bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Management System for Greater Learner Engagement in Higher Education—A Review
Authors: Veluvali Parimala , Surisetti Jayesh
Published: October 2021

Online education helped resume learning that had come to a momentary and uncertain pause with the onset of COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. Since then, learning in many educational institutions continued through synchronous and asynchronous modes, with teaching being undertaken remotely on digital platforms. In this large-scale migration towards online mode of curriculum delivery induced by the pandemic, the institutional learning management system (LMS) had a critical role to play in ensuring uninterrupted learning and student engagement. By drawing heavily from extant works, learnings from MOOC platforms, observations from the LMS applications in corporate training, the present article synthesis the extant literature on how the effective use of LMS can make the learning process interactive, student centric, catering to the needs of diverse learners in higher education.
The Need for Brevity During Shared Decision Making (SDM) for Cancer Screening: Veterans’ Perspectives on an “Everyday SDM” Compromise
Authors: Caverly Tanner J. , Skurla Sarah E. , Robinson Claire H. , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J. , Hayward Rodney A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Detailed or “full” shared decision making (SDM) about cancer screening is difficult in the primary care setting. Time spent discussing cancer screening is time not spent on other important issues. Given time constraints, brief SDM that is incomplete but addresses key elements may be feasible and acceptable. However, little is known about how patients feel about abbreviated SDM. This study assessed patient perspectives on a compromise solution (“everyday SDM”): 1) primary care provided makes a tailored recommendation, 2) briefly presents qualitative information on key tradeoffs, and 3) conveys full support for decisional autonomy and desires for more information. Methods. We recruited a stratified random sample of Veterans from an academic Veterans Affairs medical center who were eligible for lung cancer screening, oversampling women and minority patients, to attend a 6-hour deliberative focus group. Experts informed participants about cancer screening, factors that influence screening benefits, and the role of patient preferences. Then, facilitator-led small groups elicited patient questions and informed opinions about the everyday SDM proposal, its acceptability, and their recommendations for improvement. Results. Thirty-six Veterans with a heavy smoking history participated (50% male, 83% white). There was a strong consensus that everyday SDM was acceptable if patients were the final deciders and could get more information on request. Participants broadly recommended that clinicians only mention downsides directly related to screening and avoid discussion of potential downstream harms (such as biopsies). Discussion. Although further testing in more diverse populations and different conditions is needed, these patients found the everyday SDM approach to be acceptable for routine lung cancer screening discussions, despite its use of an explicit recommendation and presentation of only qualitative information.
In search for the most optimal EEG method: A practical evaluation of a water-based electrode EEG system
Authors: Topor Marta , Opitz Bertram , Dean Philip J. A.
Published: October 2021

The study assessed a mobile electroencephalography system with water-based electrodes for its applicability in cognitive and behavioural neuroscience. It was compared to a standard gel-based wired system. Electroencephalography was recorded on two occasions (first with gel-based, then water-based system) as participants completed the flanker task. Technical and practical considerations for the application of the water-based system are reported based on participant and experimenter experiences. Empirical comparisons focused on electroencephalography data noise levels, frequency power across four bands (theta, alpha, low beta and high beta) and event-related components (P300 and ERN). The water-based system registered more noise compared to the gel-based system which resulted in increased loss of data during artefact rejection. Signal-to-noise ratio was significantly lower for the water-based system in the parietal channels which affected the observed parietal beta power. It also led to a shift in topography of the maximal P300 activity from parietal to frontal regions. The water-based system may be prone to slow drift noise which may affect the reliability and consistency of low-frequency band analyses. Practical considerations for the use of water-based electrode electroencephalography systems are provided.
Genomic analysis of SBP gene family in Saccharum spontaneum reveals their association with vegetative and reproductive development
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Aslam Mohammad , Yao Li-Ang , Zhang Man , Wang Lulu , Chen Huihuang , Huang Youmei , Qin Yuan , Niu Xiaoping
Published: October 2021

Background

SQUAMOSA promoter binding proteins (SBPs) genes encode a family of plant-specific transcription factors involved in various growth and development processes, including flower and fruit development, leaf initiation, phase transition, and embryonic development. The SBP gene family has been identified and characterized in many species, but no systematic analysis of the SBP gene family has been carried out in sugarcane.

Results

In the present study, a total of 50 sequences for 30 SBP genes were identified by the genome-wide analysis and designated SsSBP1 to SsSBP30 based on their chromosomal distribution. According to the phylogenetic tree, gene structure and motif features, the SsSBP genes were classified into eight groups (I to VIII). By synteny analysis, 27 homologous gene pairs existed in SsSBP genes, and 37 orthologous gene pairs between sugarcane and sorghum were found. Expression analysis in different tissues, including vegetative and reproductive organs, showed differential expression patterns of SsSBP genes, indicating their functional diversity in the various developmental processes. Additionally, 22 SsSBP genes were predicted as the potential targets of miR156. The differential expression pattern of miR156 exhibited a negative correlation of transcription levels between miR156 and the SsSBP gene in different tissues.

