bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptoms presented during emergency telephone calls for patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Sonne Asger , Egholm Sarita , Elgaard Laurits , Breindahl Niklas , Jensen Alice Herrlin , Eskesen Vagn , Lippert Freddy , Waldorff Frans Boch , Lohse Nicolai , Rasmussen Lars Simon
Published: August 2021

Background

A spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is one of the most critical neurological emergencies a dispatcher can face in an emergency telephone call. No study has yet investigated which symptoms are presented in emergency telephone calls for these patients. We aimed to identify symptoms indicative of SAH and to determine the sensitivity of these and their association (odds ratio, OR) with SAH.

Methods

This was a nested case–control study based on all telephone calls to the medical dispatch center of Copenhagen Emergency Medical Services in a 4-year time period. Patients with SAH were identified in the Danish National Patient Register; diagnoses were verified by medical record review and their emergency telephone call audio files were extracted. Audio files were replayed, and symptoms extracted in a standardized manner. Audio files of a control group were replayed and assessed as well.

Results

We included 224 SAH patients and 609 controls. Cardiac arrest and persisting unconsciousness were reported in 5.8% and 14.7% of SAH patients, respectively. The highest sensitivity was found for headache (58.9%), nausea/vomiting (46.9%) and neck pain (32.6%). Among conscious SAH patients these symptoms were found to have the strongest association with SAH (OR 27.0, 8.41 and 34.0, respectively). Inability to stand up, speech difficulty, or sweating were reported in 24.6%, 24.2%, and 22.8%. The most frequent combination of symptoms was headache and nausea/vomiting, which was reported in 41.6% of SAH patients. More than 90% of headaches were severe, but headache was not reported in 29.7% of conscious SAH patients. In these, syncope was described by 49.1% and nausea/vomiting by 37.7%.

Conclusion

Headache, nausea/vomiting, and neck pain had the highest sensitivity and strongest association with SAH in emergency telephone calls. Unspecific symptoms such as inability to stand up, speech difficulty or sweating were reported in 1 out of 5 calls. Interestingly, 1 in 3 conscious SAH patients did not report headache.

Trial registration NCT03980613 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Retrotransposons as pathogenicity factors of the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Porquier Antoine , Tisserant Constance , Salinas Francisco , Glassl Carla , Wange Lucas , Enard Wolfgang , Hauser Andreas , Hahn Matthias , Weiberg Arne
Published: August 2021

Background

Retrotransposons are genetic elements inducing mutations in all domains of life. Despite their detrimental effect, retrotransposons can become temporarily active during epigenetic reprogramming and cellular stress response, which may accelerate host genome evolution. In fungal pathogens, a positive role has been attributed to retrotransposons when shaping genome architecture and expression of genes encoding pathogenicity factors; thus, retrotransposons are known to influence pathogenicity.

Results

We uncover a hitherto unknown role of fungal retrotransposons as being pathogenicity factors, themselves. The aggressive fungal plant pathogen,Botrytis cinerea, is known to deliver some long-terminal repeat (LTR) deriving regulatory trans-species small RNAs (BcsRNAs) into plant cells to suppress host gene expression for infection. We find that naturally occurring, less aggressiveB. cinereastrains possess considerably lower copy numbers of LTR retrotransposons and had lost retrotransposonBcsRNA production. Using a transgenic proof-of-concept approach, we reconstitute retrotransposon expression in aBcsRNA-lackingB. cinereastrain, which results in enhanced aggressiveness in a retrotransposon andBcsRNA expression-dependent manner. Moreover, retrotransposon expression inB. cinerealeads to suppression of plant defence-related genes during infection.

Conclusions

We propose that retrotransposons are pathogenicity factors that manipulate host plant gene expression by encoding trans-speciesBcsRNAs. Taken together, the novelty that retrotransposons are pathogenicity factors will have a broad impact on studies of host-microbe interactions and pathology.
Anonymous online cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep disorders in shift workers—a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Retzer Lukas , Feil Monika , Reindl Richard , Richter Kneginja , Lehmann Robert , Stemmler Mark , Graessel Elmar
Published: August 2021

Background

Many shift workers suffer from sleep issues, which negatively affect quality of life and performance. Scientifically evaluated, structured programs for prevention and treatment are scarce. We developed an anonymous online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) program. After successful completion of a feasibility study, we now start this prospective, randomized, controlled superiority trial to compare outcomes of two parallel groups, namely an intervention group and a waiting-list control-group. Additionally, we will compare these outcomes to those of a face-to-face CBT-I outpatient sample.

