bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus among Korean women in childbearing years: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Chung Min Kyung , Park Jin Su , Lim Hyunsun , Lee Chan Hee , Lee Jisoo
Published: January 2021

Background

Most women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are diagnosed with the disease in their reproductive years, but the incidence and prevalence of SLE among women of childbearing age have not been studied. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of SLE among the Korean women of childbearing age.

Methods

Women aged 20 to 44 years with SLE were identified from National Health Insurance Service – National Health Information Database (2009-2016), which contain health information of approximately 97% of the Korean population. SLE was defined by International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code, M32. Incidence and prevalence were calculated per 100,000 person-years and stratified by year and age.

Results

A total of 12,756 women with SLE were identified. The incidence of SLE from 2011 to 2016 among women in childbearing years was 8.18/100,000 person-years (95% CI 7.94–8.43), with the highest incidence in 2016 (8.56/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 7.95–9.17) and the lowest incidence in 2012 (7.85/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 7.28–8.42). The prevalence of SLE from 2009 to 2016 among women in childbearing years was 77.07/100,000 person-years (95% CI 75.76–78.39), with the highest prevalence in 2014 (79.47/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 77.64–81.30) and the lowest in 2010 (74.19/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 72.45–75.93). The peak age for SLE incidence was between 25–39 years, and lower incidence was seen in the early (20–24 years) and late (40–44 years) childbearing age periods. There was an increasing trend in prevalence according to age in women of childbearing age, with the highest prevalence occurring in the 40–44 age group.

Conclusions

The risk and burden of SLE are high among women during their childbearing years. This calls for special attention to this particular population group when allocating health resources.
Ultrasonography-Guided Minimally Invasive Surgery for Achilles Sleeve Avulsions
Authors: Liu Chi-Yuan , Wu Tsung-Chiao , Yang Kai-Chiang , Li Yi-Chen , Wang Chen-Chie
Published: January 2021

Background:

Achilles sleeve avulsion, a relatively rare disorder, is characterized by sleeve-shaped injury extending from the calcaneus, located near the tendon insertion site. Unlike midsubstance tears of the Achilles tendon, end-to-end repair is difficult because less soft tissue is preserved distally. Open repair with transosseous sutures or suture anchors is currently favored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and functional outcomes of ultrasonography-guided Achilles sleeve avulsion repair.

Methods:

From November 2009 to April 2018, 21 patients with Achilles sleeve avulsions (mean age, 57.8 years; range, 25-82 years) who underwent repair by the same surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. The repair was achieved through a stab wound under ultrasonographic guidance. Two parallel Bunnell-type sutures were crossed over the proximal stump and tied with sutures from suture anchors fixed in the calcaneal tuberosity.

Results:

The mean operative time was 44 minutes, and the mean wound size was 1.5 cm. The patients were allowed to walk freely on postoperative week 6 with using high-ankle shoes. At postoperative 2 years’ follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score significantly improved from 70.9 to 97.1 ( P < .05); similarly, their 12-item Short Form Health Survey scores improved significantly ( P < .05). Only 2 patients had superficial wound infections, which resolved with wound care and oral antibiotics.

Conclusion:

Our ultrasonography-guided surgical technique for Achilles sleeve avulsions provided excellent soft tissue visualization and availability as well as minimized the wound length to achieve good postsurgical outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Parameter analysis and modification of transmission loss models for multi-layered cavity walls
Authors: Tsay Yaw-Shyan , Lin Chuan-Hsuan
Published: January 2021

Multi-layer cavity wall (MCW) systems, which refer to each panel in the structure being made up of two or more layers of lightweight board, have become more widely used. However, unlike the detailed approaches that were available for predicting single-layer cavity walls (SCW), few studies have addressed the MCW involving different layers attached together. In this research, we applied two theoretical models of SCW, analyzed the key parameters and modify to have appropriate application for MCW. The predictive capability of the models was then evaluated by comparing them with results of experiment and commercial software. The results showed that Sharp’s model was suggested only when the thickness of the steel stud of about 0.75 mm. Through modifying the input values of the compliance of steel ( CM), attenuation factor ( F) and the limiting angle of incident (θ L) in Davy’s model, and the prediction of the proposed model showed great consistent with experiments.
The fair share dimension of tertiary educational distribution
Authors: Odaga Geoffrey , Kibuka-Sebitosi Esther
Published: January 2021

