bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hierarchical organization of autocatalytic reaction networks and its relevance to the origin of life
Authors: Peng Zhen , Linderoth Jeff , Baum David A.
Published: September 2022

Prior work on abiogenesis, the emergence of life from non-life, suggests that it requires chemical reaction networks that contain self-amplifying motifs, namely, autocatalytic cores. However, little is known about how the presence of multiple autocatalytic cores might allow for the gradual accretion of complexity on the path to life. To explore this problem, we develop the concept of a seed-dependent autocatalytic system (SDAS), which is a subnetwork that can autocatalytically self-maintain given a flux of food, but cannot be initiated by food alone. Rather, initiation of SDASs requires the transient introduction of chemical “seeds.” We show that, depending on the topological relationship of SDASs in a chemical reaction network, a food-driven system can accrete complexity in a historically contingent manner, governed by rare seeding events. We develop new algorithms for detecting and analyzing SDASs in chemical reaction databases and describe parallels between multi-SDAS networks and biological ecosystems. Applying our algorithms to both an abiotic reaction network and a biochemical one, each driven by a set of simple food chemicals, we detect SDASs that are organized as trophic tiers, of which the higher tier can be seeded by relatively simple chemicals if the lower tier is already activated. This indicates that sequential activation of trophically organized SDASs by seed chemicals that are not much more complex than what already exist could be a mechanism of gradual complexification from relatively simple abiotic reactions to more complex life-like systems. Interestingly, in both reaction networks, higher-tier SDASs include chemicals that might alter emergent features of chemical systems and could serve as early targets of selection. Our analysis provides computational tools for analyzing very large chemical/biochemical reaction networks and suggests new approaches to studying abiogenesis in the lab.
Conditional GWAS of non-CG transposon methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals major polymorphisms in five genes
Authors: Sasaki Eriko , Gunis Joanna , Reichardt-Gomez Ilka , Nizhynska Viktoria , Nordborg Magnus
Published: September 2022

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed that the striking natural variation for DNA CHH-methylation (mCHH; H is A, T, or C) of transposons has oligogenic architecture involving major alleles at a handful of known methylation regulators. Here we use a conditional GWAS approach to show that CHG-methylation (mCHG) has a similar genetic architecture—once mCHH is statistically controlled for. We identify five key trans-regulators that appear to modulate mCHG levels, and show that they interact with a previously identified modifier of mCHH in regulating natural transposon mobilization.
The TOG protein Stu2 is regulated by acetylation
Authors: Greenlee Matt A. , Witt Braden , Sabo Jeremy A. , Morris Savannah C. , Miller Rita K.
Published: September 2022

Stu2 in S. cerevisiae is a member of the XMAP215/Dis1/CKAP5/ch-TOG family of MAPs and has multiple functions in controlling microtubules, including microtubule polymerization, microtubule depolymerization, linking chromosomes to the kinetochore, and assembly of γ-TuSCs at the SPB. Whereas phosphorylation has been shown to be critical for Stu2 localization at the kinetochore, other regulatory mechanisms that control Stu2 function are still poorly understood. Here, we show that a novel form of Stu2 regulation occurs through the acetylation of three lysine residues at K252, K469, and K870, which are located in three distinct domains of Stu2. Alteration of acetylation through acetyl-mimetic and acetyl-blocking mutations did not impact the essential function of Stu2. Instead, these mutations lead to a decrease in chromosome stability, as well as changes in resistance to the microtubule depolymerization drug, benomyl. In agreement with our in silico modeling, several acetylation-mimetic mutants displayed increased interactions with γ-tubulin. Taken together, these data suggest that Stu2 acetylation can govern multiple Stu2 functions, including chromosome stability and interactions at the SPB.
Effectiveness of intralesional sodium stibogluconate for the treatment of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis at Boru Meda general hospital, Amhara, Ethiopia: Pragmatic trial
Authors: Tilahun Zewdu Feleke , Tessema Asressie Molla , Zerga Aregash Abebayehu , van Henten Saskia , Lambert Saba Maria
Published: September 2022

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is generally caused by Leishmania aethiopica in Ethiopia, and is relatively hard to treat. Sodium stibogluconate (SSG) is the only routinely and widely available antileishmanial treatment, and can be used systemically for severe lesions and locally for smaller lesions. There is limited data on the effectiveness of intralesional (IL) SSG for localized CL in Ethiopia and therefore good data is necessary to improve our understanding of the effectiveness of the treatment.

Methodology/Principal findings

A pragmatic (before and after Quazi experimental) study was done to assess the effectiveness of intralesional SSG among localized CL patients at Boru Meda general hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. Patients who were assigned to intralesional SSG by the treating physician were eligible for this study. Study subjects were recruited between January and August 2021. Infiltration of intralesional SSG was given weekly to a maximum of six doses. However, when a patient’s lesions were already cured before getting 6 doses, treatment was not conintued, and patient were only asked to come for lesion assessment. Skin slit smears (SSS) were taken each week until they became negative. Outcomes were assessed at day 90, with patients who had 100% reepithelization (for ulcerative lesions) and/or flattening (for indurated lesions) defined as cured. Multi-level logistic regression was done to assess factors associated with cure.

