bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics of Elderly Patients with COVID-19 in Hunan Province, China: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study
Authors: Guo Ting , Shen Qinxue , Guo Wei , He Wenlong , Li Jinhua , Zhang Yi , Wang Yunnian , Zhou Zhiguo , Deng Dingding , Ouyang Xiaoli , Xiang Zhi , Jiang Minyan , Liang Minyong , Huang Peng , Peng Zaimei , Xiang Xudong , Liu Wenlong , Luo Hong , Chen Ping , Peng Hong
Published: May 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and compare the differences of young-old patients (60–74 years old) and old-old patients (≥75 years old). Methods: In thisretrospective, multicenter study, the medical records of elderly patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Hunan province, China, from January 21 to February 19, 2020 were reviewed. The characteristics of young-old patients and old-old patients were compared. Results: Of the 105 elderly patientsconfirmed withCOVID-19, 81.0% were young-old patients, and 19.0% were old-old patients; 54.3% of elderly patients were females. Overall, 69.5% of elderly patients had underlying diseases, and the most common comorbidities included hypertension (43.8%), diabetes (25.7%), and cardiac disease (16.2%). Of the elderly patients, 22.9% were severe and 10.5% were critical severe cases. On admission, the most frequent symptoms in elderly patients included fever (66.7%), cough (64.8%), and fatigue (33.3%). Lymphopenia (31.4%), increased D-dimer (38.1%), depressed albumin (36.2%), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (41.0%), and a high level of C-reactive protein (79.0%) were common among elderly patients with COVID-19. The median prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were longer in old-old patients than young-old patients (PT median 12.3 vs. 13.1 s, p = 0.007; APTT median 39.0 vs. 33.5 s, p = 0.045). Young-old patients showed fewer complications (14.1%) than old-old patients (40.0%; p = 0.0014) and fewer received invasive ventilator support (3.5 vs. 25.0%, p = 0.006). As of March 11, 2020, 85.7% of elderly patients had been discharged, 3 deaths had occurred, and 11.4% were still hospitalized. Conclusions: Elderly patients usually have chronic medical illness and are likely to have a severe or critically severe condition. They could show atypical symptoms without fever or cough and multiple organ dysfunction. Old-old patients tend to have more complications than young-old patients during hospitalization. Careful nursing, observation, and systemic treatment are very important in elderly patients.
A new species of Eremias (Squamata: Lacertidae) from the arid mountains of Pakistan
Authors: MASROOR RAFAQAT , KHISROON MUHAMMAD , KHAN MUAZZAM ALI , JABLONSKI DANIEL
Published: May 2020

A new, morphologically distinctive lacertid lizard of the genus Eremias (Rhabderemias) is described from the arid mountains of northwestern Balochistan Province in Pakistan. Eremias kakari sp. nov. has an isolated distribution and can be easily distinguished from all other species of mainly desert subgenus Rhabderemias (E. andersoni, E. cholistanica, E. fasciata, E. lineolata, E. pleskei, E. scripta, E. vermiculata). Apart from other differences, E. kakari sp. nov. can be distinguished from geographically close members of the subgenus Rhabderemias (E. cholistanica, E. fasciata, and E. scripta) by having a single row of subdigital lamellae and a complete row of lateral scales and hence three scales around the penultimate phalanx of 4th toe. The new species is morphologically (dorsal pattern) very similar to E. fasciata but can be distinguished from this species for having 22–26 subdigital lamellae under 4th toe, 48–55 dorsal scales across midbody, ventrals in 11–14 oblique longitudinal series across the belly, 17–21 femoral pores and 17–21 scales in the 9th–10th annulus posterior to the postcloacal granules. The new species is currently known only from the type locality situated in the Toba Kakar Range, near to Tanishpa village. However, we expect that Eremias kakari sp. nov. would have a broader range in northwestern Pakistan and southeastern Afghanistan. An identification key for the Pakistani Eremias, together with other remarks to the new species, is presented.
Suphisellus grossoi sp. n., a new burrowing water beetle from South America, and notes on S. flavolineatus (Régimbart, 1889) and S. grammicus (Sharp, 1882) (Coleoptera: Noteridae)
Authors: URCOLA JUAN I. , BENETTI CESAR J. , BACA STEPHEN M. , MICHAT MARIANO C.
Published: May 2020

Suphisellus grossoi sp. n. is described from the Reserva Natural del Bosque de Mbaracayú, Canindeyú department, Paraguay. Diagnostic characters are described and illustrated in detail. New records are provided for S. flavolineatus (Régimbart, 1889) and S. grammicus (Sharp, 1882), which are also briefly diagnosed. Suphisellus melzeri Zimmermann, 1925 is proposed as a junior subjective synonym of S. flavolineatus (syn. n.), and lectotypes are designated for both taxa.
Improved Severe Weather Forecasts Using LEO and GEO Satellite Soundings
Authors: Smith W. L. , Zhang Qi , Shao M. , Weisz E.
Published: May 2020

