bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complexity Induced by External Stimulations in a Neural Network System with Time Delay
Authors: Zhen Bin , Zhang Dingyi , Song Zigen
Published: September 2020

Complexity and dynamical analysis in neural systems play an important role in the application of optimization problem and associative memory. In this paper, we establish a delayed neural system with external stimulations. The complex dynamical behaviors induced by external simulations are investigated employing theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. Firstly, we illustrate number of equilibria by the saddle-node bifurcation of nontrivial equilibria. It implies that the neural system has one/three equilibria for the external stimulation. Then, analyzing characteristic equation to find Hopf bifurcation, we obtain the equilibrium’s stability and illustrate periodic activity induced by the external stimulations and time delay. The neural system exhibits a periodic activity with the increased delay. Further, the external stimulations can induce and suppress the periodic activity. The system dynamics can be transformed from quiescent state (i.e., the stable equilibrium) to periodic activity and then quiescent state with stimulation increasing. Finally, inspired by ubiquitous rhythm in living organisms, we introduce periodic stimulations with low frequency as rhythm activity from sensory organs and other regions. The neural system subjected by the periodic stimulations exhibits some interesting activities, such as periodic spiking, subthreshold oscillation, and bursting-like activity. Moreover, the subthreshold oscillation can switch its position with delay increasing. The neural system may employ time delay to realize Winner-Take-All functionality.
Characterization of Graphs Associated with the Ideal of Numerical Semigroups
Authors: Xu Peng , Binyamin Muhammad Ahsan , Aslam Adnan , Ali Wajid , Mahmood Hasan , Zhou Hao
Published: September 2020

LetIbe an ideal of a numerical semigroupΛ. We define an undirected graphGIΛwith vertex setvi:i∈Λ∖I∗=Λ∖I−0and edge setvivj⟺i+j∈I. The aim of this article is to discuss the connectedness, girth, completeness, and some other related properties of the graphGIΛ.
On-Chip Embedded Debugging System Based on Leach Algorithm Parameter on Detection of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Song Wenguang , Chen Haiyu , Zhang Qiujuan , Zhang Bingxin , Wang Hao , Xu Hao
Published: September 2020

Leach (low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy) algorithm is a self-clustering topology algorithm. Its execution process is cyclical. Each cycle is divided into two phases: cluster building phase and stable data communication phase. In the stage of cluster building, the adjacent nodes cluster dynamically and randomly generate cluster heads. In the data communication phase, the nodes in the cluster send the data to the cluster head, and the cluster head performs data fusion and sends the results to the aggregation node. Because the cluster head needs to complete data fusion, communication with the convergence node and other works, the energy consumption is large. Leach algorithm can ensure that each node acts as cluster head with equal probability, so that the nodes in the network consume energy relatively evenly. The basic idea of Leach algorithm is to randomly select cluster head nodes in a circular way. It evenly distributes the energy load of the whole network to each sensor node in the network. It can reduce network energy consumption and improve network life cycle. Leach repeatedly performs cluster refactoring during its operation. This paper studies the parameter detection of wireless sensor network based on Leach algorithm on the on-chip embedded debugging system. Because the classical low-power adaptive clustering layered protocol (Leach) has the problem of energy imbalance and short node life cycle, this paper uses embedded debugging technology based on Leach algorithm and the residual energy and position of nodes in wireless sensor networks were tested for research. This Leach algorithm uses the concept of wheel. Each round consists of two phases: initialization and stabilization. In the initialization stage, each node generates a random number between 0 and 1. If the random number generated by a node is less than the set threshold T (n), the node publishes a message that it is a cluster head. Through the research on the parameter detection, the simulation results show that the research in this paper has good feasibility and rationality.
Collaborative Intelligence: Accelerating Deep Neural Network Inference via Device-Edge Synergy
Authors: Shan Nanliang , Ye Zecong , Cui Xiaolong
Published: September 2020

With the development of mobile edge computing (MEC), more and more intelligent services and applications based on deep neural networks are deployed on mobile devices to meet the diverse and personalized needs of users. Unfortunately, deploying and inferencing deep learning models on resource-constrained devices are challenging. The traditional cloud-based method usually runs the deep learning model on the cloud server. Since a large amount of input data needs to be transmitted to the server through WAN, it will cause a large service latency. This is unacceptable for most current latency-sensitive and computation-intensive applications. In this paper, we propose Cogent, an execution framework that accelerates deep neural network inference through device-edge synergy. In the Cogent framework, it is divided into two operation stages, including the automatic pruning and partition stage and the containerized deployment stage. Cogent uses reinforcement learning (RL) to automatically predict pruning and partition strategies based on feedback from the hardware configuration and system conditions so that the pruned and partitioned model can better adapt to the system environment and user hardware configuration. Then through containerized deployment to the device and the edge server to accelerate model inference, experiments show that the learning-based hardware-aware automatic pruning and partition scheme can significantly reduce the service latency, and it accelerates the overall model inference process while maintaining accuracy. Using this method can accelerate up to 8.89× without loss of accuracy of more than 7%.
Physiologic Midtreatment Tooth Movement as a Correction Strategy for Iatrogenic Root Exposure
Authors: Venugopal Adith , Manzano Paolo , Srirengalakshmi M. , Marya Anand , Vaid Nikhilesh R. , Bowman S. Jay
Published: September 2020