A total of 83 patients were enrolled, and final outcomes were available for 72 (86.75%). From these 72, 43 (59.7%, 95% confidence interval 0.44–0.69) were cured at day 90. Adverse effects were common with 69/72 patients (95.8%) reporting injection site pain. Factors associated with cure were age (OR 1.07 95% CI: 1.07–1.27), being male (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.10–2.25), size of the lesion (OR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.078–0.94) and skin slit smear (SSS) result +1 grading (OR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.24–1.73) and +2 grading (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.41–3.89) compared to the SSS grade +6.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that intralesional sodium stibogluconate resulted in a cure rate of around 60%, with almost all patients experiencing injection site pain. This emphasizes the need for local treatment options which are more patient-friendly and have better cure rates.
Population dynamics of free-roaming dogs in two European regions and implications for population control
Authors: Smith Lauren Margaret , Goold Conor , Quinnell Rupert J. , Munteanu Alexandru M. , Hartmann Sabine , Dalla Villa Paolo , Collins Lisa M.
Published: September 2022

Changes in free-roaming dog population size are important indicators of the effectiveness of dog population management. Assessing the effectiveness of different management methods also requires estimating the processes that change population size, such as the rates of recruitment into and removal from a population. This is one of the first studies to quantify the size, rates of recruitment and removal, and health and welfare status of free-roaming dog populations in Europe. We determined the size, dynamics, and health status of free-roaming dog populations in Pescara, Italy, and Lviv, Ukraine, over a 15-month study period. Both study populations had ongoing dog population management through catch-neuter-release and sheltering programmes. Average monthly apparent survival probability was 0.93 (95% CI 0.81–1.00) in Pescara and 0.93 (95% CI 0.84–0.99) in Lviv. An average of 7 dogs km-2 were observed in Pescara and 40 dogs km-2 in Lviv. Per capita entry probabilities varied between 0.09 and 0.20 in Pescara, and 0.12 and 0.42 in Lviv. In Lviv, detection probability was lower on weekdays (odds ratio: 0.74, 95% CI 0.53–0.96) and higher on market days (odds ratio: 2.58, 95% CI 1.28–4.14), and apparent survival probability was lower in males (odds ratio: 0.25, 95% CI 0.03–0.59). Few juveniles were observed in the study populations, indicating that recruitment may be occurring by movement between dog subpopulations (e.g. from local owned or neighbouring free-roaming dog populations), with important consequences for population control. This study provides important data for planning effective dog population management and for informing population and infectious disease modelling.
Pattern of substance use and substance use disorder in adolescent learners at public secondary schools in Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Olashore Anthony A. , Paruk Saeeda , Maphorisa Taboka , Mosupiemang Boitshepo
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Substance use amongst adolescents remains a global public health challenge. The potential negative health outcomes of substance use suggest the need to understand the pattern of use and the associated factors among adolescents. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of substance use, SUDs, and PD and the associated factors in adolescent learners at public schools in Gaborone, Botswana.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at 13 public secondary schools in Gaborone among 742 students. Assessment tools included the World Health Organization drug questionnaire, DSM-5 interview for SUD, and the General Health Questionnaire-12.

Results

The mean age (SD) of the participants was 15.26 (1.57) years, and there were more females (55.5%). Over two-fifths (44.6%) of learners reported psychoactive substance use in the past 12 months, and 31.5% meeting DSM 5 criteria for a SUD. Alcohol was the most used psychoactive substance (25.1%). Male gender (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.26–2.995), having a friend (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI: 2.68–6.78), or father (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.14–3.04), who uses substance, and higher levels of PD (AOR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03–1.17) remained significantly associated with SUD. Regular participation in religious activities negatively correlated with SUD (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–0.96).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of substance use and SUDs among in-school adolescents is concerning. Substance use programs need to include family-focused and religious-based therapy and youth empowerment in developing positive peer relationships. Also, they should be integrated with mental health screening to assess comorbid PD.
Impact of neoadjuvant treatment on rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Cheong Chinock , Kang Jeonghyun , Min Byung Soh , Kim Nam Kyu , Ahn Joong Bae , Lee Kang Young
Published: September 2022

Although gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare disease and rectal GISTs is only 5% of total GISTs, they have the worst prognosis. Due to narrow pelvis, tumor rupture or positive resection margin are common in the management of rectal GISTs. The impact of neoadjuvant treatment on the clinical outcomes of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a retrospective study to investigate the impact of neoadjuvant imatinib on rectal GIST. The cohort comprised 33 patients; of them, 10 and 23 belonged to the neoadjuvant (i.e., those who underwent neoadjuvant imatinib treatment) and the control group (i.e., those who underwent surgery without prior imatinib treatment), respectively. Neoadjuvant group was associated with more common levator ani muscle displacement (P = 0.002), and showed significantly larger radiologic tumor size (P = 0.036) than the control group. The mean tumor size was significantly decreased after imatinib treatment (6.8 cm to 4.7cm, P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in resection margin involvement (P >0.999), and sphincter preservation rates (P = 0.627) between the two groups. No difference was observed with respect to morbidities, hospital stay, local recurrence and disease-free survival. Neoadjuvant imatinib treated group had similar propensity with control group after treatment. We thought reduced tumor sized could enhance resectability and provide more chance to preserve sphincter for rectal GIST patients. Considering large tumor size and higher rate of sphincter invasion in the neoadjuvant group, imatinib treatment could be helpful as a conversion strategy to make huge and low-lying rectal GIST operable and achieve better surgical outcomes.
Parity and mode of birth and their relationships with quality of life: A longitudinal study
Authors: Davis Deborah L. , Wu Chunsen , Brown Wendy J. , Nohr Ellen A.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To examine how (a) parity and (b) mode of birth were associated with later Quality of Life (QOL) in young adult women, with a mean follow-up of 11.0 years.

