bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of development of cardiac and digestive disorders among patients with indeterminate chronic Chagas Disease
Authors: Nunes da Costa Erika Alessandra Pellison , Victória Cassiano , Fortaleza Carlos Magno Castelo Branco
Published: August 2021

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease, CD) affects circa 7 million persons worldwide. While of those persons present the asymptomatic, indeterminate chronic form (ICF), many will eventually progress to cardiac or digestive disorders. We studied a nonconcurrent (retrospective) cohort of patients attending an outpatient CD clinic in Southeastern Brazil, who were admitted while presenting the ICF in the period from 1998 through 2018 and followed until 2019. The outcomes of interest were the progression to cardiac or digestive CD forms. We were also interested in analyzing the impact of Benznidazole therapy on the progression of the disease. Extensive review of medical charts and laboratory files was conducted, collecting data up to year 2019. Demographics (upon inclusion), body mass index, comorbidities (including the Charlson index) and use of Benznidazole were recorded. The outcomes were defined by abnormalities in those test that could not be attributed to other causes. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariable Cox regression models. Among 379 subjects included in the study, 87 (22.9%) and 100 (26.4%) progressed to cardiac and digestive forms, respectively. In the final multivariable model, cardiac disorders were positively associated with previous coronary syndrome (Hazzard Ratio [HR], 2.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.53–3.81) and negatively associated with Benznidazole therapy (HR, 0.26; 95%CI, 0.11–0.60). On the other hand, female gender was the only independent predictor of progression to digestive forms (HR, 1.56; 95%CI, 1.03–2.38). Our results point to the impact of comorbidities on progression do cardiac CD, with possible benefit of the use of Benznidazole.
Examining Bayesian network modeling in identification of dangerous driving behavior
Authors: Peng Yichuan , Cheng Leyi , Jiang Yuming , Zhu Shengxue
Published: August 2021

Traffic safety problems are still very serious and human factor is the one of most important factors affecting traffic crashes. Taking Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) data as the research object, this study defines six control indicators and uses principal component analysis and K-means++ clustering methods to get the driving style of different drivers. Then use the Bayesian Networks Toolbox (BNT) and MCMC algorithm to realize the structure learning of Bayesian network. and parameter learning was completed through Netica software. Finally, the vehicle-based traffic crash risk model was created to conduct sensitivity analysis, posterior probability inference, and simulation data was used to detect the feasibility of the model. The results show that the Bayesian network modeling can not only express the relationship between the crash risk and various driving behaviors, but also dig out the inherent relationship between different influencing factors and investigate the causes of driving risks. The results will be beneficial to accurately identify and prevent risky driving behavior.
Environmental factors shaping stable isotope signatures of modern red deer (Cervus elaphus) inhabiting various habitats
Authors: Sykut Maciej , Pawełczyk Sławomira , Borowik Tomasz , Pokorny Boštjan , Flajšman Katarina , Hunink Tjibbe , Niedziałkowska Magdalena
Published: August 2021

Stable isotope analyses of bone collagen are often used in palaeoecological studies to reveal environmental conditions in the habitats of different herbivore species. However, such studies require valuable reference data, obtained from analyses of modern individuals, in habitats of well-known conditions. In this article, we present the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of bone collagen from modern red deer (N = 242 individuals) dwelling in various habitats (N = 15 study sites) in Europe. We investigated which of the selected climatic and environmental factors affected the δ13C and δ15N values in bone collagen of the studied specimens. Among all analyzed factors, the percent of forest cover influenced the carbon isotopic composition most significantly, and decreasing forest cover caused an increase in δ13C values. The δ15N was positively related to the proportion of open area and (only in the coastal areas) negatively related to the distance to the seashore. Using rigorous statistical methods and a large number of samples, we confirmed that δ13C and δ15N values can be used as a proxy of past habitats of red deer.
Discrepancies between clinical diagnosis and hospital autopsy: A comparative retrospective analysis of 1,112 cases
Authors: Kurz Stephan D. , Sido Viyan , Herbst Hermann , Ulm Bernhard , Salkic Erma , Ruschinski Thomas M. , Buschmann Claas T. , Tsokos Michael
Published: August 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare discrepancies between diagnosed and autopsied causes of death in 1,112 hospital autopsies and to determine the factors causing this discrepancies.

Methods

1,112 hospital autopsies between 2010 and 2013 were retrospectively studied. Ante-mortem diagnoses were compared to causes of death as determined by autopsy. Clinical diagnoses were extracted from the autopsy request form, and post-mortem diagnoses were assessed from respective autopsy reports. Variables, such as sex, age, Body Mass Index, category of disease, duration of hospital stay and new-borns were studied in comparison to discrepancy. P-values were derived from the Mann-Whitney U test for the constant features and chi-2 test, p-values < 0,05 were considered significant.

Results

73.9% (n = 822) patients showed no discrepancy between autopsy and clinical diagnosis. The duration of hospitalisation (6 vs. 9 days) and diseases of the cardiovascular system (61.7%) had a significant impact on discrepancies.

