bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study using financial transactions’ spatial information to define high-risk neighborhoods and distribution pattern of COVID-19
Authors: Mohammadi Esmaeil , Azmin Mehrdad , Fattahi Nima , Ghasemi Erfan , Azadnajafabad Sina , Rezaei Negar , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Keykhaei Mohammad , Zokaei Hossein , Rezaei Nazila , Haghshenas Rosa , Kaveh Farzad , Pakatchian Erfan , Jamshidi Hamidreza , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: February 2022

Background

Development of surveillance systems based on big data sources with spatial information is necessitated more than ever during this pandemic. Here, we present our pilot results of a new technique for the incorporation of spatial information of transactions and a vital registry of COVID-19 to evaluate the disease spread.

Methods

We merged two databases of laboratory-confirmed national COVID-19 registry of Iran and financial transactions of point-of-sale devices from February to March 2020 as our training data sources. Spatial information was used for the visualization of maps and movements of sick individuals. We used the point-of-sale devices-related guild to check for the dynamics of financial transactions and effectiveness of quarantines.

Findings

In the study period, 174,428 confirmed cases were in the COVID-19 registry with accompanying transactions information. In total, 13,924,982 financial transactions were performed by them, with a mean of 1.2 per day for each person. All guilds had a decreasing pattern of “risky” transactions except for grocery stores and pharmacies. The latter showed a decreasing pattern by impose of lockdowns. Different cities were the hotspot of disease transmission as many “high-risk” transactions were performed in them, among which Tehran (mainly its central neighborhoods) and southern cities of Lake Urmia predominated. Lockdowns indicated that the disease gradually became less transmissible.

Interpretation

Financial transactions can be readily used for epidemics surveillance. Semi real-time results of such iterations can be informative for policy makers, guild owners, and general population to prepare safer commuting and merchandise spaces.
Virtual reality and well-being in older adults: Results from a pilot implementation of virtual reality in long-term care
Authors: Chaze Ferzana , Hayden Leigh , Azevedo Andrea , Kamath Ashwin , Bucko Destanee , Kashlan Yara , Dube Mireille , De Paula Jacqueline , Jackson Alexandra , Reyna Christianne , Warren-Norton Kathryn , Dupuis Kate , Tsotsos Lia
Published: February 2022

Introduction

This paper describes the findings of a pilot implementation project that explored the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology in recreational programming to support the well-being of older adults in long-term care (LTC) homes.

Methods

32 Adults in four LTC homes participated in a pilot implementation project where they viewed VR experiences of popular locations in Canada created especially for this project. Data in this paper are based on multiple viewing experiences ( n = 102) over a two-week period.

Results

VR appeared to be an effective distraction from pain for the participants. Participants of this study found the VR experiences to be enjoyable and were relaxed and happy while viewing them. Most participants were attentive or focused while viewing the VR experiences, and the experiences were found to be a source of reminiscence for some of the participants. Participants related well to others around them during a majority of the experiences and the VR experiences were a point of conversation between the staff and the participants.

Conclusion

The findings from this pilot implementation reveal that VR shows potential to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of older adults living in LTC, including those living with cognitive impairment.
Epidemiology of diagnosed cluster headache in Norway
Authors: Crespi Joan , Gulati Sasha , Salvesen Øyvind , Bratbak Daniel Fossum , Dodick David W , Matharu Manjit Singh , Tronvik Erling
Published: February 2022

Background:

Cluster headache (CH) is one of the most painful conditions in humans and there is limited epidemiological data on this debilitating condition.

Objectives:

To describe the epidemiology of CH in Norway

Methods:

We conducted a nationwide study to investigate the prevalence, incidence, and comorbidity of CH in Norway between January 1 2008 and December 31 2016. Treatment and outcome data from the Norwegian patient registry and the Norwegian prescription database were linked on an individual basis.

Results:

Among 3,892,260 individuals ≥18 years old of age, we identified a total of 1891 patients with CH. The prevalence of CH was 48.6 per 100,000, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.47. The estimated incidence of CH was 3.0 per 100,000/year. Among patients with CH, increased age and sex adjusted odds ratios ([OR], all with p-values <0.0001, were observed for medication-induced headache (OR 50.7, 95% CI 36.7–69.9), migraine (OR 25.2, 95% CI 22.5–28.3), chronic posttraumatic headache (OR 22.2, 95% CI 12.8–38.45), history of cranial trauma (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.4), somatoform disorders (OR 4.2, 95% CI 3.0–5.8), suicide attempt (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.6–5.8), personality disorder (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.6–4.9), bipolar disorder (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.8–4.8), peptic ulcer (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.3–3.3), depression (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.4–3.1), substance abuse (OR 2.6, 95% CI 2.0–3.3), and cerebrovascular disease (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.8–3.1). Use of opioid analgesics during the study period was more common among patients with CH compared to others (81% vs. 22%, sex and age adjusted OR 23.4, 95% CI 20.8–26.2, p < 0.0001).
Management of Maxillofacial Fracture in Pediatric Patient Using Skeletal Suspension Wiring: A Case Report
Authors: Verma Gaurav , Gothi Bhavana , Tiwari Arunesh Kumar , Agrawal Amiya
Published: February 2022

