bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates among patients diagnosed with surgical site infection at a tertiary teaching hospital in Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Misha Gemedo , Chelkeba Legese , Melaku Tsegaye
Published: May 2021

Background

Globally, surgical site infections are the most reported healthcare-associated infection and common surgical complication. In developing countries such as Ethiopia, there is a paucity of published reports on the microbiologic profile and resistance patterns of an isolates.

Objective

This study aimed at assessing the bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates among patients diagnosed with surgical site infection at Jimma Medical Center in Ethiopia.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was employed among adult patients who underwent either elective or emergency surgical procedures. All the eligible patients were followed for 30 days for the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI). From those who developed SSI, infected wound specimens were collected and studied bacteriologically.

Results

Of 251 study participants, 126 (50.2%) of them were females. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 38 ± 16.30 years. The overall postoperative surgical site infection rate was 21.1% and of these 71.7% (38/53) were culture positive. On gram stain analysis, 78% of them were Gram-negative, 11.5% were Gram-positive and 10.5% were a mixture of two microbial growths.Escherichia coliaccounted for (21.43%), followed byPseudomonas aeruginosa(19.05%),Proteus species(spp.) 14.29%),Staphylococcus aureus(11.90%),Klebsiella species(11.90%),Citrobacterspp. (9.5%),streptococcalspp. (7.14%),Coagulase-negative S. aureus(CoNS) (2.38%)

Conclusion

Gram-negative bacteria were the most dominant isolates from surgical sites in the study area. Among the Gram-negative bacilli,Escherichia coliwere the most common bacteria causing surgical site infection. As there is high antibiotic resistance observed in the current study, it is necessary for routine microbial analysis of samples and their antibiogram.
Expression and mechanism of exosome-mediated A FOXM1 related long noncoding RNA in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chen Lin , Ye Xuanting , Wu Zhixiong , Zhang Zeyu , Sun Biaofeng , Fu Hong , Fu Chuangang , Liang Xiaofei , Jiang Hong
Published: May 2021

Background

Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is an oncogene regulating tumor growth and metastasis. Exosome was suggested to mediate cell communication by delivering active molecules in cancers. However, the existence of FOXM1 in circulating exosomes and the role of exosome FOXM1 in gastric cancer (GC) were not clear. This study aims to investigate the potential role of FOXM1 related long noncoding RNA (FRLnc1) in exosomes in GC.

Results

The prepared CD63 immunomagnetic beads (CD63-IMB) had the characteristics of good dispersity and high magnetic response. The isolated exosomes were presented with elliptical membranous particles under a transmission electron microscope (TEM), with the particle size of 89.78 ± 4.8 nm. Western blot (WB) results showed that the exosomes were rich in CD9 and CD81. The Dil-labeled exosomes were distributed around cytoplasm and nucleus of cells by imaging flow cytometry (IFC) analysis. The results of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that the FRLnc1 expressions were up-regulated in GC cells, tumor tissues, and serum of GC patients. An obviously up-regulated FRLnc1 expression was found in serum exosomes of GC patients. Up-regulation of FRLnc1 expression was closely correlated to lymph node metastasis (LNM) and TNM stage with the combination of relevant clinicopathological parameter analysis. The in vitro functional analyses demonstrated that FRLnc1 knockdown by RNA interference suppressed cell proliferation and migration in HGC-27 cells, whereas FRLnc1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration in MKN45 cells. After exosome treatment, the FRLnc1 expression was significantly increased in MKN45 cells, and the MKN45 cells showed increased ability of proliferation and migration.

Conclusion

GC cells-derived exosomes played roles in promoting the growth and metastasis of GC by transporting FRLnc1, suggesting that FRLnc1 in the exosomes may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of GC. The delivery of FRLnc1 by the exosomes may provide a new way for the treatment of GC.

Trial registration2020-KYSB-094. Registered 23 March 2020—Retrospectively registered

Graphic abstract
Health literacy and changes in pattern of drug use among participants at the Stockholm Needle Exchange Program during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lindqvist K. , Wallmofeldt C. , Holmén E. , Hammarberg A. , Kåberg M.
Published: May 2021

Background and aims

People who inject drugs may be particularly vulnerable to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to underlying health problems, stigma and social vulnerabilities. Harm reduction services, including needle exchange programs (NEP), have been subjected to varying degrees of disruption in the world, especially in the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Compared to responses in other countries, Sweden’s initial strategy toward limiting the spread and impact of COVID-19 was less restrictive to its citizens with no imposed general societal lockdown. In this study, we investigate changes in drug use patterns, utilization of NEP associated health services, COVID-19 health literacy and the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among NEP clients in Stockholm during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

NEP visits and services provided (needles/syringes, HIV and hepatitis C tests and treatment, naloxone distributed) and overall mortality among NEP clients between January 1 and October 31, 2020, were used for trend analyses in comparison with corresponding 2019 data. Between July 27 and October 2, 2020, NEP clients (n = 232) responded to a 27 item COVID-19 Health Literacy Questionnaire. SARS CoV-2 IgG antibody tests (n = 779) were performed between June 15 and October 31, 2020.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic number of clients, client visits, naloxone distribution and HCV tests remained stable compared to 2019, while distribution of needles/syringes increased (p < 0.0001); number of HIV tests and HCV treatments decreased (p < 0.05); and mortality decreased (< 0.01). Overall, the level of health literacy concerning transmission routes and protective measures was high. SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence was 5.4% (95% CI 4.0–7.2).

