bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Ergonomics of Surgical Residents During Laparoscopic Simulation: A Novel Computerized Approach
Authors: Kratzke Ian M. , Zhou Guoyang , Mosaly Prithima , Farrell Timothy M. , Crowner Jason , Yu Denny
Published: January 2022

Background

Assessment of residents’ body positioning during laparoscopy has not been adequately investigated. This study presents a novel computer vision technique to automate ergonomic evaluation and demonstrates this approach through simulated laparoscopy.

Methods

Surgical residents at a single academic institution were video recorded performing tasks from the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS). Ergonomics were assessed by 2 raters using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. Additionally, a novel computer software program was used to measure ergonomics from the video recordings. All participants completed a survey on musculoskeletal complaints, which was graded by severity.

Results

Ten residents participated; all performed FLS in postures that exceeded acceptable ergonomic risks as determined by both the human and computerized RULA scores ( P < .001). Lower-level residents scored worse than upper-level residents on the human-graded RULA assessment ( P = .04). There was no difference in computer-graded RULA scores by resident level ( P = .39) and computer-graded scores did not correlate with human scores ( P = .75). Shoulder and wrist position were the greatest contributors to higher computer-graded scores ( P < .001). Self-reported musculoskeletal complaints did not differ at resident level ( P = .74); however, all residents reported having at least 1 form of musculoskeletal complaint occurring “often.”

Conclusions

Surgery residents demonstrated suboptimal ergonomics while performing simulated laparoscopic tasks. A novel computer program to measure ergonomics did not agree with the scores generated by the human raters, although it concluded that resident ergonomics remain a concern, especially regarding shoulder and wrist positioning.
Salvation in Koinonia: Faith and Works as Metonymy in Paul and James
Authors: Love Cyprian
Published: January 2022

From the time of the Reformation, Western theological discussion of salvation has typically been rooted in the Letters of Paul and James, and has attempted rigorous analyses of those writers’ teachings on the relationship of faith and works. Such analyses have focused on the surface meaning of the Letters. However, it will be suggested that the fuller meaning of the Letters’ exposition of faith and works lies not on the surface, but below the surface of the texts. The twin ideas, faith and works, function together below the surface of the Letters as a symbol for koinonia or communion. Faith represents Christians’ communion with God, and works represent Christians’ communion with one another. The discussion below offers a resolution of the traditional conflict between Catholic and Protestant theology which arises over the way the relationship of faith and works is to be understood in Paul and James.
Treponema denticola Promotes OSCC Development via the TGF-β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Peng R.T. , Sun Y. , Zhou X.D. , Liu S.Y. , Han Q. , Cheng L. , Peng X.
Published: January 2022

Numerous studies have demonstrated an association between periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and periodontal pathogens such as Treponema denticola are implicated in the pathogenesis of OSCC. Previous studies have mainly focused on T. denticola surface proteins—for example, chymotrypsin-like proteinase, which was detected in the majority of orodigestive tumor tissues. T. denticola may influence the development of OSCC. Nevertheless, the potential direct regulatory mechanism of T. denticola in OSCC is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the direct effect of T. denticola on OSCC cell proliferation and elucidate potential mechanisms of T. denticola in contributing to cell proliferation. A series of in vitro experiments (e.g., CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry) were performed to explore the effect of T. denticola on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Mice experiments were performed to explore the effect of T. denticola on tumor growth. Whole mRNA transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to explore the intracellular signaling pathway. Our study found that T. denticola could invade Cal-27 cells and directly promote cell proliferation, regulate the cell cycle, and inhibit apoptosis. T. denticola could also promote the growth of OSCC tumors in mice, and it upregulated Ki67 expression. Regarding the mechanism, T. denticola could promote the development of OSCC by activating the TGF-β pathway. In conclusion, T. denticola could promote OSCC cell proliferation directly, and the mechanism was associated with intracellular TGF-β pathway activation.
Tribute to Kenneth J. Anusavice
Authors: Bayne S.C. , Thompson J.Y. , Griggs J.A. , Della Bona A.
Published: January 2022

Ken Anusavice adored people, teaching, science, and his wife and family. Those things drove his life as a friend, colleague, husband, and father. He was the 32nd AADOCR president (2003–2004). He was lost to us on September 30, 2021. This tribute to Ken includes stories and special personal moments beyond accolades of his packed curriculum vita. Special insights into Ken Anusavice’s life and contributions are provided by friends and former students.
Introducing the Anatomy of Resistance Campaigns (ARC) dataset
Authors: Butcher Charles , Braithwaite Jessica Maves , Pinckney Jonathan , Haugseth Eirin , Bakken Ingrid Vik , Wishman Marius Swane
Published: January 2022