The treatment of maxillofacial fractures can be done either by closed reduction or open reduction techniques. Pediatric fractures are usually managed by the relatively conservative closed method of treatment. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is usually reserved for severely displaced fractures difficult to manage conservatively. The ORIF using miniplates are technically challenging and have a negative impact on growth because of surgical trauma. The purpose of this article is to present a case successfully managed by the skeletal suspension technique.
Extremity risk factors of sepsis for gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Chan Yi-Chia , Chen Chao-Long , Wang Chih-Chi , Lin Chih-Che , Yong Chee-Chien , Chiu King-Wah , Wu Keng-Liang
Published: February 2022

Background

Liver cirrhosis is a well-known risk factor of sepsis after emergent gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Elective GI endoscopy before living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), however, may also carry the septic risk among these patients.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 642 cirrhotic recipients who underwent GI endoscopy from 2008 to 2016. We analyzed the incidence and risk factors of post-endoscopy sepsis during 2008–2012 (experience cohort). Our protocol changed after 2013 (validation cohort) to include antibiotic prophylaxis.

Results

In experience cohort, 36 cases (10.5%) of the 342 LDLT candidates experienced sepsis within 48 h after endoscopy. The sepsis rate was significantly higher in patients with hepatic decompensation than patients without (22.2% vs. 9.6% vs. 2.6% in Child C/B/A groups respectively; ×2 = 20.97, P < 0.001). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the factors related to post-endoscopy sepsis were the Child score (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.24–1.71), Child classes B and C (OR 3.80 and 14.13; 95% CI 1.04–13.95 and 3.97–50.23, respectively), hepatic hydrothorax (OR 4.85; 95% CI 1.37–17.20), and use of antibiotic prophylaxis (OR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01–0.64). In validation cohort, antibiotics were given routinely, and all cases of hepatic hydrothorax (n = 10) were drained. Consequently, 4 (1.3%) episodes of sepsis occurred among 300 LDLT candidates, and the incidence was significantly lower than before (1.3% vs. 10.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis and hepatic hydrothorax have higher risk of sepsis following endoscopy. In advanced cirrhotic patients, antibiotic prophylaxis and drainage of hydrothorax may be required to prevent sepsis before elective GI endoscopy.
Prevalence and biopsychosocial factors associated with depressive symptoms among patients living with systemic lupus erythematosus in clinical settings in urban Thailand
Authors: Narupan Nirunya , Seeherunwong Acharaporn , Pumpuang Walailak
Published: February 2022

Background

Depressive symptoms are globally recognized as a significant mental health problem in patients with chronic disease, particularly those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and examine biopsychosocial factors of depressive symptoms among patients with SLE.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 participants diagnosed with SLE and received treatment for at least 3 months, aged 18–59 years attending the outpatient clinic of a university hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Thai version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. We assessed Demographic data, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Index, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index, Numeric Rating Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Body Image Scale, and the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument. Data were collected from March to May 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the data.

Results

The proportion of the participants with depressive symptoms was 43.2%, which 8.1% of those patients presented moderate to severe depressive symptoms. In a multivariable logistic regression model, SLE patients with depressive symptoms were more likely to be severe pain (aOR = 12.11, 95% CI: 1.35, 108.46), fatigue (aOR = 2.36, 95%CI: 1.08, 5.14), taking prednisolone ≥15 mg daily (aOR = 5.75, 95%CI: 1.76, 18.80), low satisfied of body image (aOR = 12.49, 95%CI: 2.23, 69.80), and low social support (aOR = 17.96, 95% CI: 1.86, 173.77). Disease flare, organ damage, and family income sufficiency did not significantly increase the risk of depressive symptoms in patients with SLE.

Conclusions

The findings highlight depressive symptoms in patients with SLE. Therefore, the health professional should be concerned about the perception of body image, level of social support, fatigue, and pain while treating patients with SLE. Public health screening programs to identify depressive symptoms in patients with SLE are needed. In addition, a high dose of prednisolone should be considered if required, along with monitoring.
Risk factors of stunting and wasting in Somali pre-school age children: results from the 2019 Somalia micronutrient survey
Authors: Donkor William E. S. , Mbai Joshua , Sesay Fatmata , Ali Sundus Ibrahim , Woodruff Bradley A. , Hussein Shuaib Mohamoud , Mohamud Kheyriya Mohamed , Muse Ahmed , Mohamed Warsame Said , Mohamoud Abdullahi Muse , Mohamud Farhan Mohamed , Petry Nicolai , Galvin Melanie , Wegmüller Rita , Rohner Fabian , Katambo Yvonne , Wirth James P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Stunting and wasting in children less than 5 years of age are two key indicators of child malnutrition. Reducing their prevalence is a priority of the global public health community and for Somalia, a country suffering complex humanitarian emergencies such as drought, flooding, conflict and large-scale displacements.