Conclusions

The Stockholm NEP managed to maintain a high level of clients and services during the pandemic. In general, COVID-19 health literacy was adequate and the overall SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence was low compared to the general population, which highlights a need for prioritized and targeted COVID-19 vaccination among PWID.
Drug Hypersensitivity Quality of Life Questionnaire: validation procedures and first results of the Portuguese version
Authors: Dias de Castro E. , Barbosa J. , Mesquita A. M. , Caires A. , Ribeiro L. , R. Cernadas J. , Baiardini I.
Published: May 2021

Background

Hypersensitivity reactions to drugs are unpredictable and can be very complex and severe, even life threatening. Assess its impact on patient’s health related quality of life (HRQoL) is crucial. The Drug Hypersensitivity Quality of Life Questionnaire (DrHy-Q) is the only validated disease-specific HRQoL questionnaire. We aimed to translate and cross-cultural validate the DrHy-Q to the Portuguese population. It was also our purpose to determine the impact of drug hypersensitivity on patients’ HRQoL.

Methods

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the DrHy-Q to Portuguese was performed according to standards. Reliability of the DrHy-Q Portuguese version was assessed in terms of internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Structural validity, divergent validity (with a generic health related QoLQ-PGWBI) and discriminant validity were also evaluated. Forty patients accepted to participate in the validation phase. The Portuguese version of the DrHy-Q was applied to 260 consecutively adult patients, studied in our Department for suspected drug hypersensitivity.

Results

The Portuguese DrHy-Q showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s ɑ = 0.938), good test–retest reliability [ICC = 0.713 (95% CI 0.488–0.850] and one-dimensional structure. No significant correlation was found between the DrHy-Q and the PGWBI total scores (r = − 0.010,p = 0.957). Two hundred of patients completed the study: 78.5% female; mean age = 44 ± 15 years. Mean DrHy-Q score was 36.8 ± 12.6. Two clinical factors significantly predict DrHy-Q total score: clinical manifestations and number of suspected drugs. Patients with anaphylaxis (β = 11.005; 95% CI 5.523; 16.487), urticaria/angioedema (β = 7.770; 95% CI 2.600; 12.940) and other manifestations (β = 7.948; 95% CI 1.933; 13.962) are more likely to have higher DrHy-Q total score than patients with maculopapular exanthema. Patients with ≥ 2 suspected drugs are also more likely to have worse QoL (β = 7.927; 95% CI 3.687; 12.166).

Conclusion

The Portuguese version of DrHy-Q revealed adequate validity and reliability, indicating that it is appropriate to assess the impact of drug hypersensitivity on patients’ HRQoL, providing data for a better comprehension and management of our patients. Moreover, our results highlight that the severity of the drug hypersensitivity reaction and the number of suspected drugs have impact on patient’s DrHy-QoL.
Effects of a robot‐aided somatosensory training on proprioception and motor function in stroke survivors
Authors: Yeh I-Ling , Holst-Wolf Jessica , Elangovan Naveen , Cuppone Anna Vera , Lakshminarayan Kamakshi , Cappello Leonardo , Masia Lorenzo , Konczak Jürgen
Published: May 2021

Background

Proprioceptive deficits after stroke are associated with poor upper limb function, slower motor recovery, and decreased self-care ability. Improving proprioception should enhance motor control in stroke survivors, but current evidence is inconclusive. Thus, this study examined whether a robot-aided somatosensory-based training requiring increasingly accurate active wrist movements improves proprioceptive acuity as well as motor performance in chronic stroke.

Methods

Twelve adults with chronic stroke completed a 2-day training (age range: 42–74 years; median time-after-stroke: 12 months; median Fugl–Meyer UE: 65). Retention was assessed at Day 5. Grasping the handle of a wrist-robotic exoskeleton, participants trained to roll a virtual ball to a target through continuous wrist adduction/abduction movements. During training vision was occluded, but participants received real-time, vibro-tactile feedback on their forearm about ball position and speed. Primary outcome was the just-noticeable-difference (JND) wrist position sense threshold as a measure of proprioceptive acuity. Secondary outcomes were spatial error in an untrained wrist tracing task and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP) as a neural correlate of proprioceptive function. Ten neurologically-intact adults were recruited to serve as non-stroke controls for matched age, gender and hand dominance (age range: 44 to 79 years; 6 women, 4 men).