It is shown here that improvements in numerical weather prediction (NWP) model forecasts of hazardous weather can be obtained by assimilating profile retrievals obtained in real time from combined direct broadcast system (DBS) polar satellite hyperspectral and geostationary satellite multispectral radiance data. Results of NWP model forecasts are shown for two recent tornado outbreak cases: 1) the 3 March 2019 tornado outbreak over the southeast United States and 2) the tornado outbreak that occurred across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio during the night of 27 May and the morning of 28 May 2019, and 3) the 4 March 2019 severe precipitation event that occurred in southeast China. Improvements in both quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) and predictions of the location of tornado occurrence are obtained. It is also shown that geostationary satellite hyperspectral soundings [i.e.,Fengyun-4A(FY-4A) Geosynchronous Interferometric Infrared Sounder (GIIRS)] further improve hazardous precipitation forecasts when used, in addition to the combined polar hyperspectral and geostationary multispectral satellite profile data, to initialize the numerical forecast model. The lowest false alarm rate (FAR) and the highest probability of detection (POD) and critical success index (CSI) scores are achieved when assimilating atmospheric profile retrievals obtained by combining all the available satellite high-vertical-resolution hyperspectral radiance measurements with geostationary satellite high-spatial-resolution and high-temporal-resolution multispectral radiance measurements.
Assessment and Diagnostic Accuracy Evaluation of the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) Scale: Psychometric Properties using Optimal Scaling Techniques
Authors: Nacci Andrea , Bastiani Luca , Barillari Maria Rosaria , Lechien Jerome R. , Martinelli Massimo , Bortoli Nicola De , Berrettini Stefano , Fattori Bruno
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

To investigate the psychometric properties of the reflux symptom index (RSI) as short screening approach for the diagnostic of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with confirmed diagnosed regarding the 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH).

Methods:

From January 2017 to December 2018, 56 patients with LPR symptoms and 71 healthy individuals (control group) were prospectively enrolled. The LPR diagnosis was confirmed through MII-pH results. All subjects (n = 127) fulfilled RSI and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) was performed through flexible fiberoptic endoscopy. The sensitivity and the specificity of RSI was assessed by ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis.

Results:

A total of 15 LPR patients (26.8%) of the clinical group met MII-pH diagnostic criteria. Among subjects classified as positive for MII- pH diagnoses, RSI and RFS mean scores were respectively 20 (SD ± 10.5) and 7.1 (SD ± 2.5), values not significantly different compared to the negative MII-pH group. The metric analysis of the items led to the realization of a binary recoding of the score. Both versions had similar psychometric properties, α was 0.840 for RSI original version and 0.836 for RSI binary version. High and comparable area under curve (AUC) values indicate a good ability of both scales to discriminate between individuals with and without LPR pathology diagnosis. Based on balanced sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cut-off scores for LPR pathology were ≥ 5 for RSI binary version and ≥ 15 for RSI original version. Both version overestimated LPR prevalence. The original version had more sensitivity and the RSI Binary version had more specificity.

Conclusions:

It would be necessary to think about modifying the original RSI in order to improve its sensitivity and specificity (RSI binary version, adding or changing some items), or to introduce new scores in order to better frame the probably affected of LPR patient.
“We Don’t Got Time for Grumbling”: Toward an Ethic of Radical Care in Urban School Leadership
Authors: Rivera-McCutchen Rosa L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose: This article presents a case study of a successful Black male public urban school principal, offering a counterstory to discourses of failure in urban schools. I build on scholars’ work in critical caring, the Black principalship, and radical hope to call for an expansion of narrow frameworks of effective school leadership to include an ethic of radical care within urban school leadership. Method: This study represents a counterstory in the tradition of critical race theory, centering the voice and perspectives of a Black male urban school principal. Using ethnographic research methods, this case study was based on prolonged and embedded engagement in the field including observations, informal and formal interviews, and document review. Data were collected and analyzed over a 2-year period. Findings: Five components of effective school leadership emerged from analysis of the data that, taken together, can be described as a radical care framework. These components include the folowing: (a) adopting an antiracist, social just stance; (b) cultivating authentic relationships; (c) believing in students’ and teachers’ capacity for growth and excellence; (d) strategically navigating the sociopolitical and policy climate; and (e) embracing a spirit of radical hope. Conclusion: In addition to highlighting the power of counterstories in educational leadership research, this study reinforces the critical need for leadership preparation that is grounded in antiracism and social justice, and comprises all aspects of an ethic of radical care. Furthermore, the study points to the need for targeted recruitment of Black and Latinx school leaders, particularly in urban contexts.
Chinese women revising meanings of marriage and divorce: Comparing women who divorced in the 1990s and 2000s
Authors: Hung Suet Lin
Published: May 2020