Design

Prospective cohort study

Setting

Australia

r sample

A total of 7770 women participating in the 1973–1978 cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health.

Methods

Linear regression models were used to estimate (1) prospective associations between parity and mode of birth with eight subscale and two summary scores of the SF36, assessed after a mean follow-up of 11 years., and (2) differences between SF36 scores at follow up for women in different parity and mode of birth categories.

Main outcome measure

Quality of Life as measured by the SF36

Results

Women experiencing no births (parity 0) and one birth (parity 1) had lower scores on all the physical health measures, and on some mental health measures, than women who had 2 births (parity 2) (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Parity and mode of birth may have long-term implications for women’s physical and mental health. Both childless and women with only one child had poorer physical and mental health than their peers with two children. Women with only caesarean section(s) also had poorer health than women who had vaginal birth/s.
The complexity of examining laboratory-based biological markers associated with mortality in hospitalized patients during early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and evidence map
Authors: Griffith Lauren E. , Ali Muhammad Usman , Andreacchi Alessandra , Loeb Mark , Kenny Meghan , Joshi Divya , Mokashi Vishal , Irshad Ahmed , Ulrich Angela K. , Basta Nicole E. , Raina Parminder , Anderson Laura , Balion Cynthia
Published: September 2022

Importance

The measurement of laboratory biomarkers plays a critical role in managing patients with COVID-19. However, to date most systematic reviews examining the association between laboratory biomarkers and mortality in hospitalized patients early in the pandemic focused on small sets of biomarkers, did not account for multiple studies including patients within the same institutions during overlapping timeframes, and did not include a significant number of studies conducted in countries other than China.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive summary and an evidence map examining the relationship between a wide range of laboratory biomarkers and mortality among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the early phase of the pandemic in multiple countries.

Evidence review

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from Dec 2019 to March 9, 2021. A total of 14,049 studies were identified and screened independently by two raters; data was extracted by a single rater and verified by a second. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Case Series Critical Appraisal tool. To allow comparison across biomarkers, standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to quantify the relationship between laboratory biomarkers and hospital mortality. Meta-regression was conducted to account for clustering within institutions and countries.

Results

Our systematic review included 94 case-series studies from 30 countries. Across all biomarkers, the largest and most precise SMDs were observed forcardiac(troponin (1.03 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.21)), and BNP/NT-proBNP (0.93 (0.52 to 1.34)),inflammatory(IL-6 (0.97 (0.67 to 1.28) and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (0.94 (0.59 to 1.29)), andrenalbiomarkers (blood urea nitrogen (1.01 (0.79 to 1.23)) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (-0.96 (-1.42 to -0.50)). There was heterogeneity for most biomarkers across countries with studies conducted in China generally having larger effect sizes.

Conclusions and relevance

The results of this study provide an early pandemic summary of the relationship between biomarkers and mortality in hospitalized patients. We found our estimated ESs were generally attenuated compared to previous systematic reviews which predominantly included studies conducted in China. Despite using sophisticated methodology to examine studies across countries, heterogeneity in reporting of case-series studies early in the pandemic limits clinical interpretability.
Sexual dimorphism in response to repetitive bouts of acute aerobic exercise in rodents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Larocque Jordan C. , Gardy Silar , Sammut Mitchell , McBey David P. , Melling C. W. James
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine sex-specific differences in the blood glucose (BG) response to recurrent aerobic exercise in type 1 diabetes rats. Specifically, we examined the role of peak estrogen (E2) concentrations during proestrus on BG response to prolonged repetitive aerobic exercise. To do so, nineteen Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four exercised groups: control female (CXF; n = 5), control male (CXM; n = 5), diabetic female (DXF, n = 5) and diabetic male (DXM, n = 4). Diabetes was induced in DX groups via subcutaneous multiple injections of low dose streptozotocin (20mg/day for 7 days). After four days of exercise, muscle and liver glycogen content, liver gluconeogenic enzyme content, muscle Beta oxidation activity and BG responses to exercise were compared. The final bout of exercise took place during proestrus when E2 concentrations were at their highest in the female rats. During days 1–3 DXM had significantly lower BG concentrations during exercise than DXF. While both T1DM and non-T1DM females demonstrated higher hepatic G6Pase expression and muscle beta oxidation activity levels on day 4 exercise, no differences in BG response between the male and female T1DM rats were evident. Further, no differences in liver and muscle glycogen content following day 4 of exercise were seen between the sexes. These results would suggest that heightened E2 levels during proestrus may not be an important factor governing glucose counter regulatory response to exercise in female T1DM rats. Rather, the pre-exercise blood glucose levels are likely to be a large determinant of the blood glucose response to exercise in both male and female rats.
Comparison of impact accelerations between injury-resistant and recently injured recreational runners
Authors: Burke Aoife , Dillon Sarah , O’Connor Siobhán , Whyte Enda F. , Gore Shane , Moran Kieran A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Purpose

Previous injury has consistently been shown to be one of the greatest risk factors for running-related injuries (RRIs). Runners returning to participation following injury may still demonstrate injury-related mechanics (e.g. repetitive high impact loading), potentially exposing them to further injuries. The aim of this study was to determine if the magnitude (Peakaccel) and rate of loading (Rateaccel) at the tibia and sacrum differ between runners who have never been injured, those who have acquired injury resistance (runners who have not been injured in the past 2 years) and those who have been recently injured (RRI sustained 3–12 months ago).