Results

Participants significantly reduced JND thresholds at posttest and retention (Stroke group: pretest: mean: 1.77° [SD: 0.54°] to posttest mean: 1.38° [0.34°]; Control group: 1.50° [0.46°] to posttest mean: 1.45° [SD: 0.54°]; F[2,37] = 4.54, p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.20) in both groups. A higher pretest JND threshold was associated with a higher threshold reduction at posttest and retention (r = − 0.86, − 0.90, p ≤ 0.001) among the stroke participants. Error in the untrained tracing task was reduced by 22 % at posttest, yielding an effect size of w = 0.13. Stroke participants exhibited significantly reduced P27-N30 peak-to-peak SEP amplitude at pretest (U = 11, p = 0.03) compared to the non-stroke group. SEP measures did not change systematically with training.

Conclusions

This study provides proof-of-concept that non-visual, proprioceptive training can induce fast, measurable improvements in proprioceptive function in chronic stroke survivors. There is encouraging but inconclusive evidence that such somatosensory learning transfers to untrained motor tasks.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov; Registration ID: NCT02565407; Date of registration: 01/10/2015; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02565407.
Evaluation of mitochondria in mouse oocytes following cisplatin exposure
Authors: Wang Qiaochu , Hutt Karla J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic that damages genomic DNA leading to cell death. It also damages mitochondrial DNA and induces high levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), further sensitising cells to apoptosis. Notably, immature oocytes are particularly vulnerable to cisplatin treatment, a common side effect of which is depletion of the primordial follicle reserve, leading to infertility and early menopause. Cisplatin is known to damage the DNA of oocytes, but the possibility that cisplatin also compromises oocyte survival and quality by damaging mitochondria, has not been investigated. To begin to address this question, neonatal mice were treated with saline or cisplatin (2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg) and the short and long-term impacts on mitochondria in oocytes were characterised.

Results

At 6 and 24 h after treatment, mitochondrial localisation, mass and ATP content in immature oocytes were similar between groups. However, TMRM staining intensity, a marker of mitochondrial membrane potential, was decreased in immature oocytes from cisplatin treated mice compared to saline treated controls, consistent with the induction of apoptosis. When mice were super ovulated 5 weeks after exposure, the number of mature oocytes harvested from cisplatin treated mice was significantly lower than controls. Mitochondrial localisation, mass, membrane potential and ATP levels showed no differences between groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the depletion of the ovarian reserve caused by cisplatin, but long-term impacts on mitochondria may be minimal as those immature oocytes that survive cisplatin treatment develop into mature oocytes with normal mitochondrial parameters.
Accessing routinely collected health data to improve clinical trials: recent experience of access
Authors: Macnair Archie , Love Sharon B. , Murray Macey L. , Gilbert Duncan C. , Parmar Mahesh K. B. , Denwood Tom , Carpenter James , Sydes Matthew R. , Langley Ruth E. , Cafferty Fay H.
Published: May 2021

Background

Routinely collected electronic health records (EHRs) have the potential to enhance randomised controlled trials (RCTs) by facilitating recruitment and follow-up. Despite this, current EHR use is minimal in UK RCTs, in part due to ongoing concerns about the utility (reliability, completeness, accuracy) and accessibility of the data. The aim of this manuscript is to document the process, timelines and challenges of the application process to help improve the service both for the applicants and data holders.

Methods

This is a qualitative paper providing a descriptive narrative from one UK clinical trials unit (MRC CTU at UCL) on the experience of two trial teams’ application process to access data from three large English national datasets: National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS), National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR) and NHS Digital to establish themes for discussion. The underpinning reason for applying for the data was to compare EHRs with data collected through case report forms in two RCTs, Add-Aspirin (ISRCTN 74358648) and PATCH (ISRCTN 70406718).

Results

The Add-Aspirin trial, which had a pre-planned embedded sub-study to assess EHR, received data from NCRAS 13 months after the first application. In the PATCH trial, the decision to request data was made whilst the trial was recruiting. The study received data after 8 months from NICOR and 15 months for NHS Digital following final application submission. This concluded in May 2020. Prior to application submission, significant time and effort was needed particularly in relation to the PATCH trial where negotiations over consent and data linkage took many years.

Conclusions

Our experience demonstrates that data access can be a prolonged and complex process. This is compounded if multiple data sources are required for the same project. This needs to be factored in when planning to use EHR within RCTs and is best considered prior to conception of the trial. Data holders and researchers are endeavouring to simplify and streamline the application process so that the potential of EHR can be realised for clinical trials.
Identification and characterization of proteins of unknown function (PUFs) in Clostridium thermocellum DSM 1313 strains as potential genetic engineering targets
Authors: Poudel Suresh , Cope Alexander L. , O’Dell Kaela B. , Guss Adam M. , Seo Hyeongmin , Trinh Cong T. , Hettich Robert L.
Published: May 2021

Background

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics can identify and quantify thousands of proteins from individual microbial species, but a significant percentage of these proteins are unannotated and hence classified as proteins of unknown function (PUFs). Due to the difficulty in extracting meaningful metabolic information, PUFs are often overlooked or discarded during data analysis, even though they might be critically important in functional activities, in particular for metabolic engineering research.