Methods

Data from the nationally representative cross-sectional Somalia Micronutrient Survey (SMS 2019) on 1947 children were analyzed to assess the prevalence and potential risk factors of stunting and wasting. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted separately for children 0–5 months and 6–59 months, and population attributable fractions were calculated using adjusted risk ratios produced by Poisson regression models.

Results

Among the 1947 children, the prevalence of stunting and wasting were 17.2% (95% CI: 15.0, 19.6) and 11.0% (95% CI: 9.3, 12.9), respectively. Among children 6–59 months of age, those residing in severely food insecure households had a higher risk of stunting (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.47; CI: 1.12, 1.93) compared to those in food secure households. This risk of stunting was also higher in children with inflammation (aRR 1.75; CI: 1.35, 2.25) and iron deficiency (ID) (aRR 2.09; CI: 1.58, 2.80). For wasting, a dose-response relationship was found with household wealth, with the risk of wasting increasing significantly as the household wealth quintile decreased. On the other hand, the risk of wasting was lower in iron-deficient children (aRR 0.69; CI: 0.49, 0.98) than in iron-replete children. Among children 0–5 months of age no variables remained statistically significantly associated with stunting in the multivariable analysis. Wasting, however, was more common in children with recent diarrhea (aRR 3.51; CI: 1.68, 7.36).

Conclusions

Nutritional status of children in Somalia may be improved by prevention of diarrhea and other infections and improvements in household food security.
Trends and burden of diabetes in pregnancy among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal mothers in Western Australia, 1998–2015
Authors: Ahmed Marwan Awad , Bailey Helen D. , Pereira Gavin , White Scott W. , Wong Kingsley , Shepherd Carrington C. J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Diabetes in pregnancy (DIP), which includes pre-gestational and gestational diabetes, is more prevalent among Aboriginal women. DIP and its adverse neonatal outcomes are associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the offspring. This study investigated the impact of DIP on trends of large for gestational age (LGA) in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations, and added to the limited evidence on temporal trends of DIP burden in these populations.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all births in Western Australia between 1998 and 2015 using linked population health datasets. Time trends of age-standardised and crude rates of pre-gestational and gestational diabetes were estimated in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal mothers. Mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between DIP and population LGA trends over time.

Results

Over the study period, there were 526,319 births in Western Australia, of which 6.4% were to Aboriginal mothers. The age-standardised annual rates of pre-gestational diabetes among Aboriginal mothers rose from 4.3% in 1998 to 5.4% in 2015 and remained below 1% in non-Aboriginal women. The comparable rates for gestational diabetes increased from 6.7 to 11.5% over the study period in Aboriginal women, and from 3.5 to 10.2% among non-Aboriginal mothers. LGA rates in Aboriginal babies remained high with inconsistent and no improvement in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes and pre-gestational diabetes, respectively. Regression analyses showed that DIP explained a large part of the increasing LGA rates over time in Aboriginal babies.

Conclusions

There has been a substantial increase in the burden of pre-gestational diabetes (Aboriginal women) and gestational diabetes (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) in recent decades. DIP appears to substantially contribute to increasing trends in LGA among Aboriginal babies.
A pilot intervention study on bullying prevention among junior high school students in Shantou, China
Authors: Peng Zhekuan , Li Liping , Su Xuefen , Lu Yaogui
Published: February 2022

Background

Bullying is common among adolescents and can have an adverse effect on victims. This study aims to implement and evaluate an educational intervention on bullying prevention among junior high school students in Shantou, China.

Methods

The four-session educational intervention was designed based on the knowledge-attitude-practice model and conducted from September to December 2018, with one session implemented a month. The intervention methods included holding bullying-themed class meetings, distributing bullying educational leaflets at school, and playing anti-bullying videos in class. The post-intervention assessment was measured at the end of session 4. The chi-square tests were used to examine the changes from baseline to after intervention in the intervention and control group.

Results

The results showed that the intervention group’s awareness of bullying (percentage of the students who knew bullying very well, male: before vs. after intervention: 16.3% vs. 37.6%, P < 0.001; female: before vs. after intervention: 11.8% vs. 38.8%, P < 0.01), and the female students’ acceptance of anti-bullying education (before vs. after intervention: 89.3% vs. 97.6%, P < 0.05) was improved after intervention. The incidence of cyber victimization (male: 32.3% vs. 18.5%, P < 0.05; female: 22.4 to 7.0%, P < 0.01) was also reduced in the intervention group, with the reduction in the incidence of social (19.4% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.05), verbal (40.9% vs. 27.2%, P < 0.05) victimization, and peer (36.6% vs. 20.7%, P < 0.05) and social bullying (11.8% vs. 2.2%, P < 0.01) among male students after intervention.