Methods

Runners completed an online survey capturing details of their RRI history over the previous 2 years. Never injured runners were matched by sex, quarterly annual mileage and typical training speed to runners who had acquired injury resistance and to runners who had been recently injured. Differences in Peakaccel and Rateaccel of the tibia and sacrum were assessed between the three groups during a treadmill run at a set speed, with consideration for sex.

Results

A total of 147 runners made up the three injury status groups (n: 49 per group). There was a significant main effect of injury status for Peakaccel and Rateaccel at the sacrum, with recently injured runners demonstrating significantly greater Rateaccel than never injured and acquired injury resistant runners. There was also a significant main effect for sex, with females demonstrating greater tibial Peakaccel, sacrum Peakaccel and Rateaccel than males.

Conclusion

Rateaccel at the sacrum distinguishes recently injured runners from never injured runners and runners who may have acquired injury resistance, potentially highlighting poor impact acceleration attenuation in recently injured runners.
Prevention of non-infectious pulmonary complications after intra-bone marrow stem cell transplantation in mice
Authors: Yamasuji-Maeda Yoshiko , Nishimori Hisakazu , Seike Keisuke , Yamamoto Akira , Fujiwara Hideaki , Kuroi Taiga , Saeki Kyosuke , Fujinaga Haruko , Okamoto Sachiyo , Matsuoka Ken-ichi , Fujii Nobuharu , Tanaka Takehiro , Fujii Masahiro , Mominoki Katsumi , Kanekura Takuro , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: September 2022

Non-infectious pulmonary complications including idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), which are clinical and diagnostic manifestations of lung chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), cause significant mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Increasing evidence suggests that alloantigen reactions in lung tissue play a central role in the pathogenesis of IPS and BOS; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. Several clinical and experimental studies have reported that intra-bone marrow (IBM)-SCT provides high rates of engraftment and is associated with a low incidence of acute GVHD. In the present study, allogeneic SCT was conducted in mouse models of IPS and BOS, to compare intravenous (IV)-SCT with IBM-SCT. Allogeneic IBM-SCT improved the clinical and pathological outcomes of pulmonary complications compared to those of IV-SCT. The mechanisms underlying the reductions in pulmonary complications in IBM-SCT mice were explored. The infiltrating lung cells were mainly CD11b+ myeloid and CD3+ T cells, in the same proportions as in transplanted donor cells. In anin vivobioluminescence imaging, a higher proportion of injected donor cells was detected in the lung during the early phase (1 h after IV-SCT) than after IBM-SCT (16.7 ± 1.1 vs. 3.1 ± 0.7 × 105photons/s/animal, IV-SCT vs. IBM-SCT,P= 1.90 × 10−10). In the late phase (5 days) after SCT, there were also significantly more donor cells in the lung after IV-SCT than after IBM-SCT or allogeneic-SCT (508.5 ± 66.1 vs. 160.1 ± 61.9 × 106photons/s/animal, IV-SCT vs. IBM-SCT,P= 0.001), suggesting that the allogeneic reaction induces sustained donor cell infiltration in the lung during the late phase. These results demonstrated that IBM-SCT is capable of reducing injected donor cells in the lung; IBM-SCT decreases donor cell infiltration. IBM-SCT therefore represents a promising transplantation strategy for reducing pulmonary complications, by suppressing the first step in the pathophysiology of chronic GVHD.
Nursing students’ perceptions and experiences of e-internships during the COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study
Authors: Yi Qi-Feng , Yan Jin , Hui Huang , Yang Yan
Published: September 2022

Background

Clinical internship is an indispensable stage for nursing students to graduate successfully and become qualified nurses. However, COVID-19, a novel coronavirus disease with strong human-to-human transmission, hit China in late 2019 and forced the Chinese government to suspend classes and clinical internships. To cope with this situation, e-internship, which facilitate varied interactions without the need for direct contact, is used as an alternative strategy to help nursing students continue their internships.

Objectives

To describe the perceptions and experiences of undergraduate nursing students in e-internships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological design was adopted. Seventeen undergraduate nursing students in a major teaching hospital in Changsha, China, were recruited into the study. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Colaizzi’s approach.

