bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MetaboAnalyst 5.0: narrowing the gap between raw spectra and functional insights
Authors: Pang Zhiqiang , Chong Jasmine , Zhou Guangyan , de Lima Morais David Anderson , Chang Le , Barrette Michel , Gauthier Carol , Jacques Pierre-Étienne , Li Shuzhao , Xia Jianguo
Published: April 2021

Since its first release over a decade ago, the MetaboAnalyst web-based platform has become widely used for comprehensive metabolomics data analysis and interpretation. Here we introduce MetaboAnalyst version 5.0, aiming to narrow the gap from raw data to functional insights for global metabolomics based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Three modules have been developed to help achieve this goal, including: (i) a LC–MS Spectra Processing module which offers an easy-to-use pipeline that can perform automated parameter optimization and resumable analysis to significantly lower the barriers to LC-MS1 spectra processing; (ii) a Functional Analysis module which expands the previous MS Peaks to Pathways module to allow users to intuitively select any peak groups of interest and evaluate their enrichment of potential functions as defined by metabolic pathways and metabolite sets; (iii) a Functional Meta-Analysis module to combine multiple global metabolomics datasets obtained under complementary conditions or from similar studies to arrive at comprehensive functional insights. There are many other new functions including weighted joint-pathway analysis, data-driven network analysis, batch effect correction, merging technical replicates, improved compound name matching, etc. The web interface, graphics and underlying codebase have also been refactored to improve performance and user experience. At the end of an analysis session, users can now easily switch to other compatible modules for a more streamlined data analysis. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 is freely available at https://www.metaboanalyst.ca.
PlantDeepSEA, a deep learning-based web service to predict the regulatory effects of genomic variants in plants
Authors: Zhao Hu , Tu Zhuo , Liu Yinmeng , Zong Zhanxiang , Li Jiacheng , Liu Hao , Xiong Feng , Zhan Jinling , Hu Xuehai , Xie Weibo
Published: April 2021

Characterizing regulatory effects of genomic variants in plants remains a challenge. Although several tools based on deep-learning models and large-scale chromatin-profiling data have been available to predict regulatory elements and variant effects, no dedicated tools or web services have been reported in plants. Here, we present PlantDeepSEA as a deep learning-based web service to predict regulatory effects of genomic variants in multiple tissues of six plant species (including four crops). PlantDeepSEA provides two main functions. One is called Variant Effector, which aims to predict the effects of sequence variants on chromatin accessibility. Another is Sequence Profiler, a utility that performs ‘in silico saturated mutagenesis’ analysis to discover high-impact sites (e.g., cis-regulatory elements) within a sequence. When validated on independent test sets, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve of deep learning models in PlantDeepSEA ranges from 0.93 to 0.99. We demonstrate the usability of the web service with two examples. PlantDeepSEA could help to prioritize regulatory causal variants and might improve our understanding of their mechanisms of action in different tissues in plants. PlantDeepSEA is available at http://plantdeepsea.ncpgr.cn/.
SANS (USH1G) regulates pre-mRNA splicing by mediating the intra-nuclear transfer of tri-snRNP complexes
Authors: Yildirim Adem , Mozaffari-Jovin Sina , Wallisch Ann-Kathrin , Schäfer Jessica , Ludwig Sebastian E J , Urlaub Henning , Lührmann Reinhard , Wolfrum Uwe
Published: April 2021

Splicing is catalyzed by the spliceosome, a compositionally dynamic complex assembled stepwise on pre-mRNA. We reveal links between splicing machinery components and the intrinsically disordered ciliopathy protein SANS. Pathogenic mutations in SANS/USH1G lead to Usher syndrome—the most common cause of deaf-blindness. Previously, SANS was shown to function only in the cytosol and primary cilia. Here, we have uncovered molecular links between SANS and pre-mRNA splicing catalyzed by the spliceosome in the nucleus. We show that SANS is found in Cajal bodies and nuclear speckles, where it interacts with components of spliceosomal sub-complexes such as SF3B1 and the large splicing cofactor SON but also with PRPFs and snRNAs related to the tri-snRNP complex. SANS is required for the transfer of tri-snRNPs between Cajal bodies and nuclear speckles for spliceosome assembly and may also participate in snRNP recycling back to Cajal bodies. SANS depletion alters the kinetics of spliceosome assembly, leading to accumulation of complex A. SANS deficiency and USH1G pathogenic mutations affects splicing of genes related to cell proliferation and human Usher syndrome. Thus, we provide the first evidence that splicing dysregulation may participate in the pathophysiology of Usher syndrome.
Acute decrease of urine calcium by amiloride in healthy volunteers under high-sodium diet
Authors: Harmacek Dusan , Blanchard Anne , Wuerzner Gregoire , Maillard Marc , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Azizi Michel , Bonny Olivier
Published: April 2021

Background

Amiloride is a competitive blocker of the epithelial sodium (Na) channel in the renal collecting duct. It is a less potent diuretic than thiazides or loop diuretics, but is often used in association with its potassium (K)-sparing profile. Whether amiloride has a hypocalciuric effect similar to thiazides remains unclear. Animal studies and experiments on cell lines suggested that amiloride increases calcium (Ca) reabsorption in the distal nephron, but human studies are scarce.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis of a study with 48 healthy males (mean ± standard deviation age, 23.2 ± 3.9 years) who were assigned to a high-Na/low-K diet for 7 days before receiving 20 mg of amiloride orally. Urinary excretions of electrolytes were measured at 3 and 6 h afterwards; we calculated the relative changes in urinary excretion rates after amiloride administration.