This study compares the findings of two qualitative research studies on meanings of divorce endorsed by Chinese divorced women in Hong Kong conducted in 1998–2002 and 2016–2018, respectively. It is clearly shown that ideas about divorce have changed enormously in the past two decades. While the ideas that divorce is not acceptable and divorced women are failures were still prevalent, particularly in the divorce decision-making process, there has been a move towards a more dominant modern stance on divorce, although two powerful obstacles, the welfare of children and social stigmatisation, have persisted.
Three Decades of Tension: From the Codification of Migration Decision-Making to an Overarching Framework for Judicial Review
Authors: Hooper Grant Robert
Published: May 2020

Over the last three decades, Australian administrative law decisions about who will be allowed to stay in Australia have led to more interaction and tension between the elected government (Parliament and Ministry) and the judiciary than any other subject matter. This interaction has been intensified by Parliament’s attempts to amend the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) to codify judicial review and the procedures to be followed when making decisions under the Act. These amendments were made with the specific aim of minimising, if not practically eliminating, the judiciary’s influence over executive decision-making. However, this outcome has not been achieved. Rather, through a thousand cuts, or more literally cases, the codification efforts of Parliament have been weakened. Instead, the judiciary has put in place an overarching judicial review framework centred on the inherently flexible concept of jurisdictional error. This framework places equal emphasis on both express and implied statutory obligations and procedures. Express procedures have often being interpreted to include judicially created natural justice-like obligations and implied procedures often including other natural justice-like obligations or at least a base level of fairness premised on the constitutionally entrenched premise that the executive cannot decide arbitrarily.
Exploring the Relationship Between Interdisciplinary Ties and Linguistic Familiarity Using Multilevel Network Analysis
Authors: Barley William C. , Dinh Ly , Workman Hallie , Fang Chengyu
Published: May 2020

Research shows that teams comprised of individuals with differing knowledge are increasingly important to enabling innovation in organizations. Beyond diverse connections, research also shows individuals must be familiar with their collaborators’ areas of expertise to effectively integrate knowledge. Despite growing recognition of the importance of familiarity for interdisciplinary collaboration, we argue that there is reason to suspect this form of relationship is likely to be particularly rare in organizations. We present an egocentric analysis of collaboration networks in a scientific organization, exploring factors associated with the copresence of interdisciplinary ties alongside familiarity with a collaborator’s area of expertise. Our results demonstrate pressures toward similarity of expertise that minimized connections to differing alters. Furthermore, those respondents who had diverse connections tended to be unfamiliar with their distant collaborators’ domains. Interaction counteracted this effect but participants reported pressures inhibiting interaction across knowledge boundaries. The findings demonstrate how network forces compound to inhibit what we call “different yet familiar” ties and, by doing so, offer conceptual and practical implications for contemporary organizations.
Indo-US Convergence of Agenda in the new Indo-Pacific Regional Security Architecture
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Verma Sudheer Singh , Shah Shahbaz Hussain
Published: May 2020

Strengthened Indo-US proximity has become a notable factor in the regional security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region, and also it raises ongoing concerns about its robustness. This article analyses the geostrategic, geoeconomic, security-related and defence-connected Indo-US relations in the region over the last two decades, highlighting the growing multidimensional convergence of US and Indian interests in the Indo-Pacific regional security architecture. In the final part, this article also sketches the future implications of Indo-US proximity and seeks to identify potential risks.
Bob Lusch: Co-Creator of Careers
Authors: Ingene Charles
Published: May 2020

This recollection discusses my interactions with Bob Lusch over the years, from the time we were starting assistant professors to his untimely passing.
Predictors of postpartum depression in first-time fathers
Authors: Howarth Anne M , Swain Nicola R
Published: May 2020

Objective:

A significant number of men suffer from paternal postpartum depression (PPPD). This is detrimental to family and personal well-being. This study aims to report rates of PPPD in first-time fathers in New Zealand. It also aims to find predictors of PPPD.

Methods:

Data from 116 men were analysed. Men completed questionnaires at 24 weeks gestation, 36 weeks gestation, post-birth and 6 months after the baby was born. The outcome of interest was scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale 6 months after the baby was born.

Results:

Twelve percent of the participants met criteria for PPPD. Factors that predicted PPPD were: earlier depression, family life satisfaction, expectations, birth interventions, pain management for their partner and pregnancy anxiety.

Conclusions:

It is important that PPPD is recognised and treated. More research is needed on the mental health of fathers.
Visual function assessed by visually evoked potentials in adults with orbital and other primary intracranial tumors
Authors: Dotto Patrícia de Freitas , Berezovsky Adriana , Sacai Paula Yuri , Rocha Daniel Martins , Fernandes Arthur Gustavo , Salomão Solange Rios
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess visual function by visually evoked potentials in adults with orbital and other primary brain tumors affecting the optic pathway.

