bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of seven novel ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA signatures as a diagnostic biomarker for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zheng Zhiyuan , Wu Wei , Lin Zehang , Liu Shuhan , Chen Qiaoqian , Jiang Xiandong , Xue Yan , Lin Donghong
Published: September 2021

Background

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered type of programmed cell death that participates in the biological processes of various cancers. However, the mechanism by which ferroptosis modulates acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in AML and establish a corresponding prognostic model.

Methods

RNA-sequencing data and clinicopathological characteristics were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and ferroptosis-related genes were obtained from the FerrDb database. The “limma” R package, Cox regression, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to determine the ferroptosis-related lncRNA signature with the lowest Akaike information criteria (AIC). The risk score of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs was calculated and patients with AML were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. The Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the risk score. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were performed to explore the biological functions of the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs.

Results

Seven ferroptosis-related lncRNA signatures were identified in the training group, and Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses confirmed that risk scores were independent prognostic predictors of AML in both the training and validation groups (AllP < 0.05). In addition, the area under the curve (AUC) analysis confirmed that the signatures had a good predictive ability for the prognosis of AML. GSEA and ssGSEA showed that the seven ferroptosis-related lncRNAs were related to glutathione metabolism and tumor immunity.

Conclusions

In this study, seven novel ferroptosis-related lncRNA signatures (AP001266.2, AC133961.1, AF064858.3, AC007383.2, AC008906.1, AC026771.1, and KIF26B-AS1) were established. These signatures were shown to accurately predict the prognosis of AML, which would provide new insights into strategies for the development of new AML therapies.
Lung function and breathing patterns in hospitalised COVID-19 survivors: a review of post-COVID-19 Clinics
Authors: Stockley James A. , Alhuthail Eyas A. , Coney Andrew M. , Parekh Dhruv , Geberhiwot Tarekegn , Gautum Nandan , Madathil Shyam C. , Cooper Brendan G.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

There is relatively little published on the effects of COVID-19 on respiratory physiology, particularly breathing patterns. We sought to determine if there were lasting detrimental effect following hospital discharge and if these related to the severity of COVID-19.

Methods

We reviewed lung function and breathing patterns in COVID-19 survivors > 3 months after discharge, comparing patients who had been admitted to the intensive therapy unit (ITU) (n = 47) to those who just received ward treatments (n = 45). Lung function included spirometry and gas transfer and breathing patterns were measured with structured light plethysmography. Continuous data were compared with an independent t-test or Mann Whitney-U test (depending on distribution) and nominal data were compared using a Fisher’s exact test (for 2 categories in 2 groups) or a chi-squared test (for > 2 categories in 2 groups). A p-value of < 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant.

Results

We found evidence of pulmonary restriction (reduced vital capacity and/or alveolar volume) in 65.4% of all patients. 36.1% of all patients has a reduced transfer factor (TLCO) but the majority of these (78.1%) had a preserved/increased transfer coefficient (KCO), suggesting an extrapulmonary cause. There were no major differences between ITU and ward lung function, although KCOalone was higher in the ITU patients (p = 0.03). This could be explained partly by obesity, respiratory muscle fatigue, localised microvascular changes, or haemosiderosis from lung damage. Abnormal breathing patterns were observed in 18.8% of subjects, although no consistent pattern of breathing pattern abnormalities was evident.

Conclusions

An “extrapulmonary restrictive” like pattern appears to be a common phenomenon in previously admitted COVID-19 survivors. Whilst the cause of this is not clear, the effects seem to be similar on patients whether or not they received mechanical ventilation or had ward based respiratory support/supplemental oxygen.
Detection of high frequency of MAD20 allelic variants of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 gene from Adama and its surroundings, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: File Temesgen , Chekol Tsegaye , Solomon Gezahegn , Dinka Hunduma , Golassa Lemu
Published: September 2021

Background

One of the major challenges in developing an effective vaccine against asexual stages ofPlasmodium falciparumis genetic polymorphism within parasite population. Understanding the genetic polymorphism like block 2 region ofmerozoite surface protein-1(msp-1) gene ofP. falciparumenlighten mechanisms underlining disease pathology, identification of the parasite clone profile from the isolates, transmission intensity and potential deficiencies of the ongoing malaria control and elimination efforts in the locality. Detailed understanding of local genetic polymorphism is an input to pave the way for better management, control and elimination of malaria. The aim of this study was to detect the most frequent allelic variant of themsp-1gene ofP. falciparumclinical isolates from selected health facilities in Adama town and its surroundings, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Methods

One hundred thirty-nine clinical isolates were successfully amplified formsp-1gene using specific primers. Nested PCR amplification was conducted targeting K1, MAD20, and R033 alleles followed by gel electrophoresis for fragment analysis. Based on the detection of a PCR fragment, infections were classified as monoclonal or multiple infections.