Results

The high-Na/low-K diet led to an expected suppression of plasma renin and aldosterone. Amiloride showed a mild natriuretic effect associated with a decreased kaliuresis. Urinary Ca excretion dropped substantially (by 80%) 3 h after amiloride administration and remained low at the sixth hour. At the same time, fractional excretion of lithium decreased by a third, reflecting an increased proximal tubular reabsorption.

Conclusions

During a high-Na/low-K diet, amiloride had a strong acute hypocalciuric effect, most probably mediated by increased proximal Ca reabsorption, even though a distal effect cannot be excluded. Further studies should establish if chronic amiloride or combined amiloride/thiazide treatment may decrease calciuria more efficiently and be useful in preventing kidney stones.
mRNA surveillance complex PELOTA–HBS1 regulates phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase1 and plant growth
Authors: Kong Wei , Tan Shutang , Zhao Qing , Lin De-Li , Xu Zhi-Hong , Friml Jiří , Xue Hong-Wei
Published: April 2021

The quality control system for messenger RNA (mRNA) is fundamental for cellular activities in eukaryotes. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of 3′-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase1 (PDK1), a master regulator that is essential throughout eukaryotic growth and development, we employed a forward genetic approach to screen for suppressors of the loss-of-function T-DNA insertion double mutant pdk1.1 pdk1.2 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Notably, the severe growth attenuation of pdk1.1 pdk1.2 was rescued by sop21 (suppressor of pdk1.1 pdk1.2), which harbors a loss-of-function mutation in PELOTA1 (PEL1). PEL1 is a homolog of mammalian PELOTA and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) DOM34p, which each form a heterodimeric complex with the GTPase HBS1 (HSP70 SUBFAMILY B SUPPRESSOR1, also called SUPERKILLER PROTEIN7, SKI7), a protein that is responsible for ribosomal rescue and thereby assures the quality and fidelity of mRNA molecules during translation. Genetic analysis further revealed that a dysfunctional PEL1–HBS1 complex failed to degrade the T-DNA-disrupted PDK1 transcripts, which were truncated but functional, and thus rescued the growth and developmental defects of pdk1.1 pdk1.2. Our studies demonstrated the functionality of a homologous PELOTA–HBS1 complex and identified its essential regulatory role in plants, providing insights into the mechanism of mRNA quality control.
Identification of Optimal Foot Tactile Sensation Threshold for Detecting Fall Risk Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Yang Feng
Published: April 2021

Objective

Foot tactile sensitivity loss, commonly assessed by monofilaments, is a fall risk factor among older adults. The broadly used threshold of the monofilament for fall risk assessment in older adults is 5.07. However, this threshold originates from assessing foot ulceration risk in people with peripheral neuropathy. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the optimal filament size and its cutoff number of sensitive sites that can be used to best identify a high risk of falls in terms of the foot tactile sensitivity for community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the foot tactile sensitivity was assessed by a 6-piece Semmes-Weinstein monofilament kit at 9 sites per foot among 94 older adults, including 38 fallers and 56 nonfallers. The number of sensitive sites was determined for each monofilament size as the cutoff. Logistical regression analyses were used to determine the monofilament size and number of sensitive sites best able to differentiate fallers from nonfallers.

Results

Fallers showed overall worse foot tactile sensory measurements than nonfallers. Logistical regression analyses identified 4.31 as the best monofilament size and 7 as the number of sensitive sites to differentiate fallers from nonfallers with an accuracy of 71.3%.

Conclusion

The 4.31 monofilament could be the best filament to detect the risk of falls among older adults in terms of tactile sensory loss. Inability to feel the pressure from the 4.31 filament at more than 7 sites could indicate a high risk of falls.

Impact

These findings could help physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals improve decision making in detecting older adults with a high risk of falls, thus facilitating the effort of fall prevention in older adults.
Philippine community pantries as a way of helping the marginalized during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gozum Ivan Efreaim A , Capulong Harvey Gain M , Gopez Jose Ma W , Galang Joseph Renus F
Published: April 2021

In a previous correspondence, the author tried to establish the crucial relationship of the country’s public health with the government officials’ economic decisions and actions. Understanding such, we look at the perspective of the handling of the pandemic, in terms of economic decisions and actions, in the Philippines. In the country, complaints from the citizens surfaced because the government failed in providing an appropriate response to the economic imbalance generated by the pandemic. Thus, in this paper, we surveyed the sudden engenderment of community pantries in the Philippines as a way of filling the gaps of the government.
The Effects of Foreign Multinationals on Workers and Firms in the United States
Authors: Setzler Bradley , Tintelnot Felix
Published: April 2021