Results

We optimized and employed a pipeline integrating various “guilt-by-association” (GBA) metrics, including differential expression and co-expression analyses of high-throughput mass spectrometry proteome data and phylogenetic coevolution analysis, and sequence homology-based approaches to determine putative functions for PUFs in Clostridium thermocellum. Our various analyses provided putative functional information for over 95% of the PUFs detected by mass spectrometry in a wild-type and/or an engineered strain of C. thermocellum. In particular, we validated a predicted acyltransferase PUF (WP_003519433.1) with functional activity towards 2-phenylethyl alcohol, consistent with our GBA and sequence homology-based predictions.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates the value of leveraging sequence homology-based annotations with empirical evidence based on the concept of GBA to broadly predict putative functions for PUFs, opening avenues to further interrogation via targeted experiments.
Prevalence of coccidia in domestic pigs in China between 1980 and 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gong Qing-Long , Zhao Wen-Xuan , Wang Yan-Chun , Zong Ying , Wang Qi , Yang Yang , Yang Yi , Shi Kun , Li Jian-Ming , Leng Xue , Du Rui , Zhao Quan
Published: May 2021

Background

Swine coccidiosis, a protozoan disease caused by coccidia, can result in diarrhoea and weight loss in piglets and even economic losses in the pig industry. Here, we report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of coccidia (including Eimeria spp. and Cystoisospora suis) in pigs in China.

Methods

Five databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Chinese Web of Knowledge, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP) were searched and 50 studies (46,926 domestic pigs, 22 provinces) ultimately identified pertaining to the prevalence of coccidia infection from 1980 to 2019. We incorporated the effect size using the random-effects model in the “meta” package in R software and conducted univariate and multivariate meta-regression analyses using a mixed-effects model.

Results

The pooled prevalence rate of coccidia in pigs was 21.9%, including the C. suis infection rate of 9.1%. The highest prevalence of coccidia (39.6%) was found in northwest China, and this region also presented the lowest prevalence of C. suis (4.7%). In the subgroup analysis based on sampling year, the highest prevalence of coccidia was detected in 2001 or earlier (32.6%), whereas the lowest rate was found in 2012 or later (14.3%). An opposite trend was observed for C. suis (5.5% in 2000 or earlier vs 14.4% in 2000 or later). The prevalence of coccidia in extensive farming systems (29.5%) was higher than that in intensive farming systems (17.3%). In contrast, the point estimate of C. suis prevalence was lower in the extensive farming systems (5.1%) than in the intensive farming systems (10.0%), but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Among the four age categories, the highest total coccidia prevalence (26.2%) was found in finishing pigs, followed by suckling piglets (19.9%), whereas the highest prevalence of C. suis (14.9%) was observed in suckling piglets.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that coccidia infection in Chinese pigs is common, although the prevalence of C. suis in pigs does not receive sufficient attention. We recommend the rational use of anticoccidial drugs to avoid drug resistance and the development of preventive and control measures for C. suis to reduce the incidence of swine coccidiosis.

Graphical Abstract
Human bone marrow-derived, pooled, allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells manufactured from multiple donors at different times show comparable biological functions in vitro, and in vivo to repair limb ischemia
Authors: Thej Charan , Balasubramanian Sudha , Rengasamy Mathiyazhagan , Walvekar Ankita , Swamynathan Priyanka , Raj Swathi Sundar , Shahani Pradnya , Siddikuzzaman  , Kolkundkar Udaykumar , Seetharam Raviraja N. , Gupta Pawan Kumar , Majumdar Anish S.
Published: May 2021

Background

We have previously demonstrated that a pooled population of bone marrow-derived, allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSC), Stempeucel®-1, produced under good manufacturing practices (GMP) conditions, showed clinical efficacy and safety in patients suffering from critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to Buerger’s disease. While Stempeucel®-1 is currently used for CLI and other clinical indications, we wanted to ensure that the product’s continuity is addressed by developing and characterizing a second generation of pooled product (Stempeucel®-1A), manufactured identically from second BM aspirates of the same three donors after a 2-year interval.

Methods

The two versions of Stempeucel® were manufactured and subjected to gene and protein expression analysis. The nature of various growth factors/cytokines secreted and immunomodulatory activity of these two cell populations were compared directly by various in vitro assays. The preclinical efficacy of these two cell types was compared in an experimental model of hind limb ischemia (HLI) in BALB/c nude mice. The reversal of ischemia, blood flow, and muscle regeneration were determined by functional scoring, laser Doppler imaging, and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of genes and proteins involved in promoting angiogenic activity and immune regulatory functions revealed high levels of correlation between Stempeucel®-1 and Stempeucel®-1A cell populations. Moreover, intramuscular (i.m) administration of these two cell products in the ischemic limbs of BALB/c nude mice showed significant repair (≥ 70%) of toe and foot necrosis, leading to improved ambulatory function and limb salvage. Furthermore, a biodistribution kinetics study showed that Stempeucel®-1 was mostly localized in the ischemic muscles of mice for a significantly longer time compared to normal muscles, thus playing an essential role in modulating and reversing HLI damage.