This article presents the fair share methodology, a new development approach and perspective for policymaking, for countries struggling to achieve higher returns in higher education. The methodology involves the use of the fair share index as a measure to account for the rising trend of inequality and how its impact on societal well-being and community productivity to rise above poverty can be limited. The approach is innovative as it uses district-level empirical data to calculate the fair share index, the equity index and the equity gap in access to higher education as a development resource across time and space, allowing for inter-district and inter-temporal comparisons in trends of inequality/deprivation and what can be done to limit it. It offers policy makers, in developing countries an effective tool to ensure the benefits of development are more equitably distributed, such that no one is left behind. The methodology incorporates ‘equity’ as a third dimension of resource distribution, placing the discours of fair share in development literature and practice in ways not previously reported.
The effects of natural gas composition on conventional dual-fuel and reactivity-controlled compression ignition combustion in a heavy-duty diesel engine
Authors: Pedrozo Vinícius B , Wang Xinyan , Guan Wei , Zhao Hua
Published: January 2021

The use of natural gas (NG) in dual-fuel heavy-duty engines has the potential to reduce pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector when compared to the conventional diesel engines. However, NG composition and methane slip are of interest because both can adversely affect the benefits of NG as an alternative fuel, especially when considering GHG emissions. Therefore, this study experimentally investigated the effects of NG fuel properties on the performance and emissions of both conventional dual-fuel and reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) engine operations. Three different gas mixtures were selected to simulate typical NG compositions available in the world market, with methane numbers (MN) of 80.9, 87.6 and 94.1. These fuels were tested in a single-cylinder compression ignition engine operating at 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 MPa net indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP). A high-pressure common rail system allowed for the use of various diesel injection strategies while a variable valve actuation system enabled the effective compression ratio to be adjusted via late intake valve closing (LIVC). The RCCI combustion was found to be more sensitive to changes in MN than the conventional NG-diesel dual-fuel operation. The gas mixture with the lowest MN reduced both total unburned hydrocarbons emissions and methane slip at the expense of higher nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. The effects of MN on the net indicated efficiency were more significant at 0.6 MPa IMEP, yielding differences of up to 4.9% between the RCCI operations with the lowest and highest MN fuels. Overall, this work revealed that the combination of the RCCI combustion and LIVC can achieve up to 80% lower methane slip and NOx emissions and relatively higher net indicated efficiency than the conventional dual-fuel regime, independent of the NG composition.
“Gazing” and “performing”: Travel photography and online self-presentation
Authors: Schwarz Kaylan C.
Published: January 2021

This article illustrates the self-presentations young people foreground when they visually communicate international volunteer experiences to social media audiences. Through a “categorical-content” analysis of repeated semi-structured interviews and photographic content posted to Facebook, and with theoretical support from Urry’s “tourist gaze” and Goffman’s “presentation of self,” I describe three impressions “given” and “given off” within participants’ profiles. The findings reveal some familiar touristic scenes (necessitating tribute to the well-established “family” and “romantic” gazes) and also inspire a new gazing form (incorporating “gutsy” bodily experiences). However, these holiday-like portrayals were selectively disclosed and complicated by the sentiments participants expressed during face-to-face interviews. As different self-presentations were idealized in different settings, this article helps to elucidate the situational role of the audience and offers unique analytical insights that may not have emerged had I utilized one method in isolation. Its contribution is located within its intersections: blending gazing and performing frameworks, employing verbal and visual approaches, leading to etic and emic understandings.
Digitally-mediated parent–baby touch and the formation of subjectivities
Authors: Jewitt Carey , Leder Mackley Kerstin , Price Sara
Published: January 2021

This article examines how the use of emergent smart baby monitors re-mediates parent–baby touch, notions of connection, parental sensing and the interpretation of babies’ bodies, and contributes to the formation of subjectivities. Domestic baby monitors are a mid 20th-century phenomenon which normalizes parental anxieties. While baby monitoring is not new, the ‘next generation’ of wearable bio-sensing baby monitors offers a different relationship to the body via the physiological tracking of babies, and the sending of information or alerts to parents’ via connected mobile apps. These devices have been associated with creating unnecessary parental anxiety and the digital ‘replacement’ of parental touch, although little research exists on their use in the context of parent–infant interaction or touch. The authors present a qualitative case study of one such technology, Owlet, to explore how parents experienced, understood and negotiated the discourses of parent–infant touch that circulate around and through Owlet, with particular attention to the relationship between visual and tactile resources. The study focuses on both its multimodal design and take-up by parents through analysis of interviews with the Owlet designer, Owlet as a product, focus groups with parents and families’ home experiences of Owlet. Data is analysed through a tri-part lens, which first combines multimodal social semiotic and sensory ethnographic approaches, and then the analytical concept of governmentality. The findings are discussed in relation to four analytical themes: (1) creating a desire for digitally mediated touch; (2) spatiality of digitally mediated connection; (3) formulating the ‘right kind’ of touch; and (4) reconfiguring ‘knowing touch’. The authors discuss multimodal discourses pertinent to the shaping of parent–baby touch practices including: rationality and efficiency; individualism, autonomy and freedom; and self-improvement and empowerment. They conclude that the discourses that coalesce around Owlet contribute to the reconfiguration of parent–baby touch and the formation of neoliberal subjectivities.
Art of transition: A Deleuzoguattarian framework
Authors: Rose Emma , Bingley Amanda , Rioseco Macarena
Published: January 2021