Conclusions

The sugarcane genome possesses 30 SsSBP genes, and they shared similar gene structures and motif features in their subfamily. Based on the transcriptional and qRT-PCR analysis, most SsSBP genes were found to regulate the leaf initial and female reproductive development. The present study comprehensively and systematically analyzed SBP genes in sugarcane and provided a foundation for further studies on the functional characteristics of SsSBP genes during different development processes.
Supra-systemic pulmonary hypertension after complicated percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Navas-Blanco Jose R. , Miranda Justin , Gonzalez Victor , Mohammed Asif , Aljure Oscar D.
Published: October 2021

Background

The World Symposium of Pulmonary Hypertension in 2018, updated the definition of pulmonary hypertension (PH) as mean pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) > 20 mmHg. Pulmonary venous hypertension secondary to left-heart disease, constitutes the most common cause of PH, and the determination of a co-existent pre-capillary (primary) PH becomes paramount, particularly at the moment of evaluating and managing patients with heart failure. Pulmonary artery pressures above the systemic pressures define supra-systemic PH and generally leads to frank right ventricular failure and high mortality.

Case presentation

We present the perioperative management of a patient with rheumatic mitral valve disease, initially found to have severe PH due to pulmonary venous hypertension, who underwent percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty complicated with mitral chordae rupture, severe mitral regurgitation and supra-systemic PH. Multiple medical therapies and an intra-aortic balloon pump were used as means of non-surgical management of this complication.

Conclusions

This case report illustrates the perioperative implications of combined pre- and post-capillary PH and supra-systemic PH, as this has not been widely discussed in previous literature. A thorough literature review of the clinical characteristics of PH, methods to determine co-existent pre- and post-capillary PH components, as well as concomitant right ventricular failure is presented. Severe PH has known detrimental effects on the hemodynamic status of patients, which can ultimately lead to a decrease in effective cardiac output and poor tissue perfusion.
Satisfaction and experience with colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review of validated patient reported outcome measures
Authors: Selva A. , Selva C. , Álvarez-Pérez Y. , Torà N. , López P. , Terraza-Núñez R. , Rodríguez V. , Solà I. ,   on behalf of The CyDESA group, Burón Andrea , Macià Francesc , Machlab Salvador , Pericay Carles , Puig Teresa
Published: October 2021

Background

Patient satisfaction or experience with colorectal cancer screening can determine adherence to screening programs. An evaluation of validated patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for measuring experience or satisfaction with colorectal cancer screening does not exist. Our objective was to identify and critically appraise validated questionnaires for measuring patient satisfaction or experience with colorectal cancer screening.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review following the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology. We conducted searches on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and BiblioPRO and assessed the methodological quality of studies and measurement properties of questionnaires according to the COSMIN guidelines for systematic reviews of PROMs. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019118527.

Results

We included 80 studies that used 75 questionnaires, of which only 5 were validated. Four questionnaires measured satisfaction with endoscopy: two in the context of colorectal cancer screening (for colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy) and two for non-screening endoscopy. One questionnaire measured satisfaction with bowel preparation. The methodological quality of studies was variable. The questionnaires with evidence for sufficient content validity and internal consistency were: the CSSQP questionnaire, which measures safety and satisfaction with screening colonoscopy, and the Post-Procedure questionnaire which measures satisfaction with non-screening endoscopic procedures.

Conclusions

This systematic review shows that a minority of existing PROMs for measuring patient satisfaction with colorectal cancer screening are validated. We identified two questionnaires with high potential for further use (CSSQP and the Post-Procedure questionnaire).
Both the serum AFP test and AFP/GPC3/SALL4 immunohistochemistry are beneficial for predicting the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Bingzhi , Xie Yibin , Zheng Li , Zheng Xiaohao , Gao Jia , Liu Xiuyun , Yuan Yanling , Li Zhuo , Lu Ning , Xue Liyan
Published: October 2021

Background

Both gastric adenocarcinoma with primitive enterocyte phenotype (GAPEP) (including hepatoid adenocarcinoma) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric adenocarcinoma have poor prognoses. However, the value of the serum AFP test and AFP/glypican-3 (GPC3)/spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) immunohistochemistry is still not clear, and these two methods have not yet been thoroughly compared.

Methods

We collected 421 consecutive non-neoadjuvant surgically or endoscopically resected gastric adenocarcinoma patients with serum AFP results before surgery (group A). We divided these cases into serum AFP-high (sAFP-H) and serum AFP-normal (sAFP-N) by serum AFP levels, and into GAPEP (expressing AFP, GPC3, or SALL4) and non-GAPEP (nGAPEP) by AFP/GPC3/SALL4 immunohistochemistry results. We also collected 12 non-resected gastric adenocarcinoma patients with serum AFP ≥ 7 ng/mL before treatment (group B). We analyzed these patients’ clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses.