In the case report showcased, we describe orthodontic treatment of a female patient with an excessive gingival display on smiling and severe dental crowding, with maxillary canines positioned excessively buccal (ectopic) to and in near transposition to the lateral incisors. The treatment involved extractions and initial use of unmitigated forces leading to excessive gingival thinning and buccal root positioning of the ectopic canines. Eventually, the root position was corrected and periodontal equilibrium was attained. On finishing the treatment, all objectives were achieved with a good esthetic outcome as well as excellent dental and occlusal relationships.
Prevalence of Escherichia coli in Under-Five Children with Diarrhea in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zenebe Tizazu , Mitiku Meseret , Alem Yonas
Published: September 2020

Diarrhea remains as a high health burden, especially to children in low-income countries including Ethiopia. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli have been commonly associated as bacterial pathogens causing diarrheal disease among children. This systemic review and meta-analysis was intended to determine the pooled prevalence of Escherichia coli in under-five children with diarrhea in Ethiopia. A comprehensive search in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and Google search engine and manual searching were done for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies were studies involving under-five children with diarrhea in Ethiopia, published articles, cross-sectional studies, and articles reported in English. The study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. The data analysis was done using STATA 16.0 software. Cochran’s Q-test and I2 statistics were used for the assessment of heterogeneity. The random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of Escherichia coli. A total of 797 articles were initially retrieved, and finally, 11 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Escherichia coli was 25% (95% CI: 9, 41). The pooled prevalence was varied by region, detection method, and sample size. The high prevalence emphasizes that Escherichia coli is a potential pathogen in under-five children with diarrhea in Ethiopia.
Duration of Serum Phosphorus Control Associated with Overall Mortality in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Gong Nirong , Xiao Zhiwen , Zhang Fen , Zhong Xiaohong , He Yanfang , Yi Zhixiu , Tang Dan , Yang Cong , Lin Yanhong , Nie Jing , Ai Jun
Published: September 2020

Background: Serum phosphorus (SP) level is closely associated with overall mortality and cardiovascular events, while the role of SP controlled duration is not fully recognized. Here, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in our department to identify the relationship of SP controlled duration with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: PD patients in our center from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2019, were followed up at 2-month (the first year) or 5-month (the next follow-up period) intervals, and until death, until PD withdrawal, or until June 30, 2019. Data at each follow-up point were collected from their medical records. SP levels, changed degree of SP over baseline, and SP controlled duration were analyzed with overall mortality, PD withdrawal (including death, transferred to hemodialysis, and received renal transplantation), and combined endpoint (including death, acute heart failure, cardiovascular event, and stroke). Results: A total of 530 patients entered the analysis. Of them, 456 (86.0%) had hyperphosphatemia before dialysis, and the SP levels decreased soon after dialysis. The degree of SP change over baseline was the maximum at the 3rd month after dialysis (−31.0%), and lower degree was associated with higher overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.012; 95% CI, 1.004–1.020; p = 0.003). The median SP controlled duration was 13 (5–28) months, and longer duration was significantly associated with lower overall mortality (HR, 0.968; 95% CI, 0.956–0.981; p < 0.001). After categorization, duration more than 12 months greatly improved overall mortality with a HR of 0.197 (0.082–0.458; p < 0.001 vs. SP never controlled group) and 0.329 (0.150–0.724; p = 0.006 vs. duration <12 months group). Longer SP controlled duration also improved PD withdrawal and combined endpoint. Conclusions: In summary, both degree and duration of SP control were tightly associated with overall mortality. We should control SP levels as early, as possible, and as long as we could.
Effect of Glomerular Mannose-Binding Lectin Deposition on the Prognosis of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Yipeng , Liang Liming , Liu Liyan , Tang Xueqing , Tang Lijun , Chen Ping , Chen Juan , Wang Zunsong , Cao Wei , Chen Qinlan , Zhao Na , Xu Dongmei
Published: September 2020