Governments go to great lengths to attract foreign multinationals because they are thought to raise the wages paid to their employees (direct effects) and to improve outcomes at local domestic firms (indirect effects). We construct the first U.S. employer-employee data set with foreign ownership information from tax records to measure these direct and indirect effects. We find the average direct effect of a foreign multinational firm on its U.S. workers is a 7% increase in wages. This premium is larger for higher-skilled workers and for the employees of firms from high GDP per capita countries. We find evidence that it is membership in a multinational production network—instead of foreignness—that generates the foreign-firm premium. We leverage the past spatial clustering of foreign-owned firms by country of ownership to identify the indirect effects. An expansion in the foreign-multinational share of commuting-zone employment substantially increases the employment, value added, and—for higher-earning workers—wages at local domestic-owned firms. Per job created by a foreign multinational, our estimates suggest annual gains of US$13,400 to the aggregate wages of local incumbents, two-thirds of which are from indirect effects. Our estimates suggest that—via mega-deals for subsidies from local governments—foreign multinationals are able to extract a sizable fraction of the local surplus they generate.
Biological Evidence and Molecular Modeling of a Grapevine Pinot gris Virus Outbreak in a Vineyard
Authors: Hily Jean-Michel , Komar Véronique , Poulicard Nils , Vigne Emmanuelle , Jacquet Olivier , Protet Nathalie , Spilmont Anne-Sophie , Lemaire Olivier
Published: April 2021

Since its identification in 2003, little has been revealed about the spread of grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV), an emerging grapevine virus. According to studies from Italy, GPGV transmission in the vineyard can be fast but progressive over the years. To gain new insights into the spread of GPGV infections, we tested 67 grapevines in a single vineyard parcel in southern France. These vines were sampled over 8 years (2013 to 2020) and tested for GPGV by reverse-transcription PCR using a new primer pair designed from the recently described genetic diversity of GPGV worldwide. While focusing on a portion of the samples (n = 20), we observed a drastic increase in newly GPGV-infected vines from 2014 (5%, 1 of 20) to 2015 (80%, 16 of 20) and 2016 (90%, 18 of 20). Infected vines were scattered throughout the vineyard with no distinct pattern of distribution, and some rare vines remained negative through 2020. Using all available genomic information, we performed Bayesian-based phylogeographic analyses that identified a major intravineyard transmission in 2014 to 2015. To test our model, we analyzed 47 additional grapevines and confirmed the outbreak of GPGV in 2015, validating our in silico projection. Interestingly, some grapevines remained negative throughout the study, in spite of their close proximity to infected plants. These results raise questions about the dynamics of vector populations and environmental conditions that may be required for virus spread to occur in the vineyard.
Malformation Disease in Tabebuia rosea (Rosy Trumpet) Caused by Fusarium pseudocircinatum in Mexico
Authors: Montoya-Martínez Amelia C. , O’Donnell Kerry , Busman Mark , Vaughan Martha M. , McCormick Susan P. , Santillán-Mendoza Ricardo , Pineda-Vaca Daniela , Fernández-Pavía Sylvia P. , Ploetz Randy C. , Benítez-Malvido Julieta , Montero-Castro Juan C. , Rodríguez-Alvarado Gerardo
Published: April 2021

Tabebuia rosea (rosy trumpet) is an economically important neotropical tree in Mexico that is highly valued for the quality of its wood, which is used for furniture, crafts, and packing, and for its use as an ornamental and shade tree in parks and gardens. During surveys conducted in the lower Balsas River Basin region in the states of Guerrero and Michoacán, symptoms of floral malformation were detected in T. rosea trees. The main objectives of this study were to describe this new disease, to determine its causal agent, and to identify it using DNA sequence data. A second set of objectives was to analyze the phylogenetic relationship of the causal agent to Fusarium spp. associated with Swietenia macrophylla trees with malformation surveyed in the same region and to compare mycotoxin production and the mating type idiomorphs of fusaria recovered from T. rosea and S. macrophylla. Tabebuia rosea showed malformed inflorescences with multiple tightly curled shoots and shortened internodes. A total of 31 Fusarium isolates recovered from symptomatic T. rosea (n = 20) and S. macrophylla (n = 11) trees were identified by molecular analysis as Fusarium pseudocircinatum. Pathogenicity tests showed that isolates of F. pseudocircinatum recovered from T. rosea induced malformation in inoculated T. rosea seedlings. Eighteen F. pseudocircinatum isolates were tested for their ability to produce mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites. Moniliformin, fusaric acid, bikaverin, beauvericin, aurofusarin. and 8-O-methylbostrycoidin were produced by at least one strain of the 18 isolates tested. A multiplex PCR assay for mating type idiomorph revealed that 22 F. pseudocircinatum isolates were MAT1-1 and that 9 were MAT1-2. Here, we report a new disease of T. rosea in Mexico caused by F. pseudocircinatum.
Accuracy for Mortality Prediction With Additive Biomarkers Including Interleukin-6 in Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Yamamoto Ryo , Sasaki Junichi , Shibusawa Takayuki , Nakada Taka-aki , Mayumi Toshihiko , Takasu Osamu , Matsuda Kenichi , Shimazui Takashi , Otsubo Hiroki , Teshima Yuto , Nabeta Masakazu , Moriguchi Takeshi , Oda Shigeto
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Several inflammation markers have been reported to be associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. We aimed to elucidate whether serum interleukin-6 concentration considered with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score can better predict mortality in critically ill patients.