Results

Seventeen (4.04%) patients in group A were sAFP-H. These patients were younger and mainly had tubular adenocarcinoma with later pT (P = 0.014) and pN (P = 0.047) categories and more lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001), perineural spread (P = 0.008), and metastases or recurrence (P < 0.001). For immunohistochemistry, 34 (8.08%) cases were GAPEP, and GAPEP cases also had later pT categories than nGAPEP cases (P = 0.001). Most group B patients with elevated serum AFP (especially > 1000 ng/mL) had simultaneous metastases, mainly liver metastases. Both the serological method and immunohistochemical method were useful for predicting prognosis (AUC sAFP = 0.625, AUC A/G/S-IHC = 0.723, z statistic = 1.726, P = 0.084). The serum AFP level (especially > 1000 ng/mL) is more specific (100%), and immunohistochemistry is more sensitive (50%).

Conclusion

Both the serum AFP level and immunohistochemical expression of AFP/GPC3/SALL4 can be used to indicate a poor prognosis for gastric adenocarcinoma.
Quantitative splenic embolization possible: application of 8Spheres conformal microspheres in partial splenic embolization (PSE)
Authors: Lu Haohao , Zheng Chuansheng , Liang Bin , Xiong Bin
Published: October 2021

Background

To investigate the safety and efficacy of 8Spheres in partial splenic embolization. To explore the possibility of accurate control of splenic embolic volume by quantifying the number of microspheres used during PSE.

Method

The data of 179 patients who underwent PSE were collected. The patients were divided into two groups: 300–500 um microsphere group (N = 83) and 500–700 um microsphere group (N = 96). The spleen volume before PSE, infarct volume and infarct rate of the spleen after PSE, changes in peripheral blood cells after PSE, postoperative adverse events and incidence of infection were compared between the two groups.

Results

300–500 um group vs 500–700 um group: postoperative spleen volume (cm3): 753.82 ± 325.41 vs 568.65 ± 298.16 (P = 0.008); spleen embolization volume (cm3): 525.93 ± 118.29 vs 630.26 ± 109.71 (P = 0.014); spleen embolization rate: 41.1 ± 12.3% vs 52.4 ± 10.1% (P = 0.021). Leukocytes and platelets were significantly increased after PSE in both groups; leukocyte, 1 month: 4.13 ± 0.91 vs 5.08 ± 1.16 (P = 0.026); 3 months: 4.08 ± 1.25 vs 4.83 ± 0.98 (P = 0.022); platelet, 1 month: 125.6 ± 20.3 vs 138.7 ± 18.4 (P = 0.019); 3 months: 121.8 ± 16.9 vs 134.3 ± 20.1 (P = 0.017). Incidence of abdominal pain after PSE, 72 (86.7%) vs 69 (71.9%), P = 0.027. The incidence of other adverse events and infections after PSE was not statistically different.

Conclusion

PSE with 8Spheres is safe and effective. The use of 500–700 um microsphere for PSE can make the increase of peripheral blood cells more stable. Each vial of 8Spheres corresponds to a certain volume of splenic embolization, so it is possible to achieve quantitative embolization in PSE.
Changes in prevalence of cognitive impairment and associated risk factors 2000–2015 in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Fabiana Silva , de Oliveira Duarte Yeda Aparecida , Santos Jair Lício Ferreira , Leist Anja K.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Decreases in prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia over the last two decades have been observed in different countries for cohorts entering older age. This study aimed to assess the cognitive impairment prevalence and explore associated factors among subjects aged >60 living in São Paulo, Brazil.

Method

Data came from a population-based Health, Welfare and Aging survey conducted in 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2015. Cognitive impairment was detected using the abbreviated Mini-Mental State Exam corrected by formal education years. In total, there were 5922 respondents in the statistical analyses.

Results

Logistic regression models adjusted for age group, income, race, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression were used to estimate cognitive impairment prevalence. Between 2015 and 2000, respondents were more likely to report formal education, hypertension, diabetes, and overweight/obesity. Moreover, the weighted analyses showed that cognitive impairment prevalence was higher in 2015, even adjusting for sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression.

Conclusion

In contrast to decreases in cognitive impairment prevalence in other countries and despite increases in educational years, our findings suggest no secular improvements in cognitive health for the 2015 wave of older adults residing in São Paulo.
Risk factors for postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Zhou Zhihuan , Zuo Feifei , Chen Xiaoqun , Zhao Qinqin , Luo Mengna , Jiang Xiaobing , Duan Yuyu
Published: October 2021

Objective

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage represents a challenge even for experienced pituitary surgeons. We aimed to quantitatively synthesize data from studies regarding the risk factors for postoperative CSF leakage after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenoma (PA).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, and VIP database were searched for case–control and cohort studies, focusing on the risk factors associated with postoperative CSF leakage after TSS for PA. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the risk factors.

