bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference range of fetal thorax using two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound VOCAL technique and application in fetal thoracic malformations
Authors: Lian Xihua , Xu Zhenhong , Zheng Liping , Zhu Zhixing , Ejiwale Tofunmi , Kumar Ayush , Cai Peiya , He Shaozheng , Liu Shunlan , Zhang Ying , Lyu Guorong
Published: February 2021

Background

To establish the normal reference range of fetal thorax by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound VOCAL technique and evaluate the application in diagnosing fetal thoracic malformations.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken involving 1077 women who have a normal singleton pregnancy at 13–40 weeks gestational age (GA). 2D ultrasound and 3D ultrasound VOCAL technique were utilized to assess fetal thoracic transverse diameter, thoracic anteroposterior diameter, thoracic circumference, thoracic area, lung volume, thoracic volume and lung-to-thoracic volume ratio. The nomograms of 2D and 3D fetal thoracic measurements were created to GA. 50 cases were randomly selected to calculate intra- and inter-observer reliability and agreement. In addition, the case groups including congenital skeletal dysplasia (SD) (15), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) (30), pulmonary sequestration (PS) (25) and congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) (36) were assessed by the nomograms and followed up subsequently.

Results

Both 2D and 3D fetal thoracic parameters increased with GA using a quadratic regression equation. The intra- and inter-observer reliability and agreement of each thoracic parameter were excellent. 2D fetal thoracic parameters could initially evaluate the fetal thoracic development and diagnose the skeletal thoracic deformity, and lung volume, thoracic volume and lung-to-thorax volume ratio were practical to diagnose and differentiate CDH, PS and CCAM.

Conclusion

We have established the normal fetal thoracic reference range at 13–40 weeks, which has a high value in diagnosing congenital thoracic malformations.
Assessment of acute kidney injury risk using a machine-learning guided generalized structural equation model: a cohort study
Authors: Wong Wen En Joseph , Chan Siew Pang , Yong Juin Keith , Tham Yen Yu Sherlyn , Lim Jie Rui Gerald , Sim Ming Ann , Soh Chai Rick , Ti Lian Kah , Chew Tsong Huey Sophia
Published: February 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury is common in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU). It is associated with poor patient outcomes and high healthcare resource usage. This study’s primary objective is to help identify which ICU patients are at high risk for acute kidney injury. Its secondary objective is to examine the effect of acute kidney injury on a patient’s prognosis during and after the ICU admission.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of patients admitted to a Singaporean surgical ICU between 2015 to 2017 was collated. Patients undergoing chronic dialysis were excluded. The outcomes were occurrence of ICU acute kidney injury, hospital mortality and one-year mortality. Predictors were identified using decision tree algorithms. Confirmatory analysis was performed using a generalized structural equation model.

Results

A total of 201/940 (21.4%) patients suffered acute kidney injury in the ICU. Low ICU haemoglobin levels, low ICU bicarbonate levels, ICU sepsis, low pre-ICU estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and congestive heart failure was associated with the occurrence of ICU acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury, together with old age (> 70 years), and low pre-ICU eGFR, was associated with hospital mortality, and one-year mortality. ICU haemoglobin level was discretized into 3 risk categories for acute kidney injury: high risk (haemoglobin ≤9.7 g/dL), moderate risk (haemoglobin between 9.8–12 g/dL), and low risk (haemoglobin > 12 g/dL).

Conclusion

The occurrence of acute kidney injury is common in the surgical ICU. It is associated with a higher risk for hospital and one-year mortality. These results, in particular the identified haemoglobin thresholds, are relevant for stratifying a patient’s acute kidney injury risk.
Intravenous methadone causes acute toxic and delayed inflammatory encephalopathy with persistent neurocognitive impairments
Authors: Repple Jonathan , Haessner Svea , Johnen Andreas , Landmeyer Nils C. , Schulte-Mecklenbeck Andreas , Pawlitzki Marc , Wiendl Heinz , Meyer zu Hörste Gerd
Published: February 2021

Background

The mu-opioid agonist methadone is administered orally and used in opioid detoxification and in the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain. Acute oral methadone–use and –abuse have been associated with inflammatory and toxic central nervous system (CNS) damage in some cases and cognitive deficits can develop in long-term methadone users. In contrast, reports of intravenous methadone adverse effects are rare.