We introduce the Anatomy of Resistance Campaigns (ARC) dataset, which records information on 1,426 organizations that participated in events of maximalist violent and nonviolent contention in Africa from 1990 to 2015. The ARC dataset contains 17 variables covering organization-level features such as type, age, leadership, goals, and interorganizational alliances. These data facilitate new measurements of key concepts in the study of contentious politics, such as the social and ideological diversity of resistance episodes, in addition to measures of network centralization and fragmentation. The ARC dataset helps resolve existing debates in the field and opens new avenues of inquiry.
Nursing Students’ Views about Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders: Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Tas Arslan Fatma , Ozkan Sevil , Bagcivan Gulcan
Published: January 2022

“Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order is one of the challenging issues encountered in end of life care. This study aimed to determine the effect of education about DNR on the views of senior nursing students. Students, who selected elective course of palliative care and received education about DNR formed the intervention group ( n = 106) while the students who did not select the lesson were in the control group ( n = 107). Data were collected using a questionnaire. It revealed that the students who had education about DNR agreed with the positive statements about DNR more than the control group. Also, intervention group students had a high agreement DNR should be a part of vocational training for health professionals. It is important and necessary to focus on the special role of nurses when a DNR order is given, and nursing education raised the awareness and views about DNR according to the data from this study.
Lifting Black Student Voices to Identify Teaching Practices That Discourage and Encourage STEM Engagement: Why #Black Teachers Matter
Authors: Lee Anna , Henderson Dawn X. , Corneille Maya , Morton Terrell , Prince Krishanna , Burnett Steven , Roberson Tracie
Published: January 2022

Black students’ experiences in math and science courses in urban high schools were investigated. A critical race theoretical framing of qualitative data revealed teacher characteristics that encouraged and discouraged students. Teacher characteristics that encouraged students’ interests included (1) shared racial/cultural background with students, (2) passion for students and subject matter, and (3) a caring and understanding approach to student engagement. Characteristics that discouraged student engagement included (1) lack of racial representation, (2) differential treatment of students based on race, (3) condescension and assumed incompetence, and (4) technology as a replacement for instruction. We offer recommendations to improve Black students’ experience and increase interest in pursuing future STEM careers.
Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Nonpsychotic Disorders: A Cross-sectional Hospital-based Study
Authors: Thatikonda Navya Spurthi , Ram Dushad , Rao T. S. Sathyanarayana , Thatikonda Padma Sudhakar
Published: January 2022

Background:

Sexual dysfunction among female psychiatric patients is zcommon and can be affected by various bio-psycho-social factors. The clinician’s or patient’s reluctance to actively inquire or spontaneously report these sexual difficulties creates a lacuna in our understanding of this association. This study aimed to assess the proportion of women with nonpsychotic psychiatric disorders reporting sexual dysfunction and evaluate its association with sociodemographic and clinical variables.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study conducted over six months included 113 women attending the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, including diagnosis based on International Classification of Diseases 10th version (ICD 10) criteria, were assessed using a specially designed proforma. Sexual functioning was measured by Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and the Change in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-Female Version (CSFQ-FV).

Results:

Sexual dysfunction was reported by 67.3% of patients. Among patients on psychotropics, 49% reported worsening of sexual dysfunction after treatment initiation. Sexual dysfunction was associated with increasing age (χ2 = 7.86, P = 0.04), lower educational qualification (χ2 =3.41, P = 0.04), skilled occupation (χ2 = 4.49, P = 0.03), lower socioeconomic status (χ2 = 4.27, P = 0.03) and presence of ongoing psychosocial stressor (χ2 = 4.49, P = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Difficulties in different domains of sexual functioning are prevalent among women with nonpsychotic disorders. Sociodemographic and relational factors, along with treatment status, can influence sexual dysfunction in these patients. Clinicians should be vigilant of this association and should plan treatment to enhance compliance and outcome.
Library makerspace in Turkey: Public and university libraries
Authors: Güneş Ayşenur , Canatar Mehmet
Published: January 2022

This study is intended to determine the developments in Turkey and to reveal the quality of the libraries that offer makerspace service. In the light of the data, obtained from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the time of the study, one university library and three public libraries where this service was offered in Turkey were examined. However, one public library was examined in detail within the scope of the study. Qualitative research methods were used, and the data collected by the semi-structured interview technique were evaluated with the descriptive analysis method. According to the results not much progress has been observed in Turkey regarding the services offered by the library makerspace. The fact that the public libraries evaluated in this study offer only one service, however, shows that they cannot fully realize the maker philosophy.
Risk Factors for Failure After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-analysis
Authors: Kunze Kyle N. , Ramkumar Prem N. , Manzi Joseph E. , Wright-Chisem Joshua , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Williams Riley J.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Graft failure after osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the knee is a devastating outcome, often necessitating subsequent interventions. A comprehensive understanding of the risk factors for failure after OCA of the knee may provide enhanced prognostic data for the knee surgeon and facilitate more informed shared decision-making discussions before surgery.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors associated with graft failure after OCA of the knee.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were queried in April 2021. Data pertaining to study characteristics and risk factors associated with failure after OCA were recorded. DerSimonian-Laird binary random-effects models were constructed to quantitatively evaluate the association between risk factors and graft failure by generating effect estimates in the form of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs, while mean differences (MDs) were calculated for continuous data. Qualitative analysis was performed to describe risk factors that were variably reported.