Results

A total of 34 case–control and cohort studies involving a total of 9,144 patients with PA were included in this systematic review. The overall rate of postoperative CSF leakage after TSS for PA was 5.6%. Tumor size, adenoma consistency, revision surgery, and intraoperative CSF leakage were independent risk factors for postoperative CSF leakage (ORs, 3.18–6.33). By contrast, the endoscopic approach showed a slight protective benefit compared with the microscopic approach in TSS (OR, 0.69).

Conclusions

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the quality of the evidence base, informing clinical staff of the importance of screening risk factors for postoperative CSF leakage after TSS for PA. More attention should be paid to PA patients at high risk for CSF leakage after TSS to reduce complications and improve prognosis.
Longitudinal analysis of regional brain changes in anti-NMDAR encephalitis: a case report
Authors: Nillo Ryan M. , Broce Iris J. , Uzgil Besim , Singhal Nilika S. , Glastonbury Christine M. , Hess Christopher P. , Barkovich James A. , Desikan Rahul S. , Sugrue Leo P.
Published: October 2021

Background

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by antibodies against the GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor that is increasingly recognized as a treatable cause of childhood epileptic encephalopathy. In adults, the disorder has been associated with reversible changes in brain volume over the course of treatment and recovery, but in children, little is known about its time course and associated imaging manifestations.

Case presentation

A previously healthy 20-month-old boy presented with first-time unprovoked seizures, dysautonomia, and dyskinesia. Paraneoplastic workup was negative, but CSF was positive for anti-NMDAR antibodies. The patient’s clinical condition waxed and waned over a 14-month course of treatment with first- and second-line immunotherapies (including steroids, IVIG, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide). Serial brain MRIs scans obtained at 5 time points spanning this same period showed no abnormal signal or enhancement but were remarkable for cycles of reversible regional cortical volume loss. All scans included identical 1-mm resolution 3D T1-weighted sequences obtained on the same 3 T scanner. Using a novel longitudinal processing stream in FreeSurfer6 (Reuter M, et. al, Neuroimage 61:1402–18, 2012) we quantified the rate of change in cortical volume at each vertex (% volume change per month) between consecutive scans and correlated these changes with the time course of the patient’s treatment and clinical response. We found regionally specific changes in cortical volume (up to 7% per month) that preferentially affected the frontal and occipital lobes and paralleled the patient’s clinical course, with clinical decline associated with volume loss and clinical improvement associated with volume gain.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that reversible cortical volume loss in anti-NMDA encephalitis has a regional specificity that mirrors many of the clinical symptoms associated with the disorder and tracks the dynamics of disease severity over time. This case illustrates how quantitative morphometric techniques can be applied to clinical imaging data to reveal patterns of brain change that may provide insight into disease pathophysiology. More widespread application of this approach might reveal regional and temporal patterns specific to different types of autoimmune encephalitis, providing a tool for diagnosis and a surrogate marker for monitoring treatment response.
The Canadian prospective cohort study to understand progression in multiple sclerosis (CanProCo): rationale, aims, and study design
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Arbour Nathalie , Giuliani Fabrizio , Guenette Melanie , Kolind Shannon , Lynd Larry , Marrie Ruth Ann , Metz Luanne M. , Patten Scott B. , Prat Alexandre , Schabas Alice , Smyth Penelope , Tam Roger , Traboulsee Anthony , Yong V. Wee
Published: October 2021

Background

Neurological disability progression occurs across the spectrum of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although there are a handful of disease-modifying treatments approved for use in progressive phenotypes of MS, there are no treatments that substantially modify the course of clinical progression in MS. Characterizing the determinants of clinical progression can inform the development of novel therapeutic agents and treatment approaches that target progression in MS, which is one of the greatest unmet needs in clinical practice. Canada, having one of the world’s highest rates of MS and a publicly-funded health care system, represents an optimal country to achieve in-depth analysis of progression. Accordingly, the overarching aim of the Canadian Prospective Cohort Study to Understand Progression in MS (CanProCo) is to evaluate a wide spectrum of factors associated with the clinical onset and rate of disease progression in MS, and to describe how these factors relate to one another to influence progression.