Conclusions

This study shows that with a reproducible manufacturing procedure, it is possible to generate large numbers of pooled mesenchymal stromal cells from human bone marrow samples to establish product equivalence. We conclude from these results that, for the first time, two pooled, allogeneic BMMSC products can be repeatedly manufactured at different time intervals using a two-tier cell banking process with robust and comparable angiogenic properties to treat ischemic diseases.
LacminCC: lightweight anonymous communication model in cloud computing
Authors: Li Fengyin , Wang Yanli , Ju Hongwei , Yu Xinying , Wang Zhaojie , Zhou Huiyu
Published: May 2021

With increasing application of cloud computing and big data technologies, a large amount of personal information is stored on the Internet, which raises the issue of privacy leakage. To protect people’s data privacy, this paper firstly presents a new anonymous Identify-Based Encryption (IBE) scheme and gives the proof of its security under the Bilinear Diffie–Hellman Security Assumption. Then, by introducing the anonymous IBE scheme into anonymous communication fields, this paper introduces a new lightweight anonymous communication model for cloud computing, which guarantees the anonymity of system users and the security of messages in small groups. Our analysis shows that, the proposed communication model cannot only reduce memory consumption and improve message transmission efficiency, but also effectively resist traffic-analysis attacks, node eavesdropping, and finally achieve secure anonymous communication in cloud computing.
An enhanced binarization framework for degraded historical document images
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zhou Lei , Yue Ling , Li Lirong , Wang Song
Published: May 2021

Binarization plays an important role in document analysis and recognition (DAR) systems. In this paper, we present our winning algorithm in ICFHR 2018 competition on handwritten document image binarization (H-DIBCO 2018), which is based on background estimation and energy minimization. First, we adopt mathematical morphological operations to estimate and compensate the document background. It uses a disk-shaped structuring element, whose radius is computed by the minimum entropy-based stroke width transform (SWT). Second, we perform Laplacian energy-based segmentation on the compensated document images. Finally, we implement post-processing to preserve text stroke connectivity and eliminate isolated noise. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art techniques on several public available benchmark datasets.
Outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections linked to water-containing hospital equipment: a literature review
Authors: Yiek Wing-Kee , Coenen Olga , Nillesen Mayke , van Ingen Jakko , Bowles Edmée , Tostmann Alma
Published: May 2021

Background

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Water in the environment can be a source of infection linked to outbreaks and environmental transmission in hospitals. Water safety in hospitals remains a challenge. This article has summarized available scientific literature to obtain an overview of outbreaks linked to water-containing hospital equipment and strategies to prevent such outbreaks.

Methods

We made a list of water-containing hospital equipment and devices in which water is being used in a semi-closed circuit. A literature search was performed in PubMed with a search strategy containing the names of these medical devices and one or more of the following words: outbreak, environmental contamination, transmission, infection. For each medical device, we summarized the following information: the function of the medical device, causes of contamination, the described outbreaks and possible prevention strategies.

Results

The following water-containing medical equipment  or devices were identified: heater-cooler units, hemodialysis equipment, neonatal incubators, dental unit waterlines, fluid warmers, nebulizers, water traps, water baths, blanketrol, scalp cooling, and thermic stimulators. Of the latter three, no literature could be found. Of all other devices, one or more outbreaks associated with these devices were reported in the literature.

Conclusions

The water reservoirs in water-containing medical devices can be a source of microbial growth and transmissions to patients, despite the semi-closed water circuit. Proper handling and proper cleaning and disinfection can help to reduce the microbial burden and, consequently, transmission to patients. However, these devices are often difficult to clean and disinfect because they cannot be adequately opened or disassembled, and the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines are often not feasible to execute. The development of equipment without water or fluid containers should be stimulated. Precise cleaning and disinfection guidelines and instructions are essential for instructing healthcare workers and hospital cleaning staff to prevent potential transmission to patients.
Pan-cancer analysis reveals tumor-associated macrophage communication in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wang Linbang , He Tao , Liu Jingkun , Tai Jiaojiao , Wang Bing , Chen Zhiyu , Quan Zhengxue
Published: May 2021

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are abundant in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, their contribution to the immunosuppressive status of the TME remains unclear.

Methods

We integrated single-cell sequencing and transcriptome data from different tumor types to uncover the molecular features of TAMs. In vitro experiments and prospective clinical tests confirmed the results of these analysis.

Results

We first detected intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneities between TAM subpopulations and their functions, with CD86+ TAMs playing a crucial role in tumor progression. Next, we focused on the ligand-receptor interactions between TAMs and tumor cells in different TME phenotypes and discovered that aberrant expressions of six hub genes, including FLI1, are involved in this process. A TAM-tumor cell co-culture experiment proved that FLI1 was involved in tumor cell invasion, and FLI1 also showed a unique pattern in patients. Finally, TAMs were discovered to communicate with immune and stromal cells.