This article reflects on a funded participatory artmaking project that engaged displaced people whose traumatic experiences prior to exile in the UK necessitated referral for psychological support. Reflections are informed by action research method involving a cyclical reflexive feedback loop, augmented by intra-action and deterritorialisation. Within this context, the Deleuzoguattarian framework is used to add insights into artmaking as a deterritorialising vector of destabilization to identify beneficial shifts in participants’ narratives of self in transition between the original homeland and the new environment. Artworks understood through the clients’ voices over the course of ten weeks, suggest transition from a repetition of original trauma to artworks focused on present lives, and more positive agency. The article explores how witnessing and being witnessed, in the context of emerging intra-actions and transitions, integrate the authors within those processes, authors and clients becoming part of each other’s new self-narratives.
Willingness to Participate in a Metered Online Panel
Authors: Revilla Melanie , Couper Mick P. , Paura Ezequiel , Ochoa Carlos
Published: January 2021

Passive data from a tracking application (or “meter”) installed on participants’ devices to register the URLs visited have great potential for studying people’s online activities. However, given privacy concerns, obtaining cooperation installing a meter can be difficult and lead to selection bias. Therefore, in this article, we address three research questions: (1) To what extent are panelists willing to install a meter? (2) On which devices do they install the meter? (3) How do panelists who installed the meter differ from those who were invited but did not install it? Using data from online non-probability opt-in panels in nine countries, we found that the proportions of panelists installing the meter usually vary from 20% to 42%. Moreover, 20–25% of participants installed the meter on three or more devices. Finally, those who were invited but did not install the meter differ from those who did.
Managing Difference: White Parenting Practices in Socioeconomically Diverse Neighborhoods
Authors: Underhill Megan R.
Published: January 2021

Drawing on 40 interviews with white parents in two mixed-income neighborhoods—one that is majority-white and the other that is multiracial—this article examines how residence in socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods conditions the parenting practices of middle-class whites, specifically concerning parents’ management of their children’s contact with the poor. The data reveal that white parents in both neighborhoods work to ensure symbolic and spatial distance between their children and their poor neighbors resulting in distinctive patterns of micro-segregation in each neighborhood. However, how parents engage in this work depends on the race of their neighbors and the block-level geography of their community. I find that parents deploy more contact-avoidant practices toward their poor white rather than their poor black neighbors. Among participants, poor whites conjure feelings of disgust and are actively avoided, whereas poor black residents provoke feelings of ambivalence, as contact with them is judged to be both valuable and threatening.
Vertical and horizontal barbell kinematics indicate differences in mechanical advantage between using an arched or flat back posture in the barbell bench press exercise
Authors: Pinto Brendan L , Dickerson Clark R
Published: January 2021

Employing an arched back posture during the bench press exercise is increasingly popular. Vertical displacement of the barbell is commonly believed to be the key difference influencing strength performance between an arched and flat back bench press technique. However, comparisons between these back postures using a free weight barbell are lacking. Directly comparing performance between each posture is confounded by many variables such as proficiency and fatigue. This investigation aimed to investigate whether changing back posture alone can influence barbell kinematics, to indirectly assess potential performance differences. Twenty males performed one repetition of the bench press exercise using either an arched or flat back posture, at 25%, 50% and 75% of their one repetition maximum, in a repeated measures study design. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Changing back posture alone, reduced vertical displacement (approximately 11% average difference across all load conditions) and barbell to glenohumeral joint moment arm (approximately 20% difference) in the arched posture compared to the flat posture. These changes occurred without any specific cueing of the barbell motion and may increase the potential for lifting higher loads and decrease cumulative joint exposure. Additional cueing and training may be required to maximize the mechanical advantage available with each back posture. The arched posture appears to have an increased potential for further improvements in vertical displacement and moment arm through specific cueing. Future comparisons should consider if each back posture’s potential mechanical advantage has been maximized when assessing differences between techniques.
Hand osteomyelitis in arterial calcification, diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal failure: a comparison of 210 cases over 12 years
Authors: Wyman Matthew , Dargan Dallan , Caddick Jennifer , Giblin Victoria
Published: January 2021

We present 210 patients with hand osteomyelitis in 246 rays over 12 years, including detailed analysis of 29 patients in this cohort with digital artery calcification evident on plain X-ray. Overall 71 patients had diabetes mellitus and/or end-stage renal failure, including 28 of 29 patients with calcification. In the calcification group, 17 patients had ipsilateral arteriovenous fistulae, five had steal syndrome and 15 had digital ulceration or skin necrosis. Compared with 181 controls, patients with calcification had more affected bones, polymicrobial infections, surgical procedures, phalanges and digits amputated and had higher mortality at 1 year (12 of 29) and 5 years (20 of 29), as a result of comorbidities. Absence of calcification in 43 patients with diabetes and/or end-stage renal failure was associated with better outcomes on all the above parameters. Early amputation to maximize disease-free survival may be appropriate for patients with hand osteomyelitis and arterial calcification.