Case presentation

Here, we report a patient who developed acute bilateral hearing loss, ataxia and paraparesis subsequently to intravenous methadone-abuse. While the patient gradually recovered from these deficits, widespread magnetic resonance imaging changes progressed and delayed-onset encephalopathy with signs of cortical dysfunction persisted. This was associated with changes in the composition of monocyte and natural killer cell subsets in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusion

This case suggests a potential bi-phasic primary toxic and secondary inflammatory CNS damage induced by intravenous methadone.
Tumor co-expression of progranulin and sortilin as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer
Authors: Berger Karoline , Rhost Sara , Rafnsdóttir Svanheiður , Hughes Éamon , Magnusson Ylva , Ekholm Maria , Stål Olle , Rydén Lisa , Landberg Göran
Published: February 2021

Background

The growth factor progranulin has been implicated in numerous biological processes such as wound healing, inflammation and progressive tumorigenesis. Both progranulin and its receptor sortilin are known to be highly expressed in subgroups of breast cancer and have been associated with various clinical properties including tamoxifen resistance. Recent data further suggest that progranulin, via its receptor sortilin, drives breast cancer stem cell propagation in vitro and increases metastasis formation in an in vivo breast cancer xenograft model. In this retrospective biomarker analysis, we aimed to determine whether tumor co-expression of progranulin and sortilin has prognostic and treatment predictive values for breast cancer patients.

Methods

We explored how co-expression of progranulin and sortilin was associated with established clinical markers by analyzing a tissue microarray including 560 randomized premenopausal breast cancer patients receiving either 2 years of tamoxifen treatment or no adjuvant treatment, with a median follow-up time of 28 years. Breast cancer-specific survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazards regression models to assess the prognostic and predictive value of progranulin and sortilin in relation to known clinical markers.

Results

Co-expression of progranulin and sortilin was observed in 20% of the breast cancer samples. In untreated patients, prognostic considerations could be detailed separately from treatment prediction and the high progranulin and sortilin expressing subgroup was significantly associated with breast cancer-specific death in multivariable analyses (HR=2.188, CI: 1.317–3.637, p=0.003) along with tumor size, high tumor grade and lymph node positivity. When comparing the untreated patients with tamoxifen treated patients in the ERα positive subgroup, co-expression of progranulin and sortilin was not linked to tamoxifen resistance.

Conclusion

Data suggest that co-expression of progranulin and its receptor sortilin is a novel prognostic biomarker combination identifying a highly malignant subgroup of breast cancer. Importantly, this subpopulation could potentially be targeted with anti-sortilin based therapies.
Bowel necrosis in patient with severe case of COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Soeselo Daniel Ardian , Hambali Wirawan , Theresia Sandy
Published: February 2021

Background

In patients who are critically ill with COVID-19, multiple extrapulmonary manifestations of the disease have been observed, including gastrointestinal manifestations.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 65 year old man with severe COVID-19 pneumonia that developed hypercoagulation and peritonitis. Emergent laparotomy was performed and we found bowel necrosis in two sites.

Conclusions

Although rare, the presentation of COVID-19 with bowel necrosis requires emergency treatments, and it has high mortality rate.
Management of high-energy tibial shaft fractures using the hexapod circular external fixator
Authors: Liu Yanshi , Liu Jialin , Yushan Maimaiaili , Liu Zhenhui , Zhang Tao , Ma He , Ma Chuang , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: February 2021

Background

The hexapod external fixator (HEF) is increasingly used for high-energy tibial shaft fracture care as more general orthopedic surgeons are gaining expertise of this versatile device. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the HEF for definitive management in patients with high-energy tibial shaft fractures.

Methods

The study was conducted on 34 patients with tibial shaft fractures who were admitted or referred to our institution and consented to HEF treatment from Jan 2016 to June 2019, including 27 males and 7 females with a mean age of 39 years (range 18 to 65 years). Patients' clinical and radiological data, and the final clinical outcomes at a minimum of 12 months follow-up were collected and retrospectively analyzed. All complications were documented according to Paley’s classification. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at the last clinical visit.

Results

All patients remained in the HEF for a mean of 26 weeks (range 15 to 52 weeks) and acquired complete bone union. The satisfactory alignment was achieved in all patients, and all the patients were able to perform daily activities with no difficulty at the last clinical visit. Complications included pin tract infection (44%), delayed union (6%), nonunion (3%), and joint stiffness (3%). The ASAMI bony result was excellent in 31 patients and good in 3. The ASAMI functional result was excellent in 27 patients, good in 6, and fair in 1.

Conclusions

Definitive management using the hexapod external fixator is an alternative and effective method for high-energy tibial shaft fractures, including technical advantages of early trauma-control, the versatility of achieving excellent alignment, and the continuity of device until bone union.
FESEM evaluation of smear layer removal from conservatively shaped canals: laser activated irrigation (PIPS and SWEEPS) compared to sonic and passive ultrasonic activation—an ex vivo study
Authors: Mancini Manuele , Cerroni Loredana , Palopoli Pietro , Olivi Giovanni , Olivi Matteo , Buoni Cristiano , Cianconi Luigi
Published: February 2021

Background

Irrigation of the pulp space is a mandatory step to get rid of all its organic and inorganic content. Activation of the irrigants play a key role in the era of minimally invasive endodontics. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different irrigants activation methods in removing the smear layer at 1, 3, 5 and 8 mm from the apex from conservatively shaped canals.

