bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of importance to children and young adults with cerebral palsy, their parents and health professionals following lower limb orthopaedic surgery: A qualitative study to inform a Core Outcome Set
Authors: Almoajil Hajar , Toye Francine , Dawes Helen , Pierce Jo , Meaney Andrew , Baklouti Aziz , Poverini Lara , Hopewell Sally , Theologis Tim
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Although several outcomes are commonly measured to assess the effect of surgery for young people with cerebral palsy (CP), these are selected mainly by health professionals and researchers. Including the perspectives of a broader range of stakeholders is an essential step towards determining important outcomes for assessment. This qualitative study involves the development of a core outcome set (COS) for lower limb orthopaedic surgery for ambulant children with CP.

Objective

This study aimed to identify outcomes that matter to children and young people with CP, their parents and healthcare professionals following lower limb orthopaedic surgery.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 healthcare professionals, 10 children and young people with CP and 8 parents. Interview data were analysed by content analysis supported by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF‐CY) supplemented by thematic analysis.

Findings

Thirty‐one outcomes were identified in total, which were linked to eleven second‐level ICF‐CY categories. There were differences between stakeholder groups in preferences and expectations from surgical outcomes. Healthcare professionals and children with their parents identified 31 and 25 outcomes, respectively. Health outcomes valued by participants were lower limb alignment and symmetry, flexibility and muscle strength, mental health, fatigue, pain, function in life, mobility, participation, being independent, quality of life and adverse events. Compared to previous published trials, 10 new outcomes were revealed by this study.

Conclusion

The researchers identified outcomes that are important to all stakeholders following lower limb orthopaedic surgery for ambulant CP. Including these outcomes in future studies would promote patient‐centred care for children and young adults with CP. Findings will be used to inform an international Delphi survey and develop a COS in this field.

Patient and Public Contribution

This study was informed by an advisory group including a young adult with CP and a parent of a child with CP. This group engaged in the design of the study and the information material to support the interview (information sheet and interview topic guide).
Acceleration in BMI gain following COVID‐19 restrictions. A longitudinal study with 7‐ to 10‐year‐old primary school children
Authors: Jarnig Gerald , Jaunig Johannes , Kerbl Reinhold , Strenger Volker , Haeusler Gabriele , van Poppel Mireille N. M.
Published: January 2022

Background

The ramifications of COVID‐19 restrictions might accelerate the already rising proportion of children with overweight or obesity.

Objectives

To assess the association between COVID‐19 restrictions and changes in body mass index (BMI) and the proportion of children with overweight or obesity.

Methods

Cohort study with baseline measurements in September 2019 (prior to COVID‐19 restrictions) and follow‐up in June 2020, September 2020, and March 2021 at 12 primary schools in Austria. The height and weight of 738 children aged 7 to 10 years were measured and age‐ and sex‐specific national and international standardized values were calculated. Changes over time were analysed by analysis of variance.

Results

Mean BMIIOTF standard deviation scores (SDS) increased by 0.24 (95% CI, 0.21–0.28) between September 2019 and March 2021. The proportion of children with overweight or obesity increased from 20.7% to 26.2% during this period (p < 0.001) using national reference values—EQUI BMIAUT—comparable results were observed. Simultaneously, the heightAUT SDS increased by 0.06 (95% CI, 0.05–0.08) with a larger increase in girls (+0.11; p < 0.001) than in boys (+0.03; p = 0.19).

Conclusions

COVID‐19 restrictions were associated with accelerated increases in mean BMI and the proportion of children with overweight or obesity. The increase in height SDS in girls calls for further investigations.
ATPase subunits of the 26S proteasome are important for oocyte maturation in the brown planthopper
Authors: Cheng Xu , Wang Wei , Zhang Lu , Yang Rui‐Rui , Ma Ya , Bao Yan‐Yuan
Published: January 2022

The 26S proteasome is the major engine of protein degradation in all eukaryotic cells. Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) regulatory subunits (Rpts) are constituents of the proteasome that are involved in the unfolding and translocation of substrate proteins into the core particle. In this study, by using the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens as a model insect, we report the biological importance of Rpts in female reproduction. We identified six homologous Rpt genes (Rpt1‐6) in N. lugens. These genes were detected at high transcript levels in eggs and ovaries of females but at low transcript levels in males. RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of N. lugens Rpt genes significantly decreased the proteolytic activity of the proteasome and impeded the transcription of triacylglycerol lipase and vitellogenin genes in the fat bodies and ovaries of adult females and reduced the triglyceride content in the ovaries. The decrease in the proteolytic activity of the proteasome via knockdown of Rpts also downregulated the transcription of the CYP307A2 gene encoding an important rate‐limiting enzyme in the 20‐hydroxyecdysone biosynthetic pathway in the ovaries, reduced 20E production in adult females and impaired ovarian development and oocyte maturation, leading to the failure of egg production and egg‐laying. These novel findings indicate that Rpts are required for the proteolytic activity of the proteasome, which is important for female reproductive success in N. lugens.
Does the global migration matter? The impact of top ten cities migration on native nationals income and employment levels
Authors: Ji Gang , Cheng Xiwu , Kannaiah Desti , Shabbir Malik Shahzad
Published: January 2022