Level of evidence: IV
Radioulnar interphalangeal joint angles in children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years
Authors: Tschauner Sebastian , Nagy Eszter , Hirling Dominik , Fahmy Sara , Vasilev Petar , Gospodinova Mihaela , Winter Raimund , Singer Georg , Sorantin Erich
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine the normal ranges of radioulnar (i.e. medial-lateral) finger deviations during growth. We retrospectively measured radioulnar interphalangeal joint angles in 6236 properly aligned thumbs and fingers in trauma radiographs of 4720 patients aged 0 to 19 years. The mean interphalangeal joint angle of the thumb was 0.2° (standard deviation 1.5°). The average proximal interphalangeal joint angles were ulnar deviation of 2.5° (1.7°) for the index, ulnar deviation 1.7° (1.5°) for the middle, radial deviation 1.3° (1.8°) for the ring, radial deviation 2.0° (2.8°) for the little fingers. The distal interphalangeal joint angles were ulnar deviation of 2.5° (1.7°), ulnar deviation 2.1° (1.7°), radial deviation 2.1° (1.7°), radial deviation 5.1° (2.8°) from index to the little fingers. Thumbs were typically straight, whereas the index and middle fingers deviated ulnarly, and ring and little fingers radially. There were no relevant differences in sex or laterality.
Normal ranges for measurements of the scaphoid bone from sagittal computed tomography images
Authors: Guldbrandsen Cæcilie W. , Radev Dimitar I. , Gvozdenovic Robert
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to determine normal values of three parameters commonly used to determine malunion by investigating intact scaphoids on sagittal computed tomography images from healthy individuals. We analysed 62 normal scaphoids and found the mean height–length ratio, lateral intrascaphoid angle and dorsal cortical angle to be 0.58, 27° and 128°, respectively. These measurements had good-to-excellent, poor-to-moderate and moderate-to-good inter- and intra-rater reliabilities, respectively. This study provides information on normal parameters of the scaphoid that may inform clinical decision making when assessing malunion. We suggest that the lateral intrascaphoid angle should be used with great caution as a measure of deformity.

Level of evidence: III
Facial pain? What is the cause?
Authors: El Hitti Eric , Moorhouse Tobias
Published: January 2021

Facial pain is a challenging symptom that has multiple possible aetiologies including sinus pain, and both neurological and vascular causes. Not all facial pain is sinus pain and other diagnoses must be considered. Psychological aspects of presentation associated with facial pain must not be overlooked and may be the most important factors to consider in effective management.
News Media Use, Talk Networks, and Anti-Elitism across Geographic Location: Evidence from Wisconsin
Authors: Wells Chris , Friedland Lewis A. , Hughes Ceri , Shah Dhavan V. , Suk Jiyoun , Wagner Michael W.
Published: January 2021

A certain social-political geography recurs across European and North American societies: As post-industrialization and mechanization of agriculture have disrupted economies, rural and nonmetropolitan areas are aging and declining in population, leading to widening political and cultural gaps between metropolitan and rural communities. Yet political communication research tends to focus on national or cross-national levels, often emphasizing networked digital media and an implicitly global information order. We contend that geographic place still provides a powerful grounding for individuals’ lifeworld experiences, identities, and orientations to political communications and politics. Focusing on the U.S. state of Wisconsin, and presenting data gathered in 2018, this study demonstrates significant, though often small, differences between geographic locations in terms of their patterns of media consumption, political talk, and anti-elite attitudes. Importantly, television news continues to play a major role in citizens’ repertoires across locations, suggesting we must continue to pay attention to this broadcast medium. Residents of more metropolitan communities consume significantly more national and international news from prestige sources such as the New York Times, and their talk networks are more cleanly sorted by partisanship. Running against common stereotypes of news media use, residents of small towns and rural areas consume no more conservative media than other citizens, even without controlling for partisanship. Our theoretical model and empirical results call for further attention to the intersections of place and politics in understanding news consumption behaviors and the meanings citizens draw from media content.
Intellectual Humility Predicts Scrutiny of COVID-19 Misinformation
Authors: Koetke Jonah , Schumann Karina , Porter Tenelle
Published: January 2021

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt across the globe. While health experts work to spread life-saving information, misinformation and fake news about the virus undermine these efforts. What actions can people take when confronting COVID-19 misinformation, and what factors motivate people to take these actions? We propose that people can engage in investigative behaviors (e.g., fact-checking, seeking alternative opinions) to scrutinize the validity of the information they encounter, and we examine intellectual humility as a predictor of these important behaviors. In three studies ( N = 1,232) examining both behavioral intentions (Studies 1 and 2) and real behavior (Study 3), we find that those higher in intellectual humility are more likely to engage in investigative behaviors in response to COVID-19 misinformation.
Ischaemic stroke as an initial presentation in patients with COVID-19: evaluation of a case series in an emergency in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Isabella B , Pessoa Mariana SL , Lima Carla FC , Holanda Jorge LB , Coimbra Pablo P de A
Published: January 2021

