bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of proteogenomics and how and when transcriptome-informed reduction of protein databases can enhance eukaryotic proteomics
Authors: Fancello Laura , Burger Thomas
Published: June 2022

Background

Proteogenomics aims to identify variant or unknown proteins in bottom-up proteomics, by searching transcriptome- or genome-derived custom protein databases. However, empirical observations reveal that these large proteogenomic databases produce lower-sensitivity peptide identifications. Various strategies have been proposed to avoid this, including the generation of reduced transcriptome-informed protein databases, which only contain proteins whose transcripts are detected in the sample-matched transcriptome. These were found to increase peptide identification sensitivity. Here, we present a detailed evaluation of this approach.

Results

We establish that the increased sensitivity in peptide identification is in fact a statistical artifact, directly resulting from the limited capability of target-decoy competition to accurately model incorrect target matches when using excessively small databases. As anti-conservative false discovery rates (FDRs) are likely to hamper the robustness of the resulting biological conclusions, we advocate for alternative FDR control methods that are less sensitive to database size. Nevertheless, reduced transcriptome-informed databases are useful, as they reduce the ambiguity of protein identifications, yielding fewer shared peptides. Furthermore, searching the reference database and subsequently filtering proteins whose transcripts are not expressed reduces protein identification ambiguity to a similar extent, but is more transparent and reproducible.

Conclusions

In summary, using transcriptome information is an interesting strategy that has not been promoted for the right reasons. While the increase in peptide identifications from searching reduced transcriptome-informed databases is an artifact caused by the use of an FDR control method unsuitable to excessively small databases, transcriptome information can reduce the ambiguity of protein identifications.
Safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of a 2-dose Ebola vaccine regimen of Ad26.ZEBOV followed by MVA-BN-Filo in healthy adult pregnant women: study protocol for a phase 3 open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Karita Etienne , Nyombayire Julien , Ingabire Rosine , Mazzei Amelia , Sharkey Tyronza , Mukamuyango Jeannine , Allen Susan , Tichacek Amanda , Parker Rachel , Priddy Frances , Sayinzoga Felix , Nsanzimana Sabin , Robinson Cynthia , Katwere Michael , Anumendem Dickson , Leyssen Maarten , Schaefer Malinda , Wall Kristin M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Risks to mother and fetus following Ebola virus infection are very high. Evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of non-replicating Ebola vaccine candidates is a priority for use in pregnant women. This is the protocol for a randomized, open-label, single-center phase 3 clinical trial of the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of the 2-dose Ebola vaccine regimen in healthy adult pregnant women. This 2-dose regimen has been shown to be safe, judged effective, and approved in non-pregnant populations.

Methods

A total of 2000 adult (≥ 18 years of age) pregnant women will be enrolled from antenatal care facilities in Western Rwanda and randomized (1:1) to receive the 2-dose Ebola vaccine regimen (Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo (group A)) or control (unvaccinated pregnant women (group B)). The primary objectives are to (1) assess adverse maternal/fetal outcomes in randomized pregnant women up to 1.5 months after delivery and (2) assess adverse neonatal/infant outcomes in neonates/infants born to randomized women up to 3.5 months after birth. The frequency and relatedness of all serious adverse events in women and newborns from randomization or birth, respectively, until study end will be reported. The reactogenicity and unsolicited adverse events of the 2-dose Ebola vaccine regimen in all vaccinated pregnant women (group A) will be reported. We will also assess the immunogenicity of the 2-dose Ebola vaccine regimen in 150 pregnant women who are anticipated to receive both vaccine doses within the course of their pregnancy (a subset of the 1000 pregnant vaccinated women from group A) compared to 150 non-pregnant women vaccinated after delivery (a subset of group B). The persistence of maternal antibodies in 75 infants born to women from the group A subset will be assessed. Exploratory analyses include assessment of acceptability of the 2-dose Ebola vaccine regimen among group A and assessment of maternal antibodies in breast milk in 50 women from group A and 10 controls (women from group B prior to vaccination).

Discussion

This study is intended to support a label variation to relax restrictions on use in pregnant women, a vulnerable population with high medical need.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04556526. September 21, 2020.
Protocol paper: multi-Centre randomised controlled trial evaluating a pre-clinic diabetes assessment and mapped care planning intervention amongst adults with type 1, type 2 or pre-diabetes
Authors: Kelly Ryan Charles , Phiri Peter , Price Hermione , Ali Amar , Stratton Irene , Austin Kayleigh , Neave Alice , Barnard-Kelly Katharine
Published: June 2022

Background

Existing therapeutic interventions to treat diabetes are well known, yet the majority of people with diabetes do not consistently achieve blood glucose targets (even individual therapy targets) for optimal health, despite the large range of treatment options available. Such outcomes have remained stubbornly poor for decades with <25% adults with diabetes achieving glycaemic targets. Patient behaviour, individually supported in routine clinical care, is an important missing component to improved outcomes, in a medical healthcare model not ideally suited to supporting successful diabetes management.