Since industrialization migration has been a continuous phenomenon, it invigorates innovations and technologies. Due to this reason, several research questions aroused that either the migration has any causal effect on employment opportunities for native people from global developed economies. Moreover, the role of migration affects the national income of the economies due to internal mobility and expansion of the cities. An instrumental variable model with a fixed effect is used to analyse the data. The study has used twenty years annual data set start from 2000 to 2019. The data have taken from World Development Indicator (WDI) and the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD). The results explore that employment opportunities at the individual level are affected by the presence of a foreign workforce. Moreover, migrant population pressure could be a possible reason for the decrease in available work opportunities for the native labour force. However, the national income does not get affect by the incursion of migrants from outward boundaries of the international cities. The overall findings of this study concluded that global migration matters seriously but at the individual level and particular kinds of work opportunities have stressed due to immigration, but the overall impact is subtle.
First report of acanthocephalan parasite, Longicollum pagrosomi Yamaguti, 1935 in cultured red snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Li‐Wu , Rao Shreesha , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu
Published: January 2022

For the first time, Longicollum pagrosomi Yamaguti, 1935, an acanthocephalan parasite, has been characterized with morphological, histopathological and molecular detail in farmed red snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) in Taiwan. The diseased fish showed clinical signs of anorexia, emaciation and were gasping for air at the water's surface. Gross examination revealed extensive necrosis in the intestine and even penetration at the site of parasitic attachment, resulting in a large number of parasites being lodged in the peritoneal cavity, surrounded by black hyperplastic connective tissue. The parasites collected from the intestine were studied using optical microscopy, histopathology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular phylogenetic analysis. They were creamy white in colour, and were separated into their proboscis, neck and metasoma (trunk) under optical microscopy. Histopathological examination revealed ovarian balls (floating ovaries) inside the ligament sac and eggs within the egg sorting apparatus. The SEM images revealed that the proboscis had 11–14 longitudinal rows with 9–12 recurrent, backward‐facing, organized hooks. In the 18S and 28S phylogenetic tree, sequences of the specimens were identical to those of other Longicollum pagrosomi, in addition to the morphological features. Thus, we confirmed that the parasites belonged to Longicollum pagrosomi in this study.
Relationship between occupational stress, sleep disturbance, and presenteeism of shiftwork nurses
Authors: Baek Jihyun , Ki Jison , Ryu Jaegeum , Smi Choi‐Kwon
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the relationships between occupational stress, sleep disturbance, and presenteeism in shiftwork nurses in South Korea.

Design

This cross‐sectional study used survey data from 442 shiftwork nurses at two hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected between March 2018 and April 2020.

Methods

A self‐reported questionnaire was used to assess shiftwork nurses’ demographic and job‐related information, presenteeism, occupational stress, and sleep disturbance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and the PROCESS macro.

Findings

The mean presenteeism score was 39.52. Multiple regression analysis revealed that job insecurity, interpersonal conflict, occupational climate, lack of reward, and job demand are significantly associated with presenteeism. Sleep disturbance was related to presenteeism and had a moderating effect on the relationship between occupational stress and presenteeism.

Conclusions

This study indicates that proper occupational climate, positive interpersonal relationships, and adequate sleep can reduce shiftwork presenteeism. Therefore, individual and organizational efforts to alleviate occupational stress and sleep disturbances are essential.

Clinical relevance

Organizational support is needed to maintain a positive occupational climate and interpersonal relationships and ameliorate sleep disturbance among shiftwork nurses.
Anatomical effects on the relationship between brain arterial diameter and length: The Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Omran Setareh Salehi , Khasiyev Farid , Zhang Cen , Rundek Tatjana , Sacco Ralph L. , Wright Clinton B. , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Gutierrez Jose
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose

In patients with dolichoectasia, it is uncertain how dilatation and/or elongation relate to each other. We aimed to examine the correlation between arterial diameter and length within arteries and across the circle of Willis (COW).

Methods

We included stroke‐free participants in the Northern Manhattan Study who underwent magnetic resonance angiography. Intracranial artery diameters and lengths were obtained with semiautomated commercial software and were adjusted for head size. We first investigated the correlation between diameters and length using Pearson's correlation coefficient. We then built generalized linear models adjusted for demographics and risk factors.

Results

Among 1210 participants included in the analysis (mean age 71 ± 9 years, 59% women, 65% Hispanic), a larger basilar artery (BA) diameter correlated with greater BA length (r = .3), and left and right middle cerebral artery (MCA) diameters correlated with one another (r = .4). Across the COW, BA diameter correlated with MCA diameters (r = .3 for both). In adjusted analyses, MCA diameters were associated with larger posterior circulation diameters (β = 0.07), MCA and BA lengths (β = 0.003 and β = 0.002, respectively), presence of fetal posterior cerebral artery (PCA), (β = 0.11), and a complete COW (β = –0.02). Similarly, BA length was associated with a fetal PCA (β = 1.1), and BA diameter was associated with anterior circulation diameters (β = 0.15) and presence of fetal PCA (β = –0.4).