Methods

Eighty-five human mandibular premolars were selected. Specimens were shaped to TruShape 25/.06 and divided into 5 groups (1 control and 4 test groups) according to the final activation technique (EndoActivator, EA), Ultrasonic (EndoUltra, PUI) and Laser (PIPS and SWEEPS). EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) followed by NaOCl (Sodium Hypochlorite) and again EDTA were activated for each test group. Specimens were then split longitudinally and observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Blinded evaluation of the presence of smear layer was performed at 1000X magnification, according to a 5-score index system. Comparison between groups were analysed statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric analysis of variance. Bonferroni multiple comparison tests were used.

Results

At 1 mm only PIPS and SWEEPS performed better than the control group. At 3, 5 and 8 mm from the apex, every activation technique showed statistically significant reduction of smear layer when compared to the control group. PIPS and SWEEPS obtained better cleanliness result compared to EA, while only PIPS was superior to PUI in terms of cleanliness.

Conclusions

PIPS and SWEEPS showed the best results in conservative canal preparations. Nowadays, contemporary rotary instruments allow fast and minimally invasive shaping of the endodontic space. In this scenario irrigants’ activation may be regarded as a mandatory step to a favourable clinical outcome.
Man or machine? Impact of tutor-guided versus simulator-guided short-time bronchoscopy training on students learning outcomes
Authors: Schertel Anke , Geiser Thomas , Hautz Wolf E.
Published: February 2021

Background

Simulation based medical education is efficient for the acquisition of flexible bronchoscopy navigational skills and the knowledge of the tracheobronchial anatomy. However, bronchoscopy simulator training is not routinely integrated into pneumologic fellowship programs or undergraduate medical education for time and/or cost reasons. Our study compares the effect of self-guided bronchoscopy simulator training versus tutor guided training on the acquisition of navigational skills and knowledge of the bronchial anatomy.

Methods

Third-year undergraduate medical students were randomized to either a tutor- or simulator guided bronchoscopy simulator training focusing on the acquisition of navigational skills and the knowledge of the tracheobronchial anatomy. Every student performed a baseline bronchoscopy followed by a structured bronchoscopy simulator training and finally an assessment bronchoscopy at the end of the training program. Groups were compared by means of a repeated measurement ANOVA and effect sizes calculated as Cohens’ d.

Results

Fifty-four eligible students participated in the study. Knowledge of the tracheobronchial anatomy significantly increased from pre- to post training (all p < 0.001; all d > 2), navigational skills significantly decreased (all p < 0.005; all d < 1). There were no significant differences between groups. Instruction by the simulator as well as by the tutor was rated as helpful by the students. Twenty-two (84.6%) of the participants of the simulator guided group would have appreciated an additional instruction by a tutor.

Conclusion

Short-time simulator guided bronchoscopy training improves knowledge of the tracheobronchial anatomy in novice bronchoscopists as much as tutor guided training, but navigational skills seem to worsen in both groups. Further studies assessing transfer to clinical practice are needed to find the optimal teaching method for basic flexible bronchoscopy.
A clinical trials corpus annotated with UMLS entities to enhance the access to evidence-based medicine
Authors: Campillos-Llanos Leonardo , Valverde-Mateos Ana , Capllonch-Carrión Adrián , Moreno-Sandoval Antonio
Published: February 2021

Background

The large volume of medical literature makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to keep abreast of the latest studies that support Evidence-Based Medicine. Natural language processing enhances the access to relevant information, and gold standard corpora are required to improve systems. To contribute with a new dataset for this domain, we collected the Clinical Trials for Evidence-Based Medicine in Spanish (CT-EBM-SP) corpus.

Methods

We annotated 1200 texts about clinical trials with entities from the Unified Medical Language System semantic groups: anatomy (ANAT), pharmacological and chemical substances (CHEM), pathologies (DISO), and lab tests, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures (PROC). We doubly annotated 10% of the corpus and measured inter-annotator agreement (IAA) using F-measure. As use case, we run medical entity recognition experiments with neural network models.

Results

This resource contains 500 abstracts of journal articles about clinical trials and 700 announcements of trial protocols (292 173 tokens). We annotated 46 699 entities (13.98% are nested entities). Regarding IAA agreement, we obtained an average F-measure of 85.65% (±4.79, strict match) and 93.94% (±3.31, relaxed match). In the use case experiments, we achieved recognition results ranging from 80.28% (±00.99) to 86.74% (±00.19) of average F-measure.

Conclusions

Our results show that this resource is adequate for experiments with state-of-the-art approaches to biomedical named entity recognition. It is freely distributed at:http://www.lllf.uam.es/ESP/nlpmedterm_en.html. The methods are generalizable to other languages with similar available sources.
Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: a population-wide study on prevalence and health care use in Finland in 1998–2016
Authors: Keto Jaana , Hahtola Sonja , Linna Miika , Väkevä Liisa
Published: February 2021

Background

Information about health care use and costs of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients is limited, particularly in a European setting.