Results

19 different size polymorphism ofmsp-1gene were identified in the study, with 67(48%) MAD20, 18 (13%) K-1 and 18 (13%) RO33 allelic family. Whereas, the multiple infections were 21(15%), 8 (5.8%), 4(2.9%), 3(2.2%) for MAD20 + K-1, MAD20 + RO33, K-1 + RO33, and MAD20 + K-1, RO33, respectively. The overall Multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1.3 and the expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.39 indicating slightly low falciparum malaria transmission.

Conclusion

The status ofmsp-1allele size polymorphism, MOI andHeobserved in the study revealed the presence of slightly low genetic diversity ofP. falciparumclinical isolates. However, highly frequent MAD20 allelic variant was detected from clinical isolates in the study area. Moreover, the driving force that led to high predominance of MAD20 allelic variant revealed in such malaria declining region demands further research.
Measuring health-related social deprivation in small areas: development of an index and examination of its association with cancer mortality
Authors: Wang Kailu , Law Chi-Kin , Zhao Jiaying , Hui Alvin Yik-Kiu , Yip Benjamin Hon-Kei , Yeoh Eng Kiong , Chung Roger Yat-Nork
Published: September 2021

Background

The small-area deprivation indices are varied across countries due to different social context and data availability. Due to lack of chronic disease-related social deprivation index (SDI) in Hong Kong, China, this study aimed to develop a new SDI and examine its association with cancer mortality.

Methods

A total of 14 socio-economic variables of 154 large Tertiary Planning Unit groups (LTPUGs) in Hong Kong were obtained from 2016 population by-census. LTPUG-specific all-cause and chronic condition-related mortality and chronic condition inpatient episodes were calculated as health outcomes. Association of socio-economic variables with health outcomes was estimated for variable selection. Candidates for SDI were constructed with selected socio-economic variables and tested for criterion validity using health outcomes. Ecological association between the selected SDI and cancer mortality were examined using zero-inflated negative binomial regression.

Results

A chronic disease-related SDI constructed by six area-level socio-economic variables was selected based on its criterion validity with health outcomes in Hong Kong. It was found that social deprivation was associated with higher cancer mortality during 2011–2016 (most deprived areas: incidence relative risk [IRR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–1.55; second most deprived areas: IRR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.21–1.48; least deprived areas as reference), and the cancer mortality gap became larger in more recent years. Excess cancer death related to social deprivation was found to have increased through 2011–2016.

Conclusions

Our newly developed SDI is a valid and routinely available measurement of social deprivation in small areas and is useful in resource allocation and policy-making for public health purpose in communities. There is a potential large improvement in cancer mortality by offering relevant policies and interventions to reduce health-related deprivation. Further studies can be done to design strategies to reduce the expanding health inequalities between more and less deprived areas.
The impact of anionic polymers on gene delivery: how composition and assembly help evading the toxicity-efficiency dilemma
Authors: Richter Friederike , Leer Katharina , Martin Liam , Mapfumo Prosper , Solomun Jana I. , Kuchenbrod Maren T. , Hoeppener Stephanie , Brendel Johannes C. , Traeger Anja
Published: September 2021

Cationic polymers have been widely studied for non-viral gene delivery due to their ability to bind genetic material and to interact with cellular membranes. However, their charged nature carries the risk of increased cytotoxicity and interaction with serum proteins, limiting their potential in vivo application. Therefore, hydrophilic or anionic shielding polymers are applied to counteract these effects. Herein, a series of micelle-forming and micelle-shielding polymers were synthesized via RAFT polymerization. The copolymer poly[(n-butyl acrylate)-b-(2-(dimethyl amino)ethyl acrylamide)] (P(nBA-b-DMAEAm)) was assembled into cationic micelles and different shielding polymers were applied, i.e., poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(4-acryloyl morpholine) (PNAM) or P(NAM-b-AA) block copolymer. These systems were compared to a triblock terpolymer micelle comprising PAA as the middle block. The assemblies were investigated regarding their morphology, interaction with pDNA, cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, polyplex uptake and endosomal escape. The naked cationic micelle exhibited superior transfection efficiency, but increased cytotoxicity. The addition of shielding polymers led to reduced toxicity. In particular, the triblock terpolymer micelle convinced with high cell viability and no significant loss in efficiency. The highest shielding effect was achieved by layering micelles with P(NAM-b-AA) supporting the colloidal stability at neutral zeta potential and completely restoring cell viability while maintaining moderate transfection efficiencies. The high potential of this micelle-layer-combination for gene delivery was illustrated for the first time.
Trapa bispinosa Roxb. extract lowers advanced glycation end-products and increases live births in older patients with assisted reproductive technology: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jinno Masao , Nagai Ryoji , Takeuchi Masayoshi , Watanabe Aiko , Teruya Koji , Sugawa Hikari , Hatakeyama Naohisa , Jinno Yuichi
Published: September 2021

Background

Advanced glycation end-products (AGE), which accumulate with insulin resistance and aging, impair folliculogenesis and may decrease endometrial receptivity. Hishi (Trapa bispinosa Roxb.) extract, a safe herbal medicine, strongly inhibits AGE formation in vitro. We determined whether Hishi lowers AGE and increases live births in older assisted reproductive technology (ART) patients.