Objective: Co-deposition of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and IgG4 anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) autoantibodies under subepithelial cells has been observed in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN), but the relationships of MBL deposition to iMN severity and progression remain unclear. Methods: Patients diagnosed with iMN who underwent renal puncture were enrolled and followed up for a median of 17 months (interquartile range [IQR], 9–25 months). Serum anti-PLA2R and anti-thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A antibodies and MBL were detected by ELISA. Glomerular MBL and anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected by immunofluorescence. Proteinuria remission, including complete remission (CR), was defined as a clinical event. Clinicopathological characteristics and kidney outcomes were compared between patients with and without MBL deposition. Results: In 67 prevalent patients with biopsy-proven iMN, serum anti-PLA2R antibodies and anti-THSD7A antibodies were present in 37 (55.3%) and 1 (1.4%) patient with iMN. The positivity of glomerular MBL deposition and tissue anti-PLA2R antibody was 53 (79.1%) and 49 (73.1%), respectively. No significant difference was found between the MBL-positive and negative groups in the albumin level (26.5 ± 6.6 and 28.6 ± 6.1 g/L), eGFR (104.8 ± 17.4 and 114.6 ± 16.1 mL/min/1.73 m2), 24-h proteinuria (5.35 and 4.25 g/day), or serum MBL level corrected by serum Cr 4.92 (IQR, 0.86, 8.90) and 2.28 (IQR, 0.4, 5.62). In a Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for sex, age, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, immunosuppressive agent use, 24-h proteinuria, and anti-PLA2R antibody concentration, glomerular MBL deposition was independently associated with ICR of proteinuria (HR, 6.31; 95% CI, 1.1–36.1; p = 0.039). Conclusions: The MBL pathway of complement activation is commonly initiated in patients with iMN, and patients with MBL deposition reach ICR faster than patients without MBL deposition.
Major Durable Response of Pembrolizumab in Chemotherapy Refractory Small Cell Bladder Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Nguyen Olav Toai Duc , Sundstrøm Stein Harald , Westvik Ganna Surzhykova , Røttereng Ane Karoline Stræte , Melhus Mona Røli , Bergseth Cecilie , Hallem Elisabeth Kvelstad , Røe Oluf Dimitri
Published: September 2020

Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare subtype (incidence of 1–9/1,000,000), characterized by an aggressive behavior with early metastasis and poor prognosis. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are the usual treatment options, but to date, no accepted standard treatment exists. Since small cell bladder cancer shares similar clinicopathological features with small cell lung cancer, the same type of chemotherapy has been used. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown effect in small cell lung cancer, but data regarding small cell bladder cancer is insufficient. Here we present a case where a 73-year-old male with chemorefractory metastatic small cell bladder cancer received a successful treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab resulting in a major durable response and no side effects. To our knowledge, this is the second case report on successful treatment of the rare subtype of small cell bladder cancer with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, supporting the use of pembrolizumab as a therapeutic option for small cell bladder cancer. Serum neuron-specific enolase was a useful biomarker both for chemo- and immunotherapy response.
The Effect of the Presence of Lower Urinary System Symptoms on the Prognosis of COVID-19: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Study
Authors: Karabulut Ibrahim , Cinislioglu Ahmet Emre , Cinislioglu Nazan , Yilmazel Fatih Kursat , Utlu Mustafa  , Alay Handan , Celik Erkan Cem , Adanur Senol
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which occur as a natural result of aging and androgen exposure, in predicting disease prognosis in male patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: The study was planned prospectively. The study included 63 male patients over 40 years of age diagnosed with COVID-19. The patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 based on the results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs obtained as per the World Health Organization guidelines. The presence of LUTS was assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), a subjective assessment, and the I-PSS was filled for the patients included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups based on their scores in the I-PSS survey: group 1: mild (0–7), group 2: moderate (8–19), and group 3: severe (20–35). The data of all three groups were statistically analyzed. Results: In the assessment performed between the groups, it was identified that for patients in group 3, the length of hospital stay was longer, intensive care requirement was more frequent, and their mortality rates were numerically higher. In the evaluation made regarding the time to intensive care admittance, this was identified to be the shortest in group 3. Conclusion: As a result of our study, we think that in patients with COVID-19, BPH-related LUTS can guide clinicians in predicting prognosis.
Clinical Utility of a Phenotype-Enhanced
MYH7
-Specific Variant Classification Framework in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic Testing
Authors: Mattivi Connor L. , Bos J. Martijn , Bagnall Richard D. , Nowak Natalie , Giudicessi John R. , Ommen Steve R. , Semsarian Christopher , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Missense variants in the
MYH7
-encoded MYH7 (beta myosin heavy chain 7) represent a leading cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
MYH7
-specific American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) variant classification guidelines were released recently but have yet to be assessed independently. We set out to assess the performance of the
MYH7
-specific ACMG guidelines and determine if the addition of phenotype-enhanced criteria (PE-ACMG) using the HCM Genotype Predictor Score can further reduce the burden of variants of uncertain significance (VUS).

Methods:

Re-assessment was performed on 70
MYH7
-variants in 121 unique patients from Mayo Clinic, and an independent cohort of 54 variants in 70 patients from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Australia). Qualifying variants were re-adjudicated using both standard ACMG and
MYH7
-ACMG guidelines, and HCM Genotype Predictor Score was used to provide a validated measure of strength of clinical phenotype to be incorporated into the
MYH7
-ACMG framework.