Methods

In this population-wide study we set out to investigate prevalence, and trends in health care use in two CTCL subtypes, mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) over a time period of 19 years in 1998–2016 by using a nation-wide patient register containing data on all diagnosed MF and SS cases in Finland.

Results

The prevalence of diagnosed MF and SS rose from 2.04 to 5.38/100000, and from 0.16 to 0.36/100000 for MF and SS respectively during 1998–2016. We found a substantial decrease in inpatient treatment of MF/SS in the past two decades with a mean of 2 inpatient days/patient/year due to MF/SS in 2016, while the mean numbers of MF/SS related outpatient visits remained stable at 8 visits/year/patient. Most MF/SS-related outpatient visits occurred in the medical specialty of dermatology. In a ten-year follow-up after MF/SS diagnosis, the main causes for outpatient visits and inpatient stays were MF/SS itself, other cancers, and other skin conditions. Also cardiovascular disease and infections contributed to the number of inpatient days. Mean total hospital costs decreased from 11,600 eur/patient/year to 3600 eur/patient/year by year 4 of the follow-up, and remained at that level for the remainder of the 10-year follow-up. MF/SS accounted for approximately half of the hospital costs of these patients throughout the follow-up.

Conclusions

The nearly 3-fold increase in prevalence of diagnosed MF/SS during 1998–2016 puts pressure on the health care system, as this is a high-cost patient group with a heavy burden of comorbidities. The challenge can be in part answered by shifting the treatment of MF/SS to a more outpatient-based practice, and by adapting new pharmacotherapy, as has been done in Finland.
Systemic administration of β-glucan induces immune training in microglia
Authors: Heng Yang , Zhang Xiaoming , Borggrewe Malte , van Weering Hilmar R. J. , Brummer Maaike L. , Nijboer Tjalling W. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Netea Mihai G. , Boddeke Erik W. G. M. , Laman Jon D. , Eggen Bart J. L.
Published: February 2021

Background

An innate immune memory response can manifest in two ways: immune training and immune tolerance, which refers to an enhanced or suppressed immune response to a second challenge, respectively. Exposing monocytes to moderate-to-high amounts of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces immune tolerance, whereas fungal β-glucan (BG) induces immune training. In microglia, it has been shown that different LPS inocula in vivo can induce either immune training or tolerance. Few studies focused on impact of BG on microglia and were only performed in vitro. The aim of the current study was to determine whether BG activates and induces immune memory in microglia upon peripheral administration in vivo.

Methods

Two experimental designs were used. In the acute design, mice received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection with PBS, 1 mg/kg LPS or 20 mg/kg BG and were terminated after 3 h, 1 or 2 days. In the preconditioning design, animals were first challenged i.p. with PBS, 1 mg/kg LPS or 20 mg/kg BG. After 2, 7 or 14 days, mice received a second injection with PBS or 1 mg/kg LPS and were sacrificed 3 h later. Microglia were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and cytokine gene expression levels were determined. In addition, a self-developed program was used to analyze microglia morphological changes. Cytokine concentrations in serum were determined by a cytokine array.

Results

Microglia exhibited a classical inflammatory response to LPS, showing significant upregulation of Tnf, Il6, Il1β, Ccl2, Ccl3 and Csf1 expression, three h after injection, and obvious morphological changes 1 and 2 days after injection. With an interval of 2 days between two challenges, both BG and LPS induced immune training in microglia. The training effect of LPS changed into immune tolerance after a 7-day interval between 2 LPS challenges. Preconditioning with BG and LPS resulted in increased morphological changes in microglia in response to a systemic LPS challenge compared to naïve microglia.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that preconditioning with BG and LPS both induced immune training of microglia at two days after the first challenge. However, with an interval of 7 days between the first and second challenge, LPS-preconditioning resulted in immune tolerance in microglia.
Leadership and capacity building in chiropractic research: report from the first CARL cohort
Authors: Hartvigsen Jan , Kawchuk Greg , Breen Alexander , De Carvalho Diana , Eklund Andreas , Fernandez Matthew , Funabashi Martha , Holmes Michelle M. , Johansson Melker S. , de Luca Katie , Moore Craig , Pagé Isabelle , Pohlman Katherine A. , Swain Michael S. , Wong Arnold Y. L. , Adams Jon
Published: February 2021

The Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL) was formed in 2016 in response to a need for a global network of early career researchers and leaders in the chiropractic profession. Thirteen fellows were accepted competitively and have since worked together at residentials and virtually on many research and leadership projects. In 2020, the CARL program ended for this first cohort, and it is now timely to take stock and reflect on the achievements and benefits of the program. In this paper we present the structure of CARL, the scientific and leadership outputs as well as the personal value of CARL for the participating fellows. As a result of the success of the first CARL cohort, organizations from Europe, North America, and Australia have supported a second cohort of 14 CARL fellows, who were competitively accepted into the program in early 2020.
Region-specific distribution of Olig2-expressing astrocytes in adult mouse brain and spinal cord
Authors: Wang Hui , Xu Liang , Lai Chuying , Hou Kaiyu , Chen Junliang , Guo Yaowei , Sambangi Abhijeet , Swaminathan Shreya , Xie Chunming , Wu Zheng , Chen Gong
Published: February 2021