Conclusions

This educational intervention was the first important step to develop effective intervention strategies for bullying prevention among junior high school students in China.
Posteromedial plate application using medial midline incision for complex tibia plateau fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Söylemez Mehmet Salih , Cepni Serdar Kamil , Kemah Bahattin , Batar Suat
Published: February 2022

Background

Application of a posterior plate for tibia plateau fractures associated with posterior column involvement is becoming a widespread standard practice as previous studies have shown that additional fixation of the posterior column with a posteromedial buttress plate creates strongest fixation in terms of fracture stabilization This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results of patients undergoing surgery for complex tibial plateau fractures involving the posterior column with a posteromedial plate applied via a medial midline incision.

Methods

Medical records of patients undergoing surgery for Schatzker type IV, V, and VI tibia plateau fractures involving the posterior column in our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a follow-up of less than 1 year, pathological fractures, posterolateral column fractures requiring separate fixation, and open fractures were excluded from the study. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) was performed in all patients before surgery. The study population consisted of 25 patients (21 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 41.5 (19–66) years. The etiologies of the fractures were traffic accidents in seven cases, pedestrian falls in five cases, falls from a height in seven cases, and motor vehicle accidents in six cases.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 15.9 months (12–25), mean time to union was 14.32 (9–20) weeks, mean Knee Society score (KSS) was 88 (81–95), and range of movement (ROM) was 123° (95°–140°). Loss of reduction was detected in only one patient (4%). A superficial incisional infection occurred in an anterolateral incision in only one patient (4%), and it recovered after oral antibiotic therapy. None of the patients required early implant removal and none had vascular or nerve complications in the postoperative period. Postoperatively, 23 (92%) patients had anatomical reduction and 2 (8%) had acceptable reduction in the sagittal plane CT sections. Acceptable reduction was achieved in 6(24%) patients and anatomical reduction was achieved in 19 (76%) in the coronal plane CT sections (Table 2).

Conclusions

Clinical results of posteromedial plate application using a single medial midline incision is promising as complication rates were very low and knee scores were high.
A novel defined risk signature based on pyroptosis-related genes can predict the prognosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Hu Ding , Cao Qingfei , Tong Ming , Ji Chundong , Li Zizhi , Huang Weichao , Jin Yanyang , Tong Guangquan , Wang Yutao , Li Pengfei , Zhang Huashan
Published: February 2022

Background

Pyroptosis can not only inhibit the occurrence and development of tumors but also develop a microenvironment conducive to cancer growth. However, pyroptosis research in prostate cancer (PCa) has rarely been reported.

Methods

The expression profile and corresponding clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Patients were divided into different clusters using consensus clustering analysis, and differential genes were obtained. We developed and validated a prognostic biomarker for biochemical recurrence (BCR) of PCa using univariate Cox analysis, Lasso-Cox analysis, Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival analysis, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.

Results

The expression levels of most pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) are different not only between normal and tumor tissues but also between different clusters. Cluster 2 patients have a better prognosis than cluster 1 patients, and there are significant differences in immune cell content and biological pathway between them. Based on the classification of different clusters, we constructed an eight genes signature that can independently predict the progression-free survival (PFS) rate of a patient, and this signature was validated using a GEO data set (GSE70769). Finally, we established a nomogram model with good accuracy.

Conclusions

In this study, PRGs were used as the starting point and based on the expression profile and clinical data, a prognostic signature with a high predictive value for biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP) was finally constructed, and the relationship between pyroptosis, immune microenvironment, and PCa was explored, providing important clues for future research on pyroptosis and immunity.
Carbon dots hybrid for dual fluorescent detection of microRNA-21 integrated bioimaging of MCF-7 using a microfluidic platform
Authors: Mohammadi Somayeh , Salimi Abdollah , Hoseinkhani Zohreh , Ghasemi Foad , Mansouri Kamran
Published: February 2022

Background

MicroRNAs have short sequences of 20 ~ 25-nucleotides which are similar among family members and play crucial regulatory roles in numerous biological processes, such as in cell development, metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Results

We reported a strategy for the construction of a dual-emission fluorescent sensor using carbon dots (CDs) and confirmed their applications for ratiometric microRNA-21 sensing and bioimaging of cancer cells in a microfluidic device. The composition of blue CDs (B-CDs) and yellow CDs (Y-CDs) depicts dual-emission behavior which is centered at 409 and 543 nm under an excitation wavelength of 360 nm. With increasing microRNA-21 concentration, the robust and specific binding of DNA probe functionalized B-CDs to complementary microRNA-21 target induced perturbations of probe structure and led to changing fluorescence intensity in both wavelengths. Consequently, the ratio of turn-on signal to turn-off signal is greatly altered. With monitoring of the inherent ratiometric fluorescence variation (ΔF540nm/ΔF410nm), as-prepared BY-CDs were established as an efficient platform for ratiometric fluorescent microRNA-21 sensing, with a wide linear range of 0.15 fM to 2.46 pM and a detection limit of 50 aM.