Methods

Collaborating companies will offer our anonymous online intervention to their shift-working employees. Company physicians and counseling services will screen those interested for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will receive access to our online service, where they will complete psychometric assessment and receive random assignment to either the intervention group or the waiting-list control group. Participants and providers will be aware of the group assignment. We aim to allocate at leastN= 60 participants to the trial. The intervention consists of psychoeducation, sleep restriction, stimulus control, relaxation techniques, and individual feedback delivered via four e-mail contacts. During the intervention, as well as during the waiting period, participants will fill out weekly sleep diaries. Immediately after completion of the program, the post-intervention assessment takes place. Participants in the control group will be able to participate in the program after all study assessments. To recruit an additional sample, collaborating outpatient sleep clinics will provide six sessions of standard face-to-face CBT-I to an ad hoc sample of shift working patients. We expect both the online and the face-to-face CBT-I interventions to have beneficial effects compared to the control group on the following primary outcomes: self-reported symptoms of depression and insomnia, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness.

Conclusions

The online intervention allows shift workers to follow a CBT-I program independently of their working schedule and location. Forthcoming results might contribute to further improvement of prevention and therapy of sleep issues in shift workers.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKSDRKS00017777. Registered on 14 January 2020—retrospectively registered.
An epigenetic and transcriptomic signature of immune tolerance in human monocytes through multi-omics integration
Authors: Brands Xanthe , Haak Bastiaan W. , Klarenbeek Augustijn M. , Butler Joe , Uhel Fabrice , Qin Wanhai , Otto Natasja A. , Jakobs Marja E. , Faber Daniël R. , Lutter René , Wiersinga W. Joost , van der Poll Tom , Scicluna Brendon P.
Published: August 2021

Background

The plasticity of monocytes enables them to exert multiple roles during an immune response, including promoting immune tolerance. How monocytes alter their functions to convey immune tolerance in the context of lower respiratory tract infections in humans is not well understood. Here, we sought to identify epigenetic and transcriptomic features of cytokine production capacity in circulating monocytes during community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

Circulating CD14+ monocytes were obtained from the blood of CAP patients included in a longitudinal, observational cohort study, on hospitalization (acute stage,n=75), and from the same patients after a 1-month follow-up (recovery stage,n=56). Age and sex-matched non-infectious participants were included as controls (n=41). Ex vivo cytokine production after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure was assessed by multiplex assay. Transcriptomes of circulating monocytes were generated by RNA-sequencing, and DNA methylation levels in the same monocytes were measured by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Data were integrated by fitting projection-to-latent-structure models, and signatures derived by partial least squares discrimination.

Results

Monocytes captured during the acute stage exhibited impaired TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 production after ex vivo stimulation with LPS, relative to controls. IL-6 production was not resolved in recovery monocytes. Multivariate analysis of RNA-sequencing data identified 2938 significantly altered RNA transcripts in acute-stage monocytes (fold expression ≤−1.5 or ≥1.5; adjustedp≤ 0.01), relative to controls. Comparing DNA methylation levels in circulating monocytes of CAP patients to controls revealed minimal differences, specifically in DNAse hypersensitive sites (HS) of acute-stage monocytes. Data integration identified a cholesterol biosynthesis gene signature and DNAse HS axis of IL-1β and IL-10 production (R2=0.51).

Conclusions

Circulating monocytes obtained from CAP patients during the acute stage exhibited impaired cytokine production capacities, indicative of reprogramming to a state of immune tolerance, which was not fully resolved after 1 month. Our split-sample study showed that 51% of the immune tolerance phenotype can be explained, at least in part, by coordinated shifts in cholesterol biosynthesis gene expression and DNAse HS methylation levels. A multi-scale model identified an epigenetic and transcriptomic signature of immune tolerance in monocytes, with implications for future interventions in immunosuppression.

Trial registration

NCT numberNCT02928367
Elucidating mechano-pathology of osteoarthritis: transcriptome-wide differences in mechanically stressed aged human cartilage explants
Authors: Houtman Evelyn , Tuerlings Margo , Riechelman Janne , Suchiman Eka H. E. D. , van der Wal Robert J. P. , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , Mei Hailiang , Ramos Yolande F. M. , Coutinho de Almeida Rodrigo , Meulenbelt Ingrid
Published: August 2021

Background

Failing of intrinsic chondrocyte repair after mechanical stress is known as one of the most important initiators of osteoarthritis. Nonetheless, insight into these early mechano-pathophysiological processes in age-related human articular cartilage is still lacking. Such insights are needed to advance clinical development. To highlight important molecular processes of osteoarthritis mechano-pathology, the transcriptome-wide changes following injurious mechanical stress on human aged osteochondral explants were characterized.

Methods

Following mechanical stress at a strain of 65% (65%MS) on human osteochondral explants (n65%MS= 14 versusncontrol= 14), RNA sequencing was performed. Differential expression analysis between control and 65%MS was performed to determine mechanical stress-specific changes. Enrichment for pathways and protein-protein interactions was analyzed with Enrichr and STRING.

Results

We identified 156 genes significantly differentially expressed between control and 65%MS human osteochondral explants. Of note,IGFBP5(FC = 6.01; FDR = 7.81 × 10−3) andMMP13(FC = 5.19; FDR = 4.84 × 10−2) were the highest upregulated genes, whileIGFBP6(FC = 0.19; FDR = 3.07 × 10−4) was the most downregulated gene. Protein-protein interactions were significantly higher than expected by chance (P= 1.44 × 10−15with connections between 116 out of 156 genes). Pathway analysis showed, among others, enrichment for cellular senescence, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and II binding, and focal adhesion.