Conclusion

We determined the role of TAMs in the TME by focusing on their communication pattern with other TME components. Additionally, the screening of hub genes revealed potential therapeutic targets.
Whole genome sequencing reveals a frameshift mutation and a large deletion in YY1AP1 in a girl with a panvascular artery disease
Authors: Raggio Víctor , Dell’Oca Nicolas , Simoes Camila , Tapié Alejandra , Medici Conrado , Costa Gonzalo , Rodriguez Soledad , Greif Gonzalo , Garrone Estefania , Rovella María Laura , Gonzalez Virgina , Halty Margarita , González Gabriel , Shin Jong-Yeon , Shin Sang-Yoon , Kim Changhoon , Seo Jeong-Sun , Graña Martin , Naya Hugo , Spangenberg Lucia
Published: May 2021

Background

Rare diseases are pathologies that affect less than 1 in 2000 people. They are difficult to diagnose due to their low frequency and their often highly heterogeneous symptoms. Rare diseases have in general a high impact on the quality of life and life expectancy of patients, which are in general children or young people. The advent of high-throughput sequencing techniques has improved diagnosis in several different areas, from pediatrics, achieving a diagnostic rate of 41% with whole genome sequencing (WGS) and 36% with whole exome sequencing, to neurology, achieving a diagnostic rate between 47 and 48.5% with WGS. This evidence has encouraged our group to pursue a molecular diagnosis using WGS for this and several other patients with rare diseases.

Results

We used whole genome sequencing to achieve a molecular diagnosis of a 7-year-old girl with a severe panvascular artery disease that remained for several years undiagnosed. We found a frameshift variant in one copy and a large deletion involving two exons in the other copy of a gene called YY1AP1. This gene is related to Grange syndrome, a recessive rare disease, whose symptoms include stenosis or occlusion of multiple arteries, congenital heart defects, brachydactyly, syndactyly, bone fragility, and learning disabilities. Bioinformatic analyses propose these mutations as the most likely cause of the disease, according to its frequency, in silico predictors, conservation analyses, and effect on the protein product. Additionally, we confirmed one mutation in each parent, supporting a compound heterozygous status in the child.

Conclusions

In general, we think that this finding can contribute to the use of whole genome sequencing as a diagnosis tool of rare diseases, and in particular, it can enhance the set of known mutations associated with different diseases.
Comparative analysis of deep learning image detection algorithms
Authors: Srivastava Shrey , Divekar Amit Vishvas , Anilkumar Chandu , Naik Ishika , Kulkarni Ved , Pattabiraman V.
Published: May 2021

A computer views all kinds of visual media as an array of numerical values. As a consequence of this approach, they require image processing algorithms to inspect contents of images. This project compares 3 major image processing algorithms: Single Shot Detection (SSD), Faster Region based Convolutional Neural Networks (Faster R-CNN), and You Only Look Once (YOLO) to find the fastest and most efficient of three. In this comparative analysis, using the Microsoft COCO (Common Object in Context) dataset, the performance of these three algorithms is evaluated and their strengths and limitations are analysed based on parameters such as accuracy, precision and F1 score. From the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the suitability of any of the algorithms over the other two is dictated to a great extent by the use cases they are applied in. In an identical testing environment, YOLO-v3 outperforms SSD and Faster R-CNN, making it the best of the three algorithms.
COVID-19 pandemic and the crude oil market risk: hedging options with non-energy financial innovations
Authors: Salisu Afees A. , Obiora Kingsley
Published: May 2021

This study examines the hedging effectiveness of financial innovations against crude oil investment risks, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We focus on the non-energy exchange traded funds (ETFs) as proxies for financial innovations given the potential positive correlation between energy variants and crude oil proxies. We employ a multivariate volatility modeling framework that accounts for important statistical features of the non-energy ETFs and oil price series in the computation of optimal weights and optimal hedging ratios. Results show evidence of hedging effectiveness for the financial innovations against oil market risks, with higher hedging performance observed during the pandemic. Overall, we show that sectoral financial innovations provide resilient investment options. Therefore, we propose that including the ETFs in an investment portfolio containing oil could improve risk-adjusted returns, especially in similar financial crisis as witnessed during the pandemic. In essence, our results are useful for investors in the global oil market seeking to maximize risk-adjusted returns when making investment decisions. Moreover, by exploring the role of structural breaks in the multivariate volatility framework, our attempts at establishing robustness for the results reveal that ignoring the same may lead to wrong conclusions about the hedging effectiveness.
Screening the nematicidal potential of indigenous medicinal plant extracts against Meloidogyne incognita under lab. and greenhouse conditions
Authors: Kesba Hosny , Abdel-Rahman Abdullah , Sayed Samy , Al-Sayed Al-Sayed
Published: May 2021

Background

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, causes a high damage and yield decrease for many economic plants. The need for non-systemic effective new approaches and environmentally friendly methods for controlling the nematodes has directed research to some new and safe agrochemicals found in medicinal plants as new viable management options.