Methods

CanProCo is a prospective, observational cohort study with investigators specializing in epidemiology, neuroimaging, neuroimmunology, health services research and health economics. CanProCo’s study design was approved by an international review panel, comprised of content experts and key stakeholders. One thousand individuals with radiologically-isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and primary-progressive MS within 10–15 years of disease onset will be recruited from 5 academic MS centres in Canada. Participants will undergo detailed clinical evaluation annually over 5 years (including advanced, app-based clinical data collection). In a subset of participants within 5–10 years of disease onset (n = 500), blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and research MRIs will be collected allowing an integrated, in-depth evaluation of factors contributing to progression in MS from multiple perspectives. Factors of interest range from biological measures (e.g. single-cell RNA-sequencing), MRI-based microstructural assessment, participant characteristics (self-reported, performance-based, clinician-assessed, health-system based), and micro and macro-environmental factors.

Discussion

Halting the progression of MS remains a fundamental need to improve the lives of people living with MS. Achieving this requires leveraging transdisciplinary approaches to better characterize why clinical progression occurs. CanProCo is a pioneering multi-dimensional cohort study aiming to characterize these determinants to inform the development and implementation of efficacious and effective interventions.
MOG antibody-associated encephalitis secondary to Covid-19: case report
Authors: Durovic Ervin , Bien Corinna , Bien Christian G. , Isenmann Stefan
Published: October 2021

Background

While Covid-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, neurological manifestations including encephalitis occur in some patients, possibly affecting the course and outcome of the disease. Here, we describe a unique case of a young man with Covid-19 and transient MOG-positive encephalitis, with a benign course.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old male, with PCR confirmed Covid-19 infection was admitted because of persistent headache. The clinical examination was normal. Neuropsychological testing revealed distinct executive deficits. Brain MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were suggestive for encephalitis. Further laboratory examination revealed a serum MOG antibody titre. The headache improved with analgetic treatment and i.v. methylprednisolone. Consequently, the MOG antibody titer decreased and MRI lesions were resolving. The patient made a full recovery, with no signs of deterioration over the following months.

Conclusions

Covid-19 manifestations in the CNS include encephalitis with variable course and prognosis. This case highlights a possible association between inflammation due to COVID-19 and transient secondary autoimmunity with transient MOG antibodies and atypical clinical presentation.
Level of completion along continuum of care for maternal, newborn and child health services and factors associated with it among women in India: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kothavale Ajinkya , Meher Trupti
Published: October 2021

Background

India, being a developing country, presents a disquiet picture of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The majority of maternal and neonatal mortality could be avoided if the continuum of care (CoC) is provided in a structured pathway from pregnancy to the postpartum period. Therefore, this article attempted to address the following research questions: What is the level of completion along CoC for MNCH services? At which stage of care do women discontinue taking services? and what are the factors affecting the continuation in receiving maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services among women in India?

Methods

The study utilized the data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted during 2015–16 in India. The analysis was limited to 107,016 women aged 15–49 who had given a live birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey and whose children had completed 1 year. Four sequential fixed effect logit regression models were fitted to identify the predictors of completion of CoC.

Results

Nearly 39% of women in India had completed CoC for maternal and child health by receiving all four types of service (antenatal care, institutional delivery, post-natal care and full immunization of their child), with substantial regional variation ranging from 12 to 81%. The highest number of dropouts in CoC were observed at the first stage with a loss of nearly 38%. Further, education, wealth index, and health insurance coverage emerged as significant factors associated with CoC completion.

Conclusion

The major barrier in achieving CoC for maternal and child health is the low utilization of ANC services in the first stage of the continuum and hence should be addressed for increasing CoC completion rate in the country. The gaps across all the levels of CoC indicate a need for increased focus on the CoC approach in India. A strategy should be developed that will connect all the components of MNCH avoiding dropouts and the MNCH provision should be standardized to provide services to every woman and child.
Costs related to immunopreventable diseases: Brazil and its geographic areas (immunopreventable diseases’ costs in Brazil)
Authors: da Costa Élide Sbardellotto M. , Hyeda Adriano , Maluf Eliane M. C. P.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The occurrence of the immunopreventable diseases in a population global reality.

Objective

To discriminate the direct costs of the hospitalizations from the immunopreventable diseases in the Unified Health System (SUS), in Brazil and their areas, between 2008 and 2018.

Methods

A population, observational, descriptive and retrospective study, with data from the information supplied by the DATASUS website, these data were collected during the 2019.

Results

It was identified 457,479 hospitalizations in the period; with a total of 2,450,870 days of hospital stay, with total costs of R$389,243,264.85. Only the disease mumps presented a growing tendency in whole areas; the chickenpox was decreasing; the illness whooping cough, yellow fever and tetanus were stationary in this period.

Conclusions

The costs related to immunopreventable diseases were relevant in all the Brazil areas, with tendencies different between the geographic areas and between the several illnesses analysed.
Monophyletic blowflies revealed by phylogenomics
Authors: Yan Liping , Pape Thomas , Meusemann Karen , Kutty Sujatha Narayanan , Meier Rudolf , Bayless Keith M. , Zhang Dong
Published: October 2021

Background

Blowflies are ubiquitous insects, often shiny and metallic, and the larvae of many species provide important ecosystem services (e.g., recycling carrion) and are used in forensics and debridement therapy. Yet, the taxon has repeatedly been recovered to be para- or polyphyletic, and the lack of a well-corroborated phylogeny has prevented a robust classification.

