bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nature and extent of selection bias resulting from convenience sampling in the emergency department
Authors: Lines Travis , Burdick Christine , Dewez Xanthea , Aldridge Emogene , Neal-Williams Tom , Walker Kimberly , Akhlaghi Hamed , Paul Buntine , Taylor David McDonald
Published: October 2021

Background

To compare the clinical and demographic variables of patients who present to the ED at different times of the day in order to determine the nature and extent of potential selection bias inherent in convenience sampling

Methods

We undertook a retrospective, observational study of data routinely collected in five EDs in 2019. Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who presented with abdominal or chest pain, headache or dyspnoea were enrolled. For each patient group, the discharge diagnoses (primary outcome) of patients who presented during the day (08:00–15:59), evening (16:00-23:59), and night (00:00-07:59) were compared. Demographics, triage category and pain score, and initial vital signs were also compared.

Results

2500 patients were enrolled in each of the four patient groups. For patients with abdominal pain, the diagnoses differed significantly across the time periods (p<0.001) with greater proportions of unspecified/unknown cause diagnoses in the evening (47.4%) compared with the morning (41.7%). For patients with chest pain, heart rate differed (p<0.001) with a mean rate higher in the evening (80 beats/minute) than at night (76). For patients with headache, mean patient age differed (p=0.004) with a greater age in the daytime (46 years) than the evening (41). For patients with dyspnoea, discharge diagnoses differed (p<0.001). Asthma diagnoses were more common at night (12.6%) than during the daytime (7.5%). For patients with dyspnoea, there were also differences in gender distribution (p=0.003), age (p<0.001) and respiratory rates (p=0.003) across the time periods. For each patient group, the departure status differed across the time periods (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with abdominal or chest pain, headache or dyspnoea differ in a range of clinical and demographic variables depending upon their time of presentation. These differences may potentially introduce selection bias impacting upon the internal validity of a study if convenience sampling of patients is undertaken.
Epidemiology, management and survival outcomes of adult out-of-hospital traumatic cardiac arrest due to blunt, penetrating or burn injury
Authors: Doan Tan N , Wilson Daniel , Rashford Stephen , Sims Louise , Bosley Emma
Published: October 2021

Background

Survival from out-of-hospital traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) is poor. Regional variation exists regarding epidemiology, management and outcomes. Data on prognostic factors are scant. A better understanding of injury patterns and outcome determinants is key to identifying opportunities for survival improvement.

Methods

Included were adult (≥18 years) out-of-hospital TCA due to blunt, penetrating or burn injury, who were attended by Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2019. We compared the characteristics of patients who were pronounced dead on paramedic arrival and those receiving resuscitation from paramedics. Intra-arrest procedures were described for attempted-resuscitation patients. Survival up to 6 months postarrest was reported, and factors associated with survival were investigated.

Results

3891 patients were included; 2394 (61.5%) were pronounced dead on paramedic arrival and 1497 (38.5%) received resuscitation from paramedics. Most arrests (79.8%) resulted from blunt trauma. Motor vehicle collision (42.4%) and gunshot wound (17.7%) were the most common injury mechanisms in patients pronounced dead on paramedic arrival, whereas the most prevalent mechanisms in attempted-resuscitation patients were motor vehicle (31.3%) and motorcycle (20.6%) collisions. Among attempted-resuscitation patients, rates of transport and survival to hospital handover, to hospital discharge and to 6 months were 31.9%, 15.3%, 9.8% and 9.8%, respectively. Multivariable model showed that advanced airway management (adjusted OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.06 to 3.17), intravenous access (OR 5.04; 95% CI 2.43 to 10.45) and attendance of high acuity response unit (highly trained prehospital care clinicians) (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.25 to 5.18) were associated with improved odds of survival to hospital handover.

Conclusions

By including all paramedic-attended patients, this study provides a more complete understanding of the epidemiology of out-of-hospital TCA. Contemporary survival rates from adult out-of-hospital TCA who receive resuscitation from paramedics may be higher than historically thought. Factors identified in this study as associated with survival may be useful to guide prognostication and treatment.
MicroRNA-206 promotes the recruitment of CD8+ T cells by driving M1 polarisation of Kupffer cells
Authors: Liu Ningning , Wang Xiaomei , Steer Clifford John , Song Guisheng
Published: October 2021

Objective

Kupffer cells (KCs) protect against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by communicating with other immune cells. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of this process is incompletely understood.

Design

FVB/NJ mice were hydrodynamically injected with AKT/Ras and Sleeping Beauty transposon to induce HCC. Mini-circle and Sleeping Beauty were used to overexpress microRNA-206 in KCs of mice. Flow cytometry and immunostaining were used to evaluate the change in the immune system.