Methods

A multi-centre, parallel group, individually randomised trial comparing consultation duration in adults with type 1, type 2 or pre-diabetes using the Spotlight Consultations pre-clinic assessment compared to usual care in the Spotlight-AQ study. Two hundred adults with type 1, type 2 or pre-diabetes attending routine care outpatient appointments across up to ten participating sites will be invited to participate.

Intervention

An outpatient pre-clinic intervention delivered within 1 week prior to scheduled routine outpatient appointment.

Primary outcome measure

Duration of routine outpatient consultation.

Secondary outcome measures

Functional health status

Diabetes distress

Depression

Treatment satisfaction

Impact on self-care behaviours

HCP burnout

HCP treatment satisfaction and burden

Hypoglycaemia (time less than 70mg/dL)

Hyperglycaemia (time above 180 mg/dL)

Change in weight

Change in HbA1c

Cost effectiveness of intervention

Discussion

Results from the study will provide valuable insights into patient-professional communication practices within routine care and recommendations will be made, as necessary, for improvements to that. If the intervention is shown to be clinically and cost-effective, the feedback from participants and healthcare professionals will be used to make any improvements prior to its deployment to support improved communication and associated health outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by the Wales REC7 Research Ethics Committee (21/WA/0020). Results will be disseminated through national and international conferences, scientific journals, newsletters, magazines and social media. Target audiences include consultants and other clinicians in diabetes, and medical professionals or scientists overall.

Trial registration

ISRCTN15511689. Registered on 10 November 2021
Mapping the deformability of natural and designed cellulosomes in solution
Authors: Dorival Jonathan , Moraïs Sarah , Labourel Aurore , Rozycki Bartosz , Cazade Pierre-Andre , Dabin Jérôme , Setter-Lamed Eva , Mizrahi Itzhak , Thompson Damien , Thureau Aurélien , Bayer Edward A. , Czjzek Mirjam
Published: June 2022

Background

Natural cellulosome multi-enzyme complexes, their components, and engineered ‘designer cellulosomes’ (DCs) promise an efficient means of breaking down cellulosic substrates into valuable biofuel products. Their broad uptake in biotechnology relies on boosting proximity-based synergy among the resident enzymes, but the modular architecture challenges structure determination and rational design.

Results

We used small angle X-ray scattering combined with molecular modeling to study the solution structure of cellulosomal components. These include three dockerin-bearing cellulases with distinct substrate specificities, original scaffoldins from the human gut bacterium Ruminococcus champanellensis (ScaA, ScaH and ScaK) and a trivalent cohesin-bearing designer scaffoldin (Scaf20L), followed by cellulosomal complexes comprising these components, and the nonavalent fully loaded Clostridium thermocellum CipA in complex with Cel8A from the same bacterium. The size analysis of Rg and Dmax values deduced from the scattering curves and corresponding molecular models highlight their variable aspects, depending on composition, size and spatial organization of the objects in solution.

Conclusions

Our data quantifies variability of form and compactness of cellulosomal components in solution and confirms that this native plasticity may well be related to speciation with respect to the substrate that is targeted. By showing that scaffoldins or components display enhanced compactness compared to the free objects, we provide new routes to rationally enhance their stability and performance in their environment of action.
Assessment of malaria transmission intensity and insecticide resistance mechanisms in three rural areas of the Moyen Ogooué Province of Gabon
Authors: Boussougou-Sambe Stravensky Térence , Woldearegai Tamirat Gebru , Doumba-Ndalembouly Ange Gatien , Ngossanga Barclaye , Mba Romuald Beh , Edoa Jean Ronald , Zinsou Jeannot Fréjus , Honkpehedji Yabo Josiane , Ngoa Ulysse Ateba , Dejon-Agobé Jean Claude , Borrmann Steffen , Kremsner Peter G. , Mordmüller Benjamin , Adegnika Ayôla A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Vector control is considered to be the most successful component of malaria prevention programs and a major contributor to the reduction of malaria incidence over the last two decades. However, the success of this strategy is threatened by the development of resistance to insecticides and behavioural adaptations of vectors. The aim of this study was to monitor malaria transmission and the distribution of insecticide resistance genes in Anopheles populations from three rural areas of the Moyen Ogooué Province of Gabon.

Methods

Anopheles spp. were collected using human landing catches in Bindo, Nombakélé and Zilé, three villages located in the surroundings of Lambaréné, during both the rainy and dry seasons. Mosquitoes were identified morphologically, and DNA was extracted from heads and thoraces. Members of the Anopheles gambiae complex were identified by molecular methods using the PCR SINE200 protocol and by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region. Taqman assays were used to determine Plasmodium infection and the presence of resistance alleles.