Conclusions

COW configuration should be considered when using arterial diameter cutoffs to define dolichoectasia. Further studies are needed to discern whether arterial diameter or length best identify individuals at risk of vascular events attributable to dolichoectasia.
Automatic deep learning multicontrast corpus callosum segmentation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brusini Irene , Platten Michael , Ouellette Russell , Piehl Fredrik , Wang Chunliang , Granberg Tobias
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose

Corpus callosum (CC) atrophy is predictive of future disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, current segmentation methods are either labor‐ or computationally intensive. We therefore developed an automated deep learning‐based CC segmentation tool and hypothesized that its output would correlate with disability.

Methods

A cohort of 631 MS patients (449 females, baseline age 41 ± 11 years) with both 3‐dimensional T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI was used for the development. Data from 204 patients were manually segmented to train convolutional neural networks in extracting the midsagittal intracranial and CC areas. Remaining data were used to compare segmentations with FreeSurfer and benchmark the outputs with regard to clinical correlations. A 1.5 and 3 Tesla reproducibility cohort of 9 MS patients evaluated the segmentation robustness.

Results

The deep learning‐based tool was accurate in selecting the appropriate slice for segmentation (98% accuracy within 3 mm of the manual ground truth) and segmenting the CC (Dice coefficient .88‐.91) and intracranial areas (.97‐.98). The accuracy was lower with higher atrophy. Reproducibility was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > .90) for T1‐weighted scans and moderate‐good for FLAIR (.74‐.75). Segmentations were associated with baseline and future (average follow‐up time 6‐7 years) Expanded Disability Status Scale (ρ = –.13 to –.24) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (r = .18‐.29) scores.

Conclusions

We present a fully automatic deep learning‐based CC segmentation tool optimized to modern imaging in MS with clinical correlations on par with computationally expensive alternatives.
Environment, public debt, and epidemics
Authors: Davin Marion , Fodha Mouez , Seegmuller Thomas
Published: January 2022

We study whether fiscal policies, especially public debt, can help to curb the macroeconomic and health consequences of epidemics. Our approach is based on three main features: we introduce the dynamics of epidemics in an overlapping generations model to take into account that old people are more vulnerable; people are more easily infected when pollution is high; public spending in health care and public debt can be used to tackle the effects of epidemics. We show that fiscal policies can promote convergence to a stable disease‐free steady state. When public policies are not able to permanently eradicate the epidemic, public debt, and income transfers could reduce the number of infected people and increase capital and GDP per capita. As a prerequisite, pollution intensity should not be too high. Finally, we define a household subsidy policy that eliminates income and welfare inequalities between healthy and infected individuals.
Gender, Sexuality, and Religion: A Critical Integrative Review and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Schnabel Landon , Abdelhadi Eman , Ally Zaslavsky Katherine , Ho Jacqueline S. , Torres‐Beltran Angie
Published: January 2022

This article sets forth a critical integrative review of the study of gender, sexuality, and religion. Treating religion as a cause, an effect, and an intermediary factor in relation to gender and sexuality, it draws on and synthesizes multiple theoretical approaches, including gender and queer lenses on religion, cultural analysis, and intersectionality. The article is structured around 10 big‐picture questions about gender, sexuality, and religion and argues that gender and sexuality are a key symbolic boundary and cultural divide in religious and political life in the United States and around the world. It concludes with an agenda for future research.
Managing intellectual property and technology commercialization: Experiences, success stories and lessons learnt—A case study from Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture, India
Authors: Kant Lakshmi , Shahid Faaiza
Published: January 2022

A paradigm shift towards IPR policy and technology commercialization have been observed in India, during the post‐World Trade Organization (WTO) regime. Protecting innovative agricultural technologies through IPR and technology commercialization are of utmost significance to enhance country's public research enterprise, promote economic development and national competitiveness. This has impacted the innovations in a positive direction in these areas. The present article reviews in‐depth process of IPR management and technology commercialization attempted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS). Earlier, ICAR established a three‐tier model for technology management and transfer namely, central, zonal, and institute level committees/units. Of late, Agrinnovate India Limited (AgIn), which works to meet with world‐wide commercial success of the invented technologies, have come in to facilitate the commercialization process and thus a renewed three‐tier model is in place now. The paper also presents a case study of ICAR‐VPKAS, highlighting the unique experiences, lessons learnt and evolution in managing IP and process of technology commercialization. This is purposely drawn as an early example in managing IP and commercializing the argicultural technologies, despite the challenges faced by the institute due to its remoteness, difficult accessibility and hilly location. These together, may catalyze similar efforts throughout the developing countries to promote innovation and global competitiveness.
Comparison of toxicity following single versus tandem autologous transplant regimens for pediatric medulloblastoma
Authors: Plant‐Fox Ashley S. , Ma Clement , Al‐Sayegh Hasan , Shyr Derek , Lee Michelle A. , Lehmann Leslie E. , Chi Susan N.
Published: January 2022

Background

Medulloblastoma outcomes have improved with craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy, but such therapy has resulted in poor neurocognitive outcomes for young patients. Chemotherapy‐only regimens with autologous transplant have been implemented with the intention of avoiding radiation. It is not yet known whether single or tandem transplantation is superior with respect to efficacy and/or safety.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of children with medulloblastoma treated at Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute from 1996 to 2016 who received either single or tandem autologous transplantation after completion of induction chemotherapy. We compared safety and outcome data between the two groups.