Methods

This prospective randomized open-label controlled trial included 64 patients 38 to 42 years old undergoing ART with or without Hishi extract between June 11, 2015 and July 12, 2019. None had over 2 ART failures, diabetes, uterine anomalies, or exhausted ovarian reserve. After allocation, the Hishi group received Hishi extract (100 mg/day) until late pregnancy or failure. The control group received no extract. Both groups underwent 1 cycle of conventional infertility treatment; 1 long-protocol cycle of ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and fresh embryo transfer (ET); and, if needed, cryopreserved ET until live birth or embryo depletion. Serum AGE were measured before and during ART, as were AGE in follicular fluid (FF).

Results

Cumulative live birth rate among 32 Hishi patients was 47%, significantly higher than 16% among 31 controls (p<0.01; RR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.4 – 15.0; 1 control dropped out). Live birth rate per ET, including fresh and cryopreserved, was significantly higher with Hishi (28% in 47 ET vs. 10% in 49 ET; p<0.05; RR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.1-10.4). Among variables including age, day-3 FSH, anti-Müllerian hormone, and Hishi, logistic regression identified only Hishi as significantly associated with increased cumulative live birth (p<0.05; OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.4 - 18.3). Hishi significantly enhanced oocyte developmental potential, improved endometrial receptivity in natural cycles, and decreased AGE in serum and FF. Larger serum AGE decreases with Hishi were associated with more oocytes becoming day-2 embryos.

Conclusions

Hishi decreased AGE in serum and FF and improved oocyte developmental potential and endometrial receptivity, increasing live births in older patients. Treatment of infertility by AGE reduction represents a new addition to infertility treatment. Therapeutic trials of Hishi for other AGE-associated diseases might be considered.

Trial registration

UMIN registration in Japan (UMIN000017758) on June 1, 2015. https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm
The efficacy of intramuscular electrical stimulation in the management of patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Hadizadeh Monavar , Rahimi Abbas , Javaherian Mohammad , Velayati Meysam , Dommerholt Jan
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the most common disorders causing chronic muscle pain. Almost one-third of patients with musculoskeletal complaints meet the MPS criteria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) in patients with MPS through a systematic review method.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, PEDro, Web of Science, and CINAHL were systematically searched to find out the eligible articles without language limitations from 1990 to December 30, 2020. All relevant randomized controlled trials that compared the effectiveness of IMES with sham-IMES, dry needling, or exercise therapy in patients with MPS were included. Full texts of the selected studies were critically appraised using Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2).

Results

Six studies (out of 397) had met our inclusion criteria (involving 158 patients) and were entered to the systematic review. Outcome measures examined in these studies included pain, range of motion, pressure pain threshold, biochemical factors, disability, and amount of analgesic use. In the most studies, it has been shown that IMES is more effective than the control group in improving some outcome measurements such as pain.

Conclusion

There is preliminary evidence from a few small trials suggesting the efficacy of IMES for the care of myofascial pain syndrome. The data support the conduct of larger trials investigating the efficacy of IMES.
Mechanism exploration of Gouqi-wentang formula against type 2 diabetes mellitus by phytochemistry and network pharmacology-based analysis and biological validation
Authors: Han Lin , Yang Hao-yu , Zheng Yu-jiao , Wei Xiu-xiu , Dan Wen-chao , Zhang Li-li , Ding Qi-you , Ma Xu , Wang Xin-miao , Zhao Lin-hua , Tong Xiao-lin
Published: September 2021

Background

The Gouqi-wentang formula (GQWTF) is a herbal formula used by Academician Xiao-lin Tong for the clinical treatment of T2DM. GQWTF is beneficial to qi, nourishes Yin, clears heat, and promotes fluid production, but the effective components and their mechanism of action remain unclear.

Methods

The main components of GQWTF were detected by LC–MS, and the multi-target mechanisms of GQWTF in T2DM were elucidated using network pharmacology analysis, including target prediction, protein–protein interaction network construction and analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) terms, Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation, and other network construction. Finally, the efficacy of the GQWTF was verified using biological experiments.

Results

First, the “herb-channel tropism” network suggested that GQWTF focuses more on treating diseases by recuperating the liver, which is considered as an important insulin-sensitive organ. Subsequently, a total of 16 active ingredients in GQWTF were detected and screened, and their biological targets were predicted. Then, “compound-target” network was constructed, where enrichment analysis of GQWTF targets reflected its potential pharmacological activities. After T2DM-related target identification, 39 cross targets of GQWTF and T2DM were obtained, and 30 key targets highly responsible for the beneficial effect of GQWTF on T2DM were identified by PPI analysis. GO analysis of these key targets showed that many biological processes of GQWTF in treating T2DM are key in the occurrence and development of T2DM, including components related to inflammatory/immune response, insulin, and metabolism. KEGG analysis revealed the regulation of multiple signalling pathways, such as insulin resistance, PPAR signalling pathway, FoxO signalling pathway, Fc epsilon RI signalling pathway, and pathways that influence diabetes primarily by regulating metabolism as well as other T2DM directly related pathways. Furthermore, a “formula-compound-pathway-symptom” network was constructed to represent a global view of GQWTF in the treatment of T2DM.