Results:

Among Mayo Clinic identified variants, 11/70 (16%) were classified as pathogenic (P), 10/70 (14%) as likely pathogenic, and 49/70 (70%) as a VUS. A similar distribution was seen in the Australian patients (12/54 [22%] P, 12/54 [22%] likely pathogenic, and 30/54 [56%] VUS;
P
=not significant). Application of the
MYH7
-ACMG resulted in a nonsignificant reduction of the VUS burden in both cohorts from 49/70 to 39/70 (56%;
P
=0.1; Mayo Clinic) and from 30/54 to 20/54 (37%;
P
=0.1; Australia). Using the combined PE-MYH7-ACMG framework, the VUS decreased significantly from 49 to 27 (
P
<0.001, Mayo Clinic) and from 30 to 16 (
P
<0.001; Australia).

Conclusions:

Use of the
MYH7
-specific guidelines alone failed to significantly decrease VUS burden in 2 independent cohorts. However, a significant reduction in VUS burden was observed after the addition of phenotypic criteria. Using a patient’s strength of sarcomeric HCM phenotype for variant adjudication can increase significantly the clinical utility of genetic testing for patients with HCM.
The Life and Letters of William Sharp and "Fiona Macleod"
Authors: Halloran William F.
Published: September 2020

William Sharp (1855-1905) conducted one of the most audacious literary deceptions of his or any time. Sharp was a Scottish poet, novelist, biographer and editor who in 1893 began to write critically and commercially successful books under the name Fiona Macleod. This was far more than just a pseudonym: he corresponded as Macleod, enlisting his sister to provide the handwriting and address, and for more than a decade "Fiona Macleod" duped not only the general public but such literary luminaries as William Butler Yeats and, in America, E. C. Stedman.

Sharp wrote "I feel another self within me now more than ever; it is as if I were possessed by a spirit who must speak out". This three-volume collection brings together Sharp’s own correspondence – a fascinating trove in its own right, by a Victorian man of letters who was on intimate terms with writers including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Walter Pater, and George Meredith – and the Fiona Macleod letters, which bring to life Sharp’s intriguing "second self".

With an introduction and detailed notes by William F. Halloran, this richly rewarding collection offers a wonderful insight into the literary landscape of the time, while also investigating a strange and underappreciated phenomenon of late-nineteenth-century English literature. It is essential for scholars of the period, and it is an illuminating read for anyone interested in authorship and identity.
A systematic study of critical miRNAs on cells proliferation and apoptosis by the shortest path
Authors: Xu Peng , Wu Qian , Lu Deyang , Yu Jian , Rao Yongsheng , Kou Zheng , Fang Gang , Liu Wenbin , Han Henry
Published: September 2020

Background

MicroRNAs are a class of important small noncoding RNAs, which have been reported to be involved in the processes of tumorigenesis and development by targeting a few genes. Existing studies show that the imbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis is closely related to the initiation and development of cancers. However, the impact of miRNAs on this imbalance has not been studied systematically.

Results

In this study, we first construct a cell fate miRNA-gene regulatory network. Then, we propose a systematical method for calculating the global impact of miRNAs on cell fate genes based on the shortest path. Results on breast cancer and liver cancer datasets show that most of the cell fate genes are perturbed by the differentially expressed miRNAs. Most of the top-identified miRNAs are verified in the Human MicroRNA Disease Database (HMDD) and are related to breast and liver cancers. Function analysis shows that the top 20 miRNAs regulate multiple cell fate related function modules and interact tightly based on their functional similarity. Furthermore, more than half of them can promote sensitivity or induce resistance to some anti-cancer drugs. Besides, survival analysis demonstrates that the top-ranked miRNAs are significantly related to the overall survival time in the breast and liver cancers group.

Conclusion

In sum, this study can help to systematically study the important role of miRNAs on proliferation and apoptosis and thereby uncover the key miRNAs during the process of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the results of this study will contribute to the development of clinical therapy based miRNAs for cancers.
Surgery combined with antibiotics for the treatment of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by liver abscess
Authors: Wang Yue , Wang Xue , Di Yu
Published: September 2020

Backgrounds

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a serious disease caused by intraocular infection that can rapidly progress to cause blindness. This study evaluated the clinical features, surgical and antibiotics treatment strategies, and treatment outcomes in patients with endophthalmitis caused by liver abscess.

Methods

Between April 2014 and April 2019, the clinical data of 16 patients (19 eyes) with endophthalmitis associated with liver abscess who underwent surgery at Shengjing Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Furthermore, we evaluated the final visual outcomes in the patients to determine the efficacy of surgery.

Results

Fifteen patients (18 eyes) underwent intravitreal injection followed by vitrectomy after admission. One patient (1 eye) only underwent intravitreal injection. Of the 16 patients, 3 patients (3 eyes) had recurrent intraocular inflammation and eventually underwent evisceration. Systemic antibiotics were administered for all patients based on the results of vitreous humor culture, blood culture, and antibiotic susceptibility tests. Outpatient follow-ups were performed until the patients were stable (6 months). Of the 19 eyes, 1 eye (5%) had visual acuity restored to 20/200, 6 eyes (31%) had visual acuity restored to counting fingers (CF), 2 eyes (11%) had visual acuity restored to hand motion (HM), 4 eyes (22%) showed only light perception (LP), and the remaining 6 eyes (31%) showed no light perception (NLP). Drug susceptibility tests suggested that the carbapenems exhibited significant effects in the inflammatory reaction.