Conclusions

Furthermore, the proposed assay was applied for detecting microRNA-21 in dilute human serum samples with satisfactory recovery and also in MCF-7 cell lines in the range 3000 to 45,000 (cell mL−1) with a detection limit (3 cells in 10 μL), demonstrating the potential of the assay for clinic diagnosis of microRNA-associated disease. More importantly, the images revealed that MCF-7 cells well labeled with BY-CDs could exhibit the applicability of the proposed microfluidic system as an effective cell trapping device in bioimaging.

Graphical Abstract
Characterisation of and risk factors for extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) in an equine hospital with a special reference to an outbreak caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae ST307:CTX-M-1
Authors: Thomson Katariina , Eskola Katarina , Eklund Marjut , Suominen Kristiina , Määttä Merita , Junnila Jouni , Nykäsenoja Suvi , Niinistö Kati , Grönthal Thomas , Rantala Merja
Published: February 2022

Background

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase producingEnterobacterales(ESBL-E) are important causative agents for infections in humans and animals. At the Equine Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Helsinki, the first infections caused by ESBL-E were observed at the end of 2011 leading to enhanced infection surveillance. Contact patients were screened for ESBL-E by culturing infection sites and rectal screening. This study was focused on describing the epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of ESBL-E from equine patients of the EVTH during 2011–2014, and analysing putative risk factors for being positive for ESBL-E during an outbreak ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeST307.

Results

The number of ESBL-E isolations increased through 2012–2013 culminating in an outbreak of multi-drug resistantK. pneumoniaeST307:blaCTX-M-1:blaTEM:blaSHVduring 04–08/2013. During 10/2011–05/2014, altogether 139 ESBL-E isolates were found from 96 horses. Of these, 26 were from infection-site specimens and 113 from rectal-screening swabs. A total of 118 ESBL-E isolates from horses were available for further study, the most numerous beingK. pneumoniae(n = 44),Escherichia coli(n = 31) andEnterobacter cloacae(n = 31). Hospital environmental specimens (N = 47) yielded six isolates of ESBL-E. Two identicalE. cloacaeisolates originating from an operating theatre and a recovery room had identical or highly similar PFGE fingerprint profiles as five horse isolates. In the multivariable analysis, mare–foal pairs (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.57–14.19, P = 0.006), length of hospitalisation (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28–2.06, P < 0.001) and passing of a nasogastric tube (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.03–7.95, P = 0.044) were associated with being positive for ESBL-E during theK. pneumoniaeoutbreak.

Conclusions

The occurrence of an outbreak caused by a pathogenic ESBL-producingK. pneumoniaeST307 strain highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance of ESBL-E in veterinary hospitals. Limiting the length of hospitalisation for equine patients may reduce the risk of spread of ESBL-E. It is also important to acknowledge the importance of nasogastric tubing as a potential source of acquiring ESBL-E. As ESBL-E were also found in stomach drench pumps used with nasogastric tubes, veterinary practices should pay close attention to appropriate equipment cleaning procedures and disinfection practices.
Assessment of three DNA extraction kits for the absolute quantification of strongyle nematode eggs in faecal samples
Authors: Högberg Niclas , Baltrušis Paulius , Enweji Nizar , Höglund Johan
Published: February 2022

Background

Haemonchus contortus is one of the most pathogenic gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants. The current diagnostic approach for the detection of this species relies on coproscopic methods, which both have low sensitivity and are time consuming. Methods employing detection through DNA amplification, such as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), offer an advantageous approach to the diagnosis of H. contortus. However, DNA extraction protocols need to be constantly updated for the optimal retrieval of diagnostically usable template. Here, we describe the evaluation of three genomic DNA extraction kits for the detection and quantification of H. contortus ITS2 amplicon DNA from faecal samples, using droplet digital PCR.

Results

DNA samples, extracted from faecal material with the Nucleospin DNA Stool kit, produced the highest amounts of ITS2 amplicon copies and had the lowest coefficient of variation across different dilutions and sample types (fresh or frozen) out of the tested kits (Nucleospin DNA Stool, E.Z.N.A.® Stool DNA Kit and QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit). Furthermore, the protocol of this kit has the fewest number of steps and the price of DNA extraction per sample is reasonable (2.77 €).

Conclusions

The Nucleospin DNA Stool kit is an attractive option for the detection and quantification of H. contortus DNA in faecal samples of small ruminants in a diagnostic setting.
Loss of Drosophila Coq8 results in impaired survival, locomotor deficits and photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Hura Angelia J. , Hawley Hannah R. , Tan Wei Jun , Penny Rebecca J. , Jacobsen Jessie C. , Fitzsimons Helen L.
Published: February 2022