Results

Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (97.7%), An. moucheti (1.7%) and An. coustani (0.6%) were the three groups of species collected. Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (98.5%) and An. coluzzii (1.5%) were the only species of the An. gambiae complex present in the collection. Of the 1235 Anopheles collected, 1193 were collected during the rainy season; these exhibited an exophagic behaviour, and consistently more mosquitoes were collected outdoor than indoor in the three study areas. Of the 1166 Anopheles screened, 26 (2.2%) were infected with Plasmodium species, specifically Plasmodium falciparum (66.7%), P. malariae (15.4%), P. ovale curtisi (11.5%) and P. ovale wallikeri (3.8%). Malaria transmission intensity was high in Zilé, with an average annual entomological inoculation rate (aEIR) of 243 infective bites per year, while aEIRs in Bindo and Nombakélé were 80.2 and 17 infective bites per year, respectively. Both the L1014F and L1014S mutations were present at frequencies > 95% but no Ace1G119S mutation was found.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that malaria transmission intensity is heterogeneous in these three rural areas of Moyen Ogooué Province, with areas of high transmission, such as Zilé. The exophagic behaviour of the mosquitoes as well as the high frequency of resistance mutations are serious challenges that need to be addressed by the deployment of control measures adapted to the local setting.

Graphical Abstract
Robust network stability of mosquitoes and human pathogens of medical importance
Authors: Yee Donald A. , Dean Bermond Catherine , Reyes-Torres Limarie J. , Fijman Nicole S. , Scavo Nicole A. , Nelsen Joseph , Yee Susan H.
Published: June 2022

Background

The exact number of mosquito species relevant to human health is unknown, posing challenges in understanding the scope and breadth of vector–pathogen relationships, and how resilient mosquito vector–pathogen networks are to targeted eradication of vectors.

Methods

We performed an extensive literature survey to determine the associations between mosquito species and their associated pathogens of human medical importance. For each vector–pathogen association, we then determined the strength of the associations (i.e., natural infection, lab infection, lab dissemination, lab transmission, known vector). A network analysis was used to identify relationships among all pathogens and vectors. Finally, we examined how elimination of either random or targeted species affected the extinction of pathogens.

Results

We found that 88 of 3578 mosquito species (2.5%) are known vectors for 78 human disease-causing pathogens; however, an additional 243 species (6.8%) were identified as potential or likely vectors, bringing the total of all mosquitos implicated in human disease to 331 (9.3%). Network analysis revealed that known vectors and pathogens were compartmentalized, with the removal of six vectors being enough to break the network (i.e., cause a pathogen to have no vector). However, the presence of potential or likely vectors greatly increased redundancies in the network, requiring more than 41 vectors to be eliminated before breaking the network.

Conclusion

Although < 10% of mosquitoes are involved in transmitting pathogens that cause human disease, our findings point to inherent robustness in global mosquito vector–pathogen networks.

Graphical Abstract
Sexual transmission of Anopheles gambiae densovirus (AgDNV) leads to disseminated infection in mated females
Authors: Werling Kristine L. , Johnson Rebecca M. , Metz Hillery C. , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Anopheles gambiae densovirus (AgDNV) is an insect-specific, single-stranded DNA virus that infects An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.), the major mosquito species responsible for transmitting malaria parasites throughout sub-Saharan Africa. AgDNV is a benign virus that is very specific to its mosquito host and therefore has the potential to serve as a vector control tool via paratransgenesis (genetic modification of mosquito symbionts) to limit transmission of human pathogens. Prior to being engineered into a control tool, the natural transmission dynamics of AgDNV between An. gambiae mosquitoes needs to be fully understood. Additionally, improved knowledge of AgDNV infection in male mosquitoes is needed. In the study presented here, we examined the tissue tropism of AgDNV in the male reproductive tract and investigated both venereal and vertical transmission dynamics of the virus.

Methods

Anopheles gambiae s.s. adult males were infected with AgDNV via microinjection, and reproductive tissues were collected and assayed for AgDNV using qPCR. Next, uninfected females were introduced to AgDNV-infected or control males and, after several nights of mating, both the spermatheca and female carcass were assessed for venereally transmitted AgDNV. Finally, F1 offspring of this cross were collected and assayed to quantify vertical transmission of the virus.

Results

AgDNV infected the reproductive tract of male mosquitoes, including the testes and male accessory glands, without affecting mating rates. AgDNV-infected males venereally transmitted the virus to females, and these venereally infected females developed disseminated infection throughout the body. However, AgDNV was not vertically transmitted to the F1 offspring of this cross.

Conclusions

Infected male releases could be an effective strategy to introduce AgDNV-based paratransgenic tools into naïve populations of An. gambiae s.s. females.