Conclusions

Our results faithfully represent transcriptomic wide consequences of mechanical stress in human aged articular cartilage withMMP13, IGF binding proteins, and cellular senescence as the most notable results. Acquired knowledge on the as such identified initial, osteoarthritis-related, detrimental responses of chondrocytes may eventually contribute to the development of effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis treatments.
Dietary inflammatory index (DII) may be associated with hypertriglyceridemia waist circumference phenotype in overweight and obese Iranian women: a cross sectional study
Authors: Tavakoli Atefeh , Mirzababaei Atieh , Moosavi Hanieh , Mehranfar Sanaz , Keshavarz Seyed-Ali , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: August 2021

Objective

Recent studies have shown that increased dietary inflammatory index (DII) score or consumption of pro-inflammatory foods can lead to increased waist circumference (WC) as well as triglyceride (TG) concentrations in obese people. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between DII and hypertriglyceridemic waist circumference phenotype (HTGWCP) in women with overweight and obesity.

Results

There was a positive significant correlation between DII and HTGWCPs. In other words, with an increase in DII score or higher consumption of pro-inflammatory foods, the odds of having abnormal phenotypes including; enlarged waist normal TG (EWNT) (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 1.02 to 7.98, P for trend = 0.04), normal waist enlarged TG (NWET) (OR = 5.85, 95% CI 1.1 to 31.11, P for trend = 0.03) and enlarged waist enlarged TG (EWET) (OR = 3.13, 95% CI 0.95 to 10.27, P for trend = 0.05) increase compared to normal waist normal TG (NWNT) phenotype. In conclusion; increasing DII scores can increase abnormal phenotypes and therefore may increase WC and TG levels in overweight and obese women.
Optimization of a suite of flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) microsatellite markers for understanding the population genetics of introduced populations in the northeast United States
Authors: White Shannon L. , Eackles Michael S. , Wagner Tyler , Schall Megan , Smith Geoff , Avery Julian , Kazyak David C.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Flathead catfish are rapidly expanding into nonnative waterways throughout the United States. Once established, flathead catfish may cause disruptions to the local ecosystem through consumption and competition with native fishes, including species of conservation concern. Flathead catfish often become a popular sport fish in their introduced range, and so management strategies must frequently balance the need to protect native and naturalized fauna while meeting the desire to maintain or enhance fisheries. However, there are currently few tools available to inform management of invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). We describe a suite of microsatellite loci that can be used to characterize population structure, predict invasion history, and assess potential mitigation strategies for flathead catfish.

Results

Our panel of 13 microsatellite loci were polymorphic and appear to be informative for population genetic studies of flathead catfish. We found moderate levels of diversity in four nonnative collections of flathead catfish in the Pennsylvania and Maryland sections of the Susquehanna River and the Schuylkill River, Pennsylvania. Analyses suggested patterns of genetic differentiation within- and among-rivers, highlighting the utility of this marker panel for understanding the structure and assessing the degree of connectivity among flathead catfish populations.
A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to describe organ distribution of 68Ga-DOTATATE in patients without neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Siebinga H. , de Wit-van der Veen B. J. , Beijnen J. H. , Stokkel M. P. M. , Dorlo T. P. C. , Huitema A. D. R. , Hendrikx J. J. M. A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models combine drug-specific information with prior knowledge on the physiology and biology at the organism level. Whole-body PBPK models contain an explicit representation of the organs and tissue and are a tool to predict pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs. The aim of this study was to develop a PBPK model to describe organ distribution of 68Ga-DOTATATE in a population of patients without detectable neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

Methods

Clinical 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT data from 41 patients without any detectable somatostatin receptor (SSTR) overexpressing tumors were included. Scans were performed at 45 min (range 30–60 min) after intravenous bolus injection of 68Ga-DOTATATE. Organ (spleen, liver, thyroid) and blood activity levels were derived from PET scans, and corresponding DOTATATE concentrations were calculated. A whole-body PBPK model was developed, including an internalization reaction, receptor recycling, enzymatic reaction for intracellular degradation and renal clearance. SSTR2 expression was added for several organs. Input parameters were fixed or estimated using a built-in Monte Carlo algorithm for parameter identification.

Results

68Ga-DOTATATE was administered with a median peptide amount of 12.3 µg (range 8.05–16.9 µg) labeled with 92.7 MBq (range 43.4–129.9 MBq). SSTR2 amounts for spleen, liver and thyroid were estimated at 4.40, 7.80 and 0.0108 nmol, respectively. Variability in observed organ concentrations was best described by variability in SSTR2 expression and differences in administered peptide amounts.