Conclusion

Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by liver abscess is a very serious condition, and the final visual outcome is poor. Timely surgical intervention combined with antibiotic treatment is essential, and the primary disease must be treated to control disease progression at the earliest.
Evaluating a frontostriatal working-memory updating-training paradigm in Parkinson’s disease: the iPARK trial, a double-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Domellöf Magdalena Eriksson , Walton Lois , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Bäckström David , Josefsson Maria , Forsgren Lars , Stigsdotter Neely Anna
Published: September 2020

Background

Cognitive decline and dementia are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Cognitive deficits have been linked to the depletion of dopamine in the nigrostriatal pathway, but pharmacological treatments for PD have little evidence of improving or delaying cognitive decline. Therefore, exploring non-pharmacological treatment options is important. There have been some promising results of cognitive training interventions in PD, especially for improvements in working memory and executive functions. Yet, existing studies are often underpowered, lacking appropriate control condition, long term follow-up, a thorough description of the intervention and characteristics of the participants. Working memory updating training has previously shown to increase striatal activation in healthy young and old participants as well as dopaminergic neurotransmission in healthy young participants. In the light of dopamine dysfunction in PD, with negative effects on both motor and cognitive functions it is of interest to study if an impaired striatal system can be responsive to a non-invasive, non-pharmacological intervention.

Methods and design

The iPARK trial is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a parallel-group design that aims to recruit 80 patients with PD (during the period 02/2017–02/2023). Included patients need to have PD, Hoehn and Yahr staging I-III, be between 45 to 75 years of age and not have a diagnosis of dementia. All patients will undergo 30 sessions (6–8 weeks) of web-based cognitive training performed from home. The target intervention is a process-based training program targeting working memory updating. The placebo program is a low dose short-term memory program. A battery of neuropsychological tests and questionnaires will be performed before training, directly after training, and 16 weeks after training.

Discussion

We expect that the iPARK trial will provide novel and clinically useful information on whether updating training is an effective cognitive training paradigm in PD. Further, it will hopefully contribute to a better understanding of cognitive function in PD and provide answers regarding cognitive plasticity as well as determining critical factors for a responsive striatal system.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov registry number: NCT03680170, registry name: “Cognitive Training in Parkinson’s Disease: the iPARK study”, retrospectively registered on the 21st of September 2018. The inclusion of the first participant was the 1st of February 2017.
Parental divorce in childhood does not independently predict maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy
Authors: Porthan Elviira , Lindberg Matti , Ekholm Eeva , Scheinin Noora M. , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Härkönen Juho
Published: September 2020

Background

This study sought to investigate if parental divorce in childhood increases the risk for depressive symptoms in pregnancy.

Methods

Women were recruited during their ultrasound screening in gestational week (gwk) 12. The final study sample consisted of 2,899 pregnant women. Questionnaires (including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) were completed at three measurement points (gwk 14, 24 and 34). Prenatal depressive symptoms were defined as Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 13. Parental divorce and other stressful life events in childhood were assessed at gwk 14. Parental divorce was defined as separation of parents who were married or cohabiting. Questionnaire data was supplemented with data from Statistics Finland and the Finnish Medical Birth Register.

Results

Parental divorce in childhood increased the risk for depressive symptoms during pregnancy (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.02–2.13), but the connection was no longer significant after adjusting for socioeconomic status, family conflicts and witnessing domestic violence in the childhood family (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.54–1.18).

Conclusions

Parental divorce alone does not predict depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
Identification of a metabolism-related gene expression prognostic model in endometrial carcinoma patients
Authors: Jiang Pinping , Sun Wei , Shen Ningmei , Huang Xiaohao , Fu Shilong
Published: September 2020

Background

Metabolic abnormalities have recently been widely studied in various cancer types. This study aims to explore the expression profiles of metabolism-related genes (MRGs) in endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

We analyzed the expression of MRGs using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data to screen differentially expressed MRGs (DE-MRGs) significantly correlated with EC patient prognosis. Functional pathway enrichment analysis of the DE-MRGs was performed. LASSO and Cox regression analyses were performed to select MRGs closely related to EC patient outcomes. A prognostic signature was developed, and the efficacy was validated in part of and the entire TCGA EC cohort. Moreover, we developed a comprehensive nomogram including the risk model and clinical features to predict EC patients’ survival probability.