Conclusions

This study explored the mechanism of action of GQWTF in T2DM by multi-component and multi-target multi pathways, which could provide a theoretical basis for the development and clinical application of GQWTF.
Effectiveness of anisodamine for the treatment of critically ill patients with septic shock: a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Yuetian , Zhu Cheng , Hong Yucai , Chen Lin , Huang Zhiping , Zhou Jiancang , Tian Xin , Liu Dadong , Ren Bo , Zhang Cao , Hu Caibao , Wang Xinan , Yin Rui , Gao Yuan , Zhang Zhongheng
Published: September 2021

Background

Septic shock is characterized by an uncontrolled inflammatory response and microcirculatory dysfunction. There is currently no specific agent for treating septic shock. Anisodamine is an agent extracted from traditional Chinese medicine with potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, its clinical effectiveness remains largely unknown.

Methods

In a multicentre, open-label trial, we randomly assigned adults with septic shock to receive either usual care or anisodamine (0.1–0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per hour), with the anisodamine doses adjusted by clinicians in accordance with the patients’ shock status. The primary end point was death on hospital discharge. The secondary end points were ventilator-free days at 28 days, vasopressor-free days at 28 days, serum lactate and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score from days 0 to 6. The differences in the primary and secondary outcomes were compared between the treatment and usual care groups with theχ2test, Student’s t test or rank-sum test, as appropriate. The false discovery rate was controlled for multiple testing.

Results

Of the 469 patients screened, 355 were assigned to receive the trial drug and were included in the analyses—181 patients received anisodamine, and 174 were in the usual care group. We found no difference between the usual care and anisodamine groups in hospital mortality (36% vs. 30%;p = 0.348), or ventilator-free days (median [Q1, Q3], 24.4 [5.9, 28] vs. 26.0 [8.5, 28];p = 0.411). The serum lactate levels were significantly lower in the treated group than in the usual care group after day 3. Patients in the treated group were less likely to receive vasopressors than those in the usual care group (OR [95% CI] 0.84 [0.50, 0.93] for day 5 and 0.66 [0.37, 0.95] for day 6).

Conclusions

There is no evidence that anisodamine can reduce hospital mortality among critically ill adults with septic shock treated in the intensive care unit.

Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02442440; Registered on 13 April 2015).
Single-cell landscape of nuclear configuration and gene expression during stem cell differentiation and X inactivation
Authors: Bonora Giancarlo , Ramani Vijay , Singh Ritambhara , Fang He , Jackson Dana L. , Srivatsan Sanjay , Qiu Ruolan , Lee Choli , Trapnell Cole , Shendure Jay , Duan Zhijun , Deng Xinxian , Noble William S. , Disteche Christine M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Mammalian development is associated with extensive changes in gene expression, chromatin accessibility, and nuclear structure. Here, we follow such changes associated with mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation and X inactivation by integrating, for the first time, allele-specific data from these three modalities obtained by high-throughput single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and Hi-C.

Results

Allele-specific contact decay profiles obtained by single-cell Hi-C clearly show that the inactive X chromosome has a unique profile in differentiated cells that have undergone X inactivation. Loss of this inactive X-specific structure at mitosis is followed by its reappearance during the cell cycle, suggesting a “bookmark” mechanism. Differentiation of embryonic stem cells to follow the onset of X inactivation is associated with changes in contact decay profiles that occur in parallel on both the X chromosomes and autosomes. Single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq show evidence of a delay in female versus male cells, due to the presence of two active X chromosomes at early stages of differentiation. The onset of the inactive X-specific structure in single cells occurs later than gene silencing, consistent with the idea that chromatin compaction is a late event of X inactivation. Single-cell Hi-C highlights evidence of discrete changes in nuclear structure characterized by the acquisition of very long-range contacts throughout the nucleus. Novel computational approaches allow for the effective alignment of single-cell gene expression, chromatin accessibility, and 3D chromosome structure.

Conclusions

Based on trajectory analyses, three distinct nuclear structure states are detected reflecting discrete and profound simultaneous changes not only to the structure of the X chromosomes, but also to that of autosomes during differentiation. Our study reveals that long-range structural changes to chromosomes appear as discrete events, unlike progressive changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility.
Biologically relevant transfer learning improves transcription factor binding prediction
Authors: Novakovsky Gherman , Saraswat Manu , Fornes Oriol , Mostafavi Sara , Wasserman Wyeth W.
Published: September 2021

Background

Deep learning has proven to be a powerful technique for transcription factor (TF) binding prediction but requires large training datasets. Transfer learning can reduce the amount of data required for deep learning, while improving overall model performance, compared to training a separate model for each new task.