Conclusions

To conclude, biodistribution of 68Ga-DOTATATE was described with a whole-body PBPK model, where tissue distribution was mainly determined by variability in SSTR2 organ expression and differences in administered peptide amounts.
The finite volume element method for the two-dimensional space-fractional convection–diffusion equation
Authors: Bi Yanan , Jiang Ziwen
Published: August 2021

We develop a fully discrete finite volume element scheme of the two-dimensional space-fractional convection–diffusion equation using the finite volume element method to discretize the space-fractional derivative and Crank–Nicholson scheme for time discretization. We also analyze and prove the stability and convergence of the given scheme. Finally, we validate our theoretical analysis by data from three examples.
Citizens, doctors, politicians - who´s an expert in times of COVID-19? A survey in Austria and Germany
Authors: Schaffler-Schaden Dagmar , Herfert Juergen , O´Brien James , Johansson Tim , Seymer Alexander , Ludwig Stephan , Stöggl Thomas , Osterbrink Juergen , Flamm Maria , van der Zee-Neuen Antje
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aimed to explore which measures and risk factors for a COVID − 19 infection are considered most important in the general population, health experts and policymakers and to assess the level of agreement across the groups from Austria and Germany.

Methods

A two-phased survey was conducted, participants were matched according to age and gender. Three different groups were asked which measures they considered most relevant in reducing a COVID-19 transmission, to determine which factors contribute most to the risk of disease, and to evaluate the level of agreement in the assessment of risk factor relevance for (a) the transmission of the disease and (b) the risk of a severe course of COVID-19.

Results

Risk factors for an infection that were selected from all three groups were immunosuppression/deficiency, cancer, chronic lung disease, smoking, age and working as a health care professional. Interrater agreement per population was only poor to slight and results were highly heterogeneous.

Conclusions

Our survey shows a broad spectrum of opinions and the associated general uncertainty about the risk factors for infection and a severe course of disease across the groups. Profound knowledge of politicians and experts is of high relevance to provide the public with valid information to ensure cooperation fighting the pandemic.

Trial registration

https://apps.who.int/trialsearch/(ID: DRKS00022166). Registered 15 June 2020.
Design matters in patient-level prediction: evaluation of a cohort vs. case-control design when developing predictive models in observational healthcare datasets
Authors: Reps Jenna M. , Ryan Patrick B. , Rijnbeek Peter R. , Schuemie Martijn J.
Published: August 2021

Background

The design used to create labelled data for training prediction models from observational healthcare databases (e.g., case-control and cohort) may impact the clinical usefulness. We aim to investigate hypothetical design issues and determine how the design impacts prediction model performance.

Aim

To empirically investigate differences between models developed using a case-control design and a cohort design.

Methods

Using a US claims database, we replicated two published prediction models (dementia and type 2 diabetes) which were developed using a case-control design, and trained models for the same prediction questions using cohort designs. We validated each model on data mimicking the point in time the models would be applied in clinical practice. We calculated the models’ discrimination and calibration-in-the-large performances.

Results

The dementia models obtained area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.560 and 0.897 for the case-control and cohort designs respectively. The type 2 diabetes models obtained area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.733 and 0.727 for the case-control and cohort designs respectively. The dementia and diabetes case-control models were both poorly calibrated, whereas the dementia cohort model achieved good calibration. We show that careful construction of a case-control design can lead to comparable discriminative performance as a cohort design, but case-control designs over-represent the outcome class leading to miscalibration.

Conclusions

Any case-control design can be converted to a cohort design. We recommend that researchers with observational data use the less subjective and generally better calibrated cohort design when extracting labelled data. However, if a carefully constructed case-control design is used, then the model must be prospectively validated using a cohort design for fair evaluation and be recalibrated.
Common animal models lack a distinct glenoid labrum: a comparative anatomy study
Authors: Como Christopher J. , Rothrauff Benjamin B. , Alexander Peter G. , Lin Albert , Musahl Volker
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Development and validation of an animal model of labral healing would facilitate translation of novel surgical and biological strategies to improve glenolabral healing. The purpose of this study was to characterize the anatomic and histological properties of the shoulder labrum in rat, rabbit, dog, pig, goat, and humans. Given the demonstrated similarities in size and structural morphology in other joints, it was hypothesized that the goat glenoid with surrounding capsulolabral complex would most closely resemble that of humans in terms of dimensions and structure, as observed grossly and histologically.

Methods

Cadaveric glenohumeral joints from rats (n = 8), New Zealand white rabbits (n = 13), Mongrel dogs (n = 9), Spanish goats (n = 10), Yorkshire pigs (n = 10), and humans (n = 9) were freshly harvested. Photographs were taken of the glenoid with its surrounding capsulolabral complex. Linear dimensions of the glenoid articular surface were measured. It was determined where the capsulolabral complex was continuous with, or recessed from, the articular glenoid surface. The glenoid was divided into 6 equal segments radiating out toward 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 o’clock positions. Samples were sectioned and stained with Safranin O/Fast green and Mallory Trichrome. Insertion of the capsulolabral tissue onto the glenoid was qualitatively assessed and compared with gross morphology.