Coenzyme Q8A encodes the homologue of yeast coq8, an ATPase that is required for the biosynthesis of Coenzyme Q10, an essential component of the electron transport chain. Mutations in COQ8A in humans result in CoQ10 deficiency, the clinical features of which include early-onset cerebellar ataxia, seizures and intellectual disability. The rapid advancement of massively parallel sequencing has resulted in the identification of more than 40 new mutations in COQ8A and functional studies are required to confirm causality and to further research into determining the specific mechanisms through which the mutations result in loss of function. To that end, a Drosophila model of Coq8 deficiency was developed and characterized to determine its appropriateness as a model system to further explore the role of Coq8 in the brain, and for functional characterisation of Coq8 mutations. Pan-neuronal RNAi knockdown of Coq8 was largely lethal, with female escapers displaying severe locomotor deficits. Knockdown of Coq8 in the eye resulted in degeneration of photoreceptors, progressive necrosis and increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Reintroduction of wild-type Coq8 restored normal function, however expression of human wild-type COQ8A exacerbated the eye phenotype, suggesting it was acting as a dominant-negative. This model is therefore informative for investigating the function of Drosophila Coq8, however human COQ8A mutations cannot be assessed as hCOQ8A does not rescue Coq8 deficiency.
A single-dose, open-label, randomized, scintigraphic study to investigate the gastrointestinal behavior of 2 triple-combination cold products (acetaminophen, phenylephrine, and dextromethorphan) in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Mallefet Pascal , Armogida Marianna , Doll Walter J. , Page Richard C. , Sandefer Erik P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Common cold symptoms may be mitigated by products in caplet, nasal spray, and oral solution formulations, although variations exist in the bioavailability of the active ingredients contained within these products. Rapid gastric emptying (GE) of these active ingredients is important for reducing the delay between drug absorption and onset of cold symptom relief. Hot drink cold remedies are associated with greater comfort and may enhance the bioavailability of active ingredients. The objective of this study was to characterize the gastrointestinal transit of powder (reconstituted in hot water) and caplet formulations of commercially available multisymptom cold medications.

Methods

This was an open-label, single-dose, parallel-group study. Healthy male adults under fasted conditions were randomized 1:1 to receive a single dose of radiolabeled Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold and Cough powder for oral solution or radiolabeled Theraflu ExpressMax Daytime Severe Cold and Cough caplet. External gamma scintigraphy was utilized to monitor GE and intestinal transit of two radiolabeled drug formulations.

Results

A total of 28 participants completed the study. The mean ± SE GE onset times were 1.1 ± 0.3 min and 8.5 ± 1.8 min for powder and caplet formulations, respectively. The mean ± SE GE completion times were 121 ± 13 min and 65 ± 13 min, respectively. Despite the similar mean times to GE25%, the powder had later mean GE50% (23 ± 3.0 vs 16 ± 3.2 min, respectively) and GE90% (85 ± 12 vs 36 ± 9 min, respectively) than caplets. Caplets had a shorter overall GE half-life, lower total gastric exposure, and faster transit time through the small intestine versus the powder formulation. No serious safety events were observed.

Conclusion

The results of this study in healthy male adults suggest that the Theraflu powder formulation had a more rapid GE onset but longer time to GE completion than the caplet formulation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03415243
Cytokine signatures differentiate systemic sclerosis patients at high versus low risk for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kolstad Kathleen D. , Khatri Avani , Donato Michele , Chang Sarah E. , Li Shufeng , Steen Virginia D. , Utz Paul J. , Khatri Purvesh , Chung Lorinda
Published: February 2022

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) affects approximately 10% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is a leading cause of death. We sought to identify serum cytokine signatures that risk stratify SSc patients for this potentially fatal complication.

Methods

Subjects at high risk for PAH and with incident PAH based on right heart catheterization (RHC) were enrolled in the multi-center prospective registry, Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma (PHAROS). Low-risk SSc patients were enrolled at Stanford and had normal pulmonary function test and echocardiogram parameters. Serum was available from 71 high-risk patients, 81 incident PAH patients, 10 low-risk patients, and 20 healthy controls (HC). Custom 14- and 65-plex arrays were used for cytokine analysis. Cytokine expression was compared between patient groups by principal component analysis and Tukey’s test result. A multiple hypotheses corrected p value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Exploratory analysis using principal components showed unique clustering for each patient group. There was a significant difference in cytokine expression in at least one group comparison for every cytokine. Overall, there was very little difference in cytokine expression comparing high-risk and PAH patient groups; however, these groups had substantially different cytokine profiles compared to low-risk patients and HC.

Conclusion

These data suggest that cytokine profiles can distinguish SSc patients who are at high-risk for or have PAH from SSc patients who may be at lower risk for PAH and HC. However, high-risk and PAH patients had very similar cytokine profiles, suggesting that these patients are on a disease continuum.
Aberrant epigenetic and transcriptional events associated with breast cancer risk
Authors: Marino Natascia , German Rana , Podicheti Ram , Rusch Douglas B. , Rockey Pam , Huang Jie , Sandusky George E. , Temm Constance J. , Althouse Sandra , Nephew Kenneth P. , Nakshatri Harikrishna , Liu Jun , Vode Ashley , Cao Sha , Storniolo Anna Maria V.
Published: February 2022

Background

Genome-wide association studies have identified several breast cancer susceptibility loci. However, biomarkers for risk assessment are still missing. Here, we investigated cancer-related molecular changes detected in tissues from women at high risk for breast cancer prior to disease manifestation. Disease-free breast tissue cores donated by healthy women (N = 146, median age = 39 years) were processed for both methylome (MethylCap) and transcriptome (Illumina’s HiSeq4000) sequencing. Analysis of tissue microarray and primary breast epithelial cells was used to confirm gene expression dysregulation.