Design:

A prospective observational study.

Setting:

Five university hospitals in 2016–2018.

Patients:

Critically ill adult patients who met greater than or equal to two systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria at admission were included, and those who died or were discharged within 48 hours were excluded.

Interventions:

Inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin (interleukin)–6, -8, and -10; tumor necrosis factor–α; C-reactive protein; and procalcitonin were blindly measured daily for 3 days. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at day 2 according to 28-day mortality was calculated as baseline. Combination models of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and additional biomarkers were developed using logistic regression, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve calculated in each model was compared with the baseline.

Measurements and Main Results:

Among 161 patients included in the study, 18 (11.2%) did not survive at day 28. Univariate analysis for each biomarker identified that the interleukin-6 (days 1–3), interleukin-8 (days 0–3), and interleukin-10 (days 1–3) were higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. Analyses of 28-day mortality prediction by a single biomarker showed interleukin-6, -8, and -10 at days 1–3 had a significant discrimination power, and the interleukin-6 at day 3 had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.766 [0.656–0.876]). The baseline area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score predicting 28-day mortality was 0.776 (0.672–0.880). The combination model using additional interleukin-6 at day 3 had higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than baseline (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.844, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve improvement = 0.068 [0.002–0.133]), whereas other biomarkers did not improve accuracy in predicting 28-day mortality.

Conclusions:

Accuracy for 28-day mortality prediction was improved by adding serum interleukin-6 concentration to Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score.
Vitamin C-Induced Oxalate Nephropathy in a Septic Patient
Authors: Wissanji Tasheen , Dupuis Marie-Eve , Royal Virginie , Pichette Vincent , Wang Han Ting
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Vitamin C is a novel treatment currently under investigation in the management of sepsis. Adverse renal effects of vitamin C through hyperoxaluria have been described in the past.

DATA SOURCES:

We report the case of a 63-year-old man admitted in a community-based hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis of pulmonary origin.

DATA EXTRACTION:

On day 19, despite a having developed oligoanuric acute kidney injury, a regimen of IV vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine was undertaken for 4 days. On day 23, the patient required renal replacement therapy with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 7 mL/min. Renal biopsy revealed extensive acute tubular necrosis associated with the presence of intratubular crystal of calcium oxalate.

Conclusion:

Although vitamin C seems to be a possible therapeutic asset in the supportive care of sepsis patients, larger cohorts are required to ensure its safety and underlying or novel kidney injury should forewarn clinicians as to its use.
Existing Crisis Standards of Care Triage Protocols May Not Significantly Differentiate Between Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Who Require Intensive Care
Authors: Rubin Emily B. , Knipe Rachel S. , Israel Rebecca A. , McCoy Thomas H. , Courtwright Andrew M.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

To determine how several existing crisis standards of care triage protocols would have distinguished between patients with coronavirus disease 2019 requiring intensive care.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Single urban academic medical center.

Patients:

One-hundred twenty patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who required intensive care and mechanical ventilation.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

The characteristics of each patient at the time of ICU triage were used to determine how patients would have been prioritized using four crisis standards of care protocols. The vast majority of patients in the cohort would have been in the highest priority group using a triage protocol focusing on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment alone. Prioritization based on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and 1-year life expectancy would have resulted in only slightly more differentiation between patients. Prioritization based on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and 5-year life expectancy would have added significant additional differentiation depending on how priority groups were defined.

Conclusions:

There is considerable controversy regarding the use of criteria other than prognosis for short-term survival in initial allocation of critical care resources under crisis standards of care triage protocols. To the extent that initial triage protocols would not create sufficient differentiation between patients, effectively resulting in a first-come, first-served initial allocation of resources, it is important to focus on how resources would be reallocated in the event of ongoing scarcity.
CHOROIDAL MELANOMA IN PHAKOMATOSIS PIGMENTOVASCULARIS WITH OVERLAPPING STURGE–WEBER SYNDROME AND KLIPPEL–TRENAUNAY SYNDROME
Authors: Fry Matthew V. , Williams Basil K. , Kim Hyun Jun , Di Nicola Maura
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

To present the rare occurrence of choroidal melanoma in an adult patient with phakomatosis pigmentovascularis and an overlap of Sturge–Weber syndrome and Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome.

Methods:

Observational case report.