Results

Hydrodynamic injection of AKT/Ras into mice drove M2 polarisation of KCs and depletion of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and promoted HCC development. M1-to-M2 transition of KCs impaired microRNA-206 biogenesis. By targeting Klf4 (kruppel like factor 4) and, thereby, enhancing the production of M1 markers including C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), microRNA-206 promoted M1 polarisation of macrophages. Indeed, microRNA-206-mediated increase of CCL2 facilitated hepatic recruitment of CTLs via CCR2. Disrupting each component of the KLF4/CCL2/CCR2 axis impaired the ability of microRNA-206 to drive M1 polarisation of macrophages and recruit CTLs. In AKT/Ras mice, KC-specific expression of microRNA-206 drove M1 polarisation of KCs and hepatic recruitment of CTLs and fully prevented HCC, while 100% of control mice died from HCC. Disrupting the interaction between microRNA-206 and Klf4 in KCs and depletion of CD8+ T cells impaired the ability of miR-206 to prevent HCC.

Conclusions

M2 polarisation of KCs is a major contributor of HCC in AKT/Ras mice. MicroRNA-206, by driving M1 polarisation of KCs, promoted the recruitment of CD8+ T cells and prevented HCC, suggesting its potential use as an immunotherapeutic approach.
Effect of police enforcement and extreme social inequalities on violence and mental health among women who sell sex: findings from a cohort study in London, UK
Authors: Elmes Jocelyn , Stuart Rachel , Grenfell Pippa , Walker Josephine , Hill Kathleen , Hernandez Paz , Henham Carolyn , Rutsito Sibongile , Sarker MD , Creighton Sarah , Browne Chrissy , Boily Marie-Claude , Vickerman Peter , Platt Lucy
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To examine legal and social determinants of violence, anxiety/depression among sex workers.

Methods

A participatory prospective cohort study among women (inclusive of transgender) ≥18 years, selling sex in the last 3 months in London between 2018 and 2019. We used logistic generalised estimating equation models to measure associations between structural factors on recent (6 months) violence from clients or others (local residents, strangers), depression/anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire-4).

Results

197 sex workers were recruited (96% cisgender-women; 46% street-based; 54% off-street) and 60% completed a follow-up questionnaire. Street-based sex workers experienced greater inequalities compared with off-street in relation to recent violence from clients (73% vs 36%); police (42% vs 7%); intimate partner violence (IPV) (56% vs 18%) and others (67% vs 17%), as well as homelessness (65% vs 7%) and recent law enforcement (87% vs 9%). Prevalence of any STI was 17.5% (17/97). For street-based sex workers, recent arrest was associated with violence from others (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.77; 95% CI 1.11 to 6.94) and displacement by police was associated with client violence (aOR 4.35; 95% CI 1.36 to 13.90). Financial difficulties were also associated with client violence (aOR 4.66; 95% CI 1.64 to 13.24). Disability (aOR 3.85; 95% CI 1.49 to 9.95) and client violence (aOR 2.55; 95% CI 1.10 to 5.91) were associated with anxiety/depression. For off-street sex workers, financial difficulties (aOR 3.66; 95% CI 1.64 to 8.18), unstable residency (aOR 3.19; 95% CI 1.36 to 7.49), IPV (aOR 3.77; 95% CI 1.30 to 11.00) and alcohol/drug use were associated with client violence (aOR 3.16; 95% CI 1.26 to 7.92), while always screening and refusing clients was protective (aOR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.87). Disability (aOR 5.83; 95% CI 2.34 to 14.51), unmet mental health needs (aOR 3.08; 95% CI 1.15 to 8.23) and past eviction (aOR 3.99; 95% CI 1.23 to 12.92) were associated with anxiety/depression.

Conclusions

Violence, anxiety/depression are linked to poverty, unstable housing and police enforcement. We need to modify laws to allow sex workers to work safely and increase availability of housing and mental health services.
IoT Notary
: Attestable Sensor Data Capture in IoT Environments
Authors: Panwar Nisha , Sharma Shantanu , Wang Guoxi , Mehrotra Sharad , Venkatasubramanian Nalini , Diallo Mamadou H. , Sani Ardalan Amiri
Published: October 2021

Contemporary IoT environments, such as smart buildings, require end-users to trust data-capturing rules published by the systems. There are several reasons why such a trust is misplaced—IoT systems may violate the rules deliberately or IoT devices may transfer user data to a malicious third-party due to cyberattacks, leading to the loss of individuals’ privacy or service integrity. To address such concerns, we propose
IoT Notary
, a framework to ensure trust in IoT systems and applications.
IoT Notary
provides secure log sealing on live sensor data to produce a verifiable “proof-of-integrity,” based on which a verifier can attest that captured sensor data adhere to the published data-capturing rules.
IoT Notary
is an integral part of TIPPERS, a smart space system that has been deployed at the University of California, Irvine to provide various real-time location-based services on the campus. We present extensive experiments over real-time WiFi connectivity data to evaluate
IoT Notary
, and the results show that
IoT Notary
imposes nominal overheads. The secure logs only take 21% more storage, while users can verify their one day’s data in less than 2 s even using a resource-limited device.
Anonymizing Sensor Data on the Edge: A Representation Learning and Transformation Approach
Authors: Hajihassani Omid , Ardakanian Omid , Khazaei Hamzeh
Published: October 2021