Graphical Abstract
Recommencement of football competition with spectators during the active phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Middle Eastern country
Authors: Khan Naushad Ahmad , Al Musleh AbdulWahab Abubaker , Abdurahiman Sameer , Asim Mohammad , El-Menyar Ayman , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: June 2022

Background

With the global spread of COVID-19 infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 virus (SARS-CoV-2), all the national and international sports events were ceased early in 2020. The sport activities have been reinstated since then, albeit without spectators. However, several governments have established a variety of risk-mitigation measures to gradually reintroduce the spectators to stadiums.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the implementation of a strict health protocol to ensure the resumption of professional football with spectators and to access its effectiveness in limiting the spread of COVID-19 infections within the community.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study involving football players, match officials, local organizing committee members, working in close coordination, and over 16,000 spectators in the state of Qatar. We examined data from the Amir Cup final (December 18th, 2020), which was played under a strict protocol that included extensive reverse transcription-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for players and match officials, as well as the utility of COVID-19 rapid antigen and antibody testings as screening tools for spectators to ensure their safe return to the stadiums. In addition, we reviewed the guidelines and protocols that were put in place to organize Qatar's Amir Cup Football Final, which drew over 16,000 spectators in the stadium.

Results

A total of 16,171 spectators undertook rapid antigen and antibody tests for the Amir cup final (from December16-December18, 2020). Fifteen Spectators (n = 15) returned with a positive result for COVID-19 infection during the final event (positivity rate = 0.12%). All players underwent RT-PCR testing 48 h before the match. None of the players tested positive for COVID-19 infections. 1311 individuals reported having symptoms related to COVID-19 post final of Amir Cup. These spectators were tested for COVID-19 RT-PCR with an overall positivity rate (positive/reactive) to be 0.42% (69/16171).

Conclusion

This report shows a meagre incidence rate of COVID-19 infections during and post-Amir Cup football final. Based on the low infectivity rate reported during and post the Amir Cup, we propose that supervised and controlled resumption of football matches with spectators can be carried out safely following a strict testing and tracing protocol. Similar infection control policies can be replicated with a higher number of spectators.
Physical fitness and throwing speed in U13 versus U15 male handball players
Authors: Fernandez-Fernandez Jaime , Granacher Urs , Martinez-Martin Isidoro , Garcia-Tormo Vicente , Herrero-Molleda Alba , Barbado David , Garcia-Lopez Juan
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the shoulder functional profile (rotation range of motion [ROM] and strength), upper and lower body performance, and throwing speed of U13 versus U15 male handball players, and to establish the relationship between these measures of physical fitness and throwing speed.

Methods

One-hundred and nineteen young male handball players (under (U)-13 (U13) [n = 85]) and U15 [n = 34]) volunteered to participate in this study. The participating athletes had a mean background of sytematic handball training of 5.5 ± 2.8 years and they exercised on average 540 ± 10.1 min per week including sport-specific team handball training and strength and conditioning programs. Players were tested for passive shoulder range-of-motion (ROM) for both internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) and isometric strength (i.e., IR and ER) of the dominant/non-dominant shoulders, overhead medicine ball throw (OMB), hip isometric abductor (ABD) and adductor (ADD) strength, hip ROM, jumps (countermovement jump [CMJ] and triple leg-hop [3H] for distance), linear sprint test, modified 505 change-of-direction (COD) test and handball throwing speed (7 m [HT7] and 9 m [HT9]).

Results

U15 players outperformed U13 in upper (i.e., HT7 and HT9 speed, OMB, absolute IR and ER strength of the dominant and non-dominant sides; Cohen’s d: 0.76–2.13) and lower body (i.e., CMJ, 3H, 20-m sprint and COD, hip ABD and ADD; d: 0.70–2.33) performance measures. Regarding shoulder ROM outcomes, a lower IR ROM was found of the dominant side in the U15 group compared to the U13 and a higher ER ROM on both sides in U15 (d: 0.76–1.04). It seems that primarily anthropometric characteristics (i.e., body height, body mass) and upper body strength/power (OMB distance) are the most important factors that explain the throw speed variance in male handball players, particularly in U13.

Conclusions

Findings from this study imply that regular performance monitoring is important for performance development and for minimizing injury risk of the shoulder in both age categories of young male handball players. Besides measures of physical fitness, anthropometric data should be recorded because handball throwing performance is related to these measures.
Feasibility of a drop-in γ-probe for radioguided sentinel lymph detection in early-stage cervical cancer
Authors: Baeten Ilse G. T. , Hoogendam Jacob P. , Braat Arthur J. A. T. , Zweemer Ronald P. , Gerestein Cornelis G.
Published: June 2022

Background

Minimally invasive radioguided sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedures, increasingly performed with robot-assisted laparoscopy, can benefit from using a drop-in γ-probe instead of the conventional rigid laparoscopic γ-probe. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of a tethered drop-in γ-probe system for SLN detection in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

Ten patients with FIGO stage IA – IB2 or IIA1 cervical cancer scheduled for robot-assisted laparoscopic SLN procedure were included. All patients underwent preoperative 240 MBq technetium-99m nanocolloid (99mTc) injection and SPECT/CT imaging. Intraoperatively the tethered drop-in γ-probe SENSEI® (Lightpoint Medical Ltd, Chesham, UK) was used for probe guided SLN detection, subsequently confirmed by the standard rigid laparoscopic γ-probe. Sentinel lymph node detection rates and anatomical SLN location were assessed. Surgeon questionnaires were used to assess usability.