Results

We here resolve the relationships between the different blowfly subclades by including all recognized subfamilies in a phylogenomic analysis using 2221 single-copy nuclear protein-coding genes of Diptera. Maximum likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP), and coalescent-based phylogeny reconstructions all support the same relationships for the full data set. Based on this backbone phylogeny, blowflies are redefined as the most inclusive monophylum within the superfamily Oestroidea not containing Mesembrinellidae, Mystacinobiidae, Oestridae, Polleniidae, Sarcophagidae, Tachinidae, and Ulurumyiidae. The constituent subfamilies are re-classified as Ameniinae (including the Helicoboscinae,syn. nov.), Bengaliinae, Calliphorinae (including Aphyssurinae,syn. nov., Melanomyinae,syn. nov., and Toxotarsinae,syn. nov.), Chrysomyinae, Luciliinae, Phumosiinae, Rhiniinaestat. rev., and Rhinophorinaestat. rev. Metallic coloration in the adult is shown to be widespread but does not emerge as the most likely ground plan feature.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first phylogeny of oestroid calyptrates including all blowfly subfamilies. This allows settling a long-lasting controversy in Diptera by redefining blowflies as a well-supported monophylum, and blowfly classification is adjusted accordingly. The archetypical blowfly trait of carrion-feeding maggots most likely evolved twice, and the metallic color may not belong to the blowfly ground plan.
Stage-specific expression of an odorant receptor underlies olfactory behavioral plasticity in Spodoptera littoralis larvae
Authors: Revadi Santosh V. , Giannuzzi Vito Antonio , Rossi Valeria , Hunger Gert Martin , Conchou Lucie , Rondoni Gabriele , Conti Eric , Anderson Peter , Walker William B. , Jacquin-Joly Emmanuelle , Koutroumpa Fotini , Becher Paul G.
Published: October 2021

Background

The detection of environmental cues and signals via the sensory system directs behavioral choices in diverse organisms. Insect larvae rely on input from the chemosensory system, mainly olfaction, for locating food sources. In several lepidopteran species, foraging behavior and food preferences change across larval instars; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying such behavioral plasticity during larval development are not fully understood. Here, we hypothesize that expression patterns of odorant receptors (ORs) change during development, as a possible mechanism influencing instar-specific olfactory-guided behavior and food preferences.

Results

We investigated the expression patterns of ORs in larvae of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis between the first and fourth instar and revealed that some of the ORs show instar-specific expression. We functionally characterized one OR expressed in the first instar, SlitOR40, as responding to the plant volatile, β-caryophyllene and its isomer α-humulene. In agreement with the proposed hypothesis, we showed that first but not fourth instar larvae responded behaviorally to β-caryophyllene and α-humulene. Moreover, knocking out this odorant receptor via CRISPR-Cas9, we confirmed that instar-specific responses towards its cognate ligands rely on the expression of SlitOR40.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence that larvae of S. littoralis change their peripheral olfactory system during development. Furthermore, our data demonstrate an unprecedented instar-specific behavioral plasticity mediated by an OR, and knocking out this OR disrupts larval behavioral plasticity. The ecological relevance of such behavioral plasticity for S. littoralis remains to be elucidated, but our results demonstrate an olfactory mechanism underlying this plasticity in foraging behavior during larval development.
Association between cardiometabolic disease multimorbidity and all-cause mortality in 2 million women and men registered in UK general practices
Authors: Canoy Dexter , Tran Jenny , Zottoli Mariagrazia , Ramakrishnan Rema , Hassaine Abdelaali , Rao Shishir , Li Yikuan , Salimi-Khorshidi Gholamreza , Norton Robyn , Rahimi Kazem
Published: October 2021

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and diabetes share underlying risk factors and commonalities in clinical management. We examined if their combined impact on mortality is proportional, amplified or less than the expected risk separately of each disease and whether the excess risk is explained by their associated comorbidities.

Methods

Using large-scale electronic health records, we identified 2,007,731 eligible patients (51% women) and registered with general practices in the UK and extracted clinical information including diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, diabetes and 53 other long-term conditions before 2005 (study baseline). We used Cox regression to determine the risk of all-cause mortality with age as the underlying time variable and tested for excess risk due to interaction between cardiometabolic conditions.