Conclusion

Age, cardiovascular diseases and duration of hospital stay significantly affect discrepancies in ante- and post-mortem diagnoses.
Acute and endothelial-specific Robo4 deletion affect hematopoietic stem cell trafficking independent of VCAM1
Authors: Smith-Berdan Stephanie , Bercasio Alyssa , Kramer Leah , Petkus Bryan , Hinck Lindsay , Forsberg E. Camilla
Published: August 2021

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) trafficking is regulated by a number of complex mechanisms. Among them are the transmembrane protein Robo4 and the vascular cell adhesion molecule, VCAM1. Endothelial VCAM1 is a well-known regulator of hematopoietic cell trafficking, and our previous studies revealed that germline deletion of Robo4 led to impaired HSC trafficking, with an increase in vascular endothelial cell (VEC) numbers and downregulation of VCAM1 protein on sinusoidal VECs. Here, we utilized two Robo4 conditional deletion models in parallel with Robo4 germline knockout mice (R4KO) to evaluate the effects of acute and endothelial cell-specific Robo4 deletion on HSC trafficking. Strikingly similar to the R4KO, the acute deletion of Robo4 resulted in altered HSC distribution between the bone marrow and blood compartments, despite normal numbers of VECs and wild-type levels of VCAM1 cell surface protein on sinusoidal VECs. Additionally, consistent with the R4KO mice, acute loss of Robo4 in the host perturbed long-term engraftment of donor wild-type HSCs and improved HSC mobilization to the peripheral blood. These data demonstrate the significant role that endothelial Robo4 plays in directional HSC trafficking, independent of alterations in VEC numbers and VCAM1 expression.
Preterm birth and social support services for prenatal depression and social determinants
Authors: Reno Rebecca , Burch Johanna , Stookey Jodi , Jackson Rebecca , Joudeh Layla , Guendelman Sylvia
Published: August 2021

Preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks gestation), is a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity. Among those born preterm, risk increases as gestational age at birth decreases. Psychosocial factors such as depression symptoms and social determinants of health (SDH) may increase risk for PTB. Research is needed to understand these risk factors and identify effective interventions. This retrospective cohort study recruited English- and Spanish-speaking women presenting symptoms of preterm labor or admitted for PTB from an urban county hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area (n = 47). We used an iterative analytic approach by which qualitative data informed an exploratory quantitative analysis. Key exposures were presence of self-reported depression symptoms during pregnancy, SDH along eight domains, and receipt of behavioral health services. The outcome was gestational age at birth. T-tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and linear regression models were used to test associations between the exposures and gestational age. Most participants were Black (25.5%) or Latina (59.6%). After adjusting for covariates, participants with depression symptoms had an average gestational age 3.1 weeks shorter (95% CI: -5.02, -1.20) than women reporting no symptoms. After adjusting for covariates, high number of adverse social determinants (≥ 4) suggested an association with shorter gestational age (p= 0.07, 1.65 weeks, 95% CI: -3.44, 0.14). Receipt of behavioral health services was associated with a significantly later gestational age; the median difference was 5.5 weeks longer for depression symptoms, 3.5 weeks longer for high social determinants, and 6 weeks longer for depression symptoms and high social determinants. Among a cohort of high-risk pregnant women, both depression symptoms during pregnancy and co-occurring with exposure to high adverse SDH are associated with shorter gestational age at birth, after controlling for psychosocial factors. Receipt of behavioral health services may be an effective intervention to address disparities in PTB.
Individual stress response patterns: Preliminary findings and possible implications
Authors: Jacoby Rebecca , Greenfeld Barsky Keren , Porat Tal , Harel Stav , Hanalis Miller Tsipi , Goldzweig Gil
Published: August 2021

Background

Research on stress occupied a central position during the 20thcentury. As it became evident that stress responses affect a wide range of negative outcomes, various stress management techniques were developed in attempt to reduce the damages. However, the existing interventions are applied for a range of different stress responses, sometimes unsuccessfully.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether there are specific clusters of stress responses representing interpersonal variation. In other words, do people have dominant clusters reflecting the different aspects of the known stress responses (physiological, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive)?

Methods

The researchers derived a measure of stress responses based on previous scales and used it in two studies in order to examine the hypothesis that stress responses can be grouped into dominant patterns according to the type of response.

Results

The results of Study 1 revealed four distinctive response categories: psychological (emotional and cognitive), physiological gastro, physiological muscular, and behavioral. The results of Study 2 revealed five distinctive response categories: emotional, cognitive, physiological gastro, physiological muscular, and behavioral.

Conclusion

By taking into consideration each person’s stress response profile while planning stress management interventions and then offering them a tailored intervention that reduces the intensity of these responses, it might be possible to prevent further complications resulting in a disease (physical or mental).
Characterisation of putative lactate synthetic pathways of Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Hofmann Janine , Bitew Mebratu A. , Kuba Miku , De Souza David P. , Newton Hayley J. , Sansom Fiona M.
Published: August 2021

