptococcus.
Reticulocalbin 3 is Involved in Postnatal Tendon Development by Regulating Collagen Fibrillogenesis and Cellular Maturation
Authors: Park Na Rae , Shetye Snehal , Keene Douglas R. , Tufa Sara , Hudson David M. , Archer Marilyn , Soslowsky Louis J , Dyment Nathaniel A. , Joeng Kyu Sang
Published: September 2020

Tendon plays a critical role in the joint movement by transmitting force from muscle to bone. This transmission of force is facilitated by its specialized structure, which consists of highly aligned extracellular matrix consisting predominantly of type I collagen. Tenocytes, fibroblast-like tendon cells residing between the parallel collagen fibers, regulate this specialized tendon matrix. Despite the importance of collagen structure and tenocyte function, the biological mechanisms regulating fibrillogenesis and tenocyte maturation are not well understood. Here we examine the function of Reticulocalbin 3 (Rcn3) in collagen fibrillogenesis and tenocyte maturation during postnatal tendon development using a genetic mouse model. Loss of Rcn3 in tendon caused decreased tendon thickness, abnormal tendon cell maturation, and decreased mechanical properties. Interestingly, Rcn3 deficient mice exhibited a smaller collagen fibril distribution and over-hydroxylation in C-telopeptide cross-linking lysine from α1(1) chain. Additionally, the proline 3-hydroxylation sites in type I collagen were also over-hydroxylated in Rcn3 deficient mice. Our data collectively suggest that Rcn3 is a pivotal regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis and tenocyte maturation during postnatal tendon development.
Aplastic anemia in a patient with CVID due to NFKB1 haploinsufficiency
Authors: Sklarz Tammarah , Hurwitz Stephanie N. , Stanley Natasha L. , Juusola Jane , Bagg Adam , Babushok Daria
Published: September 2020

Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is a life-threatening bone marrow failure caused by an autoimmune cytotoxic T lymphocyte attack on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Factors contributing to aberrant autoimmune activation in AA include a deficit of T regulatory cells and high levels of inflammatory cytokines. Several acquired conditions of immune dysregulation and genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory cytokines and human leukocyte antigen genes have been linked to an increased risk of AA. However, AA has not been reported in patients with Mendelian disorders of immune regulation. Here we report a patient with familial common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) caused by a pathogenic variant inNFKB1, who developed AA as an adult. The patient had a difficult clinical course and was unable to tolerate standard AA therapy with cyclosporine A and eltrombopag, with complications attributed in part to the effect of cyclosporine A on NF-κB signaling. Our case suggests a novel link between genetic disorders of immune regulation and AA and highlights the importance of recognizing inherited autoimmunity syndromes in AA patients for the selection of optimal therapy and prognostic counseling.
The importance of communicating change
Authors: Schulz-Knappe Charlotte , Koch Thomas , Beckert Johannes
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Past research has been concerned with finding reasons for failure of organizational changes and the role of employees in it. Whether employees hinder or support organizational change depends not only on the organizational context, but also on individual predispositions and the change communication employees experience during the process. The purpose of this paper is to test how these three categories affect employees’ attitudes toward the change as well as their tendency to show resistance or to support it.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey (n=608) of German employees who were recently subject to a change in their workplace was conducted.

Findings

With respect to individual predispositions and organizational context, the results show that in particular skepticism, openness, engagement and influence on decisions are relevant predictors. Change communication variables (e.g. involvement, participation and appreciation) explain the largest share of variance, indicating that transparent communication and including employees in the process result in positive attitudes toward change and support.

Originality/value

This study adds to the discussion about which factors determine the support or resistance to organizational change by identifying relevant predictors, organizing them along three categories and testing them concurrently.
Earnings management to avoid earnings boosts
Authors: Makarem Naser , Roberts Clare
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether earnings boosts before the year end trigger earnings management. It examines whether firms that substantially outperformed their last year earnings during the first three quarters push their earnings down to avoid reporting earnings boosts.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis is used to compare earnings management of firms with earnings boosts and other firms.

Findings

The results indicate that firms outperforming their last year results by the end of the third quarter manipulate their earnings downwards by means of real activities manipulation, while they do not indicate income-decreasing accruals management. It is also found that consistent with the prominent shift from accruals management to real activities manipulation, accruals management is less costly which justifies why it is used for downward manipulation.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited to one single earnings benchmark i.e. last year earnings. Further research may individually or collectively examine other benchmarks including analysts' forecasts.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that users should be more vigilant of firms exceeding their last year interim results, as they could be involved in downward earnings management.