The disease caused by the new coronavirus, initially described in China in December 2019, became known as coronavirus disease 2019 and quickly spread to countries on all continents, becoming a pandemic with an important global impact. Despite being a virus that typically affects the respiratory tract, some studies have already described neurological manifestations associated with this infection, including acute ischaemic vascular insult. We report a case series including 30 patients, who presented with neurological symptoms during admission to our service, being diagnosed with ischaemic stroke and, concomitantly, coronavirus disease 2019. In the subgroup of patients analysed, a state of hypercoagulability and pro thrombosis was observed through laboratory tests, probably related to the cytokine storm syndrome associated with infection by this virus. With that, we discussed the possibility of this finding being an aggravating factor in the occurrence of stroke in these patients.
Pelvic floor myofascial pain in gynecology oncology patients: A pilot study
Authors: McAlarnen Lindsey A. , Ricci Goodman Jean , Sarwark Anne , Winder Abigail D. , Potkul Ronald K. , Liotta Margaret R.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Here we present a pilot study investigating the prevalence of pelvic floor myofascial pain in patients presenting to an academic tertiary care gynecologic oncology clinic. We describe patients’ responses to a pain survey including the pain disability index.

Methods:

An IRB approved prospective survey and chart review was conducted. Patients underwent standard physical exam maneuvers for detection of pelvic floor myofascial pain. Consented patients completed a pain survey and pain disability index on presentation to clinic. Statistical analysis included Chi square test and Mann Whitney test.

Results:

Twenty-nine percent (45/155) of patients exhibited pelvic floor myofascial pain, while 71% (110/155) did not. Of those with malignancy, 28% (16/57) had pelvic floor myofascial pain and 72% (41/57) did not. Patients with pelvic floor myofascial pain had a significantly higher rating of “pain right now” ( p = 0.001) and “usual level of pain during the past week” ( p = 0.003) than those without such pain. Patients with pelvic floor myofascial pain had significantly greater disability in family/home responsibilities ( p = 0.01), recreation ( p = 0.001), social activity ( p = 0.008), occupation ( p = 0.015), sexual behavior ( p = 0.025), and life support activities ( p = 0.007) compared to those without pelvic floor myofascial pain.

Conclusion:

Pelvic floor myofascial pain affects 28% of patients with malignancy. Routine incorporation of a myofascial exam can identity those with such pain, which can lead to improved quality of life in gynecologic oncology patients with pelvic floor disorders.
Psuedo-Cor Triatriatum in an Elderly Patient With Dyspnea of Exertion: An Undescribed Condition Characterized by 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Levin Daniel Brooks , Charlton Gerald , Snider Richard , Roldan Carlos A.
Published: January 2021

A 66-year-old gentleman with no prior cardiac history presented with dyspnea on exertion and chest pain for 1 month. His workup included a transthoracic echocardiogram, which demonstrated findings suggestive of cor triatriatum (C-TAT) with uncertain degree of hemodynamic obstruction. In addition, mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction and segmental wall motion abnormalities suggestive of coronary artery disease were noted. The patient then underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to define better the structural characteristics and hemodynamic significance of the C-TAT, left and right heart catheterization to assess pressure gradients between the upper and lower left atrial chambers by simultaneous measurement of pulmonary capillary wedge and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures, and coronary angiography. Multiplane 2-dimensional TEE demonstrated an atrial membrane extending from the inferior portion of the interatrial septum to the superior aspect of the lateral atrial wall. This membrane exhibited a medial large oval opening with bidirectional flow and a ≤2 mm Hg gradient. Three-dimensional TEE imaging re-demonstrated this obliquely oriented membrane; however, of most importance, it revealed that the membrane divided the atria into a medial funnel and C-shaped cavity with a large distal oval shape opening and an even larger lateral atrial cavity. These findings were inconsistent with a true C-TAT and rather demonstrated what we defined as a pseudo-C-TAT membrane. Simultaneous right and left heart catheterization confirmed a minimal gradient of 3 to 5 mm Hg and coronary angiography demonstrated severe 3-vessel coronary disease as the primary cause of the patient’s clinical syndrome.
An H/V geostatistical approach for building pseudo-3D Vs models to account for spatial variability in ground response analyses Part I: Model development
Authors: Hallal Mohamad M , Cox Brady R
Published: January 2021