Methods:

In this retrospective case–control series, patients with orbital (intraconal and extraconal) or midline/chiasmatic tumors were included. Visually evoked potentials using pattern-reversal visually evoked potential and flash visually evoked potential stimuli were performed according to the international standards. Outcome measures were visually evoked potential parameters of amplitude (µV) and peak times (ms) measured both for the P100 component (pattern-reversal visually evoked potentials) and the N2P2 complex (flash visually evoked potential). Individual results were also compared with gender-based normative values.

Results:

A group of 21 adult patients (17 females) and age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated. Tumor location was intraconal (6 meningiomas, 3 hemangiomas, 1 glioma), extraconal (6 meningiomas), and midline (3 pituitary adenomas, 2 hypothalamic/chiasmatic low-grade gliomas). Abnormal fundus (76%), abnormal pupillary reflexes (71%), reduced visual acuity (62%), strabismus (48%), and proptosis (38%) were present. Visually evoked potential abnormalities were found in at least one eye of all cases. Affected eyes had significantly reduced amplitudes and prolonged peak times for pattern-reversal visually evoked potentials ( p < .001) and significantly reduced amplitudes for flash visually evoked potential ( p < .001). In unilateral orbital tumors, abnormally prolonged pattern-reversal visually evoked potential peak times were also detected in some contralateral eyes ( n = 6/16).

Conclusion:

Visually evoked potential abnormalities were found in all adult patients with orbital and other intracranial primary tumors, even in eyes with normal exam and good visual acuity. Visually evoked potential can be used as a non-invasive ancillary test to characterize and monitor visual function in subjects with these neoplastic lesions.
Two forms of organizational unlearning: Insights from engaged scholarship research with change consultants
Authors: Grisold Thomas , Klammer Adrian , Kragulj Florian
Published: May 2020

Following recent calls to extend our understanding of organizational unlearning, we gain empirical insights into how the process unfolds in practice. Based on the findings of a study with change consultants in Europe, we conceptualize two forms of organizational unlearning. First, open-ended unlearning refers to instances where organizational knowledge is intentionally discarded, but the outcomes of the change process are not known. Second, goal-directed unlearning refers to situations where organizations implement specified knowledge structures that are incompatible with established ones. We also find that both forms of organizational unlearning necessitate preparatory work and interventions that increase their likelihood to succeed. Outlining the implications of the organizational unlearning concept in organizational practice contributes to a better understanding of existing research. We further discuss implications for theory and outline avenues for future research.
A cointegration approach for cable anomaly warning based on structural health monitoring data: An application to cable-stayed bridges
Authors: Fan Zi-Yuan , Huang Qiao , Ren Yuan , Zhu Zhi-Yuan , Xu Xiang
Published: May 2020

For long-span cable-stayed bridges, cables are one of the most important components to resist various actions. With the application of structural health monitoring technique, real-time recording of cable forces is achieved, and hence, the warning system on cable anomaly established. However, it is still difficult and there are challenges to conduct the warning system effectively, especially due to the phenomena of false alarm or omission. A practical reason is the warning index’s sensitivity to the ambient environment. Temperature variations, for instance, usually disturb the force-based cable anomaly warning and result in the false evaluation of structural condition. In view of eliminating the effects of environmental temperature, cointegration, a statistical concept from econometrics, is employed in cable anomaly warning studies. An approach that extracts warning index by linear combination of two non-stationary time series using the cointegration algorithm is developed in order to produce a more stationary cointegrated residual series (warning index series). The calculated stationary relationship between two time series is insensitive to the influence of environmental temperature and is capable of cable anomaly warning. Specifically, the framework of the cable anomaly warning system is first proposed. Subsequently, time-series test methods are introduced to check the non-stationary order and calculate the cointegration parameters of measured cable forces and environmental temperature. The computed cointegrated residual series is fed into statistical analysis as a warning index and the procedure of cable anomaly warning under the influence of environmental temperature is illustrated in detail. Finally, a case study for a cable-stayed bridge is demonstrated with results and discussions.
Integrated Profiling Revealed Potential Regulatory Networks Among Long Noncoding RNAs and mRNAs in Mucosal Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sun Ke-kang , Shen Xiao-jun , Yang Dong , Jiao Yang , Wu Xiao-yang
Published: May 2020