Results

Forty-seven DE-MRGs were significantly correlated with EC patient prognosis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these MRGs were highly enriched in amino acid, glycolysis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Nine MRGs were found to be closely related to EC patient outcomes: CYP4F3, CEL, GPAT3, LYPLA2, HNMT, PHGDH, CKM, UCK2 and ACACB. Based on these nine DE-MRGs, we developed a prognostic signature, and its efficacy in part of and the entire TCGA EC cohort was validated. The nine-MRG signature was independent of other clinical features, and could effectively distinguish high- and low-risk EC patients and predict patient OS. The nomogram showed excellent consistency between the predictions and actual survival observations.

Conclusions

The MRG prognostic model and the comprehensive nomogram could guide precise outcome prediction and rational therapy selection in clinical practice.
Methodological and interpretive concerns about Beemster et al.’s article ‘The interpretation of change score of the pain disability index after vocational rehabilitation is baseline dependent’: a letter to the editor
Authors: Beckers Laura Wilma Maria Elisabeth , Smeets Rob Johannes Elise Marie
Published: September 2020

This is a critique of Beemster et al.’s article ‘The interpretation of change score of the pain disability index after vocational rehabilitation is baseline dependent’ (2018). The methodological issues in question include the choices of anchor to determine the minimal important change, and the intraclass correlation coefficient on which the calculation of the standard error of measurement was based. We believe these undermine the authors’ interpretation.
Prediction of drug-target interactions from multi-molecular network based on LINE network representation method
Authors: Ji Bo-Ya , You Zhu-Hong , Jiang Han-Jing , Guo Zhen-Hao , Zheng Kai
Published: September 2020

Background

The prediction of potential drug-target interactions (DTIs) not only provides a better comprehension of biological processes but also is critical for identifying new drugs. However, due to the disadvantages of expensive and high time-consuming traditional experiments, only a small section of interactions between drugs and targets in the database were verified experimentally. Therefore, it is meaningful and important to develop new computational methods with good performance for DTIs prediction. At present, many existing computational methods only utilize the single type of interactions between drugs and proteins without paying attention to the associations and influences with other types of molecules.

Methods

In this work, we developed a novel network embedding-based heterogeneous information integration model to predict potential drug-target interactions. Firstly, a heterogeneous multi-molecuar information network is built by combining the known associations among protein, drug, lncRNA, disease, and miRNA. Secondly, the Large-scale Information Network Embedding (LINE) model is used to learn behavior information (associations with other nodes) of drugs and proteins in the network. Hence, the known drug-protein interaction pairs can be represented as a combination of attribute information (e.g. protein sequences information and drug molecular fingerprints) and behavior information of themselves. Thirdly, the Random Forest classifier is used for training and prediction.

Results

In the results, under the five-fold cross validation, our method obtained 85.83% prediction accuracy with 80.47% sensitivity at the AUC of 92.33%. Moreover, in the case studies of three common drugs, the top 10 candidate targets have 8 (Caffeine), 7 (Clozapine) and 6 (Pioglitazone) are respectively verified to be associated with corresponding drugs.

Conclusions

In short, these results indicate that our method can be a powerful tool for predicting potential drug-target interactions and finding unknown targets for certain drugs or unknown drugs for certain targets.
Mice defective in interferon signaling help distinguish between primary and secondary pathological pathways in a mouse model of neuronal forms of Gaucher disease
Authors: Vardi Ayelet , Ben-Dor Shifra , Cho Soo Min , Kalinke Ulrich , Spanier Julia , Futerman Anthony H.
Published: September 2020

Background

The type 1 interferon (IFN) response is part of the innate immune response and best known for its role in viral and bacterial infection. However, this pathway is also induced in sterile inflammation such as that which occurs in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD), a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by mutations in GBA.

Methods

Mice were injected with conduritol B-epoxide, an irreversible inhibitor of acid beta-glucosidase, the enzyme defective in nGD. MyTrMaSt null mice, where four adaptors of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) are deficient, were used to determine the role of the IFN pathway in nGD pathology. Activation of inflammatory and other pathways was analyzed by a variety of methods including RNAseq.

Results

Elevation in the expression of PRRs associated with the IFN response was observed in CBE-injected mice. Ablation of upstream pathways leading to IFN production had no therapeutic benefit on the lifespan of nGD mice but attenuated neuroinflammation. Primary and secondary pathological pathways (i.e., those associated or not with mouse survival) were distinguished, and a set of ~210 genes including those related to sphingolipid, cholesterol, and lipoprotein metabolism, along with a number of inflammatory pathways related to chemokines, TNF, TGF, complement, IL6, and damage-associated microglia were classified as primary pathological pathways, along with some lysosomal and neuronal genes.

Conclusions

Although IFN signaling is the top elevated pathway in nGD, we demonstrate that this pathway is not related to mouse viability and is consequently defined as a secondary pathology pathway. By elimination, we defined a number of critical pathways that are directly related to brain pathology in nGD, which in addition to its usefulness in understanding pathophysiological mechanisms, may also pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic paradigms by targeting such pathways.
Breaking barriers in the prevention of adolescent pregnancies for in-school children in Kirehe district (Rwanda): a mixed-method study for the development of a peer education program on sexual and reproductive health
Authors: Nkurunziza Aimable , Van Endert Nadja , Bagirisano Justine , Hitayezu Jean Bosco , Dewaele Sylvie , Tengera Olive , Jans Goele
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite a variety of mainly school-driven prevention strategies, the number of adolescent pregnancies in Rwanda is worryingly high and is even expected to increase. The aim of this study is to empower Kirehe secondary school students aged 15–19 years old in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) by developing a peer education program.