The zoonotic pathogen Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of the human disease Q fever, is an ever-present danger to global public health. Investigating novel metabolic pathways necessary for C. burnetii to replicate within its unusual intracellular niche may identify new therapeutic targets. Recent studies employing stable isotope labelling established the ability of C. burnetii to synthesize lactate, despite the absence of an annotated synthetic pathway on its genome. A noncanonical lactate synthesis pathway could provide a novel anti-Coxiella target if it is essential for C. burnetii pathogenesis. In this study, two C. burnetii proteins, CBU1241 and CBU0823, were chosen for analysis based on their similarities to known lactate synthesizing enzymes. Recombinant GST-CBU1241, a putative malate dehydrogenase (MDH), did not produce measurable lactate in in vitro lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assays and was confirmed to function as an MDH. Recombinant 6xHis-CBU0823, a putative NAD+-dependent malic enzyme, was shown to have both malic enzyme activity and MDH activity, however, did not produce measurable lactate in either LDH or malolactic enzyme activity assays in vitro. To examine potential lactate production by CBU0823 more directly, [13C]glucose labelling experiments compared label enrichment within metabolic pathways of a cbu0823 transposon mutant and the parent strain. No difference in lactate production was observed, but the loss of CBU0823 significantly reduced 13C-incorporation into glycolytic and TCA cycle intermediates. This disruption to central carbon metabolism did not have any apparent impact on intracellular replication within THP-1 cells. This research provides new information about the mechanism of lactate biosynthesis within C. burnetii, demonstrating that CBU1241 is not multifunctional, at least in vitro, and that CBU0823 also does not synthesize lactate. Although critical for normal central carbon metabolism of C. burnetii, loss of CBU0823 did not significantly impair replication of the bacterium inside cells.
Development of mammary cancer in γ-irradiated F1 hybrids of susceptible Sprague-Dawley and resistant Copenhagen rats, with copy-number losses that pinpoint potential tumor suppressors
Authors: Nishimura Mayumi , Daino Kazuhiro , Fukuda Maki , Tanaka Ikuya , Moriyama Hitomi , Showler Kaye , Nishimura Yukiko , Takabatake Masaru , Kokubo Toshiaki , Ishikawa Atsuko , Inoue Kazumasa , Fukushi Masahiro , Kakinuma Shizuko , Imaoka Tatsuhiko , Shimada Yoshiya
Published: August 2021

Copenhagen rats are highly resistant to mammary carcinogenesis, even after treatment with chemical carcinogens and hormones; most studies indicate that this is a dominant genetic trait. To test whether this trait is also dominant after radiation exposure, we characterized the susceptibility of irradiated Copenhagen rats to mammary carcinogenesis, as well as its inheritance, and identified tumor-suppressor genes that, when inactivated or mutated, may contribute to carcinogenesis. To this end, mammary cancer–susceptible Sprague-Dawley rats, resistant Copenhagen rats, and their F1 hybrids were irradiated with 4 Gy of γ-rays, and tumor development was monitored. Copy-number variations and allelic imbalances of genomic DNA were studied using microarrays and PCR analysis of polymorphic markers. Gene expression was assessed by quantitative PCR in normal tissues and induced mammary cancers of F1 rats. Irradiated Copenhagen rats exhibited a very low incidence of mammary cancer. Unexpectedly, this resistance trait did not show dominant inheritance in F1 rats; rather, they exhibited intermediate susceptibility levels (i.e., between those of their parent strains). The susceptibility of irradiated F1 rats to the development of benign mammary tumors (i.e., fibroadenoma and adenoma) was also intermediate. Copy-number losses were frequently observed in chromosome regions 1q52–54 (24%), 2q12–15 (33%), and 3q31–42 (24%), as were focal (38%) and whole (29%) losses of chromosome 5. Some of these chromosomal regions exhibited allelic imbalances. Many cancer-related genes within these regions were downregulated in mammary tumors as compared with normal mammary tissue. Some of the chromosomal losses identified have not been reported previously in chemically induced models, implying a novel mechanism inherent to the irradiated model. Based on these findings, Sprague-Dawley × Copenhagen F1 rats offer a useful model for exploring genes responsible for radiation-induced mammary cancer, which apparently are mainly located in specific regions of chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Sadness regulation strategies and measurement: A scoping review
Authors: Zaid Sumaia Mohammed , Hutagalung Fonny Dameaty , Bin Abd Hamid Harris Shah , Taresh Sahar Mohammed
Published: August 2021

Backgrounds

Accurate measurement and suitable strategies facilitate people regulate their sadness in an effective manner. Regulating or mitigating negative emotions, particularly sadness, is crucial mainly because constant negative emotions may lead to psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This paper presents an overview of sadness regulation strategies and related measurement.

Method

Upon adhering to five-step scoping review, this study combed through articles that looked into sadness regulation retrieved from eight databases.

Results

As a result of reviewing 40 selected articles, 110 strategies were identified to regulate emotions, particularly sadness. Some of the most commonly reported strategies include expressive suppression, cognitive reappraisal, distraction, seeking social or emotional support, and rumination. The four types of measures emerged from the review are self-reported, informant report (parents or peers), open-ended questions, and emotion regulation instructions. Notably, most studies had tested psychometric properties using Cronbach’s alpha alone, while only a handful had assessed validity (construct and factorial validity) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha or test-retest) based on responses captured from questionnaire survey.

Conclusion

Several sadness regulation strategies appeared to vary based on gender, age, and use of strategy. Despite the general measurement of emotion regulation, only one measure was developed to measure sadness regulation exclusively for children. Future studies may develop a comprehensive battery of measures to assess sadness regulation using multi-component method.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence and associated factors in an urban HIV clinic in a low income country
Authors: Ddungu Ahmed , Semitala Fred C. , Castelnuovo Barbara , Sekaggya-Wiltshire Christine , Worodria William , Kirenga Bruce J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In the last decade, survival of people living with HIV (PLHIV) has dramatically increased due wide availability of effective antiretroviral therapy. However, PLHIV remain at a comparatively higher risk of non-communicable comorbidities. We sought to determine the burden of COPD and its associations in an urban tertiary HIV clinic in Uganda.