Results

We assess a transfer learning strategy for TF binding prediction consisting of a pre-training step, wherein we train a multi-task model with multiple TFs, and a fine-tuning step, wherein we initialize single-task models for individual TFs with the weights learned by the multi-task model, after which the single-task models are trained at a lower learning rate. We corroborate that transfer learning improves model performance, especially if in the pre-training step the multi-task model is trained with biologically relevant TFs. We show the effectiveness of transfer learning for TFs with ~ 500 ChIP-seq peak regions. Using model interpretation techniques, we demonstrate that the features learned in the pre-training step are refined in the fine-tuning step to resemble the binding motif of the target TF (i.e., the recipient of transfer learning in the fine-tuning step). Moreover, pre-training with biologically relevant TFs allows single-task models in the fine-tuning step to learn useful features other than the motif of the target TF.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that transfer learning is a powerful technique for TF binding prediction.
The ultrasound competency assessment tool for four-view cardiac POCUS
Authors: Bell Colin , Wagner Natalie , Hall Andrew , Newbigging Joseph , Rang Louise , McKaigney Conor
Published: September 2021

Background

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been recognized as an essential skill across medicine. However, a lack of reliable and streamlined POCUS assessment tools with demonstrated validity remains a significant barrier to widespread clinical integration. The ultrasound competency assessment tool (UCAT) was derived to be a simple, entrustment-based competency assessment tool applicable to multiple POCUS applications. When used to assess a FAST, the UCAT demonstrated high internal consistency and moderate-to-excellent inter-rater reliability. The objective of this study was to validate the UCAT for assessment of a four-view transthoracic cardiac POCUS.

Results

Twenty-two trainees performed a four-view transthoracic cardiac POCUS in a simulated environment while being assessed by two observers. When used to assess a four-view cardiac POCUS the UCAT retained its high internal consistency ($$\alpha =0.90)$$

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=
0.90
)

and moderate-to-excellent inter-rater reliability (ICCs = 0.61–0.91; p’s ≤ 0.01) across all domains. The regression analysis suggestion that level of training, previous number of focused cardiac ultrasound, previous number of total scans, self-rated entrustment, and intent to pursue certification statistically significantly predicted UCAT entrustment scores [F (5,16) = 4.06, p = 0.01; R2 = 0.56].

Conclusion

This study confirms the UCAT is a valid assessment tool for four-view transthoracic cardiac POCUS. The findings from this work and previous studies on the UCAT demonstrate the utility and flexibility of the UCAT tool across multiple POCUS applications and present a promising way forward for POCUS competency assessment.
Identifying social perceptions of people ignoring COVID-19 warnings: a qualitative study in Iran
Authors: Halvaiepour Zohreh , Nosratabadi Mehdi
Published: September 2021

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has had various effects on the social life and daily activities of people in most countries in the world, including Iran. Hygienic precautions have been recommended, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, to reduce the spread of the COVID-19. However, some people in society have not considered and ignored these health issues. This study aims to identify the sociological perceptions of people who ignore the COVID-19 warning. A qualitative study was carried out from May to July 2020. The interviewees were purposefully selected from people in Isfahan who avoided paying attention to the COVID-19 warnings. The saturation point was reached in 20 semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the transcribed documents using MAXQDA software (version 12).

Results

The results show 2 themes and 4 sub-themes related to the sociological perception of people who ignore the COVID-19 warning. The themes and sub-themes include: feelings of social anomie (disruption and social unrest, social distrust), unmet social relationship needs (intention to maintain social participation, Feeling of reduced social support). In order to tackle social perceptions contrary to health observance during the coronavirus pandemic, educational resources such as mass media, cyberspace and social programs on the necessity and importance of health observance need to be used. Policies should also be implemented in the social, cultural and legislative contexts to enhance the degree of individuals' social responsibility.
Challenges and opportunities to delivering cardiac imaging training: a national survey by the Italian college of cardiac radiology
Authors: Gatti Marco , Liguori Carlo , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Faletti Riccardo , Dell’Aversana Serena , Toia Patrizia , De Rubeis Gianluca , Di Renzi Paolo , Russo Vincenzo , Polizzi Gesualdo , Galea Nicola , Esposito Antonio , Francone Marco
Published: September 2021

Background

Delivering consistent levels of training in cardiac imaging to radiologist is of pivotal importance because of the increasing clinical indications to coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Our study sought to capture the heterogeneity of cardiac imaging training programs and to explore residents’ vision on cardiac imaging both in the present and in the future.

Methods

Two web-based surveys were created. The first was administered to all chief residents from the 42 University Hospitals within Italy, aiming to explore the local educational offer in cardiac imaging. The second was administered via social media to all Italian residents, including questions about their overall vision regarding cardiac imaging.