Gastric cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers worldwide. Investigation of long noncoding RNAs is of increasing interest, particularly in relation to their contribution to progression and prognosis of gastric cancers; however, insufficient studies been performed investigating the part of long noncoding RNAs play in gastric cancer carcinogenesis. Patterns of dysregulated long noncoding RNA and messenger RNA between mucosa gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues were identified using long noncoding RNAs microarray analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted as a means to verify the obtained data. Both Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes  (KEGG) pathway analyses were subsequently used to investigate the function of dysregulated long noncoding RNAs and messenger RNAs. Cis and trans action was used to predict the possible targets of long noncoding RNAs, and a coexpression network was created to simulate the complex intergenic interactions. Ninety-five dysregulated long noncoding RNAs and 123 messenger RNAs were identified, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to validate 6 filtered long noncoding RNAs. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses identified several remarkably biological processes and signaling pathways, including spliceosome, RNA transport, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. The transcriptional factors MYC, GABPA, and E2F1 were found to play a central function in the long noncoding RNAs process, as indicated by the coexpression network. This study revealed the dysregulated long noncoding RNA profiles of mucosal gastric cancer. The results shed light on the biological function of long noncoding RNAs in gastric cancer pathogenesis. This provides useful information for exploring potential early screening biomarkers in gastric cancer.
Barriers to the wider adoption of medicinal Cannabis
Authors: Alexander Stephen PH
Published: May 2020

The use of Cannabis-based preparations for medicinal use has waxed and waned in the multi-millennial history of human co-existence with the plant and its cultivation. Recorded use of preparations from Cannabis is effectively as old as recorded history with examples from China, India and Ancient Egypt. Prohibition and restriction of availability allowed a number of alternatives to take the place of Cannabis preparations. However, there has been a worldwide resurgence in medicinal Cannabis advocacy from the public. Media interest has been piqued by particular evocative cases. Altogether, therefore, there is pressure on healthcare professionals to prescribe and dispense Cannabis-based preparations. This review enunciates some of the barriers which are slowing the wider adoption of medicinal Cannabis.
Renal artery embolisation immediately prior to emergency trauma nephrectomy
Authors: Simpson Richard , Mathew Anup , Zelhof Bachar
Published: May 2020

The aim of emergency nephrectomy in cases of blunt renal trauma is to control bleeding and so should not be delayed. We present a case of grade V blunt renal trauma where renal artery emoblisation (RAE) was used in the operating theatre immediately prior to trauma nephrectomy in order to control arterial haemorrhage. In this case, prior utilisation of RAE allowed the urologist to perform a standard approach to the renal pedicle by opening the retroperitoneal space. This is more routinely practiced and carries less risk of vascular mesenteric injury compared with the standard approach in trauma. Intra-operatively, there was minimal bleeding and the intra-vascular coils were easily ligated. Post operatively the patient avoids the sequelae of an ischaemic kidney associated with delayed interval nephrectomy.
Keep Calm and Pump Up the Jams: How Musical Mood and Arousal Affect Visual Attention
Authors: Marti-Marca Angela , Nguyen Tram , Grahn Jessica A.
Published: May 2020

Music is a prevalent part of everyday life and there has been a great deal of interest in the possibility that music facilitates cognition, including memory. Listening to background music has a modulatory effect on internal mood and arousal states, putting the listeners at the optimal levels necessary to enhance memory performance. However, there has been little research on how music-induced mood and arousal influence other aspects of cognition, in particular attention. The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of background music on visual attention. Participants rated an assortment of music clips on mood and arousal levels. The clips that participants rated most positive or negative in mood and highest or lowest in arousal were used during an adaptation of the Posner cueing task ( Posner, 1980 ). This visual attention task was either performed in silence or while listening to background music. A significant interaction between mood and arousal was observed. Participants were fastest when listening to high arousal positive music and slowest when listening to high arousal negative music. Intermediate performance occurred for low arousal negative and low arousal positive music. Thus, changes in music-induced mood and arousal can indeed alter reaction times, with opposite effects observed for high arousal music based on whether it is perceived as positive or negative in mood. However, there is no evidence that musical mood and arousal affect attention because mood and arousal levels do not alter the effect of congruency on either reaction times or accuracy. Thus, although reaction times are faster in the presence of high arousal positive music, this appears unrelated to effects on attention.
Unconventional Dentures: A Manifestation of New Vision in Prosthesis Construction
Authors: Sharma Prabal , Sharma Bhumika
Published: May 2020

Removable prosthesis, that is, complete and/or partial dentures cannot function as a substitute for natural dentition, but they have been and will remain the staple treatment for edentulous patients. An edentulous patient is found to be satisfied if prosthodontic rehabilitation restores his/her function with superior esthetics. However, not every case of edentulism, either complete or partial, can be treated with conventional methods of denture fabrication. When a patient is clinically presented with complications such as severely resorbed ridge, microstomia, hyperplastic and/or flabby tissue, xerostomia, osteoma, bruxism, and labially inclined premaxilla, then it becomes difficult for the dentist to fulfill the patient’s desire for both esthetics and function. There is a need for slight modification in the regular clinical procedures by altering the impression technique or the design of the prosthesis so as to achieve best results in compromised cases, commonly known as unconventional approaches. This article intends to highlight the unconventional approaches for the fabrication of complete denture prosthesis that can be kept in mind when such cases are encountered in our daily practice.
BEAVR: a browser-based tool for the exploration and visualization of RNA-seq data
Authors: Perampalam Pirunthan , Dick Frederick A.
Published: May 2020

Background

The use of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) in molecular biology research and clinical settings has increased significantly over the past decade. Despite its widespread adoption, there is a lack of simple and interactive tools to analyze and explore RNA-seq data. Many established tools require programming or Unix/Bash knowledge to analyze and visualize results. This requirement presents a significant barrier for many researchers to efficiently analyze and present RNA-seq data.