Methods and findings

HIV-infected adults attending the Makerere University Joint AIDS program; aged ≥30 years without acute ailments were screened for COPD using study questionnaires and spirometry (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.7). We determined its prevalence and association with demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI) and known risk factors.

Of 288 participants enrolled, 177 (61%) were female; 253 (88%) were from urban residences, median age was 45 years (IQR: 39–51), 71(25%) were ‘ever’ smokers, 284(99%) reported biomass fuel use and 72(25%) had a history of tuberculosis. All except 1 participant were on antiretroviral therapy, median current CD4 (cells/mm3) was 558 (IQR 402–753) and 275(96%) were virologically suppressed. Nearly half (130/288, 45%) had recurrent respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of COPD was 3.1% (9/288) [95% CI: 1.63–5.92]. COPD was associated with: previous tuberculosis, (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.36, [95% CI 1.64–35.84], P = 0.036), self-reported chronic shortness of breath (AOR: 9.06, [95% CI 1.34–61.10], P = 0.024) and a BMI <21 Kg/m2 (AOR: 10.42 [95% CI: 1.61–100.00], P = 0.013).

Conclusion

In this HIV population, COPD prevalence was low and was associated with previous tuberculosis, self-reported chronic shortness of breath and BMI <21 Kg/m2.
Cohort profile: Epigenetics in Pregnancy (EPIPREG) – population-based sample of European and South Asian pregnant women with epigenome-wide DNA methylation (850k) in peripheral blood leukocytes
Authors: Fragoso-Bargas Nicolas , Opsahl Julia O. , Kiryushchenko Nadezhda , Böttcher Yvonne , Lee-Ødegård Sindre , Qvigstad Elisabeth , Richardsen Kåre Rønn , Waage Christin W. , Sletner Line , Jenum Anne Karen , Prasad Rashmi B. , Groop Leif C. , Moen Gunn-Helen , Birkeland Kåre I. , Sommer Christine
Published: August 2021

Pregnancy is a valuable model to study the association between DNA methylation and several cardiometabolic traits, due to its direct potential to influence mother’s and child’s health. Epigenetics in Pregnancy (EPIPREG) is a population-based sample with the aim to study associations between DNA-methylation in pregnancy and cardiometabolic traits in South Asian and European pregnant women and their offspring. This cohort profile paper aims to present our sample with genetic and epigenetic data and invite researchers with similar cohorts to collaborative projects, such as replication of ours or their results and meta-analysis. In EPIPREG we have quantified epigenome-wide DNA methylation in maternal peripheral blood leukocytes in gestational week 28±1 in Europeans (n = 312) and South Asians (n = 168) that participated in the population-based cohort STORK Groruddalen, in Norway. DNA methylation was measured with Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (850k sites), with technical validation of four CpG sites using bisulphite pyrosequencing in a subset (n = 30). The sample is well characterized with few missing data on e.g. genotype, universal screening for gestational diabetes, objectively measured physical activity, bioelectrical impedance, anthropometrics, biochemical measurements, and a biobank with maternal serum and plasma, urine, placenta tissue. In the offspring, we have repeated ultrasounds during pregnancy, cord blood, and anthropometrics up to 4 years of age. We have quantified DNA methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes in nearly all eligible women from the STORK Groruddalen study, to minimize the risk of selection bias. Genetic principal components distinctly separated Europeans and South Asian women, which fully corresponded with the self-reported ethnicity. Technical validation of 4 CpG sites from the methylation bead chip showed good agreement with bisulfite pyrosequencing. We plan to study associations between DNA methylation and cardiometabolic traits and outcomes.
Identification and functional modelling of plausibly causative cis-regulatory variants in a highly-selected cohort with X-linked intellectual disability
Authors: Bengani Hemant , Grozeva Detelina , Moyon Lambert , Bhatia Shipra , Louros Susana R. , Hope Jilly , Jackson Adam , Prendergast James G. , Owen Liusaidh J. , Naville Magali , Rainger Jacqueline , Grimes Graeme , Halachev Mihail , Murphy Laura C. , Spasic-Boskovic Olivera , van Heyningen Veronica , Kind Peter , Abbott Catherine M. , Osterweil Emily , Raymond F. Lucy , Roest Crollius Hugues , FitzPatrick David R.
Published: August 2021