Results:

A 75-year-old White woman with nevus flammeus involving the left forehead, periorbital area, cheek, chin, upper limb, and trunk, along with hemihypertrophy of the left side of the face and left upper limb, presented for evaluation of an intraocular mass in the left eye. Anterior examination of the left eye showed diffuse episcleral and iris melanocytosis. Fundus examination of the left eye showed diffuse choroidal melanocytosis and an elevated choroidal lesion. B-scan ultrasonography demonstrated a hollow lesion, and the patient was diagnosed with choroidal melanoma in the left eye in the setting of phakomatosis pigmentovascularis with overlap of Sturge–Weber syndrome and Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and Iodine 125 plaque radiotherapy was performed.

Conclusion:

Individuals with clinical features suggestive of phakomatosis pigmentovascularis, Sturge–Weber syndrome, or Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome should undergo a complete ophthalmological evaluation for the presence of ocular melanocytosis and uveal melanoma.
The Role of Community Health Workers in HIV Care Engagement: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives in Tanzania
Authors: Knettel Brandon A. , Fernandez Kimberly M. , Wanda Lisa , Amiri Ismail , Cassiello-Robbins Clair , Watt Melissa H. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Relf Michael V.
Published: April 2021

Suboptimal retention in HIV care is a major driver of the global epidemic, including in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, the national Community-Based HIV Services program integrates volunteer community health workers (CHWs) to support patient care engagement and reduce the burden placed on HIV clinic nurses; however, few studies have assessed the value of CHWs supporting HIV care. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 48 administrators, nurses, CHWs, and patients to explore strengths and limitations of the Community-Based HIV Services program. Stakeholders believed CHWs are uniquely positioned to establish trust and provide patient support. Patients who had frequent contact with CHWs described them as valued sources of education and encouragement, but fewer than half of the patients interviewed had ever met with a CHW. Clinic nurses described feeling disconnected from CHWs, and stakeholders highlighted the need for financial, logistical, and educational support to rejuvenate the program and effectively address care engagement challenges.
Low back pain with lumbar subcutaneous edema successfully treated using traditional Chinese medicine, including radix astragali
Authors: Nakajima Keiji , Fujita Tadashi , Nakano Ryota
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Lumbar subcutaneous edema (LSE) is incidentally found in obese patients during the course of evaluating the cause of low back pain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, there is no established treatment for LSE, and the mechanism underlying its development is unknown.

Patient concerns:

A 77- year- old woman presented with chronic low back pain that had persisted for several years. Her BMI was 25.1 kg/m2, which indicates obesity in Japan.

Diagnosis:

MRI revealed LSE, which extended from the level of the L2 vertebral body to the sacrum.

Interventions:

We prescribed Maxing Yigan (MYG), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, to which we added powdered cinnamon bark and processed aconite root (hereafter referred to as modified MYG).

Outcomes:

This treatment was ineffective for six months. We then added Radix Astragali (RA) to the modified MYG. One month later, her low back pain was found to have markedly improved. MRI also confirmed that the LSE decreased remarkably.

Conclusions:

According to the clinical and MRI findings, modified MYG, including RA, was effective for the treatment of low back pain and LSE. The mechanism underlying the development of LSE could be lymphatic pooling due to perilymphatic inflammation associated with obesity. Modified MYG, including RA, might suppress perilymphatic inflammation and thereby improve lymphatic drainage. Further investigations are required to support this hypothesis.
Pediatric Emergency Department Management of C1 Inhibitor Deficiency
Authors: García Sánchez Paula , Plata Gallardo Marta , Pedrosa Delgado María , Caballero Molina María Teresa , de Ceano-Vivas la Calle María
Published: April 2021

Introduction

C1 inhibitor deficiency is a rare, potentially life-threatening syndrome. Acute attacks of angioedema may occur at any time, so the emergency department (ED) constitutes an indispensable component of its care.

Aim

To describe the reasons for consultation by children with C1 inhibitor deficiency at the ED, as well as its management and complications.

Patients and Methods

This is a longitudinal retrospective study conducted in a pediatric ED of a tertiary care hospital in Madrid. The study includes children with C1 inhibitor deficiency, aged 0 to 16 years, who had consulted the ED for whatever reason, over a span of 9 years (2011–2020). Analyzed data include the following: age, sex, type of disease, reason for query, complementary examinations, established diagnosis, treatment, number of visits to the ED, length of ED stay, and admissions.

Results

Sixteen patients, amounting a total of 83 ED visits, were analyzed. Fifty-six percent were boys, and the median age was 6.9 years (5 months to 15.9 years). The median and mean of number of visits to the ED per patient was 2 (1–22) and 5.2 ± 6.11, respectively. There were 85.5% of the ED visits initially attributed to acute angioedema attacks. Additional tests were conducted in 30.1%, and 31.3% required C1 inhibitor concentrate. Three episodes required hospital admission (3.6%), and there were no complications. The stay in the ED was longer for patients who needed specific intravenous treatment.