Results

42/42 University Hospitals responded to the first survey and 235 residents to the second. There was at least a 64-slice CT scanner and a 1.5 T MR scanner per center. In the majority of sites, the weekly routine consisted of more than 10 CCTA and more than 5 CMR. Approximately, half of the centers used advanced CCTA and CMR techniques. The majority of the interviewed resident (94%) perceived cardiac imaging training to be moderately to very important, while requirement for external educational resources was advocated in 25% of the cases.

Conclusion

Our survey highlighted a significant awareness of radiology residents regarding the importance of cardiac imaging in their training curriculum. All centers met the technical requirements for cardiac imaging, limiting its use to basic applications in around half of cases. Implementation of an educational network might be the key for supporting the growth of this subspecialty field.
How can SHAP values help to shape metabolic stability of chemical compounds?
Authors: Wojtuch Agnieszka , Jankowski Rafał , Podlewska Sabina
Published: September 2021

Background

Computational methods support nowadays each stage of drug design campaigns. They assist not only in the process of identification of new active compounds towards particular biological target, but also help in the evaluation and optimization of their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Such features are not less important in terms of the possible turn of a compound into a future drug than its desired affinity profile towards considered proteins. In the study, we focus on metabolic stability, which determines the time that the compound can act in the organism and play its role as a drug. Due to great complexity of xenobiotic transformation pathways in the living organisms, evaluation and optimization of metabolic stability remains a big challenge.

Results

Here, we present a novel methodology for the evaluation and analysis of structural features influencing metabolic stability. To this end, we use a well-established explainability method called SHAP. We built several predictive models and analyse their predictions with the SHAP values to reveal how particular compound substructures influence the model’s prediction. The method can be widely applied by users thanks to the web service, which accompanies the article. It allows a detailed analysis of SHAP values obtained for compounds from the ChEMBL database, as well as their determination and analysis for any compound submitted by a user. Moreover, the service enables manual analysis of the possible structural modifications via the provision of analogous analysis for the most similar compound from the ChEMBL dataset.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to employ SHAP to reveal which substructural features are utilized by machine learning models when evaluating compound metabolic stability. The accompanying web service for metabolic stability evaluation can be of great help for medicinal chemists. Its significant usefulness is related not only to the possibility of assessing compound stability, but also to the provision of information about substructures influencing this parameter. It can assist in the design of new ligands with improved metabolic stability, helping in the detection of privileged and unfavourable chemical moieties during stability optimization. The tool is available at https://metstab-shap.matinf.uj.edu.pl/.
Growth and fixed points of solutions and their arbitrary-order derivatives of higher-order linear differential equations in the unit disc
Authors: Chen Yu , Deng Guan-Tie , Chen Zhan-Mei , Wang Wei-Wei
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we investigate the growth and fixed points of solutions of higher-order linear differential equations in the unit disc. We extend the coefficient conditions to a type of one-constant-control coefficient comparison and obtain the same estimates of iterated order of solutions. We also obtain better estimates by providing a precise value of iterated order of solution instead of a range of that in the case of coefficient characteristic function comparison. Moreover, we utilize iteration to investigate and estimate the fixed points of solutions’ arbitrary-order derivatives with higher-order equations $f^{(k)}+A_{k-1}(z)f^{(k-1)}+{\cdots }+A_{1}(z)f'+A_{0}(z)f=0$

f

(
k
)

+

A

k
−
1

(
z
)

f

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k
−
1
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+
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+

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1

(
z
)

f
′

+

A
0

(
z
)
f
=
0
and provide a concise method to judge if the items generated by the iteration do not vanish identically and ensure the iteration proceeds. Our results are an improvement over those by B. Belaïdi, T. B. Cao, G. W. Zhang and A. Chen.
Estimating the supply of oilseed acreage for sustainable aviation fuel production: taking account of farmers’ willingness to adopt
Authors: McCollum Conner J. , Ramsey Steven M. , Bergtold Jason S. , Andrango Graciela
Published: September 2021

Background

Continued progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions will require efforts across many industries. Though aviation is estimated to account for modest portions of global greenhouse gas emissions, these shares may grow as the industry expands. The use of biomass- and crop-based sustainable aviation fuels can help reduce emissions in the industry. However, limited feedstock supplies are a barrier to increased use of these fuels. This study examines the potential supply of feedstock from oilseeds and farmer willingness to produce oilseed crops under contract for sustainable aviation fuel production with a focus on canola and similar oilseed feedstocks (e.g., rapeseed). Stated-choice survey data is used to examine the contract and crop features that drive contract acceptance in six states located in the U.S. Great Plains and Pacific Northwest and then acreage supply curves are estimated for canola using secondary data.