Identifying causative variants in cis-regulatory elements (CRE) in neurodevelopmental disorders has proven challenging. We have used in vivo functional analyses to categorize rigorously filtered CRE variants in a clinical cohort that is plausibly enriched for causative CRE mutations: 48 unrelated males with a family history consistent with X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) in whom no detectable cause could be identified in the coding regions of the X chromosome (chrX). Targeted sequencing of all chrX CRE identified six rare variants in five affected individuals that altered conserved bases in CRE targeting known XLID genes and segregated appropriately in families. Two of these variants, FMR1CRE and TENM1CRE, showed consistent site- and stage-specific differences of enhancer function in the developing zebrafish brain using dual-color fluorescent reporter assay. Mouse models were created for both variants. In male mice Fmr1CRE induced alterations in neurodevelopmental Fmr1 expression, olfactory behavior and neurophysiological indicators of FMRP function. The absence of another likely causative variant on whole genome sequencing further supported FMR1CRE as the likely basis of the XLID in this family. Tenm1CRE mice showed no phenotypic anomalies. Following the release of gnomAD 2.1, reanalysis showed that TENM1CRE exceeded the maximum plausible population frequency of a XLID causative allele. Assigning causative status to any ultra-rare CRE variant remains problematic and requires disease-relevant in vivo functional data from multiple sources. The sequential and bespoke nature of such analyses renders them time-consuming and challenging to scale for routine clinical use.
Fuzzy adaptive fault diagnosis and compensation for variable structure hypersonic vehicle with multiple faults
Authors: Hu Kaiyu , Li Wenhao , Cheng Zian
Published: August 2021

Based on the type-II fuzzy logic, this paper proposes a robust adaptive fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control (FTC) scheme for multisensor faults in the variable structure hypersonic vehicles with parameter uncertainties. Type-II fuzzy method approximates the original models while eliminating the parameter uncertainties. Hence the sensor faults are detected and isolated by the multiple output residuals and thresholds considering nonlinear approximation errors and disturbance. Based on the fuzzy adaptive augmented observer, the faults and disturbance are all estimated accurately by an improved proportional-differential part. Then a variable structure FTC scheme repairs the faults by the estimation, the fast-varying disturbance is considered in FTC scheme and is compensated by the control parameters designed based on its derivative function, thereby enhancing the output robust tracking accuracy of the variable structure hypersonic vehicles. The Lyapunov theory proves the system robust stability, semi-physical simulation verifies the validity of the proposed method and the superiority compared with the traditional method.
Public perceptions and knowledge of cholesterol management in a multi-ethnic Asian population: A population-based survey
Authors: Lim Chiw Yeh , Ho Jien Sze , Huang Zijuan , Gao Fei , Tan Swee Yaw , Koh Woon Puay , Chua Terrance , Low Lip Ping , Tan Huay Cheem , Yoon Sungwon
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Hyperlipidemia is one of the important modifiable risk factors for CVDs. Raising public awareness of CVD risks is an important step in reducing CVD burdens. In this study, we aimed to assess public awareness and knowledge of cholesterol and its management in a multiethnic Asian population.

Methods

We recruited 1000 participants from three major ethnic groups for this nationwide population-based survey. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographics, knowledge of cholesterol and cholesterol-lowering medications. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with good knowledge on cholesterol and its management.

Results

Of the participants, 65% thought that high cholesterol produces symptoms and that lifestyle modification would be as effective as medication at lowering cholesterol. Nearly 70% believed that long term statin could lead to kidney or liver damage, and 56% thought that statin was associated with higher risk of cancer. A third saw herbal medicine or supplements as healthier and safer. About 45% believed that statin therapy should not be taken long term and that one could stop taking cholesterol medication when cholesterol is under control. Malays were more likely to have poor knowledge (adjusted OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47–0.98; P = 0.039) compared to Chinese. Participants with intermediate education were more likely to have good knowledge of cholesterol and its management (adjusted OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.11–2.51; P = 0.013) compared to those with primary education.

Conclusion

Public knowledge and awareness of high cholesterol and its management remains poor in Asian multi-ethnic population. Understanding gaps in public knowledge can inform the implementation of health promotion programs to effectively raise awareness of cholesterol and its management.
Abrupt and altered cell-type specific DNA methylation profiles in blood during acute HIV infection persists despite prompt initiation of ART
Authors: Corley Michael J. , Sacdalan Carlo , Pang Alina P. S. , Chomchey Nitiya , Ratnaratorn Nisakorn , Valcour Victor , Kroon Eugene , Cho Kyu S. , Belden Andrew C. , Colby Donn , Robb Merlin , Hsu Denise , Spudich Serena , Paul Robert , Vasan Sandhya , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. ,   the SEARCH010/RV254 and SEARCH013/RV304 study groups
Published: August 2021

HIV-1 disrupts the host epigenetic landscape with consequences for disease pathogenesis, viral persistence, and HIV-associated comorbidities. Here, we examined how soon after infection HIV-associated epigenetic changes may occur in blood and whether early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) impacts epigenetic modifications. We profiled longitudinal genome-wide DNA methylation in monocytes and CD4+T lymphocytes from 22 participants in the RV254/SEARCH010 acute HIV infection (AHI) cohort that diagnoses infection within weeks after estimated exposure and immediately initiates ART. We identified monocytes harbored 22,697 differentially methylated CpGs associated with AHI compared to 294 in CD4+T lymphocytes. ART minimally restored less than 1% of these changes in monocytes and had no effect upon T cells. Monocyte DNA methylation patterns associated with viral load, CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and longitudinal clinical phenotypes. Our findings suggest HIV-1 rapidly embeds an epigenetic memory not mitigated by ART and support determining epigenetic signatures in precision HIV medicine.