Olig2 is an important transcription factor essential for the specification and differentiation of oligodendrocytes as well as astrocytes and neurons during developmental stages. However, Olig2 distribution pattern and its relationship among different types of glial cells in the adult central nervous system (CNS) are not well characterized. Here, we systematically examined Olig2 expression pattern in combination with major markers of neurons and glial cells throughout the brain and spinal cord in the adult mice. As expected, Olig2 is universally expressed in oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), but not in neurons or microglia. Interestingly, we discover a subpopulation of Olig2+ astrocytes that are highly enriched in some specific regions including the olfactory bulb, thalamus, midbrain, medulla, and spinal cord in the adult mice. Moreover, OPCs have high expression level of Olig2, whereas oligodendrocytes and astrocytes have similar level of Olig2 expression. Our results suggest that a distinct population of Olig2+ astrocytes are highly concentrated in discrete regions in the adult CNS. Investigating the functional significance of these Olig2+ astrocytes in both resting state and pathological state of the brain and spinal cord may broaden our understanding on astrocytic heterogeneity and functions.
Surfactant therapies for pediatric and neonatal ARDS: ESPNIC expert consensus opinion for future research steps
Authors: De Luca Daniele , Cogo Paola , Kneyber Martin C. , Biban Paolo , Semple Malcolm Grace , Perez-Gil Jesus , Conti Giorgio , Tissieres Pierre , Rimensberger Peter C.
Published: February 2021

Pediatric (PARDS) and neonatal (NARDS) acute respiratory distress syndrome have different age-specific characteristics and definitions. Trials on surfactant for ARDS in children and neonates have been performed well before the PARDS and NARDS definitions and yielded conflicting results. This is mainly due to heterogeneity in study design reflecting historic lack of pathobiology knowledge. We reviewed the available clinical and preclinical data to create an expert consensus aiming to inform future research steps and advance the knowledge in this area. Eight trials investigated the use of surfactant for ARDS in children and ten in neonates, respectively. There were improvements in oxygenation (7/8 trials in children, 7/10 in neonates) and mortality (3/8 trials in children, 1/10 in neonates) improved. Trials were heterogeneous for patients’ characteristics, surfactant type and administration strategy. Key pathobiological concepts were missed in study design. Consensus with strong agreement was reached on four statements:

There are sufficient preclinical and clinical data to support targeted research on surfactant therapies for PARDS and NARDS. Studies should be performed according to the currently available definitions and considering recent pathobiology knowledge.

PARDS and NARDS should be considered as syndromes and should be pre-clinically studied according to key characteristics, such as direct or indirect (primary or secondary) nature, clinical severity, infectious or non-infectious origin or patients’ age.

Explanatory should be preferred over pragmatic design for future trials on PARDS and NARDS.

Different clinical outcomes need to be chosen for PARDS and NARDS, according to the trial phase and design, trigger type, severity class and/or surfactant treatment policy.

We advocate for further well-designed preclinical and clinical studies to investigate the use of surfactant for PARDS and NARDS following these principles.
Role of endothelial microRNA 155 on capillary leakage in systemic inflammation
Authors: Etzrodt Valerie , Idowu Temitayo O. , Schenk Heiko , Seeliger Benjamin , Prasse Antje , Thamm Kristina , Pape Thorben , Müller-Deile Janina , van Meurs Matijs , Thum Thomas , Garg Ankita , Geffers Robert , Stahl Klaus , Parikh Samir M. , Haller Hermann , David Sascha
Published: February 2021

Background

Capillary leakage is a key contributor to the pathological host response to infections. The underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood, and the role of microRNAs (MIR) has not been investigated in detail. We hypothesized that specific MIRs might be regulated directly in the endothelium thereby contributing to vascular leakage.

Methods

SmallRNA sequencing of endotoxemic murine pulmonary endothelial cells (ECs) was done to detect regulated vascular MIRs. In vivo models: transgenic zebrafish (flk1:mCherry/l-fabp:eGFP-DPB), knockout/wildtype mouse (B6.Cg-Mir155tm1.1Rsky/J); disease models: LPS 17.5 mg/kgBW and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP); in vitro models: stimulated human umbilical vein EC (HUVECs), transendothelial electrical resistance.

Results

Endothelial MIR155 was identified as a promising candidate in endotoxemic murine pulmonary ECs (25 × upregulation). Experimental overexpression in a transgenic zebrafish line and in HUVECs was sufficient to induce spontaneous vascular leakage. To the contrary, genetic MIR155 reduction protects against permeability both in vitro and in endotoxemia in vivo in MIR155 heterozygote knockout mice thereby improving survival by 40%. A tight junction protein, Claudin-1, was down-regulated both in endotoxemia and by experimental MIR155 overexpression. Translationally, MIR155 was detectable at high levels in bronchoalveolar fluid of patients with ARDS compared to healthy human subjects.