Results:

A total of 16 studies consisting of 1401 patients were included. The overall pooled prevalence of failure was 18.9% (range, 10%-46%). There were 44 risk factors identified, of which 9 were explored quantitatively. There was strong evidence to support that the presence of bipolar chondral defects (OR, 4.20 [95% CI, 1.17-15.08]; P = .028) and male sex (OR, 2.04 [95% CI, 1.17-3.55]; P = .012) were significant risk factors for failure after OCA. Older age (MD, 5.06 years [95% CI, 1.44-8.70]; P = .006) and greater body mass index (MD, 1.75 kg/m2 [95% CI, 0.48-3.03]; P = .007) at the time of surgery were also significant risk factors for failure after OCA. There was no statistically significant evidence to incontrovertibly support that concomitant procedures, chondral defect size, and defect location were associated with an increased risk of failure after OCA.

Conclusion:

Bipolar chondral defects, male sex, older age, and greater body mass index were significantly associated with an increased failure rate after OCA of the knee. No statistically significant evidence presently exists to support that chondral defect size and location or concomitant procedures are associated with an increased graft failure rate after OCA of the knee. Additional studies are needed to evaluate these associations.
Protective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Isolated Islets Survival and Against Hypoxia Associated With the HIF-1α/PFKFB3 Pathway
Authors: Wei Lingling , Zhang Lijie , Yang Longyan , Wang Xin , Zhao Chunhua , Zhao Dong
Published: January 2022

Islets have a high demand for oxygen and most of them will die of hypoxia injury before and after transplantation. Hypoxic damage is one of the key factors associated with islet graft dysfunction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have multiple functions and can enhance the therapeutic effect of islet transplantation. In this study, islets were cultured together with or without MSCs derived from umbilical cord (hUC-MSCs) under normal and hypoxic conditions. The effect of hUC-MSCs on the survival and function of isolated islets was detected by immunofluorescence and ELISA. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and PFKFB3 mRNA and protein expression in different conditions were tested by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot. The islets co-cultured with hUC-MSCs have improved viability and function compared with islets cultured alone. The mRNA transcription of HIF-1α in the co-cultured group increased. The protein expression of PFKFB3 increased with the increase of HIF-1α. This study found that hUC-MSCs could protect islets from dysfunction caused by hypoxia, and HIF-1α/PFKFB3 played an important role in hypoxic resistance, suggesting a potential strategy to improve the outcome of islet transplantation.
West Bengal’s Economic Legacy Since Independence and Future Prospects
Authors: Chatterjee Shiladitya
Published: January 2022

During the Mughal and colonial periods, Bengal was among the most prosperous regions of the subcontinent. Despite the rapacity of the colonial administration, and despite partition, at independence, West Bengal was one of the most industrialised and developed states of India. However, its performance now is just average among Indian states. This article investigates the causes of this decline, objectively, taking a holistic view and analysing all relevant factors, using available public data and assessing the various views that are offered by scholars over the years. While partition dealt a heavy blow to West Bengal, several other factors aggravated the state’s economic problems, including central and state policies. These impinged in areas of industrial and agricultural growth, urban development, human development and the state’s resources for growth.

In recent years West Bengal has seen better overall growth, including the industrial sector. State finances have improved and have the potential for further consolidation. Kolkata has better urban infrastructure. Increased regional cooperation with Bangladesh can undo the loss of markets and resources that partition had imposed. If managed properly, the state can further improve its overall development performance. This article offers suggestions regarding the priority development interventions that are necessary.
Incidence of Delirium With Different Oral Opioids in Previously Opioid-Naive Patients
Authors: Sugiyama Yosuke , Tanaka Rei , Sato Tetsu , Sato Tetsumi , Saitoh Akiyoshi , Yamada Daisuke , Shino Michihiro
Published: January 2022

Background: Opioids are known to induce delirium, but few studies have closely investigated differences in incidence of delirium among different opioids. Objectives: To determine whether there is a clinically significant difference in the incidence of delirium between oral opioids in previously opioid-naive patients. Methods: Subjects were 259 opioid-naive in-patients with cancer who were started on morphine sulfate, oxycodone hydrochloride, or tapentadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets at our hospital between August 1, 2014, and September 30, 2018. The incidence of delirium during the first week of treatment was compared between the drugs. Results: The incidence of delirium was 4.8% (n = 83) for morphine sulfate, 6.9% (n = 131) for oxycodone hydrochloride, and 6.7% (n = 45) for tapentadol hydrochloride. The incidence did not significantly differ between oxycodone hydrochloride (OR = .69, 95% CI = .20–2.30, P [Fisher’s exact test] = .77) or tapentadol hydrochloride (OR = .71, 95% CI = .15–3.32, P [Fisher’s exact test] = .70) and morphine sulfate (reference group). Moreover, the incidence did not significantly differ between tapentadol hydrochloride (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = .27–3.00, P [Fisher’s exact test] = 1.00) and oxycodone hydrochloride (reference group). Conclusion: The incidence of delirium in previously opioid-naive patients did not differ significantly among morphine sulfate, oxycodone hydrochloride, and tapentadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets, suggesting similar risk of delirium in opioid-naive patients among these oral opioids.
Adult educational ‘lateness’ norms: hysteresis in mid-career retraining in law
Authors: Burns Edgar Alan
Published: January 2022