Results

Among 23 patients, 12 received tandem transplants. Median follow‐up was 6.4 years (IQR = 0.8–10.5). There was no statistically significant difference in 5‐year EFS or OS between the single (70.7 ± 14%, 80.2 ± 13%) and tandem transplant groups (57.1 ± 15%, 79.6 ± 13%). Seven tandem transplant patients received subsequent radiation while only four required radiation in the single transplant group (p = .41). In the single transplant regimen, patients experienced longer antibiotic duration (p = .03) and LOS (p = .01) and a trend toward increased number of transfusions (p = .06). Four cases of veno‐occlusive disease were reported in the single transplant group (p = .04).

Conclusions

Outcomes were similar between regimens, but the single transplant regimen had more hepatic complications. These data suggest that tandem transplant regimens may have reduced toxicity compared to the single transplant regimen with similar outcome measures.
Evaluation of potentiality of traditional hygienic practices for the mitigation of the 2019–2020 Corona Pandemic
Authors: Ripanda Asha , Miraji Hossein , Sule Khalfani , Nguruwe Salvatory , Ngumba Julias , Sahini Mtabazi Geofrey , Hamad Vuai Saidi
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus outbreak threatens global well‐being, costing thousands of lives and an unstable economy. Traditional hand‐washing (HaWa) with clean water and hand‐washing sanitizers (HaWaSas) are among WHO recommended practices against the outbreaks. HaWaSa and HaWa lacked proper quality monitoring evaluation that may pose health risks. The current study investigates the potential of traditional hygienic practices adopted to mitigate the 2019–2020 Pandemic. It involved assessing the effectiveness of 15 HaWaSa collected from the Dodoma market. Thirty volunteered participants were subjected to different hygienic practices involving HaWa and HaWaSa. The obtained hand‐swabbed samples were subjected to the streak plate technique for inoculation, followed by counting colonies. The results revealed that, among the collected HaWaSa brands, only 33.3% were certified by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). In the setting under no hand‐wash, each client had a different number of colony counts. HaWa did not eliminate all colonies since water acted as a secondary source while only one sanitizer proved effective. The p‐values obtained in either setting were greater than 0.05, indicating that each variable was independent. Despite global awareness and fighting against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid‐19) outbreak, quality monitoring of all diagnostic tools, preventive HaWaSa, and related drugs should be prioritized for human safeguard.
Incorporating spatial information in machine learning: The Moran eigenvector spatial filter approach
Authors: Islam Md Didarul , Li Bin , Lee Carl , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: January 2022

Spatial statistical models are highly effective for modeling geospatial data as they consider spatial information of geographic spaces and other non‐spatial covariates, enabling them to minimize spatial autocorrelation by addressing spatial dependence. In contrast, machine learning (ML) models are highly effective for predicting non‐spatial data, but they are not as effective for modeling and predicting geospatial data because of spatial autocorrelation issues. One of the frequently reported limitations of ML models for geospatial data modeling is that there is no standard method of incorporating spatial information of geographic space into the model, and consequently they cannot minimize spatial autocorrelation. In this study, we have presented a local spatial information‐embedded ML method capable of minimizing spatial autocorrelation by addressing spatial dependence while predicting a geospatial phenomenon. Our study applied the eigenvector spatial filter method to extract approximated eigenvectors from spatial coordinates and embed them within ML models as a set of vectors along with the selected non‐spatial covariates. We have also presented a comparison of relative prediction performance between traditional spatial statistical and ML‐based models. The experiment demonstrates that incorporating spatially filtered eigenvectors to represent spatial information in ML model specification significantly improves the prediction performance.
Touching Distance: The underlying Russophilia in the Skripal Case Coverage in Greek Press
Authors: Paschalidis Panagiotis , Siakas George
Published: January 2022

Theories of mediatization and domestication provide an analytical framework in understanding how patterns of interpretation are related to the public opinion’s attitudes towards actors and topics. In this study, we focus on the coverage of the Skripal case by major Greek newspapers in March 2018 in a pursuit to determine the variety of dispositions towards Russia. The Greek media’s coverage seems to comply with a disengaged approach: more news than views. The majority of news reports -instead of opinions- can be regarded as an effect of awkwardness or a choice not to provide analysis on Russia, even though the abundant news reports have the exact opposite effect of maintaining the public’s vivid interest. By performing a content analysis on articles with references to Russia, we seek to look beneath this veneer. We suggest that the Greek newspapers’ coverage is linked with more structural traits, such as Russophilia, as we identify several distinct subcultures in the press when it comes to dispositions towards Russia.
Bile acid‐ and ethanol‐mediated activation of Orai1 damages pancreatic ductal secretion in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Pallagi Petra , Görög Marietta , Papp Noémi , Madácsy Tamara , Varga Árpád , Crul Tim , Szabó Viktória , Molnár Melinda , Dudás Krisztina , Grassalkovich Anna , Szederkényi Edit , Lázár György , Venglovecz Viktória , Hegyi Péter , Maléth József
Published: January 2022