Conclusions

We found that MIR155 is upregulated in the endothelium in mouse and men as part of a systemic inflammatory response and might contribute to the pathophysiology of vascular leakage in a Claudin-1-dependent manner. Future studies have to clarify whether MIR155 could be a potential therapeutic target.
CADD-Splice—improving genome-wide variant effect prediction using deep learning-derived splice scores
Authors: Rentzsch Philipp , Schubach Max , Shendure Jay , Kircher Martin
Published: February 2021

Background

Splicing of genomic exons into mRNAs is a critical prerequisite for the accurate synthesis of human proteins. Genetic variants impacting splicing underlie a substantial proportion of genetic disease, but are challenging to identify beyond those occurring at donor and acceptor dinucleotides. To address this, various methods aim to predict variant effects on splicing. Recently, deep neural networks (DNNs) have been shown to achieve better results in predicting splice variants than other strategies.

Methods

It has been unclear how best to integrate such process-specific scores into genome-wide variant effect predictors. Here, we use a recently published experimental data set to compare several machine learning methods that score variant effects on splicing. We integrate the best of those approaches into general variant effect prediction models and observe the effect on classification of known pathogenic variants.

Results

We integrate two specialized splicing scores into CADD (Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion; cadd.gs.washington.edu), a widely used tool for genome-wide variant effect prediction that we previously developed to weight and integrate diverse collections of genomic annotations. With this new model, CADD-Splice, we show that inclusion of splicing DNN effect scores substantially improves predictions across multiple variant categories, without compromising overall performance.

Conclusions

While splice effect scores show superior performance on splice variants, specialized predictors cannot compete with other variant scores in general variant interpretation, as the latter account for nonsense and missense effects that do not alter splicing. Although only shown here for splice scores, we believe that the applied approach will generalize to other specific molecular processes, providing a path for the further improvement of genome-wide variant effect prediction.
Associations of sleep characteristics with atopic disease: a cross-sectional study among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Chen Yiting , Yang Qian , Zhao Kena , Wu Zengqiang , Shen Xiaoming , Li Shenghui
Published: February 2021

Background

Adolescence, as a transition between childhood and adulthood, is a critical stage for the long-term control of atopic diseases. We aim to determine if sleep characteristics are involved in the increased risk of atopic disease among adolescents.

Methods

Adopting the stratified cluster random sampling method, this cross-sectional survey included 4932 participants aged 12–18 years. The Chinese version of adolescent sleep disturbance questionnaire and the adolescent sleep hygiene scale were used to collect information on sleep problems and sleep hygiene, respectively. Logistic regression models were implemented to examine the associations of sleep with atopic diseases.

Results

Sleep duration was not found to be related with allergic diseases. By contrast, sleep-disordered breathing was associated with an increased risk of asthma (adjusted OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.25–2.55), allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.52–2.49), and eczema (adjusted OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.23–2.16); poor sleep physiology was correspondent to increased odds of asthma (adjusted OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.24–2.29), allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.13–1.73) and eczema (adjusted OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.32–2.09); non-optimal sleep environment was associated with an increased prevalence of asthma (adjusted OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.08–2.12), allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.04–1.69) and eczema (adjusted OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.19–1.96).

Conclusions

As sleep-disordered breathing, poor sleep physiology and non-optimal sleep environment were associated with a higher risk of allergic diseases, the results of this study provide a new concept for the adjuvant treatment of allergic diseases in adolescents. Management strategies of allergic diseases should take regular screening and targeted treatment of sleep issues into account.
Dynamics of epidemic diseases without guaranteed immunity
Authors: Langfeld Kurt
Published: February 2021

The pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) suggests a novel type of disease spread dynamics. We here study the case where infected agents recover and only develop immunity if they are continuously infected for some time τ. For large τ, the disease model is described by a statistical field theory. Hence, the phases of the underlying field theory characterise the disease dynamics: (i) a pandemic phase and (ii) a response regime. The statistical field theory provides an upper bound of the peak rate of infected agents. An effective control strategy needs to aim to keep the disease in the response regime (no ‘second’ wave). The model is tested at the quantitative level using an idealised disease network. The model excellently describes the epidemic spread of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the city of Wuhan, China. We find that only 30% of the recovered agents have developed immunity.
On the ω-multiple Charlier polynomials
Authors: Özarslan Mehmet Ali , Baran Gizem
Published: February 2021

The main aim of this paper is to define and investigate more general multiple Charlier polynomials on the linear lattice $\omega \mathbb{N} = \{ 0,\omega ,2\omega ,\ldots \} $
ω
N
=
{
0
,
ω
,
2
ω
,
…
}
, $\omega \in \mathbb{R}$
ω
∈
R
. We call these polynomials ω-multiple Charlier polynomials. Some of their properties, such as the raising operator, the Rodrigues formula, an explicit representation and a generating function are obtained. Also an $( r+1 )$
(
r
+
1
)
th order difference equation is given. As an example we consider the case $\omega =\frac{3}{2}$
ω
=