Mid-career men and women professionals describe their pervasive sense of ‘lateness’ retraining in law. Against industry patterns of lawyers wishing to leave the profession, these individuals had chosen to assert or reassert a desire to become lawyers partway through existing careers. What cultural narratives mediate the process of making this professional career shifts? In contrast to younger students, these ‘later’ career changers differed in career experiences and expected career trajectories. They all spoke about their personal sense of career lateness relative to time-flow norms, but only some reflected on the subsequent implications of their career shift. Interviewees worked in Victoria, Australia and in New Zealand. This article applies Bourdieu’s concept of hysteresis to career lateness along with other career transition concepts to explore career changers’ internal disquiet about their ‘off time’ career transitions. Perceptions of career lateness – hysteresis in Bourdieu’s terms – arise from changing fields, losing/re-positioning occupational capital or stretching between old and new habitus in their post-transition career as lawyers or work using their new law degrees.
Comparison of forehead and finger oximetry sensors during the six minute walk test
Authors: Robertson Lucy , Lowry Rachel , Sylvester Karl , Parfrey Helen , Moseley Beverley , Sheares Karen , Oates Katrina
Published: January 2022

Background

Measurement of oxygen saturation (SpO2) during the 6 minute walk test (6MWT) could be impacted by the measurement site.

Aims

To compare SpO2 and heart rate (HR) between forehead and finger sensors during the 6MWT. Sensor readings were also to be compared for signal quality and with capillary blood gas (CBG) pre and post 6MWT.

Method

80 subjects with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and/or interstitial lung disease (ILD) performed the 6MWT. Pulse oximetry was recorded at 30 s intervals. CBG was taken pre and post 6MWT to determine capillary oxygen saturation (SCO2).

Results

The forehead sensor recorded higher values for SpO2 ( p < 0.001) and HR ( p < 0.01) compared with the finger sensor during the 6MWT. For both sensors, the demonstrated bias compared to CBG post 6MWT was higher and more variable in subjects who desaturated. During the 6MWT there was a higher occurrence ( p < 0.001) of poor signal quality in the finger sensor compared with the forehead sensor.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the sensor site can impact pulse oximetry readings. The variance in bias suggests pulse oximetry may not accurately reflect SCO2 measurements particularly in subjects who desaturate during 6MWT.
Is a boat bigger than a ship? Null results in the investigation of vowel sound symbolism on size judgements in real language
Authors: Sidhu David M , Pexman Penny M
Published: January 2022

Sound symbolism is the phenomenon by which certain kinds of phonemes are associated with perceptual and/or semantic properties. In this article, we explored size sound symbolism (i.e., the mil/mal effect) in which high-front vowels (e.g., /i/) show an association with smallness, while low-back vowels (e.g., /ɑ/) show an association with largeness. This has previously been demonstrated with nonwords, but its impact on the processing of real language is unknown. We investigated this using a size judgement task, in which participants classified words for small or large objects, containing a small- or large-associated vowel, based on their size. Words were presented auditorily in Experiment 1 and visually in Experiment 2. We did not observe an effect of vowel congruence (i.e., between object size and the size association of its vowel) in either of the experiments. This suggests that there are limits to the impact of sound symbolism on the processing of real language.
Precision medicine for metastatic colorectal cancer in clinical practice
Authors: Riedesser Julian E. , Ebert Matthias P. , Betge Johannes
Published: January 2022

Globally, metastatic colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes for cancer-related death. Treatment limited to conventional chemotherapeutics extended life for only a few months. However, advances in surgical approaches and medical treatment regimens have greatly increased survival, even leading to long-term remission in selected patients. Advances in multiomics analysis of tumors have built a foundation for molecular-targeted therapies. Furthermore, immunotherapies are on the edge of revolutionizing oncological practice. This review summarizes recent advances in the growing toolbox of personalized treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. We provide an overview of current multimodal therapy and explain novel immunotherapy and targeted therapy approaches in detail. We emphasize clinically relevant therapies, such as inhibitors of MAPK signaling, and give recommendations for clinical practice. Finally, we describe the potential predictive impact of molecular subtypes and provide an outlook on novel concepts, such as functional precision medicine.
Virucidal Activity of Essential Oils From Citrus x aurantium L. Against Influenza A Virus H1N1:Limonene as a Potential Household Disinfectant Against Virus
Authors: Fadilah Nurul Q. , Jittmittraphap Akanitt , Leaungwutiwong Pornsawan , Pripdeevech Patcharee , Dhanushka Darshana , Mahidol Chulabhorn , Ruchirawat Somsak , Kittakoop Prasat
Published: January 2022