Trial Registration:NCT00782808andNCT00796146.
Prospective Evaluation of Endoscopic and Histologic Indices in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Using Centralized Review
Authors: Ricciuto Amanda , Carman Nicholas , Benchimol Eric I. , Siddiqui Iram , Putra Juan , Khanna Reena , Griffiths Anne M. , Walters Thomas D. , Church Peter C.
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION:

We aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) and Mayo Endoscopy Score (MES) and to validate the Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI) and Nancy Index (NI) in pediatric UC. We examined rectosigmoid and pancolonic versions of each instrument.

METHODS:

Single-center cross-sectional study of 60 prospectively enrolled participants. Through central endoscopy review, 4 pediatric gastroenterologists assigned rectosigmoid and pancolonic (mean of 5 colonic segments) UCEIS and MES scores. Two blinded pathologists assigned rectosigmoid and pancolonic RHI and NI scores. We assessed reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients and weighted kappa statistics and explored construct validity with correlations, boxplots, and receiver operator characteristic curves.

RESULTS:

The UCEIS and MES displayed almost perfect intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted kappa ≥0.85), moderate-to-strong correlation with histologic/clinical activity and fecal calprotectin (FC), and very strong correlation with global endoscopic severity (r > 0.9). Rectosigmoid UCEIS and MES scores of 0 were highly specific (≥95%) for endoscopic and histologic remission throughout the colon. Pancolonic endoscopy scores correlated more strongly with histologic activity, clinical activity, and systemic inflammatory markers and better discriminated between degrees of active disease. RHI and NI showed moderate-to-strong correlation (r = 0.5–0.83) with endoscopic/clinical activity and FC.

DISCUSSION:

Our findings support the reliability and construct validity of the UCEIS and MES and the construct validity of the RHI and NI in pediatric UC. Normal rectosigmoid findings predicted pancolonic healing, but, given active disease, pancolonic endoscopic assessment more accurately captured global disease burden.
Prediction of Esophageal Retention: A Study Comparing High-Resolution Manometry and Functional Luminal Imaging Probe Panometry
Authors: Carlson Dustin A. , Baumann Alexandra J. , Prescott Jacqueline E. , Schauer Jacob M. , Krause Amanda , Donnan Erica N. , Kou Wenjun , Kahrilas Peter J. , Pandolfino John E.
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION:

High-resolution manometry (HRM) is generally considered the primary method to evaluate esophageal motility; functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) panometry represents a novel method to do so and is completed during sedated endoscopy. This study aimed to compare HRM and FLIP panometry in predicting esophageal retention on timed barium esophagram (TBE).

METHODS:

A total of 329 adult patients who completed FLIP, HRM, and TBE for primary esophageal motility evaluation were included. An abnormal TBE was defined by a 1-minute column height >5 cm or impaction of a 12.5-mm barium tablet. The integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) on HRM was assessed in the supine and upright patient positions. Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening was evaluated with 16-cm FLIP performed during sedated endoscopy through EGJ-distensibility index and maximum EGJ diameter.

RESULTS:

Receiver operating characteristic curves to identify an abnormal TBE demonstrated AUC (95% confidence interval) of 0.79 (0.75–0.84) for supine IRP, 0.79 (0.76–0.86) for upright IRP, 0.84 (0.79–0.88) for EGJ-distensibility index, and 0.88 (0.85–0.92) for maximum EGJ diameter. Logistic regression to predict abnormal TBE showed odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.8 (0.84–3.7) for consistent IRP elevation and 39.7 (16.4–96.2) for reduced EGJ opening on FLIP panometry. Of 40 patients with HRM-FLIP panometry discordance, HRM-IRP was consistent with TBE in 23% while FLIP panometry was consistent with TBE in 78%.

DISCUSSION:

FLIP panometry provided superior detection of esophageal retention over IRP on HRM. However, application of a complementary evaluation involving FLIP panometry, HRM, and TBE may be necessary to accurately diagnose esophageal motility disorders.
Evaluating the Impact of Cost on the Treatment Algorithm for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Shah Eric D. , Staller Kyle , Nee Judy , Ahuja Nitin K. , Chan Walter W. , Lembo Anthony , Brenner Darren M. , Siegel Corey A. , Chey William D.
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a common and burdensome illness. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of the US Food and Drug Administration–approved CIC drugs to evaluate and quantify treatment preferences compared with usual care from insurer and patient perspectives.

METHODS:

We evaluated the subset of patients with CIC and documented failure of over-the-counter (OTC) osmotic or bulk-forming laxatives. A RAND/UCLA consensus panel of 8 neurogastroenterologists informed model design. Treatment outcomes and costs were defined using integrated analyses of registered clinical trials and the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services–supported cost databases. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated using health utilities derived from clinical trials. A 12-week time horizon was used.

RESULTS:

With continued OTC laxatives, CIC-related costs were $569 from an insurer perspective compared with $3,154 from a patient perspective (considering lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses). CIC prescription drugs increased insurer costs by $618–$1,015 but decreased patient costs by $327–$1,117. Effectiveness of CIC drugs was similar (0.02 QALY gained/12 weeks or ∼7 healthy days gained/year). From an insurer perspective, prescription drugs (linaclotide, prucalopride, and plecanatide) seemed less cost-effective than continued OTC laxatives (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio >$150,000/QALY gained). From a patient perspective, the cost-effective algorithm started with plecanatide, followed by choosing between prucalopride and linaclotide starting at the 145-μg dose (favoring prucalopride among patients whose disease affects their work productivity). The patient perspective was driven by drug tolerability and treatment effects on quality of life.