The abundance of data collected by sensors in Internet of Things devices and the success of deep neural networks in uncovering hidden patterns in time series data have led to mounting privacy concerns. This is because private and sensitive information can be potentially learned from sensor data by applications that have access to this data. In this article, we aim to examine the tradeoff between utility and privacy loss by learning low-dimensional representations that are useful for data obfuscation. We propose deterministic and probabilistic transformations in the latent space of a variational autoencoder to synthesize time series data such that intrusive inferences are prevented while desired inferences can still be made with sufficient accuracy. In the deterministic case, we use a linear transformation to move the representation of input data in the latent space such that the reconstructed data is likely to have the same public attribute but a different private attribute than the original input data. In the probabilistic case, we apply the linear transformation to the latent representation of input data with some probability. We compare our technique with autoencoder-based anonymization techniques and additionally show that it can anonymize data in real time on resource-constrained edge devices.
Distributed Multistatic Sky-Wave Over-the-Horizon Radar’s Positioning Algorithm for the Marine Target
Authors: Ren Fangyu , Gao Huotao , Yang Lijuan , Zhou Sang
Published: October 2021

This paper establishes a distributed multistatic sky-wave over-the-horizon radar (DMOTHR) model and proposes a semidefinite relaxation positioning (SDP) algorithm to locate marine ship targets. In the DMOTHR, it is difficult to locate the target due to the complexity of the signal path propagation. Therefore, this paper uses the ionosphere as the reflector to convert the propagation path from a polyline to a straight line for establishing the model, and then the SDP algorithm will be used to transform a highly nonlinear positioning optimization problem into a convex optimization problem. Finally, it is concluded through the simulations that the SDP algorithm can obtain better positioning accuracy under a certain Doppler frequency error and ionospheric measurement error.
Compound Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Based on ALIF-KELM
Authors: Ma Jie , Liang Shitong , Du Zhengyu , Chen Ming
Published: October 2021

Aiming at the shortcomings of difficult classification of rolling bearing compound faults and low recognition accuracy, a composite fault diagnosis method of rolling bearing combined with ALIF and KELM is proposed. First, the basic concepts of ALIF and KELM are introduced, and then ALIF is used to decompose the sample data of vibration signals of different bearing states so that each sample can get several IMFs, select the top K IMFs containing the main fault information from each sample, calculate the energy feature and sample entropy of each IMF, and construct a fault feature vector with a dimension of 2K. Finally, the feature vectors of the training set and the test set are input into the KELM model for fault classification. Experimental results show that, compared with EMD-KELM model, ALIF-ELM model, ALIF-BP model, and IFD-KELM model, the rolling bearing composite fault diagnosis method based on the ALIF-KELM model has higher classification accuracy.
The Clinical Efficacy of Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablets Combined with Olmesartan Medoxomil for Ischemic Stroke with Hypertension and the Effect of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Level on Prognosis
Authors: Yu Jia , Fang Wei , Guo Xing , Jiang Haiyang , Sun Peng , Liu Yufeng , Jin Xin
Published: October 2021

Background. Ischemic stroke combined with hypertension can increase risks of stroke recurrence and death. Aim. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of clopidogrel bisulfate tablets combined with olmesartan medoxomil in the treatment of ischemic stroke patients with hypertension and the effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) level on prognosis. Methods. Ninety ischemic stroke patients with hypertension were chosen for continuous treatment with clopidogrel bisulfate tablets and olmesartan medoxomil for 12 months. The Modified Edinburgh Scandinavian Stroke Scale (MESSS) score, Brunnstrom score, Barthel score, death, recurrence, and progression of cerebrovascular residual lesions were observed and recorded during the treatment period. According to the plasma AT1R expression of the patients before treatment, the patients were divided into a high-AT1R group and low-AT1R group. Then, survival analysis was performed. Results. Compared with pretreatment, the MESSS scores of the patients at the first, second, third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth months after treatment were reduced (

p
<
0.01

) while the Brunnstrom score and Barthel score were prominently boosted (

p
<
0.01

). Compared with the low-AT1R group, patients in the high-AT1R group had higher rates of stroke recurrence and progression of residual cerebrovascular lesions (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Clopidogrel bisulfate tablets combined with olmesartan medoxomil has prominent clinical effects in the treatment of ischemic stroke patients with hypertension, evidently improving the prognosis. In addition, the level of AT1R may be a vital factor affecting the prognosis.
Artificial Intelligence Applications in the New Model of Logistics Development Based on Wireless Communication Technology
Authors: Wang Shuaiqi
Published: October 2021