This work explored the compositions of a crude extract of peels of Citrus x aurantium using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The crude extract of peels of C. ×  aurantium was analyzed by GC-MS revealing the presence of limonene as the major compound, accounting for 93.7% of the total. Virucidal activity of the oil of C. x aurantium peels against influenza A virus H1N1 was evaluated by the ASTM E1053-20 method. Moreover, the virucidal activity was also investigated of D-limonene, the major terpene in essential oils of C. x aurantium, and its enantiomer L-limonene. The essential oil of the C. x aurantium peels produced a log reduction of 1.9 to 2.0, accounting for 99% reduction of the virus, while D- and L-limonene exhibited virucidal activity with a log reduction of 3.70 to 4.32 at concentrations of 125 and 250.0 µg/mL, thus reducing the virus by 99.99%. Previous work found that D-limonene exhibited antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus, but L-limonene, an enantiomer of D-limonene, has never been reported for antiviral activity. This work demonstrates the antiviral activity of L-limonene for the first time. Moreover, this work suggests that concentrations of 0.0125% to 0.025% of either D- or L-limonene can possibly be used as a disinfectant against viruses, probably in the form of essential oil sprays, which may be useful disinfectants against the airborne transmission of viruses, such as influenza and COVID-19.
Smart health via mHealth? Potentials of mobile health apps for improving prevention and adherence of breast cancer patients
Authors: Scholz Stefanie , Teetz Laura
Published: January 2022

Objective

Today there are several health and medical apps (mHealth) in app stores. Germany is the world's first country that introduced apps paid by the regular health insurance service. Even though breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, mHealth for breast cancer has been largely unexplored.

Methods

A total of 33 apps from two major mobile application marketplaces (Google Play Store/Android; App Store/iOS) have been selected for analysis.

Results

The app analysis shows that there are currently only 10 mHealth apps in German, which are specifically dedicated to breast cancer patients. The features of these apps fall into two categories: improvement of health literacy and indirect intervention. These apps can be used for all phases of the patient journey starting with the diagnosis.

Conclusions

mHealth apps have the potential to support the adherence of breast cancer patients. In order to exploit this future potential, the app quality, as well as the information about the available apps, must be urgently improved. Currently, it is very difficult both for laypersons and for doctors/other therapists to identify high-quality apps. Guidance from independent or governmental institutions would be helpful to further the digitalization in health care.
Pre-excitation Due to Fascicular-Ventricular Pathway: An Electrocardiographic Diagnosis: A Case Report
Authors: Lange Richard A. , Nguyen Victoria , Abedin Zainul
Published: January 2022

A 79-year-old Caucasian male was referred to cardiology clinic because the electrocardiogram showed premature atrial complexes and pre-excitation (delta waves) thought to be consistent with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. He did not report symptoms of palpitations or syncope. Careful analysis of the electrocardiogram revealed a fascicular-ventricular pathway (FVP) responsible for pre-excitation. Differentiating FVP from WPW syndrome is essential as the risk profile is different with each. Electrocardiographic observations that could help identify the presence of an FVP and its diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications are presented.
Topical therapy with negative allosteric modulators of the calcium-sensing receptor (calcilytics) for the management of asthma: the beginning of a new era?
Authors: Riccardi Daniela , Ward Jeremy P.T. , Yarova Polina L. , Janssen Luke J. , Lee Tak Hong , Ying Sun , Corrigan Chris J.
Published: January 2022

In this review article we present the evidence to date supporting the role of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) as a key, pluripotential molecular trigger for asthma and speculate on the likely benefits of topical therapy of asthma with negative allosteric modulators of the CaSR: calcilytics.
Predicting Ca2+ and Mg2+ ligand binding sites by deep neural network algorithm
Authors: Sun Kai , Hu Xiuzhen , Feng Zhenxing , Wang Hongbin , Lv Haotian , Wang Ziyang , Zhang Gaimei , Xu Shuang , You Xiaoxiao
Published: January 2022

Background

Alkaline earth metal ions are important protein binding ligands in human body, and it is of great significance to predict their binding residues.

Results

In this paper, Mg2+ and Ca2+ ligands are taken as the research objects. Based on the characteristic parameters of protein sequences, amino acids, physicochemical characteristics of amino acids and predicted structural information, deep neural network algorithm is used to predict the binding sites of proteins. By optimizing the hyper-parameters of the deep learning algorithm, the prediction results by the fivefold cross-validation are better than those of the Ionseq method. In addition, to further verify the performance of the proposed model, the undersampling data processing method is adopted, and the prediction results on independent test are better than those obtained by the support vector machine algorithm.