3

2

and define $\frac{3}{2}$

3

2

-multiple Charlier polynomials. It is also mentioned that, in the case $\omega =1$
ω
=
1
, the obtained results coincide with the existing results of multiple Charlier polynomials.
Method for detection of unsafe actions in power field based on edge computing architecture
Authors: Yin Yanfang , Lin Jinjiao , Sun Nongliang , Zhu Qigang , Zhang Shuaishuai , Zhang Yanjie , Liu Ming
Published: February 2021

Due to the high risk factors in the electric power industry, the safety of power system can be improved by using the surveillance system to predict and warn the operators’ nonstandard and unsafe actions in real time. In this paper, aiming at the real-time and accuracy requirements in video intelligent surveillance, a method based on edge computing architecture is proposed to judge unsafe actions of electric power operations in time. In this method, the service of unsafe actions judgment is deployed to the edge cloud, which improves the real-time performance. In order to identify the action being executed, the end-to-end action recognition model proposed in this paper uses the Temporal Convolutional Neural Network (TCN) to extract local temporal features and a Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) layer to extract global temporal features, which increases the accuracy of action fragment recognition. The result of action recognition is combined with the result of equipment target recognition based on the yolov3 model, and the classification rule is used to determine whether the current action is safe. Experiments show that the proposed method has better real-time performance, and the proposed action cognition is verified on the MSRAction Dataset, which improves the recognition accuracy of action segments. At the same time, the judgment results of unsafe actions also prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Correction to: Two-point normalization for reducing interlaboratory discrepancies in δ17O, δ18O, and Δ′17O of reference silicates
Authors: Kim Nak Kyu , Park Changkun , Kusakabe Minoru
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Degradation of mitochondrial structure and deficiency of complex I were associated with the transgenic CMS of rice
Authors: Tang Danfeng , Wei Fan , Khan Aziz , Munsif Fazal , Zhou Ruiyang
Published: February 2021

Background

Mitochondria play a significant role in plant cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). In our previous study, mitochondrial complex I genes, nad4, nad5, and nad7 showed polymorphisms between the transgenic CMS line M2BS and its wild type M2B. The sterility mechanism of the M2BS at cytological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular level is not clear.

Results

Cytological observation showed that the anthers were light yellow, fissured, invalid in KI-I2, and full of irregularly typical abortion pollen grains in M2BS. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation revealed no nucleus and degraded mitochondria with obscure cristae in anther cells of M2BS. The results of staining for H2O2 presented a large number of electron dense precipitates (edp) in intercellular space of anther cells of M2BS at anthesis. Moreover, the anther respiration rate and complex I activity of M2BS were significantly lower than those of wild type M2B during pollen development. Furthermore, RNA editing results showed only nad7 presented partially edited at 534th nucleotides. The expression of nad5 and nad7 revealed significant differences between M2B and M2BS.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that mitochondrial structural degradation and complex I deficiency might be associated with transgenic CMS of rice.
Effect of rhizobial inoculants on yield and yield components of faba bean (Vicia fabae L.) on vertisol of Wereillu District, South Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Gedamu Samuel Adissie , Tsegaye Enyew Adgo , Beyene Tesfaye Feyisa
Published: February 2021

Background

Nitrogen fixation by legumes like faba bean is a cheap way of fixing atmospheric nitrogen to plant available form. However, the inoculation of grain legumes with rhizobium bacteria are poorly researched in Amhara Region of Ethiopia.

Methods

Thus, a study to examine the effects of rhizobium leguminosarum (var vicae) strains on nodulation, growth, and yield of faba bean was conducted in Wereillu district of Amhara Region, Ethiopia during the rainy season of 2018. The treatments comprised of four levels of faba bean Rhizobium strains (un-inoculated, EAL-1018, EAL-1035 and EAL-17) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The collected data on yield and yield-related parameters were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System (Statistical Analysis System, version 9.1, SAS Institute Inc, Cary, 2003), version 9.1 and subjected to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test for mean separation when the analysis of variance was significant.

Results

The result revealed that the effect of EAL-1018 brought significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher difference on nodule number, nodulation volume, nodule dry weight, biomass yield and grain yield compared to the control. Faba bean strain, EAL-1018 gave 45.6, 27 and 11.6% grain yield advantage over the control, EAL1017 and EAL 1035 respectively.