Methods

A combination of quantitative and qualitative research will be used. A pre- and post-survey will examine adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes regarding SRH. In addition, six focus group interviews will explore these knowledge, attitudes but also SRH needs more in depth. Based on the obtained information, and after retrieving experts’ input, a peer education program is being developed in which Midwifery students obtain training in SRH and educational skills (= first train-the-trainer module). In turn, these students will educate and train a selected group of secondary school students (= second train the trainer module). Finally, these trained in-school students can act as reliable peers for other in-school students in the context of SRH.

Discussion

The project will contribute to 1) more independent and thoughtful decisions in contraception and sexual behavior, and consequently less adolescent pregnancies, and 2) the reinforcement of the Rwandan Midwifery education.

Trial registration

University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institutional Review Board, Approval No 158/CMHS IRB/2019.
Associated factors and sex differences in condom non-use among adolescents: Brazilian National School Health Survey (PeNSE)
Authors: Noll Matias , Noll Priscilla Rayanne E Silva , Gomes Jéssica Menezes , Soares Júnior José Maria , Silveira Erika Aparecida , Sorpreso Isabel Cristina Esposito
Published: September 2020

Background

Condom non-use among sexually active adolescents is a major cause of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In order to promote condom use, it is essential to understand factors associated with condom non-use.

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate sex differences and associated factors of condom non-use based on the nationally representative Brazilian National School Health Survey.

Methods

The study participants were 100,962 adolescents 13–18 years old, 9th graders from both public and private schools throughout Brazil. The following factors were considered as explanatory group variables for the outcome of condom non-use among adolescents: school and health service, sexual behavior, substance use, and self-reported body and health perception. Poisson regression model was performed.

Results

Of the total students, 28% (n = 28,157) had had sexual intercourse at least once. (boys, 37.1%; girls, 19.5%). Of these, 69.2% had used condoms the last time they had intercourse (girls: 68%; boys: 69.9%). The variables associated with condom non-use for both sexes were not having accessed a health service or approached a health professional for health-related care; not having received pregnancy prevention counseling or guidance on AIDS or STI prevention at school; early sexual initiation; no additional contraception method; substance use; feeling alone; not being satisfied with their own body; feeling fat or thin; and poor self-reported health. The number of sexual partners was also associated with condom non-use; however, contrasting behavior was indicated between sexes. A higher number of sexual partners indicated less use of condoms among girls, while for boys, a higher number of sexual partners indicated higher condom use.

Conclusion

High condom non-use appears to be associated with lack of health care access and sexual health education, poor sexual practices, substance use, and poor self-perception, indicating areas for health promotion programs.
Does preoperative dipyridamole-thallium scanning reduce 90-day cardiac complications and 1-year mortality in patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing hemiarthroplasty?
Authors: Liao Chin-Yi , Tan Timothy L. , Lu Yu-Der , Wu Cheng-Ta , Lee Mel S. , Kuo Feng-Chih
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dipyridamole-thallium scanning (DTS) on the rates of 90-day cardiac complications and 1-year mortality in patients with a femoral neck fracture treated with hemiarthroplasty.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2015, 844 consecutive patients who underwent cemented or cementless hemiarthroplasty were identified from the database of a single level-one medical center. One-hundred and thirteen patients (13%) underwent DTS prior to surgery, and 731 patients (87%) did not. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, surgical variables, and length of the delay until surgery were recorded. A propensity score-matched cohort was utilized to reduce recruitment bias in a 1:3 ratio of DTS group to control group, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to control confounding variables.

Results

The incidence of 90-day cardiac complications was 19.5% in the DTS group and 15.6% in the control group (p = 0.343) among 452 patients after propensity score-matching. The 1-year mortality rate (10.6% vs 13.3%, p = 0.462) was similar in the two groups. In the propensity score-matched patients, utilization of DTS was not associated with a reduction in the rate of 90-day cardiac complications (matched cohort, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–2.33, p = 0.332) or the 1-year mortality rate (aOR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.27–1.42, p = 0.259). Risk factors for cardiac complications included an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≥ 3 (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.44–7.08, p = 0.004) and pre-existing cardiac comorbidities (OR 5.56, 95% CI 3.35–9.25, p < 0.001). Risk factors for 1-year mortality were a long time to surgery (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.25, p = 0.001), a greater age (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.10, p = 0.040), a low body mass index (BMI; aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.98, p = 0.015), and the presence of renal disease (aOR 4.43, 95% CI 1.71–11.46, p = 0.002).