With the continuous development of artificial intelligence technology, the supply chain logistics industry has shown new changes. The products of the intelligent era such as smart devices, big data computing, and Internet of Things technology have gradually become the transformation and innovation of logistics and supply chain enterprises. The important driving force of the logistics and supply chain industry will greatly improve the operational efficiency of the logistics and supply chain industry. Methods. This article studies the technical framework of artificial intelligence and explores the upgrading and transformation of supply chain logistics enterprises in logistics infrastructure, production tools, and logistics operation processes under the promotion of artificial intelligence technology, from warehouse location, inventory management, warehousing operations, transportation, and distribution. The data analysis and prediction analyze the impact of artificial intelligence on the supply chain logistics field and finally point out the problems in the intelligent development of the supply chain logistics field and put forward targeted suggestions to promote the modern supply chain logistics to become more intelligent. developThe new development trend of smart logistics is towards sharing economy, automation, service efficiency, and cost reduction. Results. In this context, if logistics companies want to achieve higher-quality development, they cannot do without business model innovation and larger-scale collaboration, transparency of logistics information, and more comprehensive information sharing. The new trend of the development of smart logistics is to develop in the direction of sharing economy, automation, service efficiency, and cost reduction. Conclusion. Intelligence and the Internet of Things are the inevitable trend of the development of smart logistics, which is mainly realized through the Internet of Things path in terms of visual information technology, intelligent robot operation, vehicle scheduling, and cargo traceability.
Administration of Nrf‐2‐Modified Hair‐Follicle MSCs Ameliorates DSS‐Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats
Authors: Zhou Lin , Yan Fengjuan , Jiang Rui , Liu Jing , Cai Limin , Wang Yongchen
Published: October 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common chronic nonspecific intestinal inflammation of unknown etiology associated with a low cure rate and a high relapse rate. Hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HF‐MSCs) are a class of pluripotent stem cells that have differentiation potential and strong proliferation ability. Nuclear factor red system related factor (Nrf-2) is a key factor in the oxidative stress response. Dextran sulfate sodium‐ (DSS‐) induced rat UC models closely mimic human UC in terms of symptoms and histological changes. Animals were divided into five groups, including a healthy group and UC model rats treated with normal saline, Nrf-2, HF‐MSCs, or Nrf-2‐expressing HF‐MSC group. Based on the expression of intestinal stem cells, inflammatory factors, anti‐inflammatory factors, and disease activity index scores, Nrf-2‐expressing HF‐MSCs had the most obvious therapeutic effect under the same treatment regimen. This study provided a new potential clinical treatment option for ulcerative colitis.
Geothelphusa boreas, a new montane freshwater crab (Crustacea: Potamidae: Geothelphusa) from northeastern Taiwan, and the identity of G. hirsuta Tan & Liu, 1998
Authors: SHY JHY-YUN , SHIH HSI-TE , MAO JEAN-JAY
Published: October 2021

A new freshwater crab is described from the montane area in northeastern Taiwan based on morphological and molecular evidence. Geothelphusa boreas sp. nov., from the Fushan Botanical Garden situated around New Taipei City and Yilan County, is distinct from similar congeners by the structure of the male first gonopod and the proportions of the male thoracic sternites. In addition, after comparing the holotypes of G. takuan and G. hirsuta Tan & Liu, 1998, no substantial difference could be found. Molecular evidence from mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I also supports the recognition of the new species and the conspecificity of G. hirsuta with G. takuan.
Genome‑wide association study and genomic prediction for growth traits in yellow-plumage chicken using genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Yang Ruifei , Xu Zhenqiang , Wang Qi , Zhu Di , Bian Cheng , Ren Jiangli , Huang Zhuolin , Zhu Xiaoning , Tian Zhixin , Wang Yuzhe , Jiang Ziqin , Zhao Yiqiang , Zhang Dexiang , Li Ning , Hu Xiaoxiang
Published: October 2021

Background

Growth traits are of great importance for poultry breeding and production and have been the topic of extensive investigation, with many quantitative trait loci (QTL) detected. However, due to their complex genetic background, few causative genes have been confirmed and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear, thus limiting our understanding of QTL and their potential use for the genetic improvement of poultry. Therefore, deciphering the genetic architecture is a promising avenue for optimising genomic prediction strategies and exploiting genomic information for commercial breeding. The objectives of this study were to: (1) conduct a genome-wide association study to identify key genetic factors and explore the polygenicity of chicken growth traits; (2) investigate the efficiency of genomic prediction in broilers; and (3) evaluate genomic predictions that harness genomic features.

Results

We identified five significant QTL, including one on chromosome 4 with major effects and four on chromosomes 1, 2, 17, and 27 with minor effects, accounting for 14.5 to 34.1% and 0.2 to 2.6% of the genomic additive genetic variance, respectively, and 23.3 to 46.7% and 0.6 to 4.5% of the observed predictive accuracy of breeding values, respectively. Further analysis showed that the QTL with minor effects collectively had a considerable influence, reflecting the polygenicity of the genetic background. The accuracy of genomic best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP) was improved by 22.0 to 70.3% compared to that of the conventional pedigree-based BLUP model. The genomic feature BLUP model further improved the observed prediction accuracy by 13.8 to 15.2% compared to the genomic BLUP model.

Conclusions

A major QTL and four minor QTL were identified for growth traits; the remaining variance was due to QTL effects that were too small to be detected. The genomic BLUP and genomic feature BLUP models yielded considerably higher prediction accuracy compared to the pedigree-based BLUP model. This study revealed the polygenicity of growth traits in yellow-plumage chickens and demonstrated that the predictive ability can be greatly improved by using genomic information and related features.
Evaluation of computed tomography settings in the context of visualization and discrimination of low dose injections of a novel liquid soft tissue fiducial marker in head and neck imaging
Authors: Steybe David , Poxleitner Philipp , Voss Pit Jacob , Metzger Marc Christian , Schmelzeisen Rainer , Bamberg Fabian , Kim Suam , Russe Maximilian Frederik
Published: October 2021

Background

Intraoperative incorporation of radiopaque fiducial markers at the tumor resection surface can provide useful assistance in identifying the tumor bed in postoperative imaging for RT planning and radiological follow-up. Besides titanium clips, iodine containing injectable liquid fiducial markers represent an option that has emerged more recently for this purpose. In this study, marking oral soft tissue resection surfaces, applying low dose injections of a novel Conformité Européenne (CE)-marked liquid fiducial marker based on sucrose acetoisobutyrate (SAIB) and iodinated SAIB (x-SAIB) was investigated.