Conclusions

C1 inhibitor deficiency is a rare disease that may require ED care. The main reasons for ED visits were respiratory problems, and the main location of the acute attacks of angioedema were abdominal and cutaneous. Almost one third of the ED visits needed specific treatment, resulting in longer stays. A proper management in the ED and the specific treatment with C1 inhibitor concentrate were effective in 96.2% of the acute attacks of angioedema. Knowledge of this disease in the ED is key to prevent complications.
Caregiver Perceptions of Mental Health and Barriers to and Facilitators of Their Child's Treatment
Authors: Hellerova Lenka , Gonzalez Ariana E. , Dayan Peter S. , George Maureen
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Nearly 1 million children visit emergency departments (EDs) annually for mental health crises. Caregivers play a critical role in the outcome of mental illness in their children, yet there is limited research on effective means to engage caregivers in the ED and provide the support they need. Our aim was to determine caregivers' perceptions about mental illness in their children, specifically regarding suicidality and depression, the impact of the children's mental health on the caregiver, and barriers to and facilitators of treatment.

Methods

Guided by qualitative descriptive methodology, we conducted semistructured, open-ended interviews with a purposive sample of English-speaking primary caregivers of children 6 to 17 years old who presented with suicidal ideations or behaviors to 1 urban pediatric ED. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and conventional content analysis was performed.

Results

The participants (n = 20) were largely single ethnic-racial minority mothers. Content analysis identified 6 categories: caregivers' definitions of mental health, depression, and suicidality; perceived causes of mental illness; difficulty in identification of mental illness; the influence of the mental illness on caregivers; a complex network of communication among involved parties that resulted in the child's ED visit, as well as barriers to and facilitators of treatment.

Conclusions

We identified several categories that encapsulate caregivers' perceptions of mental health and mental illness in their children and its effect on them. Future research should explore how inner-city EDs might partner with schools and trusted community-based organizations to enhance caregiver knowledge, reduce obstacles to care, increase screening for at-risk youth and implement strategies to optimize outcomes for children with depression and suicidal ideations.
Sorting pain out of salience: assessment of pain facial expressions in the human fetus
Authors: Bernardes Lisandra S. , Carvalho Mariana A. , Harnik Simone B. , Teixeira Manoel J. , Ottolia Juliana , Castro Daniella , Velloso Adriano , Francisco Rossana ,   Grupo de Estudo da Dor Fetal (Fetal Pain Study Group), Listik Clarice , Galhardoni Ricardo , Aparecida da Silva Valquiria , Moreira Larissa I. , Amorim Filho Antonio G. de , Fernandes Ana M. , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

The question of whether the human fetus experiences pain has received substantial attention in recent times. With the advent of high-definition 4-dimensional ultrasound (4D-US), it is possible to record fetal body and facial expressions.

Objective:

To determine whether human fetuses demonstrate discriminative acute behavioral responses to nociceptive input.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 5 fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia with indication of intrauterine surgery (fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion) and 8 healthy fetuses, who were scanned with 4D-US in 1 of 3 conditions: (1) acute pain group: Fetuses undergoing intrauterine surgery were assessed in the preoperative period during the anesthetic injection into the thigh; (2) control group at rest: Facial expressions at rest were recorded during scheduled ultrasound examinations; and (3) control group acoustic startle: Fetal facial expressions were recorded during acoustic stimulus (500–4000 Hz; 60–115 dB).

Results:

Raters blinded to the fetuses’ groups scored 65 pictures of fetal facial expressions based on the presence of 12 items (facial movements). Analyses of redundancy and usefulness excluded 5 items for being of low discrimination capacity (P>0.2). The final version of the pain assessment tool consisted of a total of 7 items: brow lowering/eyes squeezed shut/deepening of the nasolabial furrow/open lips/horizontal mouth stretch/vertical mouth stretch/neck deflection. Odd ratios for a facial expression to be detected in acute pain compared with control conditions ranged from 11 (neck deflection) to 1,400 (horizontal mouth stretch). Using the seven-item final tool, we showed that 5 is the cutoff value discriminating pain from nonpainful startle and rest.

Conclusions:

This study inaugurates the possibility to study pain responses during the intrauterine life, which may have implications for the postoperative management of pain after intrauterine surgical interventions
A semi-empirical model of the aerodynamics of manoeuvring insect flight
Authors: Walker Simon M. , Taylor Graham K.
Published: April 2021

Blade element modelling provides a quick analytical method for estimating the aerodynamic forces produced during insect flight, but such models have yet to be tested rigorously using kinematic data recorded from free-flying insects. This is largely because of the paucity of detailed free-flight kinematic data, but also because analytical limitations in existing blade element models mean that they cannot incorporate the complex three-dimensional movements of the wings and body that occur during insect flight. Here, we present a blade element model with empirically fitted aerodynamic force coefficients that incorporates the full three-dimensional wing kinematics of manoeuvring
Eristalis
hoverflies, including torsional deformation of their wings. The two free parameters were fitted to a large free-flight dataset comprising
N
= 26 541 wingbeats, and the fitted model captured approximately 80% of the variation in the stroke-averaged forces in the sagittal plane. We tested the robustness of the model by subsampling the data, and found little variation in the parameter estimates across subsamples comprising 10% of the flight sequences. The simplicity and generality of the model that we present is such that it can be readily applied to kinematic datasets from other insects, and also used for the study of insect flight dynamics.
Hybrid integral transform analysis of supercooled droplets solidification
Authors: Carvalho Igor S. , Cotta Renato M. , Naveira-Cotta Carolina P. , Tiwari Manish K.
Published: April 2021