Results

Here we present , a Browser-based tool for the Exploration And Visualization of RNA-seq data. is an easy-to-use tool that facilitates interactive analysis and exploration of RNA-seq data. is developed in R and uses as its engine for differential gene expression (DGE) analysis, but assumes users have no prior knowledge of R or . allows researchers to easily obtain a table of differentially-expressed genes with statistical testing and then visualize the results in a series of graphs, plots and heatmaps. Users are able to customize many parameters for statistical testing, dealing with variance, clustering methods and pathway analysis to generate high quality figures.

Conclusion

simplifies analysis for novice users but also streamlines the RNA-seq analysis process for experts by automating several steps. and its documentation can be found on GitHub at https://github.com/developerpiru/BEAVR. is available as a Docker container at https://hub.docker.com/r/pirunthan/beavr.
Functional analyses of miRNA-146b-5p during myogenic proliferation and differentiation in chicken myoblasts
Authors: Lee Jeong Hyo , Kim Seo Woo , Han Ji Seon , Shin Seung Pyo , Lee Sang In , Park Tae Sub
Published: May 2020

Background

In the poultry and livestock industries, precise genetic information is crucial for improving economic traits. Thus, functional genomic studies help to generate faster, healthier, and more efficient animal production. Chicken myoblast cells, which are required for muscle development and regeneration, are particularly important because chicken growth is closely related to muscle mass.

Results

In this study, we induced expression of microRNA-146b-5p mediated by the piggyBac transposon system in primary chicken myoblast (pCM) cells. Subsequently, we analyzed and compared the proliferation and differentiation capacity and also examined the expression of related genes in regular pCM (rpCM) cells and pCM cells overexpressing miRNA-146b-5p (pCM-146b OE cells). pCM-146b OE cells showed increased proliferation and upregulated gene expression related to cell proliferation. In addition, next-generation sequencing analyses were performed to compare global gene expression patterns between rpCM cells and pCM-146b OE cells. We found that the higher proliferation in pCM-146b OE cells was the result of upregulation of gene sets related to the cell cycle. Moreover, miRNA-146b-5p overexpression had inhibitory effects on myotube differentiation in pCM cells.

Conclusions

Collectively these results demonstrate that miR-146b-5p is closely related to the proliferation and differentiation of chicken myogenic cells as a modulator of post-transcription.
Large plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance and localized-like adherence in atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains
Authors: Silva Scarlat S. , Monfardini Mariane V. , Scaletsky Isabel C. A.
Published: May 2020

Background

In previous studies, we have shown that atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC) strains are important diarrheal pathogens among Brazilian children. In the characterization of a collection of 126 aEPEC strains, we identified 29 strains expressing the localized-like adherence (LAL) pattern on HEp-2 cells and harboring large plasmids in the range of 60 to 98 MDa. In this study, we examined 18 of these strains for their ability to transfer the LAL phenotype to a E. coli K-12 C600 strain.

Results

In conjugation experiments, using eight strains which were resistant to one or more antimicrobials and positive for F-pili genes (traA), we were able to cotransfer antimicrobial resistance markers along with adhesion genes. By transforming E. coli DH5α with plasmid DNA from strains A46 (pIS46), A66 (pIS66) and A102 (pIS102), we were able to demonstrate that genes encoding ampicillin, tetracycline and LAL were encoded on a 98-MDa conjugative plasmid. To identify a gene responsible for LAL, we constructed a transposon mutant library of A102 strain. Among 18 mutants that did not adhere to HeLa cells, four carried insertions within fimbrial genes (fimA and traJ) and agglutinin genes (tia and hek). Using these Tn5 mutants as donors, we were able to obtain kanamycin-resistant E. coli MA3456 transconjugants. Sequence analysis of the plasmid genes revealed a region exhibit to 80 and 73% amino acid similarities to the agglutinins Tia and Hek, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, we have identified three large conjugative plasmids, pIS46, pIS66 and pIS102, coding for antimicrobial resistance and localized-like adherence (LAL) to HeLa cells. In addition, we identified a tia/hek homolog encoded on the pIS102 plasmid, which seems to be involved in adhesion of A102 strain.
Cognitive skills of emergency medical services crew members: a literature review
Authors: Sedlár Martin
Published: May 2020

Background

Situation awareness and decision making, listed in non-technical skills taxonomies, are critical for effective and safe performance in high-risk professions. These cognitive skills and their behavioral markers have been studied less in emergency medical services (EMS) crew members. This paper aims to review the existing literature and identify important aspects and behavioral markers of situation awareness and decision making in EMS crew members – those who work in the role of prehospital emergency care providers – and to synthesize findings as a basis for developing a rating and training tool.