Methods

Visibility and discriminability of low dose injections of SAIB/x-SAIB (10 µl, 20 µl, 30 µl) were systematically studied at different kV settings used in clinical routine in an ex-vivo porcine mandible model. Transferability of the preclinical results into the clinical setting and applicability of DE-CT were investigated in initial patients.

Results

Markers created by injection volumes as low as 10 µl were visible in CT imaging at all kV settings applied in clinical routine (70–120 kV). An injection volume of 30 µl allowed differentiation from an injection volume of 10 µl. In a total of 118 injections performed in two head and neck cancer patients, markers were clearly visible in 83% and 86% of injections. DE-CT allowed for differentiation between SAIB/x-SAIB markers and other hyperdense structures.

Conclusions

Injection of low doses of SAIB/x-SAIB was found to be a feasible approach to mark oral soft tissue resection surfaces, with injection volumes as low as 10 µl found to be visible at all kV settings applied in clinical routine. With the application of SAIB/x-SAIB reported for tumors of different organs already, mostly applying relatively large volumes for IGRT, this study adds information on the applicability of low dose injections to facilitate identification of the tumor bed in postoperative CT and on performance of the marker at different kV settings used in clinical routine.
Ado-trastuzumab for the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in patients previously treated with Pertuzumab
Authors: Al Rabadi Luai S. , Cook Madeline M. , Kaempf Andy J. , Saraceni Megan M. , Savin Michael A. , Mitri Zahi I.
Published: October 2021

Background

Docetaxel in combination with two HER2-directed therapies, trastuzumab and pertuzumab, is the current standard frontline therapy for patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Ado-trastuzumab (T-DM1), an antibody-drug conjugate of trastuzumab and a cytotoxic microtubule-inhibitory agent, emtansine, is approved in patients that have progressed with prior trastuzumab-based therapy. However, the benefit of T-DM1 in patients previously treated with pertuzumab therapy for metastatic breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We identified thirty-three adults with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated between March 2013 and July 2018 with T-DM1 either as subsequent therapy after progression on a pertuzumab-based regimen (i.e., “pertuzumab-pretreated”) or without prior exposure to pertuzumab (i.e., “pertuzumab-naïve”). Collected data included patient demographics, treatment history, adverse events, and clinical outcomes. For both cohorts receiving T-DM1, the primary endpoint was PFS and secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and T-DM1-related toxicity rate.

Results

Pertuzumab-pretreated patients (n = 23, with 21 evaluable for T-DM1 efficacy) had a median PFS of 9.5 months (95% CI: 2.9–NA), 1-year OS rate of 67.4% (95% CI: 50.0–90.9%) with an unreached median, ORR of 14.3% (95% CI: 3.0–36.3%), and CBR of 52.4% (95% CI: 29.8–74.3%), with none of these measures being statistically different than those estimated for the pertuzumab-naïve group (n = 10). Treatment with T-DM1 after prior pertuzumab exposure (median T-DM1 duration 2.9 months) resulted in no grade ≥ 3 adverse events.

Conclusions

In our cohort, prior exposure to pertuzumab did not significantly impact T-DM1’s clinical efficacy or safety profile as second- or later-line therapy in patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
Anhedonia difference between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder II
Authors: Fang Xinyu , Wang Dandan , Tang Wei , Liu Hongyang , Zhang Xiangrong , Zhang Chen
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study aims to explore the difference in anhedonia between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder II (BD-II), and attempt to distinguish the two diseases through Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS).

Methods

A total of 164 drug-free depressive patients (98 MDD patients, 66 BD-II patients) completed the investigation. 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and SHAPS were assessed in all participants.

Results

Our results showed that BD-II patients had higher SHAPS scores than MDD patients. The stepwise logistic regression analysis further revealed that SHAPS score, drinking habit, and extroversion as influencing factors for the identification of BD-II. The ROC curve analysis indicated that SHAPS could differentiate BD-II from MDD patients (AUC = 0.655, P = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.568 to 0.742), with the best screening cutoff at 26, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity was 0.788 and 0.520, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that BD-II patients had more severe anhedonia compared to MDD patients, and the difference in anhedonia may help clinicians preliminary identify BD patients from MDD patients. The preliminary findings are worthly of further exploration.
Crosstalk between autophagy inhibitors and endosome-related secretory pathways: a challenge for autophagy-based treatment of solid cancers
Authors: Raudenska Martina , Balvan Jan , Masarik Michal
Published: October 2021

Autophagy is best known for its role in organelle and protein turnover, cell quality control, and metabolism. The autophagic machinery has, however, also adapted to enable protein trafficking and unconventional secretory pathways so that organelles (such as autophagosomes and multivesicular bodies) delivering cargo to lysosomes for degradation can change their mission from fusion with lysosomes to fusion with the plasma membrane, followed by secretion of the cargo from the cell. Some factors with key signalling functions do not enter the conventional secretory pathway but can be secreted in an autophagy-mediated manner.