Results

In all patients at least one SLN was successfully resected under guidance of the drop-in γ-probe (overall detection rate: 100%). Bilateral SLN detection rate with the drop-in γ-probe was 80%. Of the two patients with unilateral SLN detection only, one presented with an atypical SLN location at the aortic bifurcation that was detected only on SPECT/CT. The other patient had failed unilateral99mTc uptake. Combined use of preoperative SPECT/CT and drop-in γ-probe resulted in a bilateral detection rate of 90%. Similar to the drop-in γ-probe, overall and bilateral SLN detection rate of the rigid γ-probe was 100% and 80%, respectively. No significant discrepancy existed between the count rate of the drop-in and rigid laparoscopic γ-probe (p = 0.69). In total 21 SLN’s were detected with the drop-in γ-probes including all three tumor positive nodes. Because of wristed articulation of the robotic tissue grasper and possibility of autonomous probe control by the surgeon, maneuverability and control with the drop-in γ-probe were highly rated in surgeon questionnaires. No adverse events related to the intervention occurred.

Conclusions

Sentinel lymph node detection with a drop-in γ-probe is safe and feasible in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Use of the drop-in γ-probe enhances maneuverability and surgical autonomy during robot-assisted SLN detection.

Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Registry, NL9358. Registered 23 March 2021,https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9358.
Food insecurity and health outcomes during the coronavirus pandemic in South Africa: a longitudinal study
Authors: Nwosu Chijioke O. , Kollamparambil Umakrishnan , Oyenubi Adeola
Published: June 2022

Background

Given that South Africa experienced significant food insecurity even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not surprising that the pandemic would result in even greater food insecurity in the country. This paper provides additional evidence on the relationship between food insecurity and health.

Methods

Data came from the National Income Dynamics Study-Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey, a longitudinal survey of adult South Africans. Health was a self-reported indicator of general health, while food insecurity was measured by household hunger, the frequency of household hunger, and households running out of money to buy food. We performed descriptive and econometric analyses.

Results

Food insecurity has remained high even in the face of greater re-opening of the economy. Moreover, among hunger-affected households, between a quarter and a third struggled with hunger almost daily or daily. Belonging to a hunger-affected household was associated with a 7-percentage point higher probability of worse health compared to not experiencing hunger. Compared to being unaffected by hunger, being hungry everyday was associated with a 15-percentage point higher probability of worse health in wave 1, an effect that became statistically insignificant by wave 4.

Conclusions

These results show the enormity of the hunger problem in South Africa and its adverse effects on health. In the face of economic uncertainty and the removal of COVID-19 palliatives like the grant top-ups, we enjoin policy makers to protect the vulnerable from food insecurity by continuing the implementation of anti-hunger policies and other measures that enhance food security in the country.
Defensins as a promising class of tick antimicrobial peptides: a scoping review
Authors: Wu Jiahui , Zhou Xia , Chen Qiaoqiao , Chen Zhiqiang , Zhang Jinyu , Yang Lele , Sun Yuxuan , Wang Guohui , Dai Jianfeng , Feng Tingting
Published: June 2022

Background

Ticks are hematophagous parasites that transmit an extensive range of pathogens to their vertebrate hosts. Ticks can destroy invading microorganisms or alleviate infection via their rudimentary but orchestrated innate immune system. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of tick innate immunity. Among these humoral effector molecules, defensins are well-studied and widely identified in various species of Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks). This review was aimed at presenting the characterization of tick defensins from structure-based taxonomic status to antimicrobial function.

Main text

All published papers written in English from 2001 to May 2022 were searched through PubMed and Web of Science databases with the combination of relevant terms on tick defensins. Reports on identification and characterization of tick defensins were included. Of the 329 entries retrieved, 57 articles were finally eligible for our scoping review.

Tick defensins mainly belong to the antibacterial ancient invertebrate-type defensins of thecis-defensins superfamily. They are generally small, cationic, and amphipathic, with six cysteine residues forming three intra-molecular disulfide bonds. Tick defensins primarily target membranes of a variety of pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Since tick defensins have a high degree of variability, we summarize their common biological properties and enumerate representative peptides. Along with the various and potent antimicrobial activities, the role of tick defensins in determining vector competence is discussed.