Main findings

The estimated number of acres supplied under contract varies considerably across states and scenarios. Relatedly, estimated supply curves exhibit high degrees of price responsiveness. Of the states analyzed, oilseed acreages supplied under contract are generally found to be greatest in Kansas and North Dakota.

Conclusions

Results suggest that in the absence of favorable contract and crop scenarios canola and other oilseed prices will need to considerably increase from typical levels to induce higher levels of supplied acres. The presence of crop insurance, shorter contract lengths that provide cost sharing and the availability of particular crop attributes are shown to diminish the need for higher canola and other oilseed prices.
The impact of strict measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on the spatial pattern of the demand for police: case study Antwerp (Belgium)
Authors: Dewinter Maite , Vandeviver Christophe , Dau Philipp M. , Vander Beken Tom , Witlox Frank
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 impacts the daily lives of millions of people. This radical change in our daily activities affected many aspects of life, but acted as well as a natural experiment for research into the spatial distribution of 911 calls. We analyse the impact of the COVID-19 measures on the spatial pattern of police interventions. Crime is not uniformly distributed across street segments, but how does COVID-19 affect these spatial patterns? To this end, Gini coefficients are calculated and a proportion differences spatial point pattern test is applied to compare the similarity of the patterns of incidents before, during, and after the first lockdown in Antwerp, Belgium. With only essential mobility being allowed, the emergency call pattern has not significantly changed before, during or after this lockdown, however, a qualitative shift in police officer’s daily work may have had an effect on the daily operation of the Antwerp police force.
A study of fungicidal and anti-phenol oxidase activity of some α-amino phosphonate derivatives
Authors: Abbod Mohsen , Safaie Naser , Gholivand Khodayar , Mehrabadi Mohammad , Bonsaii Mahyar , Valmoozi Ali Asghar Ebrahimi
Published: September 2021

Background

Developing new pesticides with multi-function may be a suitable strategy to save time and cost and reduce the emergence of resistant strains of pests and pathogens. The organophosphorus derivatives have not been widely used in agriculture as fungicides. In this work, a series of six α-amino phosphonate derivatives were prepared and tested for their fungicidal and anti-phenol oxidase activities.

Results

The prepared compounds revealed a promising anti-fungal activity against Macrophomina phaseolina and Pythium aphanidermatum, especially M4, with MIC of 62 mg/L for M. phaseolina. M4 did not affect the fungus permeability rate of the cell membrane; however, it displayed a significant efficiency on mycelial soluble protein content. M4 and M3 with a hydroxyl group on the aniline moiety exhibited an observed anti-phenol oxidase activity. M4 inhibited the enzyme at 1 mg/mL. The DFT theoretical study revealed a significant correlation between the substituents of aniline moiety and the bioactivity of the studied compounds. The negative charge conspicuously influenced the anti-phenol oxidase activity.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the studied compounds as bases to design more effective α-amino phosphonate fungicides with additional anti-phenol oxidase activity.

Graphic abstract
Biological pretreatment of corn stover for enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis using Bacillus sp. P3
Authors: Wu Yanwen , Guo Haipeng , Rahman Md. Shafiqur , Chen Xuantong , Zhang Jinchi , Liu Yun , Qin Wensheng
Published: September 2021

The biological pretreatment for the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomasses depends exclusively on the effective pretreatment process. Herein, we report a significant enhancement of enzymatic saccharification obtained with corn stover using a bacterial strain Bacillus sp. P3. The hemicellulose removal from corn stover by the strain Bacillus sp. P3 was evaluated for enhancing subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, our study revealed that an alkaline-resistant xylanase as well as other enzymes produced by Bacillus sp. P3 in fermentation broth led to a substantially enhanced hemicellulose removal rate from corn stover within pH 9.36–9.68. However, after a 20-day pretreatment of corn stover by the strain P3, the glucan content was increased by 51% and the xylan content was decreased by 35%. After 72 h of saccharification using 20 U/g of commercial cellulase, the yield of reducing sugar released from 20-day pretreated corn stover was increased by 56% in comparison to the untreated corn stover. Therefore, the use of the strain P3 could be a promising approach to pretreat corn stover for enhancing the enzymatic hydrolysis process of industrial bioenergy productions.
Randomized trial of the feasibility of ED-initiated school-based asthma medication supervision (ED-SAMS)
Authors: Gerald Lynn B. , Gerald Joe K. , VanBuren John M. , Lowe Ashley , Guthrie Cecilia C. , Klein Eileen J. , Morrison Andrea , Startup Emily , Denninghoff Kurt
Published: September 2021

Background

While using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in the weeks after an ED visit reduces repeat visits, few children receive a needed prescription. Because a prescription may not be filled or used, dispensing ICS at discharge and supervising its use at school could overcome both barriers until follow-up care is established. To assess the feasibility of such an intervention, we conducted a pilot study among elementary-age school children with persistent asthma who were discharged from the ED following an asthma exacerbation.