Results

Transcriptomic analysis identified 69 differentially expressed genes between women at high and those at average risk of breast cancer (Tyrer-Cuzick model) at FDR < 0.05 and fold change ≥ 2. Majority of the identified genes were involved in DNA damage checkpoint, cell cycle, and cell adhesion. Two genes, FAM83A and NEK2, were overexpressed in tissue sections (FDR < 0.01) and primary epithelial cells (p < 0.05) from high-risk breasts. Moreover, 1698 DNA methylation changes were identified in high-risk breast tissues (FDR < 0.05), partially overlapped with cancer-related signatures, and correlated with transcriptional changes (p < 0.05, r ≤ 0.5). Finally, among the participants, 35 women donated breast biopsies at two time points, and age-related molecular alterations enhanced in high-risk subjects were identified.

Conclusions

Normal breast tissue from women at high risk of breast cancer bears molecular aberrations that may contribute to breast cancer susceptibility. This study is the first molecular characterization of the true normal breast tissues, and provides an opportunity to investigate molecular markers of breast cancer risk, which may lead to new preventive approaches.
Cortical microstructure in primary progressive aphasia: a multicenter study
Authors: Illán-Gala Ignacio , Montal Victor , Borrego-Écija Sergi , Mandelli Maria Luisa , Falgàs Neus , Welch Ariane E. , Pegueroles Jordi , Santos-Santos Miguel , Bejanin Alexandre , Alcolea Daniel , Dols-Icardo Oriol , Belbin Olivia , Sánchez-Saudinós Mª. Belén , Bargalló Nuria , González-Ortiz Sofía , Lladó Albert , Blesa Rafael , Dickerson Bradford C. , Rosen Howard J. , Miller Bruce L. , Lleó Alberto , Gorno-Tempini Maria Luisa , Sánchez-Valle Raquel , Fortea Juan
Published: February 2022

Background

Cortical mean diffusivity is a novel imaging metric sensitive to early changes in neurodegenerative syndromes. Higher cortical mean diffusivity values reflect microstructural disorganization and have been proposed as a sensitive biomarker that might antedate macroscopic cortical changes. We aimed to test the hypothesis that cortical mean diffusivity is more sensitive than cortical thickness to detect cortical changes in primary progressive aphasia (PPA).

Methods

In this multicenter, case-control study, we recruited 120 patients with PPA (52 non-fluent, 31 semantic, and 32 logopenic variants; and 5 GRN-related PPA) as well as 89 controls from three centers. The 3-Tesla MRI protocol included structural and diffusion-weighted sequences. Disease severity was assessed with the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. Cortical thickness and cortical mean diffusivity were computed using a surface-based approach.

Results

The comparison between each PPA variant and controls revealed cortical mean diffusivity increases and cortical thinning in overlapping regions, reflecting the canonical loci of neurodegeneration of each variant. Importantly, cortical mean diffusivity increases also expanded to other PPA-related areas and correlated with disease severity in all PPA groups. Cortical mean diffusivity was also increased in patients with very mild PPA when only minimal cortical thinning was observed and showed a good correlation with measures of disease severity.

Conclusions

Cortical mean diffusivity shows promise as a sensitive biomarker for the study of the neurodegeneration-related microstructural changes in PPA.
Automated detection of lung cancer-caused metastasis by classifying scintigraphic images using convolutional neural network with residual connection and hybrid attention mechanism
Authors: Guo Yanru , Lin Qiang , Zhao Shaofang , Li Tongtong , Cao Yongchun , Man Zhengxing , Zeng Xianwu
Published: February 2022

Background

Whole-body bone scan is the widely used tool for surveying bone metastases caused by various primary solid tumors including lung cancer. Scintigraphic images are characterized by low specificity, bringing a significant challenge to manual analysis of images by nuclear medicine physicians. Convolutional neural network can be used to develop automated classification of images by automatically extracting hierarchal features and classifying high-level features into classes.