Positive clinical results of some autophagy inhibitors are encouraging. Nevertheless, it is becoming clear that autophagy inhibition, even within the same cancer type, can affect cancer progression differently. Even next-generation inhibitors of autophagy can have significant non-specific effects, such as impacts on endosome-related secretory pathways and secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Many studies suggest that cancer cells release higher amounts of EVs compared to non-malignant cells, which makes the effect of autophagy inhibitors on EVs secretion highly important and attractive for anticancer therapy. In this review article, we discuss how different inhibitors of autophagy may influence the secretion of EVs and summarize the non-specific effects of autophagy inhibitors with a focus on endosome-related secretory pathways. Modulation of autophagy significantly impacts not only the quantity of EVs but also their content, which can have a deep impact on the resulting pro-tumourigenic or anticancer effect of autophagy inhibitors used in the antineoplastic treatment of solid cancers.
Waist-to-height ratio, an optimal anthropometric indicator for metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease in the Western Chinese male population
Authors: Cai Jinwei , Lin Cuiting , Lai Shuiqing , Liu Yingshan , Liang Min , Qin Yingfen , Liang Xinghuan , Tan Aihua , Gao Yong , Lu Zheng , Wu Chunlei , Huang Shengzhu , Yang Xiaobo , Zhang Haiying , Kuang Jian , Mo Zengnan
Published: October 2021

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been entitled as metabolic-dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Therefore anthropometric indicators of adiposity may provide a non-invasive predictive and diagnostic tool for this disease. This study intended to validate and compare the MAFLD predictive and diagnostic capability of eight anthropometric indicators.

Methods

The study involved a population-based retrospective cross-sectional design. The Fangchenggang area male health and examination survey (FAMHES) was used to collect data of eight anthropometric indicators, involving body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body adiposity index (BAI), cardiometabolic index (CMI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and abdominal volume index (AVI). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and the respective areas under the curves (AUCs) were utilized to compare the diagnostic capacity of each indicator for MAFLD and to determine the optimal cutoff points. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for all anthropometric indicators and MAFLD. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients of anthropometric indicators, sex hormones, and MAFLD were also calculated.

Results

All selected anthropometric indicators were significantly associated with MAFLD (P < 0.001), with an AUC above 0.79. LAP had the highest AUC [0.868 (95% CI, 0.853–0.883)], followed by WHtR [0.863 (95% CI, 0.848–0.879)] and AVI [0.859 (95% CI, 0.843–0.874)]. The cutoff values for WHtR, LAP and AVI were 0.49, 24.29, and 13.61, respectively. WHtR [OR 22.181 (95% CI, 16.216–30.340)] had the strongest association with MAFLD, regardless of potential confounders. Among all the anthropometric indicators, the strongest association was seen between LAP and sex hormones.

Conclusion

All anthropometric indicators were associated with MAFLD. WHtR was identified as the strongest predictor of MAFLD in young Chinese males, followed by LAP and AVI. The strongest association was found between LAP and sex hormones.
SquiggleNet: real-time, direct classification of nanopore signals
Authors: Bao Yuwei , Wadden Jack , Erb-Downward John R. , Ranjan Piyush , Zhou Weichen , McDonald Torrin L. , Mills Ryan E. , Boyle Alan P. , Dickson Robert P. , Blaauw David , Welch Joshua D.
Published: October 2021

We present SquiggleNet, the first deep-learning model that can classify nanopore reads directly from their electrical signals. SquiggleNet operates faster than DNA passes through the pore, allowing real-time classification and read ejection. Using 1 s of sequencing data, the classifier achieves significantly higher accuracy than base calling followed by sequence alignment. Our approach is also faster and requires an order of magnitude less memory than alignment-based approaches. SquiggleNet distinguished human from bacterial DNA with over 90% accuracy, generalized to unseen bacterial species in a human respiratory meta genome sample, and accurately classified sequences containing human long interspersed repeat elements.
Treatment response and several patient-reported outcomes are early determinants of future self-efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Doumen Michaël , De Cock Diederik , Pazmino Sofia , Bertrand Delphine , Joly Johan , Westhovens René , Verschueren Patrick
Published: October 2021

Background

Self-efficacy, or patients’ confidence in their ability to control disease and its consequences, was recently prioritised in EULAR recommendations for inflammatory arthritis self-management strategies. However, it remains unclear which factors influence self-efficacy in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Data were analysed from the 2-year RCT Care in early RA (CareRA), which studied remission-induction treatment regimens for early RA. Participants completed the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R), Utrecht Coping List (UCL), RAQoL and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Depending on time to first remission (DAS28-CRP < 2.6) and persistence of remission, treatment response was defined as persistent response, secondary failure, delayed response, late response or non-response. The association between ASES scores and clinical/psychosocial factors was explored with Spearman correlation and multivariate linear mixed models. Baseline predictors of week 104 ASES were identified with exploratory linear regression followed by multiple regression of significant predictors adjusted for DAS28-CRP, HAQ, treatment arm, treatment response, cumulative CRP/SJC28 and demographic/serologic confounders.