Conclusions

An efficient method for predicting Mg2+ and Ca2+ ligand binding sites was presented.
Drug–target interaction prediction via multiple classification strategies
Authors: Ye Qing , Zhang Xiaolong , Lin Xiaoli
Published: January 2022

Background

Computational prediction of the interaction between drugs and protein targets is very important for the new drug discovery, as the experimental determination of drug-target interaction (DTI) is expensive and time-consuming. However, different protein targets are with very different numbers of interactions. Specifically, most interactions focus on only a few targets. As a result, targets with larger numbers of interactions could own enough positive samples for predicting their interactions but the positive samples for targets with smaller numbers of interactions could be not enough. Only using a classification strategy may not be able to deal with the above two cases at the same time. To overcome the above problem, in this paper, a drug-target interaction prediction method based on multiple classification strategies (MCSDTI) is proposed. In MCSDTI, targets are firstly divided into two parts according to the number of interactions of the targets, where one part contains targets with smaller numbers of interactions (TWSNI) and another part contains targets with larger numbers of interactions (TWLNI). And then different classification strategies are respectively designed for TWSNI and TWLNI to predict the interaction. Furthermore, TWSNI and TWLNI are evaluated independently, which can overcome the problem that result could be mainly determined by targets with large numbers of interactions when all targets are evaluated together.

Results

We propose a new drug-target interaction (MCSDTI) prediction method, which uses multiple classification strategies. MCSDTI is tested on five DTI datasets, such as nuclear receptors (NR), ion channels (IC), G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), enzymes (E), and drug bank (DB). Experiments show that the AUCs of our method are respectively 3.31%, 1.27%, 2.02%, 2.02% and 1.04% higher than that of the second best methods on NR, IC, GPCR and E for TWLNI; And AUCs of our method are respectively 1.00%, 3.20% and 2.70% higher than the second best methods on NR, IC, and E for TWSNI.

Conclusion

MCSDTI is a competitive method compared to the previous methods for all target parts on most datasets, which administrates that different classification strategies for different target parts is an effective way to improve the effectiveness of DTI prediction.
Modified Northern blot protocol for easy detection of mRNAs in total RNA using radiolabeled probes
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhang Mingdi , Zhang Nianhui
Published: January 2022

Background

Northern blotting is still used as a gold standard for validation of the data obtained from high-throughput whole transcriptome-based methods. However, its disadvantages of lower sensitivity, labor-intensive operation, and higher quality of RNA required limit its utilization in a routine molecular biology laboratory to monitor gene expression at RNA level. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the traditional Northern protocol to make the technique more applicable for standard use.

Results

In this paper, we report modifications and tips used to improve the traditional Northern protocol for the detection of mRNAs in total RNA. To maximize the retention of specifically bound radiolabeled probes on the blot, posthybridization washes were performed under only with moderate-stringency until the level of radioactivity retained on the filter decreased to 20~50 counts per second, rather than normally under high and low stringency sequentially for scheduled time or under only high stringent condition. Successful detection of the low-expression gene using heterologous DNA probes in 20 µg of total RNA after a two-day exposure suggested an improvement in detection sensitivity. Quantitatively controlled posthybridization washes combined with an ethidium bromide-prestaining RNA procedure to directly visualize prestained RNA bands at any time during electrophoresis or immediately after electrophoresis, which made the progress of the Northern procedure to be monitored and evaluated step by step, thereby making the experiment reliable and controllable. We also report tips used in the modified Northern protocol, including the moderate concentration of formaldehyde in the gel, the accessory capillary setup, and the staining jar placed into an enamel square tray with a lid used for hybridization. Using our modified Northern protocol, eight rounds of rehybridization could be performed on a single blot. The modification made and tips used ensured the efficient proceeding of the experiment and the resulting good performance, but without using special reagents or equipment.

Conclusions

The modified Northern protocol improved detection sensitivity and made the experiment easy, less expensive, reliable, and controllable, and can be employed in a routine molecular biology laboratory to detect low-expressed mRNAs with heterologous DNA probes in total RNA.
Near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green for assessment of donor livers in a rat model of ischemia–reperfusion
Authors: Shan Liyu , Chen Huan , Yang Lifei , Feng Zhe , Wang Yue , Wang Rongfeng , Zhang Nana , Wu Rongqian , Lv Yi , Ma Tao
Published: January 2022

Background

Although marginal donor livers expand the donor pool, an ideal method for quantitatively evaluating the quality of donor livers has not been developed. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging for estimating liver function in an ischemia–reperfusion model.

Methods

Forty-eight rats were randomly and evenly divided into 8 groups: the control group and the experimental groups (I-VII). The portal vein blocking period was 0 min, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min and 60 min. After blood flow was reestablished and the hemodynamics stabilized, ICG was injected through the dorsal penile vein as a bolus, and the fluorescence signal was recorded for 30 min in real time. The fluorescence intensity (FI) curve of the liver was fitted with an asymptotic regression model. Fresh liver tissues and serum were obtained from the middle lobe of the liver on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD 7 for histopathological evaluation and liver function tests.