Results

In laboratory experiments, solidago and periwinkle aqueous and ethanolic extracts achieved high J2 mortality (%) concerning different dilutions; however, aqueous extracts were more effective for mortality than ethanolic extracts. Also, there was a direct relationship between the nematicidal activity of these extracts with both concentration and time of application. Inhibition of egg hatching by Periwinkle extracts was higher than that of solidago. Moreover, the nematicidal activity of tested extracts against J2 decreased significantly with prolonged storage time at + 5 °C, while did not with stored frozen at – 5 °C for 12 months. Periwinkle and solidago extracts killed the non-target organisms, i.e., rotifers and free-living nematodes. Seventy-five and 90% of total phytochemicals recovered from periwinkle and solidago, respectively were nematostatic or nematicidal to nematode viability, egg hatch in vitro, and development and reproduction in vivo despite the method of application (foliar and soil drench). The antagonistic effects of solidago were more pronounced in soil drench than periwinkle concerning their concentrations and methods of application.

Conclusion

Solidago and periwinkle plant extracts showed important sources of effective control phytochemicals against M. incognita.
Stochastic gel-shatter cycles in coalescence-fragmentation models
Authors: Fagan Brennen T. , MacKay Niall J. , Pushkin Dmitri O. , Jamie Wood A.
Published: May 2021

We describe a new phenomenon in models of coalescence and fragmentation, that of gel-shatter cycles. These are dynamical, unforced, stochastic cycles in which slow, approximately deterministic coalescence up to and beyond gelation is followed by abrupt random shattering. We describe their appearance in simulations of stochastic models with multiplicative kernels for coalescence and spontaneous fragmentation into monomers (“shattering”). The regime in which such cycles occur is characterized by a cyclicity order parameter, and we provide a simple scaling argument which describes both this regime and those which border it.
The Benefits of Rental Assistance for Children's Health and School Attendance in the United States
Authors: Fenelon Andrew , Boudreaux Michel , Slopen Natalie , Newman Sandra J.
Published: May 2021

Programs that provide affordable and stable housing may contribute to better child health and thus to fewer missed days of school. Drawing on a unique linkage of survey and administrative data, we use a quasi-experimental approach to examine the impact of rental assistance programs on missed days of school due to illness. We compare missed school days due to illness among children receiving rental assistance with those who will enter assistance within two years of their interview, the average length of waitlists for federal rental assistance. Overall, we find that children who receive rental assistance miss fewer days of school due to illness relative to those in the pseudo-waitlist group. We demonstrate that rental assistance leads to a reduction in the number of health problems among children and thus to fewer days of school missed due to illness. We find that the effect of rental assistance on missed school days is stronger for adolescents than for younger children. Additionally, race-stratified analyses reveal that rental assistance leads to fewer missed days due to illness among non-Hispanic White and Hispanic/Latino children; this effect, however, is not evident for non-Hispanic Black children, the largest racial/ethnic group receiving assistance. These findings suggest that underinvestment in affordable housing may impede socioeconomic mobility among disadvantaged non-Hispanic White and Hispanic/Latino children. In contrast, increases in rental assistance may widen racial/ethnic disparities in health among disadvantaged children, and future research should examine why this benefit is not evident for Black children.
Associations between Device-measured Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Health in the Transition to Early Adulthood
Authors: MIELKE GREGORE I. , MENEZES ANA M. B. , DA SILVA BRUNA GONÇALVES C. , EKELUND ULF , CROCHEMORE-SILVA INACIO , WEHRMEISTER FERNANDO C. , GONÇALVES HELEN , BROWN WENDY J.
Published: May 2021

Purposes

The aims of this study were to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations between accelerometer-measured physical activity and cardiometabolic health in the transition to adulthood.

Methods

Data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort were analyzed (n = 2280). Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) (measured using a triaxial accelerometer) and cardiometabolic health (total fat mass, blood glucose, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and mean resting blood pressure) were examined at age 18 and 22 yr.

Results

Overall, inverse dose–response associations between MVPA and cardiometabolic health at age 18 and 22 yr were observed in cross-sectional analyses of data from men and women. Prospective analyses showed that, in general, MVPA declined, and cardiometabolic health worsened in this 4-yr period in both men and women. Cardiometabolic health at age 22 yr reflected both MVPA at age 18 yr (β, −0.007; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.014 to 0.000) and changes in MVPA from 18 to 22 yr (β, −0.030; 95% CI, −0.043 to −0.016) in men, but only changes in MVPA in women (β, −0.035; 95% CI, −0.058 to −0.011). In analyses of change over time, men who improved MVPA by 20 to 30 min·d−1 showed significant improvements in cardiometabolic health over 4 yr. The magnitude of association was slightly stronger for MVPA in 10-min bouts than for MVPA accumulated in bouts of 1 min, especially in women.

Conclusions

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity is an important predictor of cardiometabolic health in early adulthood. Strategies to prevent declines in MVPA at this life stage are required to prevent deteriorating cardiometabolic health profiles.
Improving the leptospirosis disease burden assessment by including ambulatory patients from outpatient departments: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Warnasekara Janith , Aberathna Parami , Nanayakkara Geetha , Vinetz Joseph , Agampodi Suneth
Published: May 2021

Background: In Sri Lanka, the disease burden of leptospirosis is estimated based on a routine notification system, which is predominated by patients ill enough to be hospitalized. The notification system does not function well with ambulatory patients in outpatient departments (OPDs). The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of leptospirosis in an OPD setting in a regional public hospital in Sri Lanka to provide further estimation of disease burden.