Results

All 379 patients had a recent diagnosis of RA and were DMARD-naïve at study initiation. Most patients were women (69%) and RF/ACPA-positive (66%), and the mean (SD) age was 52 (13) years. For all tested outcome measures, better perceived health correlated with higher self-efficacy. While patient-reported factors (HAQ, SF-36, RAQoL, IPQ-R, pain, fatigue and patient’s global assessment) showed moderate/strong correlations with ASES scores, correlations with physician-reported factors (physician’s global assessment, SJC28), TJC28 and DAS28-CRP were weak.

Only more favourable outcomes on patient-reported factors and DAS28-CRP were associated with higher ASES scores at each time point.

An earlier, persistent treatment response predicted higher ASES scores at both weeks 52 and 104. Significant baseline predictors of week 104 ASES included HAQ; SF-36 mental component score, vitality, mental health and role emotional; IPQ-R illness coherence, treatment control, emotional representations and consequences; UCL Passive reacting; and the RAQoL.

Conclusions

Patient-reported outcomes and treatment response were early determinants of long-term self-efficacy in an early RA trial. These results provide further relevance for the window of opportunity in an early treat-to-target strategy and could help to timely identify patients who might benefit from self-management interventions.

Trial registration

EudraCT2008-007225-39
Life-threatening diarrhea in neuroendocrine tumors: two case reports
Authors: Gordon Emma , Chan David L. , Arena Jennifer , Bernard Elizabeth , Carr-Boyd Emily , Clarke Stephen J. , Itchins Malinda , Learoyd Diana , Sandanayake Neomal , Pavlakis Nick
Published: October 2021

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare, heterogeneous neoplasms that produce a wide variety of clinical symptoms. Diarrhea in neuroendocrine tumors is incredibly common and is usually benign in nature. We report two extreme cases of diarrhea in metastatic neuroendocrine tumors that threatened fatality and provide evidence for steroids as a novel agent in the management of vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old Caucasian male with a grade 2 (Ki-67 17%) metastatic small bowel neuroendocrine tumor, and a 43-year-old female with a grade 2 (Ki-67 5%) metastatic pancreatic vasoactive intestinal peptide tumor. Both patients suffered life-threatening diarrhea despite extensive treatment modalities, including new systemic agents. This case explains how a lack of compliance and patient under-reporting of symptoms contributed to their challenging clinical course. Only steroids had a significant sustained effect on the diarrhea of the patient with vasoactive intestinal peptide tumor.

Conclusions

This report discusses two rare cases of life-threatening diarrhea in neuroendocrine tumors and stresses the importance of accurate clinical history taking, patient education, and compliance for symptom control. The report suggests steroids as a potential novel pharmaceutical option in the management of vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors; this is of great significance as it may provide a new approach to their management and potentially act as a life-saving agent in other oncology patients.
Applicability and validation of the Reaction to Tests Scale (RTT) in a sample of Portuguese medical students
Authors: Pereira Daniela S. M. , Pereira Ana Mónica , Castanho Teresa Costa , Silva Gabriela A. , Falcão Filipe , Costa Patrício , Pêgo José Miguel
Published: October 2021

Background

Test anxiety is a crucial factor in determining academic outcomes, and it may lead to poor cognitive performance, academic underachievement, and psychological distress, interfering specifically with their ability to think and perform during tests. The main objective of this study was to explore the applicability and psychometric properties of a Portuguese version of the Reactions to Tests scale (RTT) in a sample of medical students.

Method

A sample of 672 medical students completed the RTT. The sample was randomly split in half to allow for independent Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and to test the best fit model—Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). CFA was used to test both the first-order factor structure (four subscales) and second-order factor structure, in which the four subscales relate to a general factor, Test Anxiety. The internal consistency of the RTT was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha, Composite reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) for the total scale and each of the four subscales. Convergent validity was evaluated through the correlation between RTT and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y).To explore the comparability of measured attributes across subgroups of respondents, measurement invariance was also studied.

Results

Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed acceptable fits for the Portuguese RTT version. Concerning internal consistency, results indicate that RTT was found to be reliable to measure test anxiety in this sample. Convergent validity of the RTT with both state and trait anxiety STAI-Y’s subscales was also shown. Moreover, multigroup analyses showed metric invariance across gender and curriculum phase.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the RTT scale is a valid and reliable instrument for the measurement of test anxiety among Portuguese Medical Students.
Immune and hormonal modulation in the postprandial period of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Authors: de Figueiredo Aymam C. , Titon Stefanny C. M. , Cyrino João C. , Nogueira Letícia A. K. , Gomes Fernando R.
Published: October 2021