Discussion

Preoperative DTS was not associated with reductions in the rates of 90-day cardiac complications or 1-year mortality in patients with a femoral neck fracture undergoing hemiarthroplasty. The necessity for DTS should be re-evaluated in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures, given that this increases the length of the delay until surgery.

Level of evidence

Prognostic level III
Comparison of volatile compounds in different parts of fresh Amomum villosum Lour. from different geographical areas using cryogenic grinding combined HS–SPME–GC–MS
Authors: Chen Ling-Xiao , Lai Yun-Feng , Zhang Wei-Xiong , Cai Jing , Hu Hao , Wang Ying , Zhao Jing , Li Shao-Ping
Published: September 2020

Background

The essential oil is one of the main active ingredients of Amomum villosum Lour. However, volatile compounds are easily lost during the drying, storage and even sample preparation procedure. Therefore, using fresh samples can obtain more accurately data for qualitative and comparative analysis.

Methods

In this study, the volatile compounds in different parts of fresh A. villosum from different origins were systemic analyzed and compared by using cryogenic grinding combined HS–SPME–GC–MS for the first time. GC–MS analyses were performed on a 6890 Series GC instrument coupled to a 5973 N mass spectrometer. The volatile compounds were extracted by the SPME fiber (100 μm PDMS). Analytes separation was achieved on a HP-5MS capillary column. The oven temperature was initially programmed at 70 °C, then raised 4 °C/min to reach 125 °C and then programmed at 0.5 °C/min to 133 °C, then at 6 °C/min to 170 °C and finally, at 20 °C/min to 280 °C held for 2 min. The temperatures of the injection port, ion source and transfer line were set at 250 °C, 230 °C and 280 °C, respectively.

Results

Forty-eight main compounds were identified in different parts of fresh A. villosum. The most abundant components in fresh fruit samples were camphor (3.91%), bornyl acetate (10.53%), caryophyllene (8.70%), β-bisabolene (11.50%), (E)-nerolidol (14.82%) and cubenol (10.04%). This is quite different with that of dried samples analyzed in our previous work. As different parts of the same plant, many common components with biological activities were detected in fruit and other parts. In principle components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), four parts of A. villosum were divided into different groups clearly. Additionally, fruit and root samples also could be divided into two subgroups (HCA) in accordance with their regions.

Conclusion

The developed method was successfully used for qualitative and comparative analysis of volatile compounds in fresh A. villosum samples. Additionally, using fresh samples can obtain much more information which is helpful for their performance in the fields of functional foods, agriculture and biomedical industry. Furthermore, our research is helpful for comprehensive utilization and quality control of A. villosum.
COCOA: coordinate covariation analysis of epigenetic heterogeneity
Authors: Lawson John T. , Smith Jason P. , Bekiranov Stefan , Garrett-Bakelman Francine E. , Sheffield Nathan C.
Published: September 2020

A key challenge in epigenetics is to determine the biological significance of epigenetic variation among individuals. We present Coordinate Covariation Analysis (COCOA), a computational framework that uses covariation of epigenetic signals across individuals and a database of region sets to annotate epigenetic heterogeneity. COCOA is the first such tool for DNA methylation data and can also analyze any epigenetic signal with genomic coordinates. We demonstrate COCOA’s utility by analyzing DNA methylation, ATAC-seq, and multi-omic data in supervised and unsupervised analyses, showing that COCOA provides new understanding of inter-sample epigenetic variation. COCOA is available on Bioconductor (http://bioconductor.org/packages/COCOA).
Alignment and mapping methodology influence transcript abundance estimation
Authors: Srivastava Avi , Malik Laraib , Sarkar Hirak , Zakeri Mohsen , Almodaresi Fatemeh , Soneson Charlotte , Love Michael I. , Kingsford Carl , Patro Rob
Published: September 2020

Background

The accuracy of transcript quantification using RNA-seq data depends on many factors, such as the choice of alignment or mapping method and the quantification model being adopted. While the choice of quantification model has been shown to be important, considerably less attention has been given to comparing the effect of various read alignment approaches on quantification accuracy.

Results

We investigate the influence of mapping and alignment on the accuracy of transcript quantification in both simulated and experimental data, as well as the effect on subsequent differential expression analysis. We observe that, even when the quantification model itself is held fixed, the effect of choosing a different alignment methodology, or aligning reads using different parameters, on quantification estimates can sometimes be large and can affect downstream differential expression analyses as well. These effects can go unnoticed when assessment is focused too heavily on simulated data, where the alignment task is often simpler than in experimentally acquired samples. We also introduce a new alignment methodology, called selective alignment, to overcome the shortcomings of lightweight approaches without incurring the computational cost of traditional alignment.

Conclusion

We observe that, on experimental datasets, the performance of lightweight mapping and alignment-based approaches varies significantly, and highlight some of the underlying factors. We show this variation both in terms of quantification and downstream differential expression analysis. In all comparisons, we also show the improved performance of our proposed selective alignment method and suggest best practices for performing RNA-seq quantification.