Results

The growth rate of the FI curve, parameter b3, decreased from groups I to VII. According to the two sudden changes in b3 (20 min, 50 min), the experimental groups could be classified into 3 groups (A, B and C). Hepatocytes in groups I-II showed slight edema, group III began to show obvious hepatocyte edema and vacuolar degeneration, and in groups VI-VII, severe hepatocyte degeneration, necrosis and large inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Suzuki’s scores in the 3 groups were also significantly different (P < 0.01). At the same time, the serum liver function in the experimental groups showed a significant increase on POD 1 and a decrease on POD 7. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB) levels of groups A, B, and C were significantly different on POD 1 (P < 0.05), and the ALT and direct bilirubin (DB) levels were significantly different on POD 7 (P < 0.05); the lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level of the group C was significantly higher than that of the groups A and B on POD 1 and POD 7. Meanwhile, the 7-day survival rate of the rats in group C was poor compared to that of the rats in groups A and B (58.3% vs. 100% vs. 100%).

Conclusion

ICG fluorescence imaging is effective for estimating the degree of liver damage and grading in an ischemia–reperfusion model. It probably has the potential for use in assessing the quality of the donor liver in liver transplantation.
Association between oral antimalarial medication administration and mortality among patients with Ebola virus disease: a multisite cohort study
Authors: Abel Logan , Perera Shiromi M. , Yam Derrick , Garbern Stephanie , Kennedy Stephen B. , Massaquoi Moses , Sahr Foday , Woldemichael Dayan , Liu Tao , Levine Adam C. , Aluisio Adam R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Empiric antimalarial treatment is a component of protocol-based management of Ebola virus disease (EVD), yet this approach has limited clinical evidence for patient-centered benefits.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between antimalarial treatment and mortality among patients with confirmed EVD. The data was collected from five International Medical Corps operated Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) in Sierra Leone and Liberia from 2014 through 2015. The standardized protocol used for patient care included empiric oral treatment with combination artemether and lumefantrine, twice daily for three days; however, only a subset of patients received treatment due to resource variability. The outcome of interest was mortality, comparing patients treated with oral antimalarials within 48-h of admission to those not treated. Analysis was conducted with logistic regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Multivariable analyses controlled for ETU country, malaria rapid diagnostic test result, age, EVD cycle threshold value, symptoms of bleeding, diarrhea, dysphagia and dyspnea, and additional standard clinical treatments.

Results

Among the 424 cases analyzed, 376 (88.7%) received early oral antimalarials. Across all cases, mortality occurred in 57.5% (244). In comparing unadjusted mortality prevalence, early antimalarial treated cases yielded 55.1% mortality versus 77.1% mortality for those untreated (p = 0.005). Multivariable analysis demonstrated evidence of reduced aOR for mortality with early oral antimalarial treatment versus non-treatment (aOR = 0.34, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.12, 0.92, p = 0.039).

Conclusion

Early oral antimalarial treatment in an EVD outbreak was associated with reduced mortality. Further study is warranted to investigate this association between early oral antimalarial treatment and mortality in EVD patients.
Predictors of treatment outcomes among patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Vietnam: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wrohan Ian , Nguyen Thu Anh , Nguyen Viet Nhung , Nguyen Binh Hoa , Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy , Nguyen Phuong Chi , Velen Kavindhran , Marks Guy Barrington , Fox Greg James
Published: January 2022

Background

Improving treatment outcomes for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a leading priority for global TB control. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the factors associated with treatment success among patients treated for MDR-TB in two provinces in Vietnam.

Methods

Treatment outcomes were evaluated for adult patients treated in Hanoi and Thanh Hoa provinces between 2014 and 2016. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with treatment success, defined as cure or treatment completion. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between patient clinical and microbiological characteristics and treatment success.

Results

Treatment outcomes were reported in 612 of 662 patients; of these, 401 (65.5)% were successfully treated. The odds of treatment success were lower for male patients (aOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34–0.90), for people living with HIV (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20–1.00), and for patients treated for extensive antibiotic resistance (pre-XDR-/XDT-TB) (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29–0.97), compared with others. Patients who achieved culture conversion in the first 4 months of treatment had increased odds (aOR 2.93, 95% CI 1.33–6.45) of treatment success. In addition, loss to follow-up was less common among patients covered by social health insurance compared to those who paid for treatment out-of-pocket (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.95).

Conclusions

Among patients with MDR-TB, males, people living with HIV, and those with more extensive antibiotic resistance at diagnosis are at greatest risk of an unsuccessful treatment outcome. Efforts to optimise the management of co-morbidities (such as HIV), ensure rapid bacteriological conversion, and provide financial support for patients promise to improve treatment outcomes.
Frequency and anatomic variability of the mandibular lingual foramina: a cone-beam CT study
Authors: Taschieri Silvio , Corbella Stefano , Silnovic Amel , Francetti Luca , Messina Carmelo , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Albano Domenico
Published: January 2022

Background

To evaluate the distribution of lingual foramina (LF) and their correlation with demographic characteristics and mandible width, shape, and bone thickness in Caucasian Italian patients subjected to cone-beam CT (CBCT).