Mammals show immune up-regulation and increased plasma and local (gastrointestinal tract) concentrations of some immunoregulatory hormones, such as corticosterone and melatonin, after feeding. However, little is known about the endocrine and immune modulation in the postprandial period of ectothermic animals. This study investigated the effects of feeding on endocrine and immune responses in the bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). Frogs were fasted for 10 days and divided into two groups: fasted and fed with fish feed (5% of body mass). Blood and gastrointestinal tract tissues (stomach and intestine) were collected at 6, 24, 48, 96 and 168 h to measure neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, plasma bacterial killing ability, phagocytosis of blood leukocytes, plasma corticosterone and melatonin, and stomach and intestine melatonin. Feeding increased plasma corticosterone at 24 h and decreased it at 168 h, and increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio at 6, 24 and 96 h. We also observed decreased bacterial killing ability 48 h after feeding. Stomach melatonin increased after 17 days of fasting. We show that feeding activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis and promotes transient immunosuppression, without stimulating an inflammatory response. Increased corticosterone may mobilize energy to support digestive processes and melatonin may protect the stomach during fasting. We conclude that feeding modulates secretion of immunoregulatory hormones, initially increasing plasma corticosterone levels, followed by a decrease at the end of meal digestion, and causes systemic immune cell redistribution, increasing neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio for almost the entire period of meal digestion in bullfrogs. Also, fasting modulates secretion of melatonin in the stomach.
МОРФОМЕТРИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ ПРИМЕНИМОСТИ УРАВНЕНИЙ MURRAY C.D. ДЛЯ ЧИСЛЕННОГО МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ СОСУДИСТЫХ ДИХОТОМИЙ ПОЧКИ ЧЕЛОВЕКА
Authors: Zenin Oleg K. , Miltykh Ilia S. , Dmitriev Andrey V. , Iurchenko Olga O.
Published: October 2021

Цель. Провести анализ применимости уравнений Murray C.D. для расчёта значений углов дихотомий внутриорганного артериального и венозного русел почки человека.

Материал и методы. Были исследованы внутриорганные артерии и вены почек. Почки полученны на аутопсии у людей (возраст от 36 до 74 лет; 9 человек мужского пола, 8 – женского), изготовлены 17 коррозионных препаратов: 9 препаратов артериальное русло, 8 – венозное. Визуализацию проводили с помощь микротомографа BRUNKER SkyScan 1178. Для морфометрии использовали программный пакет blender с надстройкой NeuroMorph Measuring tools. Измеряли диаметры сегментов (D, dmax, dmin) и углы между ними (αmax, αmin). Для расчетов углов дихотомии пользовались уравнениями Murray C.D.

Результаты. Установлено наличие четырех структурно-различных типов дихотомий, составляющих внутриорганное сосудистое русло почки. Показано, что применять уравнение Murray C.D. для расчетов величины угла αmax можно для любых структурно-различных типов сосудистых дихотомий почки человека. Однако использовать уравнение Murray C.D. для расчетов значений угла αmin нельзя для артериальных и венозных дихотомий 1-го структурно-различного типа и для 2-го типа венозных дихотомий.

Заключение. Применение уравнений Murray C.D. для численного моделирования сосудистых дихотомий почки человека носит ограниченный характер. Это необходимо учитывать при создании структурных математических моделей сосудистого русла почки человека.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Patterns of Employment and Day Program Participation
Authors: Broda Michael D. , Bogenschutz Matthew , Dinora Parthenia , Prohn Seb M. , Lineberry Sarah , Ross Erica
Published: October 2021

In this article, we demonstrate the potential of machine learning approaches as inductive analytic tools for expanding our current evidence base for policy making and practice that affects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Using data from the National Core Indicators In-Person Survey (NCI-IPS), a nationally validated annual survey of more than 20,000 nationally representative people with IDD, we fit a series of classification tree and random forest models to predict individuals' employment status and day activity participation as a function of their responses to all other items on the 2017–2018 NCI-IPS. The most accurate model, a random forest classifier, predicted employment outcomes of adults with IDD with an accuracy of 89 percent on the testing sample, and 80 percent on the holdout sample. The most important variable in this prediction was whether or not community employment was a goal in this person's service plan. These results suggest the potential machine learning tools to examine other valued outcomes used in evidence-based policy making to support people with IDD.
Differential expression of transposable elements in the medaka melanoma model
Authors: Helmprobst Frederik , Kneitz Susanne , Klotz Barbara , Naville Magali , Dechaud Corentin , Volff Jean-Nicolas , Schartl Manfred
Published: October 2021

Malignant melanoma incidence is rising worldwide. Its treatment in an advanced state is difficult, and the prognosis of this severe disease is still very poor. One major source of these difficulties is the high rate of metastasis and increased genomic instability leading to a high mutation rate and the development of resistance against therapeutic approaches. Here we investigate as one source of genomic instability the contribution of activation of transposable elements (TEs) within the tumor. We used the well-established medaka melanoma model and RNA-sequencing to investigate the differential expression of TEs in wildtype and transgenic fish carrying melanoma. We constructed a medaka-specific TE sequence library and identified TE sequences that were specifically upregulated in tumors. Validation by qRT- PCR confirmed a specific upregulation of a LINE and an LTR element in malignant melanomas of transgenic fish.