Regardless of its aetiology, sustained intracellular Ca2+ overload is a well‐known hallmark of acute pancreatitis (AP). Toxic Ca2+ elevation induces pancreatic ductal cell damage characterized by impaired ion and fluid secretion – essential to wash out the protein‐rich fluid secreted by acinar cells while maintaining the alkaline intra‐ductal pH under physiological conditions – and mitochondrial dysfunction. While prevention of ductal cell injury decreases the severity of AP, no specific drug target has yet been identified in the ductal cells. Although Orai1, a store‐operated Ca2+ influx channel, is known to contribute to sustained Ca2+ overload in acinar cells, details concerning its expression and function in ductal cells are currently lacking. In this study, we demonstrate that functionally active Orai1 channels reside predominantly in the apical plasma membrane of pancreatic ductal cells. Selective CM5480‐mediated Orai1 inhibition impairs Stim1‐dependent extracellular Ca2+ influx evoked by bile acids or ethanol combined with non‐oxidative ethanol metabolites. Furthermore, prevention of sustained extracellular Ca2+ influx protects ductal cell secretory function in vitro and decreases pancreatic ductal cell death. Finally, Orai1 inhibition partially restores and maintains proper exocrine pancreatic secretion in in vivo AP models. In conclusion, our results indicate that Orai1 inhibition prevents AP‐related ductal cell function impairment and holds the potential of improving disease outcome.

Key points

Sustained intracellular Ca2+ overload in pancreatic acinar and ductal cells is a hallmark of biliary and alcohol‐induced acute pancreatitis, which leads to impaired ductal ion and fluid secretion.

Orai1 is a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel that mediates extracellular Ca2+ influx upon endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ depletion.

Results showed that Orai1 is expressed on the luminal plasma membrane of the ductal cells and selective Orai1 inhibition impaired Stim1‐dependent extracellular Ca2+ influx evoked by bile acids or ethanol combined with non‐oxidative ethanol metabolites.

The prevention of sustained extracellular Ca2+ influx protected ductal cell secretory functions in in vitro models and maintained exocrine pancreatic secretion in in vivo acute pancreatitis models.

Orai1 inhibition prevents the bile acid‐ and alcohol‐induced damage of the pancreatic ductal secretion and holds the potential of improving the outcome of acute pancreatitis.
Acute exercise decreases insulin‐stimulated extracellular vesicles in conjunction with augmentation index in adults with obesity
Authors: Heiston Emily M. , Ballantyne Anna , La Salvia Sabrina , Musante Luca , Erdbrügger Uta , Malin Steven K.
Published: January 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are often elevated in obesity and may modulate disease risk. Although acute exercise reduces fasting EVs in adults with obesity, no data exist on insulin‐mediated EV responses. This study evaluated the effects of exercise on EV responses to insulin in relation to vascular function. Ten (5M/5F) sedentary adults with obesity (34.3 ± 3.7 kg/m2) completed an evening control and acute exercise condition (70% to expend 400 kcal). Following an overnight fast, participants underwent a 2 h euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp (90 mg/dl; 40 mU/m2/min) to determine metabolic insulin sensitivity (M‐value), phenotypes of medium‐ to large‐sized EVs, and aortic waveform measures. Endothelial (CD105+, CD41−/CD31+)‐, leukocyte (CD45+)‐, platelet (CD41+, CD41+/31+)‐ and tetraspanin (TX+)‐derived EVs, as well as platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31+), were determined before and after the clamp using high resolution spectral flow cytometry. Although exercise did not alter fasting haemodynamics, it lowered the augmentation index (AIx75, P = 0.024) and increased the M‐value (P = 0.042). Further, exercise decreased all fasting EVs (P < 0.01) and decreased insulin‐stimulated TX+ (P = 0.060), CD31+ (P = 0.060) and CD41−/31+ (P = 0.045) compared to rest. Interestingly, greater insulin‐stimulated decreases in CD41−/31+ were associated with reduced AIx75 during the clamp (r = 0.62, P = 0.059), while insulin‐stimulated decreases in CD41+ (r = −0.68, P = 0.031), CD41+/31+ (r = −0.69, P = 0.262), TX+ (r = −0.66, P = 0.037) and CD31+ (r = −0.69, P = 0.028) correlated with M‐value following exercise. Thus, acute exercise may decrease fasting and insulin‐stimulated medium‐ to large‐size EVs in conjunction with improved M‐value and AIx75. More research is needed to understand effects of exercise on EVs in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and vascular function.

Key points

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increased in states of obesity and may play a role in altered insulin sensitivity and blood pressure; aerobic exercise decreases fasting EV concentrations the following day in adults with obesity.