Results

Dimensions of the goat glenoid most closely paralleled dimensions of the human glenoid. A capsulolabral complex was continuous with the glenoid surface from ~ 9 to 12 o’clock in the rats, 7 to 12 o’clock in rabbits, 5 to 12 o’clock in the dogs, and 9 to 12 o’clock in goats, 6 to 12 o’clock in pigs, and 2 to 8 o’clock in humans. In contrast to humans, no other species demonstrated an organized fibrocartilaginous labrum either macroscopically or histologically.

Conclusion

The animals in the present study did not possess a discrete fibrocartilaginous labrum by gross or histological evaluation, as directly compared to humans. While models using these animals may be acceptable for examining other shoulder pathologies, they are not adequate to evaluate labral pathology.

Level of evidence

Basic Science Study; Anatomy and Histology; Cadaveric Animal Model.
Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study of psychologically informed vestibular rehabilitation for people with persistent dizziness: INVEST trial
Authors: Herdman David , Norton Sam , Pavlou Marousa , Murdin Louisa , Moss-Morris Rona
Published: August 2021

Background

Dizziness is a common complaint that often persists and leads to disability and distress. Several cognitive and behavioural responses may contribute to the neurobiological adaptations that maintain persistent vestibular symptoms. This paper will present the protocol of a two-arm parallel group feasibility randomised controlled trial designed to determine whether a fully powered efficacy trial is achievable by examining the feasibility of recruitment, acceptability and potential benefits of an integrated cognitive behavioural therapy and vestibular rehabilitation (CBT-VR) treatment for people with persistent dizziness.

Methods

Forty adult patients will be recruited from a tertiary vestibular clinic with persistent movement–triggered dizziness for 3 months or longer who have moderate–high levels of dizziness handicap. Participants will be 1:1 randomised, using a minimisation procedure, to six sessions of either CBT-VR (intervention arm) or VR only (control arm). Measures will be collected at baseline and 4 months post randomisation. The primary feasibility outcomes include descriptive data on numbers meeting eligibility criteria, rates of recruitment, numbers retained post randomisation, treatment adherence and an acceptability questionnaire. Treatment effects on self-report outcomes will be estimated to determine that 95% confidence intervals for the effects are consistent with anticipated effects and minimum clinically important differences, and to provide information needed for the power calculation of an efficacy trial. A nested qualitative study will be conducted post-intervention (intervention group only) to explore the acceptability of the intervention and identify any areas in need of improvement.

Discussion

If a trial of CBT-VR is feasible, acceptability data will be used to enhance the intervention if needed and refine the multicentre RCT protocol. Future studies will need to consider the training required for other physiotherapists to deliver the intervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN 10420559
Has COVID-19 changed the stock return-oil price predictability pattern?
Authors: Zhang Fan , Narayan Paresh Kumar , Devpura Neluka
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we examine if COVID-19 has impacted the relationship between oil prices and stock returns predictions using daily Japanese stock market data from 01/04/2020 to 03/17/2021. We make a novel contribution to the literature by testing whether the COVID-19 pandemic has changed this predictability relationship. Employing an empirical model that controls for seasonal effects, return-related control variables, heteroskedasticity, persistency, and endogeneity, we demonstrate that the influence of oil prices on stock returns declined by around 89.5% due to COVID-19. This implies that when COVID-19 reduced economic activity and destabilized financial markets, the influence of oil prices on stock returns declined. This finding could have implications for trading strategies that rely on oil prices.
Take Bitcoin into your portfolio: a novel ensemble portfolio optimization framework for broad commodity assets
Authors: Li Yuze , Jiang Shangrong , Wei Yunjie , Wang Shouyang
Published: August 2021

The emergence and growing popularity of Bitcoins have attracted the attention of the financial world. However, few empirical studies have considered the inclusion of the newly emerged commodity asset in the global commodity market. It is of great importance for investors and policymakers to take advantage of this asset and its potential benefits by incorporating it as a part of the broad commodity trading portfolio. In this study, we propose a novel ensemble portfolio optimization (NEPO) framework utilized for broad commodity assets, which integrates a hybrid variational mode decomposition-bidirectional long short-term memory deep learning model for future returns forecast and a reinforcement learning-based model for optimizing the asset weight allocation. Our empirical results indicate that the NEPO framework could effectively improve the prediction accuracy and trend prediction ability across various commodity assets from different sectors. In addition, it could effectively incorporate Bitcoins into the asset pool and achieve better financial performance compared to traditional asset allocation strategies, commodity funds, and indices.
Scabies as a part of the World Health Organization roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: what we know and what we need to do for global control
Authors: El-Moamly Amal A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Scabies is an under-recognized global health problem with an unacceptably high prevalence in many settings worldwide. Fortunately, the World Health Organization (WHO) has formally designated scabies as a neglected tropical disease in 2017, in the hope of increasing awareness and encouraging efforts to eradicate it. Also, scabies has recently been included as part of the WHO roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030, aimed at ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.