Many recent studies have shown that we are generally unable to accurately replicate recorded ground motions at most borehole array sites using available subsurface geotechnical information and one-dimensional (1D) ground response analyses (GRAs). When 1D GRAs fail to accurately predict recorded site response, the site is often considered too complex to be effectively modeled as 1D. While three-dimensional (3D) numerical GRAs are possible and believed to be more accurate, there is rarely a 3D subsurface model available for these analyses. The lack of affordable and reliable site characterization methods to quantify spatial variability in subsurface conditions, particularly regarding shear wave velocity (Vs) measurements needed for GRAs, has pushed researchers to adopt stochastic approaches, such as Vs randomization and spatially correlated random fields. However, these stochastically generated models require the assumption of generic, or guessed, input parameters, introducing significant uncertainties into the site response predictions. This article describes a new geostatistical approach that can be used for building pseudo-3D Vs models as a means to rationally account for spatial variability in GRAs, increase model accuracy, and reduce uncertainty. Importantly, it requires only a single measured Vs profile and a number of simple, cost-effective, horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (H/V) noise measurements. Using Gaussian geostatistical regression, irregularly sampled estimates of fundamental site frequency from H/V measurements ( f0,H/V) are used to generate a uniform grid of f0,H/V across the site with accompanying Vs profiles that have been scaled to match each f0,H/V value, thereby producing a pseudo-3D Vs model. This approach is demonstrated at the Treasure Island and Delaney Park Downhole Array sites (TIDA and DPDA, respectively). While the pseudo-3D Vs models can be used to incorporate spatial variability into 1D, two-dimensional (2D), or 3D GRAs, their implementation in 1D GRAs at TIDA and DPDA is discussed in a companion paper.
Extended lifespan of bronchial epithelial cells maintains normal cellular phenotype and transcriptome integrity
Authors: O'Loughlin Jonathan , Hall Robert J. , Bhaker Sangita , Portelli Michael A. , Henry Amanda , Pang Vincent , Bates David O. , Sharp Tyson V. , Sayers Ian
Published: January 2021

Genetic studies have identified several epithelial-derived genes associated with airway diseases. However, techniques used to study gene function frequently exceed the proliferative potential of primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) isolated from patients. Increased expression of the polycomb group protein BMI-1 extends the lifespan of HBECs while maintaining cell context plasticity. Herein we aimed to assess how BMI-1 expression impacted cellular functions and global mRNA expression. HBECs from six donors were transduced with lentivirus containing BMI-1 and cells were characterised, including by RNA sequencing and impedance measurement. BMI-1-expressing HBECs (B-HBECs) have a proliferative advantage and show comparablein vitroproperties to low passage primary HBECs, including cell attachment/spreading and barrier formation. The B-HBEC mRNA signature was modestly different to HBECs, with only 293 genes differentially expressed (5% false discovery rate). Genes linked to epithelial mesenchymal transition and cell cycle were enriched in B-HBECs. We investigated the expression of genes implicated in asthma from genetic and expression studies and found that 97.6% of genes remained unaltered. We have shown that increased BMI-1 expression in HBECs delays lung epithelial cell senescence by promoting cell cycle progression and highlighted the flexible utility for B-HBECs as an important platform for studying airway epithelial mechanisms.
Examining geographical disparities in the incubation period of the COVID-19 infected cases in Shenzhen and Hefei, China
Authors: Xiao Zuopeng , Guo Wenbo , Luo Zhiqiang , Liao Jianxiang , Wen Feiqiu , Lin Yaoyu
Published: January 2021

Background

Current studies on the COVID-19 depicted a general incubation period distribution and did not examine whether the incubation period distribution varies across patients living in different geographical locations with varying environmental attributes. Profiling the incubation distributions geographically help to determine the appropriate quarantine duration for different regions.

Methods

This retrospective study mainly applied big data analytics and methodology, using the publicly accessible clinical report for patients (n = 543) confirmed as infected in Shenzhen and Hefei, China. Based on 217 patients on whom the incubation period could be identified by the epidemiological method. Statistical and econometric methods were employed to investigate how the incubation distributions varied between infected cases reported in Shenzhen and Hefei.

Results

The median incubation period of the COVID-19 for all the 217 infected patients was 8 days (95% CI 7 to 9), while median values were 9 days in Shenzhen and 4 days in Hefei. The incubation period probably has an inverse U-shaped association with the meteorological temperature. The warmer condition in the winter of Shenzhen, average environmental temperature between 10 °C to 15 °C, may decrease viral virulence and result in more extended incubation periods.