Methods

CBCTs were reviewed to assess the number of all LF, midline and lateral LF. We also assessed the relationship of the number of lateral LF with gender and mandibular width, shape, and bone thickness using the Chi Square test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Three-hundred patients (180 males; age range: 21–87 years) were included. The highest frequency per patient was of 2 LF (97/300, 32.3%), followed by 3 (81/300, 27%) and 4 (53/300, 17.7%). No LF were observed in 2/300 patients (0.7%), while the highest number was of 8 LF in one patient. The highest frequency of midline LF per person was of 2 LF (57.3%, 172/300), while the highest number per person was 5 LF in one patient (0.3%). The highest frequency of midline LF located above and below the genial tubercle was of 1 in 197/300 patients (65.7%) and in 169/300 patients (56.3%), respectively. Concerning lateral LF, the highest frequencies were of 0 (113/300, 37.7%) and of 1 (112/300, 37.3%). We did not observe any significant difference of the number of midline and lateral LF based on gender (P = .438 and P = .195, respectively) or mandible width (P = .069 and P = .114, respectively). The mandible shape was normal in 188 cases, with facial constriction in 42, lingual constriction in 54, and hour glass constriction in 16. The mean bone thickness was 10.76 mm in the symphysis, 10.92 mm in the right hemiarches, and 10.68 in the left hemiarches. No significant differences in the distribution of LF were observed also based on mandibular shape and bone thickness (both with P > .05).

Conclusions

We have shown the high variability of number and anatomic distribution of LF in an Italian group of patients subjected to CBCT without reporting any association with gender and mandible width, shape, and bone thickness.
What is the impact of blood pressure on neurological symptoms and the risk of ESKD in primary and secondary thrombotic microangiopathies based on clinical presentation: a retrospective study
Authors: Halimi Jean-Michel , Thoreau Benjamin , von Tokarski Florent , Bauvois Adeline , Gueguen Juliette , Goin Nicolas , Barbet Christelle , Cloarec Sylvie , Mérieau Elodie , Lachot Sébastien , Garot Denis , Lemaignen Adrien , Gyan Emmanuel , Perrotin Franck , Pouplard Claire , Maillot François , Gatault Philippe , Sautenet Bénédicte , Rusch Emmanuel , Frémeaux-Bacchi Véronique , Vigneau Cécile , Bayer Guillaume , Fakhouri Fadi
Published: January 2022

Background

The impact of blood pressure on neurological symptoms and risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is unknown in primary and secondary thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs).

Methods

We measured baseline systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP in consecutive 563 patients with adjudicated primary and secondary TMAs, and assessed its association with the risk of ESKD.

Results

Normal BP, grade 1, 2 and 3 hypertension were present in 243 (43.1%), 132 (23.4%), 101 (17.9%) and 88 (15.6%), respectively.

Significant BP differences were noted in relation to the cause of TMA: highest BP values were found in patients with atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS), pregnancy, transplantation and auto-immune-related TMAs. Normal BP or grade 1 hypertension was found in 17/18 (94.4%) patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic patients (only 1/18 (5.6%) had a SBP value>150 mmHg). In contrast, BP values could not differentiate isolated “essential” malignant hypertension (MH) from MH associated with aHUS (isolated MH (n=15): BP (median (IQR)): 220 (182-249)/132 (101-150) mmHg; MH with aHUS (n=5): BP: 223 (196-245)/131 (111-144) mmHg).

The risk of vigilance disturbances (6.9%, 15.0%, 25.0%, respectively), epileptic seizures (1.5%, 4.0%, 12.5%, respectively) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (0.76%, 2.97%, 6.82%, respectively) increased with increasing baseline BP values from grade 1 to grade 3 hypertension.

ESKD occurred in 35/563 (6.2%) patients (1.23%, 2.27%, 11.9% and 19.3% of patients with normal BP, grade 1, 2 and 3 hypertension, respectively). As compared to patients with normal BP (<120/139 mmHg), grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 hypertension were associated with a greater risk of ESKD in univariate (OR: 1.91 [0.83-4.40], 13.2 [3.56-48.9] and 34.8 [9.31-130], respectively) and multivariate (OR: 0.89 [0.30-2.69], 7.00 [1.57-31.3] and 19.7 [4.53-85.2], respectively) analyses. The association between BP and the risk of ESRD was unchanged after adjustment on eculizumab use (OR: 3.46 [1.41-8.49], 17.7 [4.44-70.0] and 70.6 [8.61-579], respectively). Patients with MH, regardless of its cause, had a greater risk of ESKD (OR: 26.4 [10.0-69.8] vs other patients).

Conclusions

Baseline BP differs in primary and secondary TMAs. High BP reduces the neurological tolerance of TMAs and is a powerful independent risk factor of ESKD, even after adjustment on TMA’s cause.