Main abstract body

This review article places scabies in focus. The literature was reviewed to explore discussions on controversial issues in scabies control, with the aim of clarifying whether global control of scabies is a feasible and worthwhile objective. The existing status of scabies and its burden are discussed along with future prospects for its global control. The article investigates the feasibility of scabies control and provides updates on the various impediments to this goal, such as challenges related to transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development. Also examined are relevant research needs, success factors, and reasons for failure. This article aims to increase the global awareness of scabies and promote discussion, enhance coordinated international efforts, and ultimately, enact change at the national and worldwide levels toward the control of this preventable disease of the poor.

Conclusion

Despite the current challenges, scabies control is now within reach. With sustained interventions, continuous resources, and sincere commitment and support, scabies global control appears to be a worthwhile, realistic goal that is potentially achievable in the not so distant future.
Enhancing data pipelines for forecasting student performance: integrating feature selection with cross-validation
Authors: Bertolini Roberto , Finch Stephen J. , Nehm Ross H.
Published: August 2021

Educators seek to harness knowledge from educational corpora to improve student performance outcomes. Although prior studies have compared the efficacy of data mining methods (DMMs) in pipelines for forecasting student success, less work has focused on identifying a set of relevant features prior to model development and quantifying the stability of feature selection techniques. Pinpointing a subset of pertinent features can (1) reduce the number of variables that need to be managed by stakeholders, (2) make “black-box” algorithms more interpretable, and (3) provide greater guidance for faculty to implement targeted interventions. To that end, we introduce a methodology integrating feature selection with cross-validation and rank each feature on subsets of the training corpus. This modified pipeline was applied to forecast the performance of 3225 students in a baccalaureate science course using a set of 57 features, four DMMs, and four filter feature selection techniques. Correlation Attribute Evaluation (CAE) and Fisher’s Scoring Algorithm (FSA) achieved significantly higher Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for logistic regression (LR) and elastic net regression (GLMNET), compared to when this pipeline step was omitted. Relief Attribute Evaluation (RAE) was highly unstable and produced models with the poorest prediction performance. Borda’s method identified grade point average, number of credits taken, and performance on concept inventory assessments as the primary factors impacting predictions of student performance. We discuss the benefits of this approach when developing data pipelines for predictive modeling in undergraduate settings that are more interpretable and actionable for faculty and stakeholders.
Imaging of urinary tract in children in different clinical scenarios: a guide for general radiologists
Authors: Mohammad Shaimaa Abdelsattar , Rawash Leila M. , AbouZeid Amr Abdelhamid
Published: August 2021

Background

Children are frequently referred to the pediatric radiology department due to complaints related to the urinary tract.

Main body

We aimed to describe common clinical scenarios in paediatric urology practice and their recommended imaging diagnostic algorithms. Practical imaging approach to following common clinical scenarios and the common radiological findings are discussed: (A) perinatal urinary tract dilatation and other congenital anomalies; (B) recurrent urinary tract infection; (C) enuresis and daytime urinary incontinence; (D) abdominal masses; (E) flank pain; (F) hematuria; (G) trauma; (H) nonpalpable testis, ambiguous genitalia and common urogenital sinus anomalies; and I) renovascular hypertension

Conclusions

Imaging investigations should be tailored according to the clinical presentation in a stepwise approach aiming for optimum patients’ care.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of substituted pyrazoles endowed with brominated 4-methyl 7-hydroxy coumarin as new scaffolds against Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Narayanan Siju Ellickal , Narayanan Hariraj , Mukundan Minil , Balan Saranya , Vishnupriya C. P. , Gopinathan Adarsh , Rajamma Rajalekshmi Ganesan , Marathakam Akash
Published: August 2021

Background

The study aimed to design, synthesize and evaluate various brominated derivatives of 7-hydroxy coumarin as a new scaffold against Alzheimer’s disease by in vivo and in vitro models. A group of three novel pyrazoles endowed with brominated 7-hydroxy 4-methyl coumarin derivatives were designed. Among the designed compounds, a single entity (D1) was selected based on the docking score, which could be considered mainly for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Three novel pyrazoles endowed with brominated 7-hydroxy 4-methyl coumarin derivatives were designed and docking studies of these compounds were carried out using Argus lab4.0.1 version. According to the docking score, a single entity of compound (D1) was selected for further study. The structure of the compound (D1) was explored by spectral analysis. The anti-Alzheimer’s activity was evaluated by in vivo and in vitro methods. All results were compared statistically by one-way ANOVA using GraphPad Prism.

Results

Molecular docking studies revealed that the compound D1 was able to bind simultaneously to the amino acid and in the active sites of the acetylcholine esterase enzyme. In acetylcholine esterase inhibition assay, the compound shows a significant increase in acetylcholine esterase level. The MAO inhibitory activities were in the nanomole range (human MAO-A IC50= 3.9, human MAO-B IC50= 4.4). DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay showed that the compound shows a promising antioxidant property. In the evaluation of learning and memory of compound D1 using elevated plus maze, the compound D1-pretreated group showed a significant increase in memory and learning when compared with donepezil.