Conclusion

Case studies of the COVID-19 outbreak in Shenzhen and Hefei indicated that the incubation period of COVID-19 had exhibited evident geographical disparities, although the pathological causality between meteorological conditions and incubation period deserves further investigation. Methodologies based on big data released by local public health authorities are applicable for identifying incubation period and relevant epidemiological research.
Vector space algebra for scaling and centering relationship matrices under non-Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium conditions
Authors: Gomez-Raya Luis , Rauw Wendy M. , Dekkers Jack C. M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Scales are linear combinations of variables with coefficients that add up to zero and have a similar meaning to “contrast” in the analysis of variance. Scales are necessary in order to incorporate genomic information into relationship matrices for genomic selection. Statistical and biological parameterizations using scales under different assumptions have been proposed to construct alternative genomic relationship matrices. Except for the natural and orthogonal interactions approach (NOIA) method, current methods to construct relationship matrices assume Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The objective of this paper is to apply vector algebra to center and scale relationship matrices under non-HWE conditions, including orthogonalization by the Gram-Schmidt process.

Theory and methods

Vector space algebra provides an evaluation of current orthogonality between additive and dominance vectors of additive and dominance scales for each marker. Three alternative methods to center and scale additive and dominance relationship matrices based on the Gram-Schmidt process (GSP-A, GSP-D, and GSP-N) are proposed. GSP-A removes additive-dominance co-variation by first fitting the additive and then the dominance scales. GSP-D fits scales in the opposite order. We show that GSP-A is algebraically the same as the NOIA model. GSP-N orthonormalizes the additive and dominance scales that result from GSP-A. An example with genotype information on 32,645 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 903 Large-White × Landrace crossbred pigs is used to construct existing and newly proposed additive and dominance relationship matrices.

Results

An exact test for departures from HWE showed that a majority of loci were not in HWE in crossbred pigs. All methods, except the one that assumes HWE, performed well to attain an average of diagonal elements equal to one and an average of off diagonal elements equal to zero. Variance component estimation for a recorded quantitative phenotype showed that orthogonal methods (NOIA, GSP-A, GSP-N) can adjust for the additive-dominance co-variation when estimating the additive genetic variance, whereas GSP-D does it when estimating dominance components. However, different methods to orthogonalize relationship matrices resulted in different proportions of additive and dominance components of variance.

Conclusions

Vector space methodology can be applied to measure orthogonality between vectors of additive and dominance scales and to construct alternative orthogonal models such as GSP-A, GSP-D and an orthonormal model such as GSP-N. Under non-HWE conditions, GSP-A is algebraically the same as the previously developed NOIA model.
Expression quantitative trait loci in sheep liver and muscle contribute to variations in meat traits
Authors: Yuan Zehu , Sunduimijid Bolormaa , Xiang Ruidong , Behrendt Ralph , Knight Matthew I. , Mason Brett A. , Reich Coralie M. , Prowse-Wilkins Claire , Vander Jagt Christy J. , Chamberlain Amanda J. , MacLeod Iona M. , Li Fadi , Yue Xiangpeng , Daetwyler Hans D.
Published: January 2021

Background

Variants that regulate transcription, such as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), have shown enrichment in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for mammalian complex traits. However, no study has reported eQTL in sheep, although it is an important agricultural species for which many GWAS of complex meat traits have been conducted. Using RNA sequence data produced from liver and muscle from 149 sheep and imputed whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), our aim was to dissect the genetic architecture of the transcriptome by associating sheep genotypes with three major molecular phenotypes including gene expression (geQTL), exon expression (eeQTL) and RNA splicing (sQTL). We also examined these three types of eQTL for their enrichment in GWAS of multi-meat traits and fatty acid profiles.

Results

Whereas a relatively small number of molecular phenotypes were significantly heritable (h2 > 0, P < 0.05), their mean heritability ranged from 0.67 to 0.73 for liver and from 0.71 to 0.77 for muscle. Association analysis between molecular phenotypes and SNPs within ± 1 Mb identified many significant cis-eQTL (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.01). The median distance between the eQTL and transcription start sites (TSS) ranged from 68 to 153 kb across the three eQTL types. The number of common variants between geQTL, eeQTL and sQTL within each tissue, and the number of common variants between liver and muscle within each eQTL type were all significantly (P < 0.05) larger than expected by chance. The identified eQTL were significantly (P < 0.05) enriched in GWAS hits associated with 56 carcass traits and fatty acid profiles. For example, several geQTL in muscle mapped to the FAM184B gene, hundreds of sQTL in liver and muscle mapped to the CAST gene, and hundreds of sQTL in liver mapped to the C6 gene. These three genes are associated with body composition or fatty acid profiles.