Results

Four themes were captured from the data analysis: perceived images of clinical nurses in e-internships, psychological experience, perceived benefits of e-internships, and perceived limitations of e-internships.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that e-internship is a suitable method for training and cultivating undergraduate nursing students during a crisis. To enhance the efficiency of e-internships, guidelines and standards should be formulated, and effective measures should be taken to build better e-internship platforms. In the future, we suggest combine on-site internships with e-internships, thereby fully using their advantages, and improve the efficiency of internships as much as possible.
Design, development, and testing of a voice-text mobile health application to support Tuberculosis medication adherence in Uganda
Authors: Katende Kenneth Kidonge , Amiyo Mercy R. , Nabukeera Sarah , Mugisa Ian , Kaggwa Patrick , Namatovu Stellah , Atwiine Simon Peter , Kasasa Simon
Published: September 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to persist with a high disease burden globally. Non-adherence to treatment remains a major problem to TB control. In Uganda, one in every four TB patients does not adhere to their TB medication. The purpose of this study was to design, develop and assess implementation of a voice-text-based mobile application to support TB patients’ adherence to medication.

Methods

Design science research methodology (DSRM) was utilized to develop a voice-text-based mobile health application. Agile software methodology was used to achieve steps of DSRM that are; design and development. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted and data analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

During problem identification, Stigma, transport costs, being asymptomatic, drug side effects, lack of family support were identified as challenges affecting adherence. Technologies identified and used for the development of the voice-text application included; extensible mark-up language (XML) File, Apache server, Ubuntu Server, Hypertext Pre-processor, and jQuery. In the pilot study, 27 voice messages were broadcasted, 85.2% were delivered, 103 text messages were sent and 92.2% were delivered to the intended recipients.

Conclusions

Voice-text message mobile health application can be used to reach a wider patient population and it has the capability of addressing some of the challenges affecting TB medication adherence.
Artificial intelligence and cloud based platform for fully automated PCI guidance from coronary angiography-study protocol
Authors: Ploscaru Vlad , Popa-Fotea Nicoleta-Monica , Calmac Lucian , Itu Lucian Mihai , Mihai Cosmin , Bataila Vlad , Dragoescu Bogdan , Puiu Andrei , Cojocaru Cosmin , Costin Minoiu Aurelian , Scafa-Udriste Alexandru
Published: September 2022

Ischemic heart disease represent a heavy burden for the medical systems irrespective of the methods used for diagnosis and treatment of such patients in the daily medical routine. The present paper depicts the protocol of a study whose main aim is to develop, implement and test an artificial intelligence algorithm and cloud based platform for fully automated PCI guidance using coronary angiography images. We propose the utilisation of multiple artificial intelligence based models to produce three-dimensional coronary anatomy reconstruction and assess function- post-PCI FFR computation- for developing an extensive report describing and motivating the optimal PCI strategy selection. All the relevant artificial intelligence model outputs (anatomical and functional assessment–pre- and post-PCI) are presented to the clinician via a cloud platform, who can then take the utmost treatment decision. The physician will be provided with multiple scenarios and treatment possibilities for the same case allowing a real-time evaluation of the most appropriate PCI strategy planning and follow-up. The artificial intelligence algorithms and cloud based PCI selection workflow will be verified and validated in a pilot clinical study including subjects prospectively to compare the artificial intelligence services and results against annotations and invasive measurements.
Vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID-19 outcomes within the French overseas territories: A cohort study of 2-doses vaccinated individuals matched to unvaccinated ones followed up until September 2021 and based on the National Health Data System
Authors: Semenzato Laura , Botton Jérémie , Baricault Bérangère , Deloumeaux Jacqueline , Joachim Clarisse , Sylvestre Emmanuelle , Dray-Spira Rosemary , Weill Alain , Zureik Mahmoud
Published: September 2022

Importance

Although several observational studies on the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been published, vaccination coverage by August, 3 2021, remained low in the French overseas territories, despite Martinique and Guadeloupe experiencing an unprecedented number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations. We aimed to determine the association between COVID-19 vaccination and severe COVID-19 in the French overseas territories.

Methods

The French National Health Data System was used to conduct a 1:1 matched-cohort study. For each individual receiving a first dose of BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, or Ad26.COV2-S vaccine between December 27, 2020, and July 31, 2021, one unvaccinated individual was randomly selected and matched for year of birth, sex, and overseas territories on the date of vaccination. We estimated vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19-related hospitalization and in-hospital death after a full vaccination schedule, defined as ≥14 days after the second dose. Analyses were stratified according to the number of comorbidities.

Results

276,778 vaccinated individuals had a double-dose vaccination during the follow-up period and were followed with their paired unvaccinated control. The average age was 50 years and 53% were women. During a median 77 days of follow-up from day 14 after the second injection, 96 COVID-19-related hospitalizations occurred among vaccinated individuals and 1,465 among their unvaccinated counterparts. Overall, vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization was 94% (95%CI [93–95]) and exceeded 90% in each overseas territory, except Mayotte. The results were similar looking specifically at hospitalizations between July 15 and September 30, 2021. Vaccine effectiveness against in-hospital death was similar (94% [95%CI 91–96]). The risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization increased with the number of comorbidities, especially among vaccinated individuals.