Methods

Eligible children were randomly assigned to ED-dispensing of ICS with home supervision or ED-dispensing of ICS with home and school supervision. The primary outcomes were ability to recruit and retain participants, ability to initiate school-supervised medication administration within 5 days of discharge, and participant satisfaction.

Results

Despite identifying 437 potentially eligible children, only 13 (3%) were enrolled with 6 being randomized to the intervention group and 7 to the control group. Eleven (85%) randomized participants completed the 90-day interview (primary outcome) and 8 (62%) completed the 120-day interview (safety endpoint). Four (67%) intervention participants started their school regimen within 5 business days and 2 started within 6 business days.

Conclusion

While our pilot study did not meet its recruitment goal, it did achieve its primary purpose of assessing feasibility before undertaking a larger, more intensive study. Several major recruitment barriers need to be mitigated before EDs can successfully partner with schools to establish supervised ICS treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03952286. Registered 16 May 2019,
Visual and anatomical outcomes associated with treat-and-extend administration of intravitreal aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Soliman Mohamed Kamel , Tuli Nicolas , Lee Thomas K. , Britton William A. , Tuli Raman
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To investigate the visual and anatomical outcomes associated with treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen of intravitreal (IVT) aflibercept in eyes with treatment naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD).

Methods

A retrospective chart review of eyes that underwent IVT aflibercept injections for nvAMD between May 2014 and March 2018 was performed. The primary outcome was the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the change in central retinal thickness (CRT), subretinal fluid (SRF) and intraretinal fluid (IRF).

Results

Data from 213 eyes of 213 patients (138 female, 65%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 80.4 (±  9.2) years. The mean baseline BCVA (0.92  ±  0.50 logMAR, improved by 0.20 (±  0.40) logMAR units at 12 months (p  <  0.001). Seventy-two (34%) eyes gained  ≥  0.3 logMAR and 47 (22%) eyes achieved BCVA  ≤  0.3 logMAR at 12 months. Baseline BCVA, patient age, and the number of aflibercept injections received were predictors of the change in BCVA at 12 months. Mean CRT improved from 347 (±  117) µm at baseline to 246 (±  55) µm at 12 months (p  <  0.001). The percentage of eyes with SRF and IRF on SD-OCT declined from 63 to 21% and from 60 to 26% at 12 months, respectively.

Conclusion

A TAE regimen of IVT aflibercept in treatment naïve nvAMD is associated with good visual and anatomical outcomes in routine clinical practice. Resolution of exudation occurred in about half of nvAMD cases at 12 months. Individualized administration of IVT aflibercept may reduce injection burden.
Bio-fertilizers’ protocol for controlling root knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica infecting peanut fields
Authors: Osman Hamida Ahmed , Ameen Hoda Hussein , Mohamed Moawad , El-Sayed Ghada M. , Dawood Mona Gergis , Elkelany Usama Samy
Published: September 2021

Background

Plant parasitic nematodes create serious threat to crop production. In Egypt root knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. has been considered to be a limiting factor in the production of most crops of which the Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important legume and oil crop. Therefore, management of root knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. is an obligatory challenge. Microbial organisms are extensively used as eco-friendly tools for controlling plant parasitic nematodes as alternative to chemical nematicides. The effectiveness of the commercial bacterial bio-fertilizers NPK containing Bacillus polymyxa, B. circulance, B. megaterium, Pseudomans spp.; the nitrogen fixative bacteria Azotobacter chroocoocum and the bacterial isolate NRC211 were evaluated against the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica infecting peanut plants under field conditions. Identification of the bacterial isolate was made through PCR amplification and sequencing of 16S rDNA gene.

Results

Sequencing of 16S rDNA gene revealed that the bacterial isolate NRC211 had 100% similarity with Bacillus wiedmannii strain FSL W8-0169 16S ribosomal RNA. This Bacillus was recorded for the first time under accession number LC626774 on GenBank data base as B. wiedmannii NRC211. Recorded data revealed that all the tested treatments whether single or combined in soil naturally infested with M. javanica, resulted in variable significant reduction in the nematode reproductive parameters with a considerable increase in crop production and oil content of peanut plant. These results were improved by increasing the frequency of application of the bio-agents. In this respect the repeated combined treatment of A. chroococcum and B. wiedmannii NRC211 treatment overwhelmed all other treatments in decreasing nematode reproductive parameters with percentage reductions of 94.8, 79.0 and 80.1% in M. javanica juveniles in soil, galls and egg masses, respectively. This was associated with slight increase in peanut oil content than the untreated control. The repeated combined treatment of NPK plus A. chroococcum produced the highest increase 608.7%, and 72.7% in crop production and plant growth parameters, respectively than the control. While, the oil content in this treatment was increased up to 47.4 g/kg.

Conclusion

It was concluded that B. wiedmanni NRC211 is an eco-friendly bio agent that can be applied with other commercial microbial bio-fertilizers in bio-integrating programs for controlling M. javanica infecting peanut plants.