DISCUSSION:

Addressing costs at a policy level has the potential to enable patients and clinicians to move from navigating barriers in treatment access toward truly optimizing treatment choice.
Interseccionalidade
Authors: Pie Isabel
Published: August 2021

A partir de uma revisão bibliográfica que inclui teoria social, teoria sociolinguística e estudos de percepção sociolinguística no campo do gênero e da sexualidade, busca-se defender o uso da interseccionalidade como ferramenta de análise sociolinguística. Explica-se a origem da interseccionalidade, que remete aos movimentos sociais dos anos 1960 e 1970 e à teoria do direito legal. Além disso, discutem-se as diferentes abordagens interseccionais. Três experimentos sociolinguísticos que exploram percepções sobre gênero e sexualidade, cuja análise está alinhada com a perspectiva interseccional são expostos, assim como as vantagens apresentadas por essa abordagem analítica. Ao fim, ressalta-se a importância de uma visão dinâmica das categorias sociais e de fatores contextuais para a compreensão de significados sociais de variáveis sociolinguísticas.
Sentenças Judiciais e Acessibilidade Textual e Terminológica
Authors: Motta Ester
Published: August 2021

Neste artigo, apresentamos parte do desenvolvimento da nossa pesquisa de doutorado em andamento no Programa de Pós-Graduação da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Nesta pesquisa procuramos gerar dados descritivos sobre a linguagem em uso em Sentenças dos Juizados Especiais Cíveis, que se baseiam em princípios como a informalidade e a simplicidade e foram criados para ampliar e facilitar o acesso à Justiça. E, considerando que muitos do que recorrem a esses Juizados são pessoas com baixa renda e escolaridade limitada, a reflexão que fazemos é sobre como, pela simplificação textual, vista como uma tradução intralinguística, se poderia promover a acessibilidade textual e terminológica dessas Sentenças. Para a consecução das análises, com base nos estudos relativos à simplificação textual e por meio das ferramentas AntConc, Sketch Engine e Coh-Metrix-Dementia, analisamos alguns índices de coesão e coerência textual de um corpus dessas sentenças e comparamos o seu léxico com o de um corpus de textos do Diário Gaúcho e com um corpus de referência do português popular brasileiro escrito, o CorPop. Ambos representam o que se pode chamar de português cotidiano escrito. Com base nos resultados dessas análises, propomos alternativas de reescritas mais adequadas ao cidadão brasileiro adulto com baixa escolaridade e pouca experiência em leitura. Os resultados iniciais sugerem que as sentenças desses Juizados Especiais apresentam padrões lexicais e sintáticos pouco coincidentes com padrões da linguagem cotidiana escrita, de modo que podem dificultar a inteligibilidade para o público a que se destinam.
Levantamento de unidades lexicais especializadas relativas à cura, em tratados medicinais do Brasil colonial
Authors: Domladovac Silva Carolina , Murakawa Clotilde de Almeida Azevedo
Published: August 2021

Objetiva-se apresentar neste artigo um levantamento do léxico temático relativo ao domínio da cura das enfermidades que acometiam a população, no Brasil colonial, à luz da concepção de ‘termo’ da Teoria Comunicativa da Terminologia. Primeiramente, faz-se uso de um glossário já existente em uma obra do período, a fim de recolher as unidades referentes ao domínio escolhido. Em seguida, buscam-se suas definições oferecidas em três dicionários do mesmo período, e extraem-se os contextos de três documentos do século XVIII, selecionados no Banco de Dados do Dicionário Histórico do Português do Brasil - séculos XVI, XVII e XVIII. Por meio da comparação entre os contextos e as definições, nota-se que, embora os lexicógrafos tenham-se utilizado de marcas linguísticas em seus verbetes, o contexto de uso, seria suficiente para que se reconhecessem tais unidades como termos.
Popularização do conhecimento científico
Authors: Santos Candice Guarato , Almeida Diélen dos Reis Borges
Published: August 2021

O objetivo desta entrevista é mostrar como funciona a divulgação científica numa universidade.
Qualidade Ambiental de remanescentes florestais na sub-bacia do Rio Capivari (Campinas/SP)
Authors: Silva Alessandra Leite da , Ribeiro Admilson Írio , Longo Regina Márcia
Published: August 2021

Os remanescentes florestais apresentam uma relevante multifuncionalidade para o fornecimento de serviços ecossistêmicos para as cidades, especialmente relacionados à disponibilidade hídrica em aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos, visto que contribuem para o controle do escoamento superficial e das inundações, redução da poluição filtragem da água, dentre outros. Diante disso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade ambiental dos remanescentes florestais da sub-bacia do rio Capivari, em Campinas-SP, que apresenta alto potencial hídrico, utilizando-se métricas da paisagem. As análises foram realizadas em ArcGIS sobre as seguintes métricas: AREA, CAI, IC, ENN, PROXRIOS, AGUA, BORDA, EROD, aplicadas para o cálculo do Índice de Qualidade Ambiental (IQrem). Identificou-se que 78,0% dos remanescentes apresentam qualidade ambiental média, seguidos por 15,2% com qualidade baixa e apenas 6,8% com qualidade alta. Esta condição está principalmente relacionada à predominância de remanescentes com pouca ou nenhuma área central, associada à formatos predominantemente alongados e a distribuição destes remanescentes em uma malha predominantemente antropizada. Por outro lado, estes remanescentes apresentam considerável conectividade, já que mais de 50% estão próximos a algum remanescente vizinho em até 60 m. Um ponto chave identificado é o fato de que 93,2% dos remanescentes estão em até 60m de algum curso d’água. Desta forma, constatou-se que os remanescentes florestais apresentam uma significativa função para a manutenção da disponibilidade hídrica para o município de Campinas, em termos de qualidade e quantidade. Isto aumenta a importância de que sejam realizadas ações de manejo eficazes que contribuam para aumentar e assegurar a qualidade ambiental destes remanescentes.
Análise de mudanças na poluição atmosférica e sua relação com o isolamento social em função da pandemia da COVID-19 no Nordeste Brasileiro
Authors: Azevedo Laízy de Santana , Candeias Ana Lúcia Bezerra , Tavares Júnior João Rodrigues
Published: August 2021