Conclusions and relevance

In conclusion, vaccination has a major effect in reducing the risk of severe Covid-19 in the French overseas territories. The risk of COVID-19-hospitalization was very low among vaccinated individuals, especially in the absence of comorbidities. These results aim to increase confidence in vaccine effectiveness in overseas territories in hope of achieving better vaccination coverage.
Towards gender-inclusive job postings: A data-driven comparison of augmented writing technologies
Authors: Mihaljević Helena , Müller Ivana , Dill Katja , Yollu-Tok Aysel
Published: September 2022

Job advertisements are often worded in ways that might pose discrimination risks leading to the exclusion of certain groups of applicants, particularly in relation to their gender. Especially in male-dominated professions or leadership roles, the specific linguistic formulation of job postings acquires relevance if more women are to be attracted to apply. Various technologies have emerged that offer automated text screening, some of them even suggesting alternative formulations to increase gender inclusivity. In this study we analyze four software providers on the German market using a corpus of ∼160, 000 job ads from three different platforms. We identify the relevant social psychological research on gender and language that is at the scientific core of these technologies. We show that, despite sharing a common foundation, the four tools assess the potential for exclusion in job postings in a considerably divergent way on multiple levels of comparison. We discuss the levers in the software pipeline of all four technologies, as well as the potential effect of certain implementation decisions, such as string-based vs. semantic approaches to computational processing of natural language. We argue that the ‘technological translation’ of research is extremely involved and further studies of its use in practice are needed to assess the potential for more gender equality.
Gnocis: An integrated system for interactive and reproducible analysis and modelling of cis-regulatory elements in Python 3
Authors: Bredesen-Aa Bjørn André , Rehmsmeier Marc
Published: September 2022

Gene expression is regulated through cis-regulatory elements (CREs), among which are promoters, enhancers, Polycomb/Trithorax Response Elements (PREs), silencers and insulators. Computational prediction of CREs can be achieved using a variety of statistical and machine learning methods combined with different feature space formulations. Although Python packages for DNA sequence feature sets and for machine learning are available, no existing package facilitates the combination of DNA sequence feature sets with machine learning methods for the genome-wide prediction of candidate CREs. We here present Gnocis, a Python package that streamlines the analysis and the modelling of CRE sequences by providing extensible APIs and implementing the glue required for combining feature sets and models for genome-wide prediction. Gnocis implements a variety of base feature sets, including motif pair occurrence frequencies and the k-spectrum mismatch kernel. It integrates with Scikit-learn and TensorFlow for state-of-the-art machine learning. Gnocis additionally implements a broad suite of tools for the handling and preparation of sequence, region and curve data, which can be useful for general DNA bioinformatics in Python. We also present Deep-MOCCA, a neural network architecture inspired by SVM-MOCCA that achieves moderate to high generalization without prior motif knowledge. To demonstrate the use of Gnocis, we applied multiple machine learning methods to the modelling of D. melanogaster PREs, including a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), making this the first study to model PREs with CNNs. The models are readily adapted to new CRE modelling problems and to other organisms. In order to produce a high-performance, compiled package for Python 3, we implemented Gnocis in Cython. Gnocis can be installed using the PyPI package manager by running ‘pip install gnocis’. The source code is available on GitHub, at https://github.com/bjornbredesen/gnocis.
Psychometric properties of performance-based measures of physical function administered via telehealth among people with chronic conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Barry Walsh Caoimhe , Cahalan Roisin , Hinman Rana S. , O’ Sullivan Kieran
Published: September 2022

Background

Telehealth could enhance rehabilitation for people with chronic health conditions. This review examined the psychometric properties of performance-based measures of physical function administered via telehealth among people with chronic health conditions using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) approach.

Methods

This systematic review was registered with Prospero (Registration number: CRD42021262547). Four electronic databases were searched up to June 2022. Study quality was evaluated by two independent reviewers using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist. Measurement properties were rated by two independent reviewers in accordance with COSMIN guidance. Results were summarised according to the COSMIN approach and the modified GRADE approach was used to grade quality of the summarised evidence.

Results

Five articles met the eligibility criteria. These included patients with Parkinson’s Disease (n = 2), stroke (n = 1), cystic fibrosis (n = 1) and chronic heart failure (n = 1). Fifteen performance-based measures of physical function administered via videoconferencing were investigated, spanning measures of functional balance (n = 7), other measures of general functional capacity (n = 4), exercise capacity (n = 2), and functional strength (n = 2). Studies were conducted in Australia (n = 4) and the United States (n = 1). Reliability was reported for twelve measures, with all twelve demonstrating sufficient inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Criterion validity for all fifteen measures was reported, with eight demonstrating sufficient validity and the remaining seven demonstrating indeterminate validity. No studies reported data on measurement error or responsiveness.

Conclusions

Several performance-based measures of physical function across the domains of exercise capacity, strength, balance and general functional capacity may have sufficient reliability and criterion validity when administered via telehealth. However, the evidence is of low-very low quality, reflecting the small number of studies conducted and the small sample sizes included in the studies. Future research is needed to explore the measurement error, responsiveness, interpretability and feasibility of these measures administered via telehealth.
Genetic algorithm with a new round-robin based tournament selection: Statistical properties analysis
Authors: Hussain Abid , Riaz Salma , Amjad Muhammad Sohail , Haq Ehtasham ul
Published: September 2022