Results

At baseline, the mean age was 51 years, and 7% (N = 145,910) have had a cardiometabolic condition. After a 7-year mean follow-up, 146,994 died. The sex-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of all-cause mortality by baseline disease status, compared to those without cardiometabolic disease, were MI = 1.51 (1.49–1.52), diabetes = 1.52 (1.51–1.53), stroke = 1.84 (1.82–1.86), MI and diabetes = 2.14 (2.11–2.17), MI and stroke = 2.35 (2.30–2.39), diabetes and stroke = 2.53 (2.50–2.57) and all three = 3.22 (3.15–3.30). Adjusting for other concurrent comorbidities attenuated these estimates, including the risk associated with having all three conditions (HR = 1.81 [95% CI 1.74–1.89]). Excess risks due to interaction between cardiometabolic conditions, particularly when all three conditions were present, were not significantly greater than expected from the individual disease effects.

Conclusion

Myocardial infarction, stroke and diabetes were associated with excess mortality, without evidence of any amplification of risk in people with all three diseases. The presence of other comorbidities substantially contributed to the excess mortality risks associated with cardiometabolic disease multimorbidity.
Dietary networks identified by Gaussian graphical model and general and abdominal obesity in adults
Authors: Jayedi Ahmad , Janbozorgi Nasim , Djafarian Kurosh , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: October 2021

Background

Gaussian graphical model (GGM) has been introduced as a new approach to identify patterns of dietary intake. We aimed to investigate the link between dietary networks derived through GGM and obesity in Iranian adults.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 850 men and women (age range: 20–59 years) who attended the local health centers in Tehran. Dietary intake was evaluated by using a validated food frequency questionnaire. GGM was applied to identify dietary networks. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of general and abdominal adiposity across tertiles of dietary network scores were estimated using logistic regression analysis controlling for age, sex, physical activity, smoking status, marital status, education, energy intake and menopausal status.

Results

GGM identified three dietary networks, where 30 foods were grouped into six communities. The identified networks were healthy, unhealthy and saturated fats networks, wherein cooked vegetables, processed meat and butter were, respectively, central to the networks. Being in the top tertile of saturated fats network score was associated with a higher likelihood of central obesity by waist-to-hip ratio (OR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.25;Pfor trend: 0.01). There was also a marginally significant positive association between higher unhealthy network score and odds of central obesity by waist circumference (OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 0.94, 2.37;Pfor trend: 0.09). Healthy network was not associated with central adiposity. There was no association between dietary network scores and general obesity.

Conclusions

Unhealthy and saturated fat dietary networks were associated with abdominal adiposity in adults. GGM-derived dietary networks represent dietary patterns and can be used to investigate diet-disease associations.
Development and validation of a novel lipid metabolism-related gene prognostic signature and candidate drugs for patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Zhu Ke , Xiaoqiang Liu , Deng Wen , Wang Gongxian , Fu Bin
Published: October 2021

Background

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a common cancer associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated that lipid metabolism affects the progression and treatment of tumors. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the function and prognostic value of lipid metabolism-related genes in patients with bladder cancer.

Methods

Lipid metabolism-related genes (LRGs) were acquired from the Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB). LRG mRNA expression and patient clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to construct a signature for predicting overall survival of patients with BLCA. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess prognosis. The connectivity Map (CMAP) database was used to identify small molecule drugs for treatment. A nomogram was constructed and assessed by combining the signature and other clinical factors. The CIBERSORT, MCPcounter, QUANTISEQ, XCELL, CIBERSORT-ABS, TIMER and EPIC algorithms were used to analyze the immunological characteristics.

Results

An 11-LRG signature was successfully constructed and validated to predict the prognosis of BLCA patients. Furthermore, we also found that the 11-gene signature was an independent hazardous factor. Functional analysis suggested that the LRGs were closely related to the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid metabolism and AMPK signaling pathway. The prognostic model was closely related to immune cell infiltration. Moreover, the expression of key immune checkpoint genes (PD1, CTLA4, PD-L1, LAG3, and HAVCR2) was higher in patients in the high-risk group than in those in the low-risk group. The prognostic signature based on 11-LRGs exhibited better performance in predicting overall survival than conventional clinical characteristics. Five small molecule drugs could be candidate drug treatments for BLCA patients based on the CMAP dataset.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the current study identified a reliable signature based on 11-LRGs for predicting the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in patients with BLCA. Five small molecule drugs were identified for the treatments of BLCA patients.
Low−/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and carotid plaques in patients with coronary heart disease: a Chinese cohort study
Authors: Li Zhu , Cheng Qi , Liu Yijia , Cheng Xufeng , Wang Shuo , He Yuanyuan , Wang Xu , Huang Mengnan , Li Yue , Xue Xiaoxue , Xu Yilan , Li Lin , Zheng Yanchao , Yang Rongrong , Gao Shan , Yu Chunquan
Published: October 2021

Background

Evidence on the relationship between the low−/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C) and carotid plaques remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between LDL-C/HDL-C and carotid plaques in participants with coronary heart disease (CHD) and to further explore the extent to which a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of LDL-C/HDL-C-related carotid plaques.