Em março do ano 2020, a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) declarou a Covid-19 como uma pandemia. Neste contexto, acreditou-se então, que as medidas de isolamento social adotadas para retardar a disseminação desse vírus poderiam ter reduzido o nível de poluentes atmosféricos, como o dióxido de nitrogênio (NO2) e a Profundidade Óptica de Aerossol (AOD). Diante disso, a presente pesquisa identificou alterações na poluição atmosférica no Nordeste do Brasil através de imagens de satélite MODIS Terra / Aqua AOD e Sentinel 5P-TROPOMI para investigar alterações de AOD e NO2, respectivamente, durante o primeiro semestre de 2020 em relação ao mesmo período em 2019. O resultado revelou que o NO2 em quase todo o Território, foi reduzido no segundo bimestre de 2020 (-4,49%), o que corresponde ao período de início do bloqueio social. Já o terceiro bimestre apresentou aumento de 2,26%. Em relação ao AOD, apesar das desacelerações na interação social, não houve queda significativa. Também foi realizada uma verificação de poluentes em algumas áreas estratégicas, sendo elas: áreas urbanas, industriais e entorno de reservatórios de água e os resultados revelaram semelhanças entre as análises realizadas para o Nordeste como um todo e para estas áreas.
Contents
Authors: Nadar Sarojini
Published: August 2021

CONTENTS
Commentary—Extending the Boundaries of Systematic Case Study Research: Conceptual and Methodological Issues
Authors: Elliott Robert , Stephen Susan , Robinson Anna
Published: August 2021

In this commentary we discuss the two examples of systematic case study research in this issue: Miller et al., (2021), who continue the development of the quasi-judicial Panels of Psychological Inquiry method by applying it to a child client with an autistic spectrum condition; and Bohart et al. (2021), who apply their research jury approach to a video recorded case of Emotionally-Focused Therapy for couples.  We open by briefly summarizing the main issues addressed in our previous commentary (Stephen & Elliott, 2011), which involved the same authors; we also note some key developments in systematic case study research over the past ten years.  The rest of our commentary is divided into three parts. First, we look at more general conceptual issues in systematic case study research, including situations in which systematic case studies are likely to be most useful; the problem of overly broad research questions; the definition and assessment of outcome; and the thorny issue of causality.  In the second part, we turn our attention to methodological issues raised by the two articles, returning to the questions of what counts as evidence in systematic case study research (here the use of observational methods for assessing client change and change processes), but also to the processes by which research judges or jurors make decisions about knowledge claims and methods for generalizing from one case to other cases. In the final main section, we offer more substantive commentary on Miller et al. (2021), from the point of view of autism research. We start by putting the DIR/Floortime intervention in context before raising key diagnostic issues that we think circumscribe the case and spelling out uncertainties about the nature of the intervention used. We round off this section with a set of proposals for future systematic single case research on interventions for autism.  We close our commentary with a brief set of recommendations.
Alternative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by a new assay based on mass spectrometry
Authors: Stelzl Evelyn , Kessler Harald H. , Mustafa Hans G. , Mustafa Maria E. , Santner Brigitte I. , Seier Josef , La Torre Marco , Haushofer Alexander C.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is essential to stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the recently introduced MassARRAY® SARS-CoV-2 Panel and to compare it to the cobas® SARS-CoV-2 Test.

Methods

The MassARRAY® SARS-CoV-2 Panel consists of five assays targeting different sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Accuracy was determined using national and international proficiency panels including 27 samples. For clinical evaluation, 101 residual clinical samples were analyzed and results compared. Samples had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with the cobas® SARS-CoV-2 Test.

Results

When accuracy was tested with the MassARRAY® SARS-CoV-2 Panel, 25 of 27 (92.6%) samples revealed correct results. When clinical samples were analyzed with the MassARRAY® SARS-CoV-2 Panel and compared to the cobas® SARS-CoV-2 Test, 100 samples showed concordant results. One sample was found to be inconclusive with the MassARRAY® SARS-CoV-2 Panel. When time-to-results were compared, the new assay showed longer total and hands-on times.

Conclusions

The MassARRAY® SARS-CoV-2 Panel showed a good performance and proved to be suitable for use in the routine diagnostic laboratory. Especially during phases of shortage of reagents and/or disposables, the new test system appears as beneficial alternative to standard assays used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.