Conclusions

Due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, tick defensins are considered novel candidates or targets for controlling infectious diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Readers’ affect: predicting and understanding readers’ emotions with deep learning
Authors: K. Anoop , P. Deepak , Sam Abraham Savitha , V. L. Lajish , P. Gangan Manjary
Published: June 2022

Emotions are highly useful to model human behavior being at the core of what makes us human. Today, people abundantly express and share emotions through social media. Technological advancements in such platforms enable sharing opinions or expressing any specific emotions towards what others have shared, mainly in the form of textual data. This entails an interesting arena for analysis; as to whether there is a disconnect between the writer’s intended emotion and the reader’s perception of textual content. In this paper, we present experiments for Readers’ Emotion Detection through multi-target regression settings by exploring a Bi-LSTM-based Attention model, where our major intention is to analyze the interpretability and effectiveness of the deep learning model for the task. To conduct experiments, we procure two extensive datasets REN-10k and RENh-4k, apart from using a popular benchmark dataset from SemEval-2007. We perform a two-phase experimental evaluation, first being various coarse-grained and fine-grained evaluations of ourmodel performancein comparison with several baselines belonging to different categories of emotion detection, viz., deep learning, lexicon based, and classical machine learning. Secondly, we evaluatemodel behaviortowards readers’ emotion detection assessing attention maps generated by the model through devising a novel set of qualitative and quantitative metrics. The first phase of experiments shows that our Bi-LSTM + Attention model significantly outperforms all baselines. The second analysis reveals that emotions may be correlated to specific words as well as named entities.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome due to sepsis caused by Bacteroides ovatus after acute appendicectomy
Authors: Fuse Yoshinobu , Ohdaira Hironori , Kamada Teppei , Takahashi Junji , Nakashima Keigo , Nakaseko Yuichi , Suzuki Norihiko , Yoshida Masashi , Okada Shinya , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: June 2022

Background

Appendicectomy is generally a minimally invasive surgery, after which postoperative complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are rare. We describe a case of ARDS due to sepsis caused by Bacteroides ovatus after appendicectomy.

Case presentation

A man in his 60 s presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of right lower quadrant abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and underwent emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy. Cefmetazole was administered as a perioperative antibacterial drug. Postoperatively, the abdominal findings improved. However, on postoperative day three, bloody sputum and respiratory distress were observed. We performed thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) and observed bilateral pleural effusion and mottled frosted glass shadows extending to both lung fields. ARDS was diagnosed. We treated the patient with steroids and sivelestat sodium and switched the antibacterial drug to meropenem. The patient’s general condition improved. After the patient was treated, Bacteroides ovatus was isolated from preoperative blood culture, which was resistant to cefmetazole.

Conclusions

We encountered a case in which ARDS due to sepsis was caused by Bacteroides ovatus after acute appendicectomy. Blood culture to isolate the causative organism and determine its antimicrobial sensitivity after commencement of empiric antibiotics is important even in common diseases, such as acute appendicitis.
Serum Amino Acid Profile Changes After Repetitive Breath-Hold Dives: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Cialoni Danilo , Brizzolari Andrea , Sponsiello Nicola , Lancellotti Valentina , Bosco Gerardo , Marroni Alessandro , Barassi Alessandra
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this work was to investigate the serum amino acid (AA) changes after a breath-hold diving (BH-diving) training session under several aspects including energy need, fatigue tolerance, nitric oxide (NO) production, antioxidant synthesis and hypoxia adaptation. Twelve trained BH-divers were investigated during an open sea training session and sampled for blood 30 min before the training session, 30 min and 4 h after the training session. Serum samples were assayed for AA changes related to energy request (alanine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, proline threonine, valine), fatigue tolerance (ornithine, phenylalanine, tyrosine), nitric oxide production (citrulline), antioxidant synthesis (cystine, glutamate, glycine) and hypoxia adaptation (serine, taurine).

Main results

Concerning the AA used as an energy support during physical effort, we found statistically significant decreases for all the investigated AA at T1 and a gradual return to the basal value at T2 even if alanine, proline and theonine still showed a slight significant reduction at this time. Also, the changes related to the AA involved in tolerance to physical effort showed a statistically significant decrease only at T1 respect to pre-diving value and a returned to normal value at T2. Citrulline, involved in NO production, showed a clear significant reduction both at T1 and T2. Concerning AA involved in endogenous antioxidant synthesis, the behaviour of the three AA investigated is different: we found a statistically significant increase in cystine both at T1 and T2, while glycine showed a statistically significant reduction (T1 and T2). Glutamate did not show any statistical difference. Finally, we found a statistically significant decrease in the AA investigated in other hypoxia conditions serine and taurine (T1 and T2).