A round-robin tournament is a contest where each and every player plays with all the other players. In this study, we propose a round-robin based tournament selection operator for the genetic algorithms (GAs). At first, we divide the whole population into two equal and disjoint groups, then each individual of a group competes with all the individuals of other group. Statistical experimental results reveal that the devised selection operator has a relatively better selection pressure along with a minimal loss of population diversity. For the consisting of assigned probability distribution with sampling algorithms, we employ the Pearson’s chi-square and the empirical distribution function as goodness of fit tests for the analysis of statistical properties analysis. At the cost of a nominal increase of the complexity as compared to conventional selection approaches, it has improved the sampling accuracy. Finally, for the global performance, we considered the traveling salesman problem to measure the efficiency of the newly developed selection scheme with respect to other competing selection operators and observed an improved performance.
Distinctive location of piscine intestinal coccidiosis in Asian seabass fingerlings
Authors: Suyapoh Watcharapol , Sornying Peerapon , Thanomsub Chanoknun , Kraonual Khemjira , Jantana Korsin , Tangkawattana Sirikachorn
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim: Coccidian infection (coccidiosis) is one of the most important causes of illness and death in the fish population, including Asian sea bass. The fingerling developmental stage is sensitive to various infectious agents. Economic losses are sustained by the sea bass aquaculture industry due to coccidiosis annually. However, the related pathological changes in the Asian sea bass fingerlings' three-part intestine remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the Asian sea bass fingerlings' infection rate, infection location and site, and specific pathological lesions in the small intestinal tissues in a marine cage farming operation.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 fingerling fishes. Major coccidia proportions were identified morphologically at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. The infection number was determined based on coccidia presence at various intestinal locations and sites. All areas were assessed for pathological lesions using semi-quantitative grading. Analysis of variance was used to perform all data analyses using the SPSS software. Data were expressed as means ± standard deviation. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: All Asian sea bass fingerlings studied were infected with coccidia. Enteritis and mucosal necrosis were distinct lesions found in the anterior intestine, which had the highest infection rate (49.94%), followed by the mid intestine (35.63%), and the posterior intestine (22.43%). The most common coccidian infection site was extracellular (subepithelial), followed by intracytoplasmic, and epicellular sites. Histopathological lesion determination revealed that intestinal tissue inflammation and epithelial injuries were predominantly seen in the anterior gut (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: There was a high coccidian infection rate in Asian sea bass fingerlings from marine cage farming operations. Infection and intestinal damage at the anterior intestine, a major site, led to fingerling death. Disease prevention in the nursery should be intensive from the fingerling period to decrease the fatality rate caused by coccidia.
Kualitas Hidup Anak dengan Penyakit Ginjal Kronik di Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Hasan Sadikin Bandung
Authors: Sani Fairuz , Tarigan Rodman , Widiasta Ahmedz
Published: September 2022

Latar belakang. Penyakit ginjal kronik (PGK) dapat mengakibatkan kualitas hidup anak penderita menjadi menurun baik secara fisik, emosional, sosial, maupun prestasi belajar. Terdapat sekitar 52 kasus PGK per tahunnya yang terjadi di Rumah Sakit Hasan Sadikin Bandung.Tujuan. Mengetahui kualitas hidup anak pasien penyakit ginjal kronik di RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung.Metode. Penelitian menggunakan metode deskriptif kategorikal dengan rancangan potong lintang (Cross-sectional) pada periode Juli – Agustus 2019. Subjek penelitian terdiri atas seluruh pasien anak berusia 2-18 tahun dan orangtua pasien dengan PGK. Sampel penelitian diperoleh dengan metode konsekutif. Subjek diekslusi apabila pasien anak PGK sedang mengalami eksaserbasi akut dan pasien atau orangtua pasien yang tidak kooperatif. Data diperoleh menggunakan kuesioner PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales.Hasil. Sebanyak 60% anak dengan PGK di RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung memiliki kualitas hidup yang buruk berdasarkan self-report dengan rata-rata skor total yaitu 56,85 ± 7,53. Berdasarkan parent-report, kualitas hidup anak dengan PGK termasuk ke dalam kategori yang buruk dengan rata-rata skor total sebesar 69,43±17,07.Kesimpulan. Sebagian besar anak dengan PGK yang ada di RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung memiliki kualitas hidup yang buruk. Skor total terendah terdapat pada pasien anak dengan PGK yang sudah memasuki derajat akhir (PGK 5).
Hubungan antara Lama Terpasang Kateter Tenchkoff, Status Gizi, Jenis Pembedahan, dan Komplikasi pada Anak dengan Continous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Ardiyan Tinton , Fitriana Eka I , Dastamuar Shalita , Maritska Ziske
Published: September 2022