Method

The search for relevant articles was conducted using electronic databases, reference lists of relevant reviews and included articles and personal collection of articles. The selection process based on the PRISMA statement yielded a total of 30 articles that met the eligibility criteria. Their findings were qualitatively synthesized using the structured approach, informed by the already known structure: situation awareness and its elements (gathering information, interpreting information, anticipating future states), decision making and its elements (generating and considering options, selecting and implementing an option, reviewing outcome/decision). Moreover, the element of maintaining standards also emerged as highly relevant for cognitive skills.

Results

This review found an increased research interest in the non-technical cognitive skills of EMS crew members. The majority of included articles’ research designs were qualitative, then mixed, Delphi, and quantitative. It revealed several specifics of cognitive skills, such as EMS crew members need to holistically assess a wide range of cues and information, to make various health- and safety-related decisions and take EMS standards into account. However, there was only a limited number of observable markers of cognitive skills, such as acts and verbalizations, that could be considered as examples of good behavior. In addition, findings indicate a lack of articles focused on mass-casualty incidents and the interconnection of cognitive skills with other non-technical and medical skills.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to get a more comprehensive view of behavioral markers of cognitive skills and to develop a rating and training tool to improve EMS crew members’ cognitive performance.
Association of simple renal cysts and chronic kidney disease with large abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Miszczuk Milena , Müller Verena , Althoff Christian E. , Stroux Andrea , Widhalm Daniela , Dobberstein Andy , Greiner Andreas , Kuivaniemi Helena , Hinterseher Irene
Published: May 2020

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) primarily affect men over 65 years old who often have many other diseases, with similar risk factors and pathobiological mechanisms to AAA. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of simple renal cysts (SRC), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other kidney diseases (e.g. nephrolithiasis) among patients presenting with AAA.

Methods

Two groups of patients (97 AAA and 100 controls), with and without AAA, from the Surgical Clinic Charité, Berlin, Germany, were selected for the study. The control group consisted of patients who were evaluated for a kidney donation (n = 14) and patients who were evaluated for an early detection of a melanoma recurrence (n = 86). The AAA and control groups were matched for age and sex. Medical records were analyzed and computed tomography scans were reviewed for the presence of SRC and nephrolithiasis.

Results

SRC (74% vs. 57%; p<0.016) and CKD (30% vs. 8%; p<0.001) were both more common among AAA than control group patients. On multivariate analysis, CKD, but not SRC, showed a strong association with AAA.

Conclusions

Knowledge about pathobiological mechanisms and association between CKD and AAA could provide better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these patients.
Feasibility of an integrated multidisciplinary geriatric rehabilitation programme for older stroke patients: a process evaluation
Authors: Vluggen Tom P. M. M. , van Haastregt Jolanda C. M. , Verbunt Jeanine A. , van Heugten Caroline M. , Schols Jos M. G. A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Almost half of the stroke patients admitted to geriatric rehabilitation has persisting problems after discharge. Currently, there is no evidence based geriatric rehabilitation programme available for older stroke patients, combining inpatient rehabilitation with adequate aftercare aimed at reducing the impact of persisting problems after discharge from a geriatric rehabilitation unit. Therefore, we developed an integrated multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme consisting of inpatient neurorehabilitation treatment using goal attainment scaling, home based self-management training, and group based stroke education for patients and informal caregivers. We performed a process evaluation to assess to what extent this programme was performed according to protocol. Furthermore, we assessed the participation of the patients in the programme, and the opinion of patients, informal caregivers and care professionals on the programme.

Methods

In this multimethod study, process data were collected by means of interviews, questionnaires, and registration forms among 97 older stroke patients, 89 informal caregivers, and 103 care professionals involved in the programme.

Results

A part of patients and informal caregivers did not receive all key elements of the programme. Almost all patients formulated rehabilitation goals, but among two thirds of the patients the goal attainment scaling method was used. Furthermore, the self-management training was considered rather complex and difficult to apply for frail elderly persons with stroke, and the percentage of therapy sessions performed in the patients’ home environment was lower than planned. In addition, about a quarter of the patients and informal caregivers attended the education sessions. However, a majority of patients, informal caregivers and care professionals indicated the beneficial aspects of the programme.

Conclusion

This study revealed that although the programme in general is perceived to be beneficial by patients, and informal and formal caregivers, the feasibility of the programme needs further attention. Because of persisting cognitive deficits and specific care needs in our frail and multimorbid target population, some widely used methods such as goal attainment scaling, and self-management training seemed not feasible in their current form. To optimize feasibility of the programme, it is recommended to tailor these elements more optimally to the population of frail older patients.
Percutaneous mastoid electrical stimulator improves Poststroke depression and cognitive function in patients with Ischaemic stroke: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled study
Authors: Lu Taoli , He Lanying , Zhang Bei , Wang Jian , Zhang Lili , Dong Wei Wei , Yang Hao
Published: May 2020

Background

Poststroke depression can lead to functional dependence, cognitive impairment and reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a percutaneous mastoid electrical stimulator (PMES) plus antidepressants on poststroke depression and cognitive function.