Conclusions

We detected a large number of significant eQTL and found that the overlap of variants between eQTL types and tissues was prevalent. Many eQTL were also QTL for meat traits. Our study fills a gap in the knowledge on the regulatory variants and their role in complex traits for the sheep model.
Correction to: Differential susceptibility of Onchocerca volvulus microfilaria to ivermectin in two areas of contrasting history of mass drug administration in Cameroon: relevance of microscopy and molecular techniques for the monitoring of skin microfilarial repopulation within six months of direct observed treatment
Authors: Abong Raphael Awah , Amambo Glory N. , Chounna Ndongmo Patrick W. , Njouendou Abdel Jelil , Ritter Manuel , Beng Amuam Andrew , Esum Mathias Eyong , Deribe Kebede , Fru-Cho Jerome , Fombad Fanny F. , Nji Theobald Mue , Enyong Peter Ivo , Poole Catherine B. , Pfarr Kenneth , Hoerauf Achim , Carlow Clotilde K. S. , Wanji Samuel
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels are not associated with severity of liver disease and are inversely related to cholesterol in a cohort of thirty eight patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Feder Susanne , Wiest Reiner , Weiss Thomas S. , Aslanidis Charalampos , Schacherer Doris , Krautbauer Sabrina , Liebisch Gerhard , Buechler Christa
Published: January 2021

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is of particular importance in cholesterol metabolism with high levels contributing to hypercholesterolemia. Cholesterol and sphingolipids are low in patients with liver cirrhosis. Purpose of this study was to find associations of plasma PCSK9 with circulating cholesterol and sphingolipid species and measures of liver disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

PCSK9 protein levels were determined by ELISA in systemic vein (SVP), hepatic vein (HVP) and portal vein plasma of patients with mostly alcoholic liver cirrhosis. PCSK9 and LDL-receptor protein expression were analysed in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver tissues.

Results

Serum PCSK9 was reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis in comparison to non-cirrhotic patients. In liver cirrhosis, plasma PCSK9 was not correlated with Child-Pugh score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, bilirubin or aminotransferases. A negative association of SVP PCSK9 with albumin existed. PCSK9 protein in the liver did not change with fibrosis stage and was even positively correlated with LDL-receptor protein levels. Ascites volume and variceal size were not related to PCSK9 levels. Along the same line, transjugular intrahepatic shunt to lower portal pressure did not affect PCSK9 concentrations in the three blood compartments. Serum cholesterol, sphingomyelin and ceramide levels did not correlate with PCSK9. Stratifying patients by high versus low PCSK9 levels using the median as cut-off, several cholesteryl ester species were even low in the subgroup with high PCSK9 levels. A few sphingomyelin species were also reduced in the patients with PCSK9 levels above the median. PCSK9 is highly expressed in the liver but systemic, portal and hepatic vein levels were similar. PCSK9 was not correlated with the inflammatory proteins C-reactive protein, IL-6, galectin-3, resistin or pentraxin 3. Of note, HVP PCSK9 was positively associated with HVP chemerin and negatively with HVP adiponectin levels.

Conclusions

In the cohort of patients with liver cirrhosis mostly secondary to alcohol consumption high PCSK9 was associated with low levels of certain cholesteryl ester and sphingomyelin species. Positive correlations of PCSK9 and LDL-receptor protein in the liver of patients with chronic liver injury are consistent with these findings.
Development and validation of new poisoning mortality score system for patients with acute poisoning at the emergency department
Authors: Han Kap Su , Kim Su Jin , Lee Eui Jung , Shin Joong Ho , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Sung Woo
Published: January 2021

Background

A prediction model of mortality for patients with acute poisoning has to consider both poisoning-related characteristics and patients’ physiological conditions; moreover, it must be applicable to patients of all ages. This study aimed to develop a scoring system for predicting in-hospital mortality of patients with acute poisoning at the emergency department (ED).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the Injury Surveillance Cohort generated by the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) during 2011–2018. We developed the new-Poisoning Mortality Scoring system (new-PMS) to generate a prediction model using the derivation group (2011–2017 KCDC cohort). Points were computed for categories of each variable. The sum of these points was the new-PMS. The validation group (2018 KCDC cohort) was subjected to external temporal validation. The performance of new-PMS in predicting mortality was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for both the groups.

Results

Of 57,326 poisoning cases, 42,568 were selected. Of these, 34,352 (80.7%) and 8216 (19.3%) were enrolled in the derivation and validation groups, respectively. The new-PMS was the sum of the points for each category of 10 predictors. The possible range of the new-PMS was 0–137 points. Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed adequate calibration for the new-PMS with p values of 0.093 and 0.768 in the derivation and validation groups, respectively. AUROCs of the new-PMS were 0.941 (95% CI 0.934–0.949, p < 0.001) and 0.946 (95% CI 0.929–0.964, p < 0.001) in the derivation and validation groups, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the new-PMS (cutoff value: 49 points) were 86.4%, 87.2%, and 87.2% and 85.9%, 89.5%, and 89.4% in the derivation and validation groups, respectively.

Conclusions

We developed a new-PMS system based on demographic, poisoning-related variables, and vital signs observed among patients at the ED. The new-PMS showed good performance for predicting in-hospital mortality in both the derivation and validation groups. The probability of death increased according to the increase in the new-PMS. The new-PMS accurately predicted the probability of death for patients with acute poisoning. This could contribute to clinical decision making for patients with acute poisoning at the ED.