This study directly tested the effects of insulin on EVs and how a single bout of exercise impacts these responses.

Together, these data highlight the positive effects of a single bout of exercise on fasting and insulin‐stimulated EVs, with the latter relating to increased insulin sensitivity and decreased augmentation index.

These results support future research identifying EVs as mechanistic factors in glucose regulation and vascular function as well as clinical use of exercise to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
The Blood Proteoform Atlas: A reference map of proteoforms in human hematopoietic cells
Authors: Melani Rafael D. , Gerbasi Vincent R. , Anderson Lissa C. , Sikora Jacek W. , Toby Timothy K. , Hutton Josiah E. , Butcher David S. , Negrão Fernanda , Seckler Henrique S. , Srzentić Kristina , Fornelli Luca , Camarillo Jeannie M. , LeDuc Richard D. , Cesnik Anthony J. , Lundberg Emma , Greer Joseph B. , Fellers Ryan T. , Robey Matthew T. , DeHart Caroline J. , Forte Eleonora , Hendrickson Christopher L. , Abbatiello Susan E. , Thomas Paul M. , Kokaji Andy I. , Levitsky Josh , Kelleher Neil L.
Published: January 2022

Human biology is tightly linked to proteins, yet most measurements do not precisely determine alternatively spliced sequences or posttranslational modifications. Here, we present the primary structures of ~30,000 unique proteoforms, nearly 10 times more than in previous studies, expressed from 1690 human genes across 21 cell types and plasma from human blood and bone marrow. The results, compiled in the Blood Proteoform Atlas (BPA), indicate that proteoforms better describe protein-level biology and are more specific indicators of differentiation than their corresponding proteins, which are more broadly expressed across cell types. We demonstrate the potential for clinical application, by interrogating the BPA in the context of liver transplantation and identifying cell and proteoform signatures that distinguish normal graft function from acute rejection and other causes of graft dysfunction.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ralstonia pickettii Strain NCTR106, Isolated from Milk Carton Paperboard
Authors: Kim Sung Guk , Summage-West Christine V. , Buzatu Dan A. , Foley Steven L.
Published: January 2022

Ralstonia pickettii
is an emerging global opportunistic pathogen. Here, we report the 5.3-Mbp draft genome sequence of
R. pickettii
NCTR106, isolated from milk carton paperboard obtained from a commercial paper mill. The genome sequence carries two beta-lactamase genes similar to those reported in
R. pickettii
isolates collected from a hospital.
Genome Sequencing of Wastewater Confirms the Arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant at Frankfurt Airport but Limited Spread in the City of Frankfurt, Germany, in November 2021
Authors: Agrawal Shelesh , Orschler Laura , Tavazzi Simona , Greither Robert , Gawlik Bernd Manfred , Lackner Susanne
Published: January 2022

Wastewater-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surveillance of Frankfurt Airport by genome sequencing was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants entering the region. In November 2021, we found all characteristic mutations of Omicron in wastewater originating from Frankfurt Airport before the first confirmed clinical report from an arriving passenger on 26 November 2021.
Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hahn Jill , Cook Nancy R , Alexander Erik K , Friedman Sonia , Walter Joseph , Bubes Vadim , Kotler Gregory , Lee I-Min , Manson JoAnn E , Costenbader Karen H
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate whether vitamin D and marine derived long chain omega 3 fatty acids reduce autoimmune disease risk.

Design

Vitamin D and omega 3 trial (VITAL), a nationwide, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial with a two-by-two factorial design.

Setting

Nationwide in the United States.

Participants

25 871 participants, consisting of 12 786 men ≥50 years and 13 085 women ≥55 years at enrollment.

Interventions

Vitamin D (2000 IU/day) or matched placebo, and omega 3 fatty acids (1000 mg/day) or matched placebo. Participants self-reported all incident autoimmune diseases from baseline to a median of 5.3 years of follow-up; these diseases were confirmed by extensive medical record review. Cox proportional hazard models were used to test the effects of vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids on autoimmune disease incidence.

Main outcome measures

The primary endpoint was all incident autoimmune diseases confirmed by medical record review: rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune thyroid disease, psoriasis, and all others.

Results

25 871 participants were enrolled and followed for a median of 5.3 years. 18 046 self-identified as non-Hispanic white, 5106 as black, and 2152 as other racial and ethnic groups. The mean age was 67.1 years. For the vitamin D arm, 123 participants in the treatment group and 155 in the placebo group had a confirmed autoimmune disease (hazard ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.99, P=0.05). In the omega 3 fatty acids arm, 130 participants in the treatment group and 148 in the placebo group had a confirmed autoimmune disease (0.85, 0.67 to 1.08, P=0.19). Compared with the reference arm (vitamin D placebo and omega 3 fatty acid placebo; 88 with confirmed autoimmune disease), 63 participants who received vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids (0.69, 0.49 to 0.96), 60 who received only vitamin D (0.68, 0.48 to 0.94), and 67 who received only omega 3 fatty acids (0.74, 0.54 to 1.03) had confirmed autoimmune disease.