The freezing phenomena in supercooled liquid droplets are important for many engineering applications. For instance, a theoretical model of this phenomenon can offer insights for tailoring surface coatings and for achieving icephobicity to reduce ice adhesion and accretion. In this work, a mathematical model and hybrid numerical–analytical solutions are developed for the freezing of a supercooled droplet immersed in a cold air stream, subjected to the three main transport phenomena at the interface between the droplet and the surroundings: convective heat transfer, convective mass transfer and thermal radiation. Error-controlled hybrid solutions are obtained through the extension of the generalized integral transform technique to the transient partial differential formulation of this moving boundary heat transfer problem. The nonlinear boundary condition for the interface temperature is directly accounted for by the choice of a nonlinear eigenfunction expansion base. Also, the nonlinear equation of motion for the freezing front is solved together with the ordinary differential system for the integral transformed temperatures. After comparisons of the solution with previously reported numerical and experimental results, the influence of the related physical parameters on the droplet temperatures and freezing time is critically analysed.
Implementing parallel arithmetic via acetylation and its application to chemical image processing
Authors: Dombroski Amanda , Oakley Kady , Arcadia Christopher , Nouraei Farnaz , Chen Shui Ling , Rose Christopher , Rubenstein Brenda , Rosenstein Jacob , Reda Sherief , Kim Eunsuk
Published: April 2021

Chemical mixtures can be leveraged to store large amounts of data in a highly compact form and have the potential for massive scalability owing to the use of large-scale molecular libraries. With the parallelism that comes from having many species available, chemical-based memory can also provide the physical substrate for computation with increased throughput. Here, we represent non-binary matrices in chemical solutions and perform multiple matrix multiplications and additions, in parallel, using chemical reactions. As a case study, we demonstrate image processing, in which small greyscale images are encoded in chemical mixtures and kernel-based convolutions are performed using phenol acetylation reactions. In these experiments, we use the measured concentrations of reaction products (phenyl acetates) to reconstruct the output image. In addition, we establish the chemical criteria required to realize chemical image processing and validate reaction-based multiplication. Most importantly, this work shows that fundamental arithmetic operations can be reliably carried out with chemical reactions. Our approach could serve as a basis for developing more advanced chemical computing architectures.
A bird's-eye view on turbulence: seabird foraging associations with evolving surface flow features
Authors: Lieber Lilian , Langrock Roland , Nimmo-Smith W. Alex M.
Published: April 2021

Understanding physical mechanisms underlying seabird foraging is fundamental to predict responses to coastal change. For instance, turbulence in the water arising from natural or anthropogenic structures can affect foraging opportunities in tidal seas. Yet, identifying ecologically important localized turbulence features (e.g. upwellings approximately 10–100 m) is limited by observational scale, and this knowledge gap is magnified in volatile predators. Here, using a drone-based approach, we present the tracking of surface-foraging terns (143 trajectories belonging to three tern species) and dynamic turbulent surface flow features in synchrony. We thereby provide the earliest evidence that localized turbulence features can present physical foraging cues. Incorporating evolving vorticity and upwelling features within a hidden Markov model, we show that terns were more likely to actively forage as the strength of the underlying vorticity feature increased, while conspicuous upwellings ahead of the flight path presented a strong physical cue to stay in transit behaviour. This clearly encapsulates the importance of prevalent turbulence features as localized foraging cues. Our quantitative approach therefore offers the opportunity to unlock knowledge gaps in seabird sensory and foraging ecology on hitherto unobtainable scales. Finally, it lays the foundation to predict responses to coastal change to inform sustainable ocean development.
Undibacterium crateris sp. nov., isolated from water of crater lake
Authors: Phurbu Dorji , Liu Zi-Xuan , Liu Hong-Can , Pema Yangzom , Yungchen Lhamo , Zhou Yu-Guang , Li Ai-Hua
Published: April 2021

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, flagellated, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, named B2R-29T, was isolated from water collected from a crater lake on Da Hinggan mountain, PR China. Strain B2R-29T was oxidase- and catalase-positive. On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, strain B2R-29T clearly belonged to the family

Oxalobacteraceae

, class

Betaproteobacteria

and showed the highest similarity to

Undibacterium oligocarboniphilum

EM1T (97.4 %) and to the other species of

Undibacterium

(less than 96.8 %). In the phylogenetic tree, strain B2R-29T formed a clade with

U. oligocarboniphilum

EM1T and

Undibacterium squillarum

CMJ-9T, indicating that is a member of the genus

Undibacterium

. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses were performed and the values between strain B2R-29T and its closely related