Methods: This study was conducted in the OPD of the Rathnapura Provincial General Hospital from August to September 2017. Suspected leptospirosis patients were recruited based on standardized criteria and tested using the microscopic agglutination test and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The number of OPD patients was compared with the reported patient numbers with leptospirosis from the hospital during the same period as the denominator, and the 95% confidence interval was calculated for the proportions using Poisson distribution.

Results: During the study period, of 2,960 fever patients presenting to the OPD, 33 (1.1%) were suspected to have leptospirosis; 8/33 suspected (22.3%) cases were confirmed as being due to leptospirosis. There were 82 notifications of leptospirosis cases from hospital inpatients during the same period, none from the OPD. The total missing proportion from the surveillance system was 28.6% (95% CI, 19.4-40.4%). Among OPD patients, 12 (36.4%) had been given antibiotics from a primary care center prior to the OPD visit. No OPD patient was admitted to the hospital for inward care.

Conclusions: More than 25% of cases of leptospirosis were not identified because they were not sick enough to be admitted nor subjected to routine leptospirosis diagnostic testing.These data have public health implications if the sources of leptospirosis transmission are to be controlled.
A Critical Review on Thermo-Hydraulic Performance of Wire Screen Matrix Packed Solar Air Heaters
Authors: Verma Prashant , Saxena Abhishek , Varshney L.
Published: May 2021

Solar air heaters (SAHs) have an important role in applications such as spaceheating and industrial drying worldwide. The packing of SAH bed not onlyincreases the heat transfer area but also increases the pumping power lossesthereby limiting the thermo-hydraulic performance. In the present study,efforts have been made for a critical assessment of the literature dealingwith the impact of collector bed and operating parameters over thermal andthermo-hydraulic performance for different configurations of wire screenmatrix packed SAH. The porosity of bed and mass flow rate of the air have amajor influence on the thermo-hydraulic performance of wire screen matrixpacked SAH. It is found that the enhancement in the volumetric heat transfercoefficient due to a decrease in bed porosity is obtained at the expense ofincrease in pumping power which ultimately affects the thermo-hydraulicperformance of wire screen matrix packed SAH. In general it is observedthat porosity is an important parameter that affects the thermo-hydraulic performance. It is seen that matrix having porosity 0.937 yields thermo-hydraulic performance of 68% at mass flow rate 0.023 kg/s where as for thesame mass flow rate porosity of 0.887 results thermo-hydraulic performanceof only 42%.
Optimal Scheduling of a Residential Energy Prosumer Incorporating Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Storage Systems in a Day-ahead Energy Market
Authors: Huang Hui , Liao Wenyuan , Parvaneh Hesam
Published: May 2021

Due to the world rapid population growth, the need for energy is acceler-ated especially in the residential sector. One of the most efficient ways ofresponding to energy demand is the utilisation of energy prosumers (EPs).EPs are able to consume and produce energy by using renewable energysources (RESs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). In this paper, optimalscheduling and operation of a residential EP is proposed considering elec-tricity price forecasting. A hybrid adaptive network-based fuzzy inferencesystem (ANFIS)-genetic algorithm (GA) model is proposed for day-aheadprice forecasting. Then, forecasted price values are applied to a real-worldEP test system. It is revealed that the proposed hybrid ANFIS-GA modelcan forecast electricity prices properly. However, due to the high linearityof price patterns, the proposed algorithm was not able to accurately forecast peak-prices. Based on the results, the optimal operation of ESSs is affectedby the uncertainty of electricity price.
Grid Parity of Residential Building Rooftop Solar PV in India
Authors: Dalal Rakesh , Bansal Kamal , Thapar Sapan
Published: May 2021

Rooftop solar photovoltaic(PV) installation in India have increased in lastdecade because of the flat 40 percent subsidy extended for rooftop solarPV systems (3 kWp and below) by the Indian government under the solarrooftop scheme. From the residential building owner’s perspective, solar PVis competitive when it can produce electricity at a cost less than or equalgrid electricity price, a condition referred as “grid parity”. For assessing gridparity of 3 kWp and 2 kWp residential solar PV system, 15 states capitaland 19 major cities were considered for the RET screen simulation by usingsolar isolation, utility grid tariff, system cost and other economic parameters.3 kWp and 2 kWp rooftop solar PV with and without subsidy scenarioswere considered for simulation using RETscreen software. We estimate thatwithout subsidy no state could achieve grid parity for 2kWp rooftop solarPV plant. However with 3 kWp rooftop solar PV plant only 5 states couldachieve grid parity without subsidy and with government subsidy number ofstates increased to 7, yet wide spread parity for residential rooftop solar PV isstill not achieved. We find that high installation costs, subsidized utility grid supply to low energy consumer and financing rates are major barriers to gridparity