Methods

This large-scale and multi-centre retrospective study included 9426 CHD patients (aged 35–75 years) between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2020. The LDL-C/HDL-C values were converted to the following tertiles: lowest (< 2.15), middle (2.15–3), and highest (> 3). Healthy lifestyle-related factors referred to whether or not the participant was a non-smoker and non-drinker. Participants were divided into an unfavourable group (those who did not adhere to healthy lifestyle factors), intermediate (only one unhealthy factor), and favourable (neither of the two unhealthy factors). Logistic regression was used for statistical analyses.

Results

Of the 9426 participants, 6989 (74.15%) CHD patients had carotid plaques. After adjustment for confounders, each unit increase in the LDL-C/HDL-C was significantly associated with carotid plaques (OR: 1.61; 95%CI: 1.43–1.84; P <  0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that carotid plaques risk for the highest tertile (> 3) was 1.18 times that of the lowest quartile (< 2.15). Compared with an unfavourable lifestyle, an intermediate or a favourable lifestyle was associated with a significant 30% (OR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.64–0.78; P <  0.001) or 67% (OR: 0.33; 95%CI: 0.29–0.37; P <  0.001) reduction in carotid plaques risk, respectively, among CHD patients with high LDL-C/HDL-C. There were significantly additive and multiplicative interactions between lifestyle and LDL-C/HDL-C with regards to carotid plaques.

Conclusion

A high LDL-C/HDL-C is associated with a risk of carotid plaques developing in CHD patients. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle has additive beneficial effects on reducing the risk of carotid plaques, especially in relation to the highest LDL-C/HDL-C.

Graphical abstract
Perturbation of PI3K/Akt signaling affected autophagy modulation in dystrophin-deficient myoblasts
Authors: Yazid Muhammad Dain , Hung-Chih Chen
Published: October 2021

Background

The absence of dystrophin has gave a massive impact on myotube development in Muscular Dystrophy pathogenesis. One of the conserved signaling pathways involved in skeletal muscle differentiation is the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway that plays a vital role in autophagy regulation. To further understand and establish targeted therapy in dystrophin-deficient myoblasts, protein expression profiling has been determined which provides information on perturbed autophagy modulation and activation.

Methods

In this study, a dystrophin-deficient myoblast cell line established from the skeletal muscle of a dystrophic (mdx) mouse was used as a model. The dfd13 (dystrophin-deficient) and C2C12 (non-dystrophic) myoblasts were cultured in low mitogen conditions for 10 days to induce differentiation. The cells were subjected to total protein extraction prior to Western blotting assay technique. Protein sub-fractionation has been conducted to determine protein localization. The live-cell analysis of autophagy assay was done using a flow cytometer.

Results

In our culture system, the dfd13 myoblasts did not achieve terminal differentiation. PTEN expression was profoundly increased in dfd13 myoblasts throughout the differentiation day subsequently indicates perturbation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR regulation. In addition, rictor-mTORC2 was also found inactivated in this event. This occurrence has caused FoxO3 misregulation leads to higher activation of autophagy-related genes in dfd13 myoblasts. Autophagosome formation was increased as LC3B-I/II showed accumulation upon differentiation. However, the ratio of LC3B lipidation and autophagic flux were shown decreased which exhibited dystrophic features.

Conclusion

Perturbation of the PTEN-PI3K/Akt pathway triggers excessive autophagosome formation and subsequently reduced autophagic flux within dystrophin-deficient myoblasts where these findings are of importance to understand Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients. We believe that some manipulation within its regulatory signaling reported in this study could help restore muscle homeostasis and attenuate disease progression.
Assessment of the efficiency of synergistic photocatalysis on penicillin G biodegradation by whole cell Paracoccus sp
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Shouxin , Wang Xiaochun , Cong Qinqin , Lu Jialin
Published: October 2021

Background

The Paracoccus sp. strain isolated from sludge was identified and evaluated for catalytic activity in the degradation of penicillin G.

Results

High degradation efficiency and synergistic catalytic effects of the whole cell and visible light without additional catalysts were observed. The key factors influencing the degradation and kinetics of penicillin G were investigated. The results showed the phenylacetic acid, which was produced during penicillin G biodegradation, exhibited stronger inhibiting effects on KDSPL-02. However, this effect was reduced by visible light irradiation without any additional photocatalyst; furthermore, the rate of penicillin G biodegradation was accelerated, reaching a 100% rate in 12 h at a penicillin G concentration of 1.2 g/L. Four key intermediates produced during penicillin G degradation were isolated and identified by LC–MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Enzymes involved in the PAA pathway were proposed from a genomic analysis of KDSPL-02.

Conclusions

These results provide a new method for bio-degrading of penicillin or other antibiotic pollutants using photoaccelerating biocatalysts with greater efficiency and more environmentally friendly conditions.