Results

Using convolutional neural network, a multi-class classification model has been developed to detect skeletal metastasis caused by lung cancer using clinical whole-body scintigraphic images. The proposed method consisted of image aggregation, hierarchal feature extraction, and high-level feature classification. Experimental evaluations on a set of clinical scintigraphic images have shown that the proposed multi-class classification network is workable for automated detection of lung cancer-caused metastasis, with achieving average scores of 0.7782, 0.7799, 0.7823, 0.7764, and 0.8364 for accuracy, precision, recall, F-1 score, and AUC value, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed multi-class classification model can not only predict whether an image contains lung cancer-caused metastasis, but also differentiate between subclasses of lung cancer (i.e., adenocarcinoma and non-adenocarcinoma). On the context of two-class (i.e., the metastatic and non-metastatic) classification, the proposed model obtained a higher score of 0.8310 for accuracy metric.
Validation of the Norwegian versions of the Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS) and Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) in a mental health care setting
Authors: Braathu Nora , Laukvik Erlend Høen , Egeland Karina M. , Skar Ane-Marthe Solheim
Published: February 2022

Background

The implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) is of crucial importance in health care institutions and requires effective management from leaders. However, there is a lack of assessment tools sufficient to evaluate the degree to which the employees´ rate how well their leaders are at implementing EBPs. This emphasises the need for validated and widely used scales relevant for EBPs.

Methods

The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS) in a Norwegian mental health care setting.

Results

Results from confirmatory factor analyses indicate that the MLQ and ILS are valid instruments for measuring general and implementation leadership. The scales demonstrate good convergent validity. In addition, attitudes towards EBPs did not seem to be associated with the ILS and MLQ, further supporting the applicability of the instruments.

Conclusions

The two scales demonstrate good psychometric properties in a Norwegian mental health care setting, which suggests that the MLQ and ILS are valid and reliable tools for measuring leadership in an implementation setting. More research is greatly needed to disentangle the link between perceived leadership and objective measures of successful implementation of EBPs.

Trial registration NSD 690,133, NSD 60,059/3/OOS.
Education-based stigma and discrimination among young adults not in 4-year college
Authors: Meisel Matthew K. , Haikalis Michelle , Colby Suzanne M. , Barnett Nancy P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Lower levels of education are strongly associated with negative health outcomes. The current study examined the degree to which those without a history of 4-year college attendance experience social stigmatization of their educational status and if these experiences are associated with mental health symptoms.

Methods

Data was obtained from 488 emerging adults who never attended 4-year college using Qualtrics Panels.

Results

79.4% of participants agreed to one of the six statements that not attending 4-year college is stigmatized, and 71.8% endorsed experiencing at least one form of discrimination. Higher levels of education-related stigma and more frequent experiences of education-related discrimination was associated with greater past-month anxiety and depression symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings could serve to increase awareness regarding the unique and significant discrimination faced by young adults who do not attend 4-year college and identify specific areas of intervention that can help these young adults cope with the effects of stigma and discrimination.
Potential for crustal deformation monitoring using a dense cell phone carrier Global Navigation Satellite System network
Authors: Ohta Yusaku , Ohzono Mako
Published: February 2022

Monitoring of crustal deformation provides essential information for seismology and volcanology. For such earth science fields and other purposes, various Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) networks have been constructed at the national and regional levels. In Japan, the continuous nationwide GNSS network, the GNSS Earth Observation Network System (GEONET), is operated by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. Although GEONET has made a substantial contribution to earth science research, the large spacing of GEONET sites makes it difficult to accurately understand crustal deformation phenomena in some cases. However, cell phone carriers in Japan have constructed independent GNSS networks to improve their positioning services in recent years. In this study, we examine the performance of a GNSS network operated by SoftBank Corp. for crustal deformation monitoring. The network has more than 3300 sites throughout Japan, which is approximately 2.5 times the number of the GEONET sites. To assess the quality of SoftBank's GNSS data, we first analyzed data from Miyagi Prefecture and evaluated the stability of the coordinate time series for nine consecutive days during a quiet (interseismic) period. The calculated standard deviations were approximately the same for both networks. Furthermore, we calculated the displacement between September 2020 and March 2021. The results reveal that almost all SoftBank sites showed a consistent displacement with their surrounding GEONET sites. Next, we analyzed the coseismic deformation associated with the off-Fukushima earthquake (MJMA 7.3) on February 13, 2021, in both static and kinematic modes. We obtained a westward coherent displacement along the coastline in both networks, although several outliers were observed for the SoftBank sites. Based on these initial assessments, we conclude that these private sector GNSS sites are useful for crustal deformation monitoring with appropriate data quality control.

Graphical Abstract
Atmospheric modes excited by the 2021 August eruption of the Fukutoku-Okanoba volcano, Izu–Bonin Arc, observed as harmonic TEC oscillations by QZSS
Authors: Heki Kosuke , Fujimoto Tatsuya
Published: February 2022

Continuous Plinian eruptions of volcanoes often excite atmospheric resonant oscillations with several distinct periods of a few minutes. We detected such harmonic oscillations by the 2021 August eruption of the Fukutoku-Okanoba volcano, a submarine volcano in the Izu–Bonin arc, in ionospheric total electron content (TEC) observed from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations deployed on three nearby islands, Chichijima, Hahajima, and Iwojima. Continuous records with the geostationary satellite of Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) presented four frequency peaks of such atmospheric modes. The harmonic TEC oscillations commenced at ~ 5:16 UT with a large amplitude but decayed in a few hours.

Graphical Abstract