Conclusion

Biologically as well as Economically EAL 1018 brought the maximum yield and net benefit (47020.7) compared to the other treatments. Hence, EAL-1018 is recommended for the study area and similar agro—ecologies.
Are Older Persons in China Living More Years in an Independent Living Arrangement? Estimates Using Multistate Life Tables
Authors: Zimmer Zachary , Chiu Chi-Tsun
Published: February 2021

Adopting a multistate life table approach, this study estimates number of years the very old in China expect to live in an independent living arrangement (alone or with spouse only)—an estimate we term “independent living life expectancy” (ILLE)—as opposed to in coresidence with adult children or others. We also estimate how ILLE and proportion of total life expectancy (TLE) residing independently has changed over time. The backdrop for this study is a society experiencing both increasing longevity and social changes that influence the tendency to live in an independent living arrangement. The study concentrates on assessing whether changes in ILLE match or surpass gains in TLE experienced by oldest-old Chinese adults. Data are from the 2002–2014 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, and estimation is conducted using the Stochastic Population Analysis for Complex Events software. Results suggest that on balance, gains in ILLE are proportionately greater than gains in TLE, indicating an expansion of ILLE for most Chinese elders. Males, septuagenarian females, and disabled septuagenarians are the most likely to be living proportionately longer lives in an independent living arrangement. In contrast, extremely old (nonagenarian and centenarian) females and extremely old disabled individuals are least likely to have experienced dramatic changes in proportion of life residing independently. The findings imply some support for the hypothesis that given the maintenance of family solidarity in China, those in greatest need are least likely to encounter the most extreme changes toward independent living arrangements.
Correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Yu Rong , Hou Ruigang , Wang Tong , Li Tianliang , Han Huiyuan , An Jian
Published: February 2021

Objective: To investigate the correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: In this retrospective study, 120 ACS patients who received PCI in our hospital from September 2014 to August 2019 were selected and divided into MACE group and normal discharge (ND) group. Their clinical data were collected, and MHR values were compared. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the correlations between various factors and ACS. The correlation between MHR and Gensini score was subjected to Pearson’s analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to analyze the diagnostic value of MHR for MACE.

Results: Hypertension degree, white cell count, Gensini score, MHR and the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), ApoB, lipoprotein (a) [LP(a)] and uric acid (UA) in MACE group were significantly higher than those in ND group (P<0.05). HDLC, ApoA1, TC, MHR, LDLC and ApoB were independent risk factors for MACE of ACS patients after PCI (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between MHR and Gensini score (r=0.832, P<0.05), and the optimal cutoff value of MHR for diagnosing MACE was 9.45.

Conclusion: Serum MHR is positively correlated with Gensini score in ACS patients after PCI, which can be used as an independent predictor for MACE in hospital.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3469

How to cite this:Yu R, Hou R, Wang T, Li T, Han H, An J. Correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):885-889. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3469

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Exploring the physical and psychosocial experience of Immersion Therapy for people living with a disability
Authors: Naumann Karlee , Kernot Jocelyn , Parfitt Gaynor , Davison Kade
Published: February 2021

Background: Immersion Therapy (IT), is an underwater experience using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) equipment for individuals with disabilities. The aim of this study was to produce a descriptive overview of IT and explore measures used to capture physical and psychosocial experiences.

Methods: Six participants, two females and four males aged 24-54, with a range of disabilities were recruited. A single session was filmed and analysed, with a selection of outcome measures explored during and post session.

Results: A typical session of IT involves both active and inactive time, with a range of observed activities. All participants showed an increase in heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and affect, however, these results varied. IT is described as ‘fun, challenging and social’, with participants expressing they enjoy the freedom and experience. The overall perception and experience of the activity tends to be positive.

Conclusions: More research is required to determine if IT has significant effects on physical and psychosocial outcomes.
Knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures among health workers in regional referral hospitals in northern Uganda: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Amanya Sharon Bright , Nyeko Richard , Obura Bonniface , Acen Joy , Nabasirye Caroline , Nakaziba Rebecca , Oyella Florence , Afayo Victor , Okwir Mark
Published: February 2021

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) has increasingly been underscored as a key tool for limiting the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and safeguarding health workers from infections during their work. Knowledge and compliance with IPC measures is therefore essential in protecting health workers. However, this has not been established among health workers in northern Uganda in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures among health workers in regional referral hospitals in northern Uganda. 

Methods: An online cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 75 health workers in regional referral hospitals within northern Uganda. A structured questionnaire was distributed to health workers via WhatsApp messenger. Sufficient knowledge was considered at a correct response score of ≥80%, while adequate compliance was rated ≥75% of the maximum score. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21.  

Results: The majority of the health workers had sufficient knowledge (69%) and adequate compliance (68%) with Covid-19 IPC. Adequate compliance was significantly associated with training in Covid-19 IPC (p=0.039), access to Covid-19 IPC at workstations (p=0.036), and having strong institutional support (p=0.031). However, there was no significant relationship between knowledge and compliance with IPC (p=0.07). The socio-demographic characteristics of health workers, including age, sex, education level, occupation, working hours and work experience, had no statistically significant relationship with Covid-19 IPC knowledge or compliance. 

Conclusion: Our results show fairly good knowledge and compliance with Covid-19 IPC among health workers in northern Uganda. There is need for more training and provision of guidelines to promote compliance with Covid-19 IPC.