Conclusions

Vitamin D supplementation for five years, with or without omega 3 fatty acids, reduced autoimmune disease by 22%, while omega 3 fatty acid supplementation with or without vitamin D reduced the autoimmune disease rate by 15% (not statistically significant). Both treatment arms showed larger effects than the reference arm (vitamin D placebo and omega 3 fatty acid placebo).

Study registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01351805
and
NCT01169259
Randomized trials on non-pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19: a scoping review
Authors: Hirt Julian , Janiaud Perrine , Hemkens Lars G.
Published: January 2022

Objective

We aimed at providing a systematic overview of randomised trials assessing non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to prevent COVID-19.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

We included all randomised trials assessing NPIs to prevent COVID-19 in any country and setting registered in ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform using the COVID-evidence platform (until 17 August 2021). We searched for corresponding publications in MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, the Living Overview of Evidence platform, and the Cochrane COVID-19 registry as well as for results posted in registries (until 14 November 2021). Descriptive statistics using numbers and percentages were used in the narrative synthesis of the results.

Results

We identified 41 randomised trials. Of them, 12 were completed (29.3%) including 9 with published results. The 41 trials planned to recruit a median of 1700 participants (IQR 588–9500, range 30–35 256 399) with a median planned duration of 8 months (IQR 3–14, range 1–24). Most came from the USA (n=11, 26.8%). The trials mostly assessed protective equipment (n=11, 26.8%), COVID-19-related information and education programmes (n=9, 22.0%), access to mass events under specific safety measures (n=5, 12.2%), testing and screening strategies (n=5, 12.2%) and hygiene management (n=5, 12.2%).

Conclusions

Worldwide, 41 randomised trials assessing NPIs have been initiated with published results available to inform policy decisions for only 9 of them. A long-term research agenda including behavioural, environmental, social and systems level interventions is urgently needed to guide policies and practices in the current and future public health emergencies.
IDEAL approach to the evaluation of machine learning technology in epilepsy surgery: protocol for the MAST trial
Authors: Chari Aswin , Adler Sophie , Wagstyl Konrad , Seunarine Kiran , Marcus Hani , Baldeweg Torsten , Tisdall Martin
Published: January 2022

Epilepsy and epilepsy surgery lend themselves well to the application of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This is evidenced by the plethora of tools developed for applications such as seizure detection and analysis of imaging and electrophysiological data. However, few of these tools have been directly used to guide patient management. In recent years, the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-Term Follow-Up (IDEAL) collaboration has formalised stages for the evaluation of surgical innovation and medical devices, and, in many ways, this pragmatic framework is also applicable to ML/AI technology, balancing innovation and safety.

In this protocol paper, we outline the preclinical (IDEAL stage 0) evaluation and the protocol for a prospective (IDEAL stage 1/2a) study to evaluate the utility of an ML lesion detection algorithm designed to detect focal cortical dysplasia from structural MRI, as an adjunct in the planning of stereoelectroencephalography trajectories in children undergoing intracranial evaluation for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Direct and indirect effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hammersley Daniel J , Buchan Rachel J , Lota Amrit S , Mach Lukas , Jones Richard E , Halliday Brian P , Tayal Upasana , Meena Devendra , Dehghan Abbas , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Baksi A John , Pantazis Antonis , Roberts Angharad M , Prasad Sanjay K , Ware James S
Published: January 2022

Objectives

(1) To evaluate the prevalence and hospitalisation rate of COVID-19 infections among patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Cardiovascular Research Centre (RBHH CRC) Biobank. (2) To evaluate the indirect impact of the pandemic on patients with cardiomyopathy through the Heart Hive COVID-19 study. (3) To assess the impact of the pandemic on national cardiomyopathy-related hospital admissions.

Methods

(1) 1236 patients (703 DCM, 533 HCM) in the RBHH CRC Biobank were assessed for COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations; (2) 207 subjects (131 cardiomyopathy, 76 without heart disease) in the Heart Hive COVID-19 study completed online surveys evaluating physical health, psychological well-being, and behavioural adaptations during the pandemic and (3) 11 447 cardiomyopathy-related hospital admissions across National Health Service (NHS) England were studied from NHS Digital Hospital Episode Statistics over 2019–2020.

Results

A comparable proportion of patients with cardiomyopathy in the RBHH CRC Biobank had tested positive for COVID-19 compared with the UK population (1.1% vs 1.6%, p=0.14), but a higher proportion of those infected were hospitalised (53.8% vs 16.5%, p=0.002). In the Heart Hive COVID-19 study, more patients with cardiomyopathy felt their physical health had deteriorated due to the pandemic than subjects without heart disease (32.3% vs 13.2%, p=0.004) despite only 4.6% of the cardiomyopathy cohort reporting COVID-19 symptoms. A 17.9% year-on-year reduction in national cardiomyopathy-related hospital admissions was observed in 2020.