Conclusions

Our data seem to indicate that the energetic metabolic request is in large part supported by AA used as substrate for fuel metabolism and that also fatigue tolerance, NO production and antioxidant synthesis are supported by AA. Finally, there are interesting data related to the hypoxia stimulus that indirectly may confirm that the muscle apparatus works under strong exposure conditions notwithstanding the very short/low intensity of exercise, due to the intermittent hypoxia caused by repetitive diving.
Surface coating of orthopedic implant to enhance the osseointegration and reduction of bacterial colonization: a review
Authors: Bohara Smriti , Suthakorn Jackrit
Published: June 2022

The use of orthopedic implants in surgical technology has fostered restoration of physiological functions. Along with successful treatment, orthopedic implants suffer from various complications and fail to offer functions correspondent to native physiology. The major problems include aseptic and septic loosening due to bone nonunion and implant site infection due to bacterial colonization. Crucial advances in material selection in the design and development of coating matrixes an opportunity for the prevention of implant failure. However, many coating materials are limited in
in-vitro
testing and few of them thrive in clinical tests. The rate of implant failure has surged with the increasing rates of revision surgery creating physical and sensitive discomfort as well as economic burdens. To overcome critical pathogenic activities several systematic coating techniques have been developed offering excellent results that combat infection and enhance bone integration. This review article includes some more common implant coating matrixes with excellent in vitro and in vivo results focusing on infection rates, causes, complications, coating materials, host immune responses and significant research gaps. This study provides a comprehensive overview of potential coating technology, with functional combination coatings which are focused on ultimate clinical practice with substantial improvement on in-vivo tests. This includes the development of rapidly growing hydrogel coating techniques with the potential to generate several accurate and precise coating procedures.
Multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss in a previously healthy man: a possible complication after COVID-19 vaccination?
Authors: Cunha Leonardo Provetti , Atalla Ângelo , de Melo Costa-Neto José , Costa-Cunha Luciana Virgínia Ferreira , Preti Rony Carlos , Zacharias Leandro Cabral , Monteiro Mário Luiz Ribeiro
Published: June 2022

Background

The present case aims to describe a previously healthy man who presented multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination and to discuss the possible mechanisms related to occurrence of this condition.

Case presentation

We report a case of multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss in a previously healthy middle-aged man two weeks after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. TVL attacks were described as sudden and painless complete visual loss, lasting about one minute, followed by a full recovery. He presented several non-simultaneous attacks in both eyes, 16 in the right eye, and 2 in the left eye on the same day, fifteen days after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The brain’s magnetic resonance angiography, echocardiogram, and doppler ultrasound imaging of the carotid and vertebral arteries were non-revealing. The complete blood exam revealed a slightly elevated C-reactive protein test. We assessed fundus examination during the transient visual loss attack and revealed diffuse vascular narrowing for both arterial and venous branches, notably in the emergence of the optic disc in right eye. In addition, the circumpapillary optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) vessel density map was reduced. Oral verapamil hydrochloride 60 mg twice daily was initiated, and the attacks of transient visual loss improved after two days.

Conclusions

To date, and the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of multiple transient monocular visual loss attacks due to retinal vasospasm in a previously healthy middle-aged man documented by fundus retinography and OCTA. We discuss in this article the possible association of retinal vasospasm and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination, probably related to vaccine-induced inflammation.
Psychometric properties of the FACES IV package for Spanish adolescents
Authors: Vegas María I. , Mateos-Agut Manuel , Pineda-Otaola Pedro J. , Sebastián-Vega Carlota
Published: June 2022

The family plays an essential role in the life of an adolescent. Hence, an acceptable understanding and an evaluation of family functioning is fundamental for effective interventions with adolescents in the psychological, social, and educational fields. The main purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES IV), the Family Communication Scale (FCS), and the Family Satisfaction Scale (FSS), for assessing the family functioning of Spanish adolescents. The sample was comprised of 1187 adolescents between 14 -18 years old (49.96% boys and 50.04% girls; M = 16.17; SD = 1.31) from Castile and Leon (Spain), selected from 23 educational centers, 10 university degree courses, and 18 specific juvenile centers for adolescents with either family or behavioral problems. The scales of Balanced Cohesion, Balanced Flexibility and Disengaged showed good convergent validity, while Enmeshed, Rigid, and Chaotic did not. For this reason some items were removed, obtaining a shortened version of FACES IV, that demonstrated acceptable reliability, and good convergent and predictive validity. The FCS and FSS scales yielded excellent psychometric properties. The results confirmed the factorial structure of the FACES IV, its transcultural applicability, and its validity for different ages. The hypotheses of the circumplex model were confirmed, except for the dysfunctionality of two scales, Enmeshed and Rigid, that contrary to what was expected, showed positive correlations with Family Communication, Family Satisfaction, Balanced Cohesion, and Balanced Flexibility. In brief, our results present the FACES IV package as a useful instrument for the assessment of family functioning of Spanish adolescents. Future studies will be necessary to confirm the trend observed for the two aforementioned scales among adolescents.
Challenges in platforming and digitizing decentralized energy services
Authors: Idries Ahmed , Krogstie John , Rajasekharan Jayaprakash
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to identify and classify the challenges and issues faced by the energy sector in digitizing distributed energy operation and services using digital platforms. It contributes to two fields: information systems (IS) in the domain of platforms ecosystems and digital services innovation and the field of energy informatics in the domain of digital business models and service innovation. Through a systematic literature review, we investigate current research on digitalization and digital platforms in the context of electrical energy services and identify challenges and areas for future research. The key challenges are then classified into two categories, each with three subcategories: Architectural challenges, including aspects of design, ecosystem management, and agility and openness; and business and regulatory challenges, including contracts and relationship management, business models, and standards. The main limitation of this study is that it does not focus on a specific geographic domain, which means that the results are somewhat general and may not be applicable to certain countries or regions. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research directions in the digitalization and platformization of the energy sector in all six-sub-areas.
Overview of dreadful consequences of SARS-CoV-2 invasion in Italy from March 2020 to March 2022
Authors: Bhuiyan Asma Akter , Brahmachari Sreyashi , Ripa Israt Jahan , Noor Rashed
Published: June 2022