Undibacterium

species were less than 75.1 % and 16.9 %, respectively. The chemotaxonomic data of B2R-29T were as follows: major uniquinone, Q-8; predominant polar lipids, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol; major fatty acids, C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω7c / C16 : 1
 ω6c); predominant polyamines, putrescine, 2-hydroxyputrescine and spermidine. The DNA G+C content was 51.7 mol% from the genomic sequencing data. In accordance with the phenotypic, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties mentioned above, strain B2R-29T represents a novel species of the genus

Undibacterium

for which the name Undibacterium crateris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B2R-29T (=CGMCC 1.13792T=KCTC 72018T).
ASSESSING VACCINATION STRATEGIES FOR THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC IN MINAS GERAIS (BRAZIL)
Authors: Marchesin Marcelo , Sabeti Mehran
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In this work we analyze the effectiveness of vaccination strategies for the COVID-19 epidemic in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Firstly we study the effectiveness of general vaccination in the decreasing of the number of infected individuals using a traditional non structured SEIR model. Secondly we consider an age-structured SEIR model with 3 age groups (youngster, adult and elderly) and we analyze the current strategy in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, of focusing the vaccination on the elderly group. We conclude by showing this strategy to be mistaken and that a vaccination focusing on the age group of the adults would be much more efficient in decreasing the total number of infected individuals.
A versatile, fast and unbiased method for estimation of gene-by-environment interaction effects on biobank-scale datasets
Authors: Khan Mohammad , Di Scipio Matteo , Judge Conor , Perrot Nicolas , Chong Michael , Mao Shihong , Di Shuang , Nelson Walter , Petch Jeremy , Paré Guillaume
Published: April 2021

Current methods to evaluate gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions on biobank-scale datasets are limited. MonsterLM enables multiple linear regression on genome-wide datasets, does not rely on parameters specification and provides unbiased estimates of variance explained by GxE interaction effects. We applied MonsterLM to the UK Biobank for eight blood biomarkers (N=325,991), identifying significant genome-wide interaction variance with waist-to-hip ratio for five biomarkers, with variance explained by interactions ranging from 0.11 to 0.58. 48% to 94% of GxE interaction variance can be attributed to variants without significant marginal association with the phenotype of interest. Conversely, for most traits, >40% of interaction variance was explained by less than 5% of genetic variants. We observed significant improvements in polygenic score prediction with incorporation of GxE interactions in four biomarkers. Our results imply an important contribution of GxE interaction effects, driven largely by a restricted set of variants distinct from loci with strong marginal effects.
Chronic kidney disease in Low- and Middle- Income Countries: Protocol for a systematic review of diagnostic and prognostic models
Authors: Ascencio Edson J , Aparcana-Granda Diego J , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M
Published: April 2021

Background

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a highly prevalent condition with a large disease burden globally. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) the CKD screening challenges the health system. This systematic and comprehensive search of all CKD diagnostic and prognostic models in LMIC will inform screening strategies in LMIC following a risk-based approach.

Objective

To summarize all multivariate diagnostic and prognostic models for CKD in adults in LMIC.

Methods

Systematic review. Without date or language restrictions we will search Embase, Medline, Global Health (these three through Ovid), SCOPUS and Web of Science. We seek multivariable diagnostic or prognostic models which included a random sample of the general population. We will screen titles and abstracts; we will then study the selected reports. Both phases will be done by two reviewers independently. Data extraction will be performed by two researchers independently using a pre-specified Excel form (CHARMS model). We will evaluate the risk of bias with the PROBAST tool.

Conclusion

This systematic review will provide the most comprehensive list and critical appraisal of diagnostic and prognostic models for CKD available for the general population in LMIC. This evidence could inform policies and interventions to improve CKD screening in LMIC following a risk-based approach, maximizing limited resources and reaching populations with limited access to CKD screening tests. This systematic review will also reveal methodological limitations and research needs to improve CKD diagnostic and prognostic models in LMIC.
SARS-CoV-2 virus transfers to skin through contact with contaminated solids
Authors: Behzadinasab Saeed , Chin Alex W.H. , Hosseini Mohsen , Poon Leo L.M. , Ducker William A.
Published: April 2021

Transfer of SARS-CoV-2 from solids to fingers is one step in infection via contaminated solids, and the possibility of infection from this route has driven calls for increased frequency of handwashing during the COVID-19 pandemic. To analyze this route of infection, we measured the percentage of SARS-CoV-2 that was transferred from a solid to an artificial finger. A droplet of SARS-CoV-2 suspension (1 µL) was placed on a solid, and then artificial skin was briefly pressed against the solid with a light force (3 N). Transfer from a variety of solids was detected, and transfer from the non-porous solids, glass, stainless steel, and Teflon, was substantial (13-16 %) when the droplet was still wet. Transfer still occurred after the droplet evaporated, but it was smaller. We found a lower level of transfer from porous solids but did not find a significant effect of solid wettability for non-porous solids.