Conclusions

Among the designed series of pyrazole endowed with brominated 7-hydroxyl 4-methyl coumarin derivatives, compound D1 showed good antioxidant property and acetylcholine esterase and MAO inhibitory activity; based on this property, the synthesized compound D1 can be considered a new scaffold on Alzheimer’s disease.
Prescription patterns in psychiatric compulsory care: polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics
Authors: Kaikoushi Katerina , Karanikola Maria , Middleton Nicos , Bella Evanthia , Chatzittofis Andreas
Published: August 2021

Background

Antipsychotic polypharmacy and prescription of high-dose antipsychotics are often used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms, especially in compulsory psychiatric care although there is lack of evidence to support this practice and related risks for patients.

Aims

We aimed to investigate prescription patterns in patients with psychosis under compulsory psychiatric treatment in Cyprus and to identify predictors for pharmaceutic treatment patterns.

Method

This was a nationwide, descriptive correlational study with cross-sectional comparisons, including 482 patients with compulsory admission to hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Psychotic symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Prescribed medication patterns, including use of medication pro re nata (PRN, when required), were recorded.

Results

Antipsychotic polypharmacy with a PRN schema was reported in 33.2% (n = 160) of the participants. Polypharmacy without a PRN schema was reported in 5.6% (n = 27) of the participants. We found that 27.2% (n = 131) of the participants were prescribed high-dose antipsychotics without PRN included; and 39.2% (n = 189) prescribed high-dose antipsychotics with PRN included. In the logistic regression analyses, predictors for prescription of high-dose antipsychotics were male gender, positive psychiatric history, receiving state benefits and a negative history of substance use. Male gender was the only predictor for polypharmacy without a PRN schema whereas male gender, negative family psychiatric history, receiving state benefits and the total score on the positive symptoms PANSS subscale were predictors for polypharmacy with a PRN schema included.

Conclusions

A high frequency of polypharmacy and use of medication PRN beyond clinical guidelines has been reported for the first time in psychiatric compulsory care in Cyprus; revision in antipsychotic prescription is needed.
Electron scattering in silicene quantum dot with a time-periodic potential
Authors: Sattari Farhad , Aslanzadeh Mehdi
Published: August 2021

We investigate the scattering problem for electrons in a circular silicene quantum dot with a time-periodic potential and intrinsic spin-orbit coupling. Our results demonstrate that the scattering coefficient depends on the radius of the quantum dot (R), the amplitude

, and the frequency

of the time-periodic potential as well as the order of the sideband. For the zero bias, unlike the finite bias, the scattering coefficient is independent of the sign of n for the n-th sideband. We also find that the scattering increases with R. Also, for smaller values of R, there is not any scattering in the silicene quantum dot for both the zero bias and the finite bias. For n > 1, the scattering is significant only for the small frequency values. Interestingly, a circular silicene quantum dot can temporarily trap electrons.
Low Adrenomedullary Function Predicts Acute Illness in Infants With Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Weber Jonathan , Tanawattanacharoen Veeraya K , Seagroves Amy , Liang Mark C , Koppin Christina M , Ross Heather M , Bachega Tania A S S , Geffner Mitchell E , Serrano-Gonzalez Monica , Bhullar Gagandeep , Kim Mimi S
Published: August 2021

Context

Youth with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) exhibit abnormal adrenomedullary function with decreased epinephrine levels noted in newborns and young infants. Little is known about how this relates to morbidity during the first year of life.

Objective

This work aimed to study plasma epinephrine levels in infants with classical CAH and examine the clinical significance of epinephrine deficiency in the first year of life.

Methods

This prospective cohort study comprised participants recruited from a pediatric tertiary care center: 36 infants with classical CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and 27 age-matched unaffected controls with congenital hypothyroidism. Main outcome measures included plasma epinephrine levels (N = 27), CYP21A2 genotype (N = 15), and incidence of acute illnesses from birth to age 1 year (N = 28).

Results

Epinephrine levels in CAH infants independently predicted illness incidence in the first year of life (β = –0.018, R = –0.45, P = .02) and were negatively correlated with 17-hydroxyprogesterone at diagnosis (R = –0.51, P = .007). Infants with salt-wasting CAH exhibited lower epinephrine levels as newborns than simple-virilizing infants (P = .02). CAH patients had lower epinephrine as newborns than did controls (P = .007) and showed decreases in epinephrine from birth to age 1 year (P = .04). Null genotype was associated with lower newborn epinephrine and more illness in the first year of life, compared to less severe mutation categories.