Background

The unpredicted pandemic disease COVID-19 first flared up adversely in Europe by imparting interminable force of infected and fatality cases to Italy. In late February 2020, the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in northern Italy and swiftly proliferated to the entire country, albeit continuous to date (23 March 2022) with a lesser extent of deadliness. Current review focused on the invasions and the associated consequences by SARS-CoV-2 during the period of March 2020–March 2022.

Main body of the abstract

Initially, the lethality and transmissibility of the novel virus made Italy stunned within 1 month, the number of death cases reached 12,428 at the end of March 2020. The Italian Government announced an immediate emergency phase in entire country, educational institutions to local businesses, manufacturing works, cultural activities to elective activities were rescinded and all the hospitals to morgues were swamped, ensuing that fear of epidemic was impended. Besides, the Italian National Health System and Service coordinated massive public health interventions and conferred unprecedented efforts to limit the high mortality rate of the first wave of infection. Amidst 2 years of epidemic (as of 23 March 2022), Italy has documented 14,070,450 (23.74% of the population) confirmed infected cases, 12,685,306 (21.41% of the population) healed cases, 158,254 death cases (0.27% of the population) and ranking 9th worldwide in the number of deaths.

Short conclusion

Based on publicly available Italian Ministry of Health COVID-19 data, current review has comprehended region-wise total infected cases, death cases and healed cases for three consecutive years 2020–2022 to foresee different patterns of the regional outbreak and gradual subservience. At a glance, we highlighted the overview of the exhaustion and exertion of COVID-19 crisis throughout the periods in Italy.
Syndecan-4 is correlated with disease activity and serological characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhao Juan , Ye Xia , Zhang Zhuoli
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To describe the feature of expression of syndecan-4 in serum, synovial fluid (SF) and synovium in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to analyze the correlation of syndecan-4 with disease activity and serological characteristic of RA.

Methods

Syndecan-4 in sera of 60 RA patients, 20 osteoarthritis (OA) patients, 20 healthy controls, and in SF of 25 RA patients and 25 OA patients were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. The expressions of syndecan-4 in synovium of RA and OA patients were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of syndecan-4 on synovial fibroblasts from RA and OA patients were detected by immunofluorescence. The correlation between serum syndecan-4 concentration and disease activity were analyzed in RA patients.

Results

The serum syndedcan-4 concentration was significantly higher in RA patients than in OA patients and healthy controls, and was higher in rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive RA patients than in RF-negative ones. Syndecan-4 concentration in SF of RA patients was comparable with OA patients. Syndecan-4 expression in synovial tissue was similar between RA and OA patients. The syndecan-4 concentration was significantly lower in SF than in serum of RA and OA patients. Syndecan-4 concentration in both serum and SF was positively correlated with disease activity of RA patients.

Conclusion

The serum syndecan-4 concentration was higher in RA patients than in OA patients, and significantly higher in RF-positive RA patients than in RF-negative ones. Syndecan-4 concentration in both serum and SF was positively correlated with disease activity of RA patients.
Reverse transcription-recombinase-aided amplification and CRISPR/Cas12a-based visual detection of maize chlorotic mottle virus
Authors: Duan Xueyan , Ma Wendi , Jiao Zhiyuan , Tian Yiying , Ismail Ragab Gomaa , Zhou Tao , Fan Zaifeng
Published: June 2022

Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) is one of the important quarantine pathogens in China. It often co-infects with one or two viruses in the family Potyviridae and causes maize lethal necrosis disease. Therefore, an accurate and sensitive method for the detection of MCMV is urgently needed. Combined with reverse transcription and recombinase-aided amplification, we developed a CRISPR/Cas12a-based visual nucleic acid detection system targeting the MCMV coat protein gene. The whole process can be completed within 45 min with high sensitivity. This system could detect cDNAs diluted up to 10–5 when 2000 ng of total RNA was used for reverse transcription. The Cas12a/crRNA complex designed for MCMV detection could recognize and cleave the targeted double-stranded DNA, and ultimately cleave the single-stranded DNA probes and produce fluorescent signals. The green fluorescence produced under blue light (440–460 nm) in this procedure could be observed by the naked eye. Since this novel method is specific, rapid, sensitive and does not require special instruments and technical expertise, it should be suitable for on-site visual detection of MCMV in seeds, plants of maize and potentially in its insect vectors.