Conclusion

Patients with cardiomyopathy had similar reported rates of testing positive for COVID-19 to the background population, but those with test-proven infection were hospitalised more frequently. Deterioration in physical health amongst patients could not be explained by COVID-19 symptoms, inferring a significant contribution of the indirect consequences of the pandemic.

Trial registration number

NCT04468256
New solitary wave solutions for fractional Jaulent–Miodek hierarchy equation
Authors: Neirameh Ahmad , Eslami Mostafa
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the generalized rational function procedure was used to produce new solitary solutions to the fractional Jaulent–Miodek hierarchy equation. The equation is shortly called the Jaulent–Miodek equation, which was first derived by Jaulent and Miodek and associated with energy-dependent Schrödinger potentials. The equation is converted into a fourth-order partial differential equation using a transformation. In order, we find some solitary solutions such as soliton, rational and hyperbolic function solutions of Jaulent–Miodek hierarchy equation by the help of generalized exponential rational function procedure. Then, for some parameters, we draw three-dimensional graphics of real values of some exact solutions that we acquired by using this procedure.
Nickel macrocyclic complexes with porphyrazine and some [benzo]substituted, oxo and fluoro ligands: DFT analysis
Authors: Chachkov Denis V. , Mikhailov Oleg V.
Published: January 2022

By using quantum chemical calculation data obtained by the DFT method with the OPBE/TZVP and B3PW91/TZVP levels, the principal possibility of the existence of three heteroligand complexes of nickel, each of which was shown to contain in the inner coordination sphere either porphyrazine or di[benzo]- and tetra[benzo]porphyrazine, oxygen (O[Formula: see text] and fluorine (F[Formula: see text] ions. The data on the geometric parameters of the molecular structure of these complexes are presented; which shows that NiN4 chelate nodes, all metal-chelate and non-chelate cycles in each of these complexes, are strictly planar. The bond angles between two donor nitrogen atoms and a nickel atom are equal to 90[Formula: see text], while the bond angles between donor atoms N, Ni, and O or F, in most cases, albeit insignificantly, differ from this value. Nevertheless, the bond angles formed by Ni, O and F atoms are exactly 180[Formula: see text]. NBO analysis data for these complexes are presented; it was noted that the ground state of all these complexes was a spin doublet. It has been shown that a good agreement between the data obtained using the above two versions of the DFT method occurs. Also, standard thermodynamic parameters of formation (standard enthalpy [Formula: see text], entropy [Formula: see text] and Gibbs’s energy [Formula: see text] for the macrocyclic compounds under consideration were calculated.
IMPACT OF INDUSTRIALIZATION ON THE DYNAMICS OF ATMOSPHERIC CARBON DIOXIDE: A MODELING STUDY
Authors: MISRA A. K. , VERMA MAITRI
Published: January 2022

The expansion of the industrial sector is one of the prime contributors to the increase in the concentration of heat-trapping gases, mainly carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]), in the atmosphere. Since the onset of the industrial revolution, industrial [Formula: see text] emissions have been contributing significantly to global warming and associated climate changes. To design strategies for the mitigation of climate changes, it is crucial to comprehend the role of industrialization in the elevation of atmospheric [Formula: see text] concentration. This paper presents a nonlinear mathematical model, comprising a set of nonlinear differential equations, to examine the impact of industrialization on the dynamics of atmospheric [Formula: see text]. Analysis of the model shows that if the industrial [Formula: see text] emission rate increases beyond a critical value, the system experiences Hopf-bifurcation about the interior equilibrium and periodic solution is generated. The direction and stability of periodic solutions arising through Hopf-bifurcation are investigated. Numerical simulation is presented to demonstrate the analytical findings.
A Novel Multi-Modal Network-Based Dynamic Scene Understanding
Authors: Uddin Md Azher , Joolee Joolekha Bibi , Lee Young-Koo , Sohn Kyung-Ah
Published: January 2022

In recent years, dynamic scene understanding has gained attention from researchers because of its widespread applications. The main important factor in successfully understanding the dynamic scenes lies in jointly representing the appearance and motion features to obtain an informative description. Numerous methods have been introduced to solve dynamic scene recognition problem, nevertheless, a few concerns still need to be investigated. In this article, we introduce a novel multi-modal network for dynamic scene understanding from video data, which captures both spatial appearance and temporal dynamics effectively. Furthermore, two-level joint tuning layers are proposed to integrate the global and local spatial features as well as spatial and temporal stream deep features. In order to extract the temporal information, we present a novel dynamic descriptor, namely,
Volume Symmetric Gradient Local Graph Structure
(
VSGLGS
), which generates temporal feature maps similar to optical flow maps. However, this approach overcomes the issues of optical flow maps. Additionally,
Volume Local Directional Transition Pattern
(
VLDTP
) based handcrafted spatiotemporal feature descriptor is also introduced, which extracts the directional information through exploiting edge responses. Lastly, a stacked
Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory
(
Bi-LSTM
) network along with a temporal mixed pooling scheme is designed to achieve the dynamic information without noise interference. The extensive experimental investigation proves that the proposed multi-modal network outperforms most of the state-of-the-art approaches for dynamic scene understanding.