Conclusion

Lower epinephrine levels are associated with increased risk of illness among CAH infants. While not currently part of clinical standard of care, measuring epinephrine levels and assessing genotype may help predict acute illness in the first year of life.
ADAR1 limits stress granule formation through both translation-dependent and translation-independent mechanisms
Authors: Corbet Giulia A. , Burke James M. , Parker Roy
Published: August 2021

Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic assemblies of RNA and protein that form when translation is repressed during the integrated stress response. SGs assemble from the combination of RNA–RNA, RNA–protein and protein–protein interactions between messenger ribonucleoprotein complexes (mRNPs). The protein adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1, also known as ADAR) recognizes and modifies double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) within cells to prevent an aberrant innate immune response. ADAR1 localizes to SGs, and since RNA–RNA interactions contribute to SG assembly and dsRNA induces SGs, we examined how ADAR1 affects SG formation. First, we demonstrate that ADAR1 depletion triggers SGs by allowing endogenous dsRNA to activate the integrated stress response through activation of PKR (also known as EIF2AK2) and translation repression. However, we also show that ADAR1 limits SG formation independently of translation inhibition. ADAR1 repression of SGs is independent of deaminase activity but is dependent on dsRNA-binding activity, suggesting a model where ADAR1 binding limits RNA–RNA and/or RNA–protein interactions necessary for recruitment to SGs. Given that ADAR1 expression is induced during viral infection, these findings have implications for the role of ADAR1 in the antiviral response.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Robust Satellite Techniques for mapping thermal anomalies possibly related to seismic activity of March 2021, Thessaly Earthquakes.
Authors: Kouli Maria , Peleli Sofia , Saltas Vassilis , Makris John P , Vallianatos Filippos
Published: August 2021

In recent years, there is a growing interest concerning the development of a multi-parametric system for earthquakes’ short term forecast identifying those parameters whose anomalous variations can be associated to the complex process of such events. In this context, the Robust Satellite Technique (RST) has been adopted herein with the aim to detect and map thermal anomalies probably related with the strong earthquake of M6.3 occurred near the city of Larissa, Thessaly on March 3rd 2021 10:16:07 UTC. For this purpose, 10 years (2012-2021) of daily Night-time Land Surface Temperature (LST) remotely sensed data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), were analyzed. Pixels characterized by statistically significant LST variations on a daily scale were interpreted as an indicator of variations in seismic activity. Quite intense (Signal/Noise ratio > 2.5) and rare, spatially extensive and time persistent, TIR signal transients were identified, appearing twenty five days before the Thessaly main shock (pre-seismic anomalies: February 6th, February 11th March 1st), the day of the main earthquake (co-seismic anomaly) and after the main shock (post-seismic anomalies: March 4th, 10th and 17th). The final dataset of thermal anomalies was combined with geological and structural data of the area of interest, such as active faults, composite seismogenic sources, earthquake epicenter and topography in order to perform preliminary spatial analysis.
URBAN RUINS: FRAGMENTS OF AN INNER FRESCO
Authors: Kertemelidou Paraskevi
Published: August 2021

Having as starting point Lila Papoula’s exhibition ‘Walls That Were Hiding Our Faces’ at the Teloglion Foundation of Arts during the 2017 Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art, we examine her work under the prism of three main topics: as social documentary, as a familiar topos full of personal memories and nostalgia and as an architectural itinerary in the urban ruins of the old Athenian neighborhoods. In her compositions Lila Papoula does not merely present the urban ruins but rather she proposes a journey of self-discovery and a return to forgotten values, to activate memory for all of us. For Lila Papoula a derelict building is a ‘text’, an ‘image’ that determines its own materiality through what is inscribed into it. Papoula focuses on the thread of an interrupted life, on elements of a human absence which paradoxically still continues to exist and confirm life. In her paintings, based on the ‘photography transformed into painting’ technique, personal stories and the history of the contemporary city are interconnected and have acquired equal gravity.
Prevalence of malaria and quantification of cytokine levels during infection in East Nile locality, Khartoum State: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Barkat Hwida , Abd Alla Ahmed Bakheet , Galander Ahmed , Salah Tagwa , Elfaki Tayseer , Nasir Ali
Published: August 2021

Background: The cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) play an important role in malaria infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria and to evaluate cytokine responses to malaria infection in patients from the East Nile locality of Khartoum State.

Methods: This study was carried out from May to July 2018 in the East Nile Locality, Khartoum State. Blood samples were collected from 384 randomly selected patients for blood film analysis. Of these, 39 were selected for cytokine level analysis (10 control and 29 patient samples), determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results: The malaria prevalence rate among 384 patients was 18.5%. Plasmodium falciparum was the most prevalent (13%), while the prevalence of Plasmodium vivax was 4.6%. The rate of mixed infection was 0.8%. There was a higher prevalence rate (22.7%) in males than females (15.6%). However, we found no significant correlation between cytokine levels and parasitemia in the study group. Nevertheless, our study demonstrated a significant correlation between cytokine levels and recurrent infections.

Conclusions: Together, our data show that malaria remains a public health problem in East Nile locality with a high prevalence. Additionally, serum levels of IFN- γ and TNF- α were significantly higher in malaria-infected individuals compared to non-infecting individuals and cytokine levels were found to be correlated with recurrent malaria infection.