Originality/value

This study documents earnings management in a new setting where earnings boosts before the year end trigger downward manipulation of real activities.
Do information technology (IT) capabilities affect hotel competitiveness?
Authors: Hua Nan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impacts of IT capabilities on hotel competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adapts and extends Hua et al. (2015) and O’Neill et al. (2008) by incorporating the specific measures of IT expenditures as proxies for the relevant IT capabilities to explore the impacts of IT capabilities on hotel competitiveness.

Findings

This study finds that expenditures on IT Labor, IT Systems and IT Websites exert different impacts on hotel competitiveness. In addition, IT capabilities exert both contemporary and lagged effects on hotel competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study is the first that uses financial data to capture direct measures of individual IT capabilities and tests the individual impacts of IT capabilities on hotel competitiveness from both contemporaneous and lagged perspectives. It uses a large same store sample of hotels in the USA from 2011 to 2017; as a result, the study results can be reasonably representative of the hotel population in the USA.
Integrating trust, religiosity and image into technology acceptance model: the case of the Islamic philanthropy in Indonesia
Authors: Usman Hardius , Mulia Dipa , Chairy Chairy , Widowati Nucke
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose an extended model of technology acceptance model (TAM) in the use of financial technology (Fintech) in the context of Islamic philanthropy, especially by studying and exploring the role of trust, image and religiosity in TAM, and to provide policy recommendation for the authorized organizations in Indonesia regarding several crucial factors that need to be considered so that Indonesian Muslims are willing to use Fintech for philanthropic purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

Online surveys were conducted to collect the data, of which 425 respondents have completed and returned the questionnaire. Multiple linear regression model and multi-variate analysis of variance are applied to test the statistical hypotheses.

Findings

This study supports the theory of reasoned action and the TAM. In which, the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness with TAM is determined by trust and religiosity.

Research limitations/implications

It is worth to note the limitation of this study lies in the sampling technique and data collection. Indonesia is a fast archipelago country and consists of 34 provinces, but not all of the provinces are represented in the sample. The selected respondent heavily depends on the previous respondent’s willingness to share the questionnaire. So that the number of respondents does not proportionate to region or province.

Originality/value

This study offers an extended model of TAM that has never been done before, namely, by exploring the role of trust, religiosity and image, in the context of Islamic philanthropy.
Leader empowering behaviour: relationships with nurse and patient outcomes
Authors: Cziraki Karen , Wong Carol , Kerr Michael , Finegan Joan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to test a model examining the impact of leader empowering behaviour on experienced nurses’ self-efficacy, interprofessional collaboration, job turnover intentions and adverse patient outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling in Mplus was used to analyse cross-sectional survey data from experienced nurses in Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, Canada (n = 478).

Findings

The results supported the hypothesized model: (164) = 333.021, p = 0.000; RMSEA = 0.047; CFI = 0.965; TLI = 0.959; SRMR = 0.051. Indirect effects were observed between leader empowering behaviour and nurses’ assessment of adverse events and leader empowering behaviour and nurses’ job turnover intentions through interprofessional collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

Leader empowering behaviour plays a role in creating collaborative conditions that support quality patient care and the retention of experienced nurses.

Practical implications

The findings will be of interest to academic and hospital leaders as they consider strategies to retain experienced nurses, such as nurse manager selection, development and performance management systems.

Originality/value

The influx of new graduate nurses to the nursing profession and changing models of care requires the retention of experienced nurses in the workforce. The findings suggest that leader empowering behaviour and interprofessional collaboration are important factors in supporting quality patient care and stabilizing the nursing workforce.
Age‐dependent phenological plasticity in a wild bird
Authors: Bonamour Suzanne , Chevin Luis‐Miguel , Réale Denis , Teplitsky Céline , Charmantier Anne
Published: September 2020

Life‐history traits are often plastic in response to environmental factors such as temperature or precipitation, and they also vary with age in many species. Trait variation during the lifetime could thus be partly driven by age‐dependent plasticity in these traits.

We study whether plasticity of a phenological trait—the egg‐laying date—with respect to spring temperature, varies with age, and explore whether this variation relates to changes in breeding success throughout the life cycle.

We use data from a four‐decade long‐term monitoring of a wild population of blue tits in Corsica, to estimate age‐dependent plasticity of reproductive phenology and annual reproductive success.

We show that both laying date plasticity and annual reproductive success vary with age: young and old females are less plastic, and fledge fewer offspring, than middle‐age females. Furthermore, in contrast to young and prime‐age females, in old females fledging success does not depend on laying date.

Phenological plasticity is a major mechanism for coping with rapid environmental variation. Our results suggest that understanding its role in adaptation to climate change and population persistence requires integrating the age structure of the population.