Methods

This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled study. A total of 258 clinically depressed ischaemic stroke patients within 14 days of index stroke were randomly assigned to the PMES plus antidepressant (PMES group, N = 125) and sham plus antidepressant (sham group, N = 133) groups. All patients underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) test at 2 weeks (baseline), and 6 months(M6) after ischaemic stroke. Primary outcomes were the percentage of patients showing a treatment response (≥50% reduction in HRSD score) and depression remission (HRSD score ≤ 9) at 6 months. The secondary outcome was the percentage of patients with a MoCA score < 26.

Results

The percentages of patients showing a treatment response and depression remission were significantly higher in the PMES group than in the sham group (57.60% vs 41.35%, P = 0.009; 44.00% vs 29.32%, P = 0.014 respectively). The mean value of the HRSD score change [M (month)6-baseline] was significantly higher in the PMES group than in the sham group at 6 months (− 11.93 ± 5.32 vs − 10.48 ± 6.10, P = 0.036, respectively). The percentage of patients with MoCA scores < 26 was lower in the PEMS group than in the sham group (12.0% vs 24.06%, P = 0.012,respectively), and the mean value of the MoCA score change (M6-baseline) was higher in the PMES group than in the sham group (3.50 ± 2.55 vs 2.72 ± 2.52, P = 0.005, respectively).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that PMES adjunctive to antidepressant therapy is effective in reducing depression, achieving remission in the short term, and improving cognition.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered (registration number: ChiCTR1800016463) on 03 June 2018.
Utilization pattern of kangaroo mother care after introduction in eight selected neonatal intensive care units in China
Authors: Liu Xin , Li Zhankui , Chen Xiaohui , Cao Bei , Yue Shaojie , Yang Changyi , Liu Qiongyu , Yang Chuanzhong , Zhao Gengli , Feng Qi
Published: May 2020

Background

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is an evidence-based and cost-effective intervention that could prevent severe complications for preterm babies, however it has not been widely adopted in China. In this study, we aim to investigate the feasibility and parental experience of adopting KMC in a Chinese context by studying the implementation of a KMC program in eight self-selected neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 135 preterm infants discharged from eight NICUs in April 2018. For infants information was collected on postnatal day and corrected gestational age (GA) at KMC initiation, frequency and duration of KMC provision and whether the infant was receiving respiratory support. A nurse-administered questionnaire on parents’ knowledge and experience of KMC provision was administered to parents providing KMC.

Results

One hundred thirty-five preterm infants received KMC, 21.2% of all preterm infants discharged. 65.2% of those who received KMC were below 32 weeks GA, 60.7% had a birth weight below 1500 g, and 20.7% needed respiratory support at KMC initiation. Average KMC exposure was greater in infants born at GA < 28 weeks that babies born at greater GA. 94.8% of parents that participated in the parental survey indicated that KMC was positively accepted by their family members; 60.4% of the parents claimed that KMC could relieve anxiety, 57.3% claimed it prompted more interactions with medical staff and 69.8% suggested it increased parental confidence in care for their infants.

Conclusions

After advocacy, training and promotion, intermittent KMC was initiated on more immature and high-risk infants, and well-accepted by parents. We suggest continuing to promote KMC education to parents and enhancing preterm infant health.
Emergency department attendance for injury and behaviours suggestive of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Conversano Ester , Tassinari Alice , Monasta Lorenzo , Skabar Aldo , Pavan Matteo , Maestro Alessandra , Barbi Egidio , Cozzi Giorgio
Published: May 2020

Background

The study aimed to investigate if the behaviours suggestive of ADHD were more frequent in a population of children attending the Emergency Department (ED) for injuries, rather than for other causes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients, aged 6 to 17 years, attending the ED for acute injuries and other causes were considered cases and controls, respectively. We used a questionnaire, which investigates the presence in the child of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The primary outcome was the number of children with behaviours suggestive of ADHD in cases and controls.

Results

Five hundred forty-five children were enrolled, 251 with injuries and 294 with other complains. Twenty two out of two hundred fifty one (9%) children visited for injuries, and 30 out of 294 (10%) visited for other causes had behaviours suggestive of ADHD (p = 0.661). Among these cases, children with evocative ADHD scores had a higher probability (OR 4.52; 95% CI 1.45–14.04;p = 0.009) of having had more than five previous ED accesses due to injury, compared to the others.

Conclusions

This study did non shown a difference in behaviours suggestive of ADHD between cases and controls, but identified a population of children with behaviours suggestive of ADHD who more frequently access the ED for injuries.