Latar belakang. Penyakit ginjal kronis merupakan masalah kesehatan yang merugikan pada anak dengan angka kesakitan dan kematian yang terus meningkat. Continous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)sebagai pilihan terapi pengganti ginjal memberikan manfaat yang lebih baik dibandingkan hemodialisis konvensional pada anak dengan penyakit ginjal terminal. Namun, efektivitas CAPD dalam jangka panjang perlu diantisipasi karena risiko komplikasi infeksi dan non-infeksi.Tujuan. Mengetahui hubungan faktor risiko dengan komplikasi CAPD pada pasien anak di Rumah Sakit Mohammad Hoesin.Metode. Studi cross-sectional ini dilakukan di RSMH. Sampel penelitian adalah pasien anak dengan CAPD pada bulan Juni (2016-2021) dengan rekam medis lengkap. Sampel penelitian dianalisis secara univariat dan bivariat. Hubungan antara faktor risiko dan komplikasi dianalisis menggunakan uji Chi-square.Hasil. Subjek berjumlah 14 orang berjenis kelamin laki-laki, usia>5 tahun, status gizi normal (42,9%), memiliki kelainan anatomi ginjal (57,1%), dan pembedahan secara laparoskopi (71,4%). Komplikasi infeksi terbanyak adalah peritonitis (50%), Komplikasi non infeksi adalah drainase yang buruk (42,9%). Tidak terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara faktor risiko terhadap komplikasi pada pasien anak yang mengalami CAPD di RSMH (p > 0,05).Kesimpulan. Secara deskriptif setiap faktor berperan terhadap kejadian komplikasi. Namun, tidak ada hubungan yang bermakna antara faktor risiko pada komplikasi infeksi dan non infeksi.
Peran Kadar Bilirubin Umbilikal sebagai Prediktor Hiperbilirubinemia pada Neonatus
Authors: Harti Vita Pramatasari , Hafidh Yulidar , Rokhayati Evi
Published: September 2022

Latar belakang. Kadar puncak bilirubin terjadi pada 72 hingga 96 jam setelah bayi baru lahir. Hiperbilirubinemia pada neonatus dapat berdampak serius jika tidak ditangani dengan tepat. Untuk menghindari dampak serius dari hiperbilirubinemia, dibutuhkan pemeriksaan yang dapat memprediksi hiperbilirubinemia pada neonatus.Tujuan. Mengetahui nilai prediksi kadar bilirubin umbilikal terhadap kejadian hiperbilirubinemia pada neonatus. Metode. Penelitian observasional analitik dengan pendekatan kohort prospektif. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan secara consecutive sampling pada bayi baru lahir di RSUD Dr. Moewardi pada bulan Januari 2021 – Juni 2021. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji chi square dan uji Mann Whitney, tingkat kemaknaan hasil uji ditentukan berdasarkan nilai p<0,05.Hasil. Dari 30 subyek neonatus, didapatkan 10 neonatus dengan hiperbilirubinemia dan 20 neonatus tanpa hiperbilirubinemia. Kadar bilirubin umbilikal pada neonatus dengan hiperbilirubinemia (7,22+7,06 mg/dL) lebih tinggi secara signifikan dibandingkan dengan neonatus tanpa hiperbilirubinemia (3,33+1,82 mg/dL) (p=0,003). Nilai cut off bilirubin umbilikal untuk hiperbilirubinemia adalah >3,78 mg/dL dengan sensitivitas 90%, spesifisitas 80%, dan risiko relatif (RR) 11,769; (IK 95% 1,699- 81,545).Kesimpulan. Kadar bilirubin umbilikal dapat digunakan sebagai prediktor hiperbilirubinemia dengan nilai cut off untuk hiperbilirubinemia adalah >3,78 mg/dL.
Hubungan Berat Lahir dan Faktor Perinatal terhadap Kejadian Leukemia pada Anak
Authors: Yuniftiadi Fajar , Sudarmanto Bambang , M. Muryawan M. Heru
Published: September 2022

Latar belakang. Etiologi definitif penyebab kanker pada anak masih belum jelas dan bersifat multifaktorial. Berat bayi lahir lebih dikaitkan dengan risiko terjadinya leukemia pada anak. Hal ini disebabkan karena tingginya hormon pertumbuhan pada bayi besar yang mempunyai efek onkogenik pada perkembangan sistem imun tubuhnya sehingga meningkatkan risiko dari progresifitas terjadinya leukemia. Tujuan. Menganalisis hubungan berat lahir dan faktor perinatal terhadap kejadian leukemia pada anak.Metode. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Januari 2018 hingga bulan Juni 2019 dengan desain case control pada pasien hemato-onkologi anak di RSUP dr. Kariadi Semarang. Data berat lahir dan faktor risiko perinatal dianalisis menggunakan uji Mann Whitney dan chi square untuk melihat hubungan berat lahir dan faktor perinatal antara anak penderita leukemia akut dengan anak yang tidak menderita leukemia. Nilai p dianggap bermakna apabila p< 0,05.Hasil, Penelitian ini terdiri dari 184 pasien, 90 (48,91%) adalah kelompok subjek yang menderita leukemia, dan 94 (51,,09%) adalah kelompok kontrol yang tidak menderita leukemia, Sebanyak 79 (87,7%) subjek menderita acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 7 (7,8%) subjek menderita acute myeloblastic leukemia dan 4 (4,.4%) subjek menderita chronic myeloblastic leukemia. Didapatkan nilai p 0,151 (p>0.05) dari hubungan berat lahir dan kejadian leukemia, nilai p=0,861 (p>0,05) dari hubungan usia ibu saat hamil terhadap kejadian leukemia dan nilai p=0,543 (p>0,05) dari hubungan jenis persalinan dengan kejadian leukemia.Kesimpulan. Tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara berat lahir, usia ibu saat hamil dan jenis persalinan terhadap kejadian leukemia pada anak di RSUP dr. Kariadi.