bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial Choice of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain Leads to Reduced Long-term Risk of Adverse Drug Events Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Whedon James M. , Kizhakkeveettil Anupama , Toler Andrew WJ , MacKenzie Todd A. , Lurie Jon D. , Hurwitz Eric L. , Bezdjian Serena , Bangash Maria , Uptmor Sarah , Rossi Daniel , Haldeman Scott
Published: April 2021

Study Design.

Retrospective observational study.

Objective.

Opioid Analgesic Therapy (OAT) and Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) are evidence-based strategies for treatment of chronic low back pain (cLBP), but the long-term safety of these therapies is uncertain. The objective of this study was to compare OAT versus SMT with regard to risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) among older adults with cLBP.

Summary of Background Data.

We examined Medicare claims data spanning a 5-year period on fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 to 84 years, continuously enrolled under Medicare Parts A, B, and D for a 60-month study period, and with an episode of cLBP in 2013. We excluded patients with a diagnosis of cancer or use of hospice care.

Methods.

All included patients received long-term management of cLBP with SMT or OAT. We assembled cohorts of patients who received SMT or OAT only, and cohorts of patients who crossed over from OAT to SMT or from SMT to OAT. We used Poisson regression to estimate the adjusted incidence rate ratio for outpatient ADE among patients who initially chose OAT as compared with SMT.

Results.

With controlling for patient characteristics, health status, and propensity score, the adjusted rate of ADE was more than 42 times higher for initial choice of OAT versus initial choice of SMT (rate ratio 42.85, 95% CI 34.16–53.76, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion.

Among older Medicare beneficiaries who received long-term care for cLBP the adjusted rate of ADE for patients who initially chose OAT was substantially higher than those who initially chose SMT.

Level of Evidence: 2
Telehealth Approaches to Improve Opioid Use Care in Pregnancy
Authors: HARPER LORIE M.
Published: April 2021

Although pharmacotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for opioid use disorder, the US faces a shortage of qualified pharmacotherapy providers, even in high-need areas. Telemedicine is a promising method of increasing the availability of opioid use disorder treatments, but several barriers must first be addressed before implementation. This article presents a case study of using telemedicine to provide pharmacotherapy in pregnancy, examines the barriers to providing pharmacotherapy via telemedicine, and proposes solutions to overcome these barriers.
The Actual Incidence and Types of Hearing Losses in Bullous Myringitis: Case Series and Systematic Review
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Handzel Ophir , Oron Yahav , Eta Rani Abu , Muhanna Nidal , Warshavsky Anton , Horowitz Gilad , Simani Liam
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To calculate the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL; pure or as part of a mixed hearing loss, MHL) among bullous myringitis (BM) patients with a coexisting HL to assess whether steroidal treatment should be initiated even before the findings of a formal audiogram are available.

Methods:

Retrospective medical record review in a tertiary referral center and systematic review of the English literature.

Results:

The medical records of 81 patients with BM were retrieved among whom 50 patients (62%) had actually sustained a HL, although only 39/81 patients reported a HL when asked. Twenty-four patients had a MHL, 18 had a SNHL, and eight had a conductive HL (CHL). The systematic review included 106 ears: 17 had no HL, 53 had a MHL, 20 had a SNHL, and 16 had a CHL. The combined published and current results yielded a SNHL and MHL rates of 38/139 (27%) and 77/139 (55%), respectively of all BM patients with confirmed HL.

Conclusion:

BM is intuitively associated with a CHL resulting from the impeded function of the affected middle ear. Medical history and physical examination are not sufficient to exclude a SNHL in BM patients, and formal audiometry is mandatory for exclusion/confirmation in this setting. Nevertheless, steroidal treatment should not be delayed until the performance of formal audiometry because the actual rate of pure CHL in this setting is very low.

Level of Evidence: 2
Hemocompatible Surfaces Through Surface-attached Hydrogel Coatings and their Functional Stability in a Medical Environment
Authors: Meinzer Julia Kim , Henze Michael , Pandiyarajan Chinnayan Kannan , Prucker Oswald , Bothe Wolfgang , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Rühe Jürgen
Published: April 2021

Blood compatible materials are a well-researched scientific field as such materials are required in a wide range of applications, for example, in heart-lung machines or ventricular assist devices. Surfaces coated with certain surface-bound neutral, water-swellable polymer networks have the ability to repel cells such as platelets and exhibit a significantly improved hemocompatibility. In this study, we investigate the interaction of platelets from whole blood with surfaces coated with photochemically generated surface-attached polymer networks based on polydimethyl acrylamide. As substrates medical-grade polyurethanes are used, and the networks are formed and attached to the substrate surfaces through C-H insertion reactions. The hydrogel-coated substrates are perfused with blood for extended periods of time. We show that the polymer coating prevents the adhesion of cells even at longer times of blood contact, regardless of the thickness of the coating employed. The surfaces can be sterilized following a standard autoclave procedure without any loss of function. Additionally, it is shown that the samples can be stored at least for 3 months under varying ambient conditions while retaining their functionality. The excellent blood compatibility, the possibility to coat even rather inert polymeric materials and the ability to handle the materials in an environment typical for a medical application make such coatings a promising candidate for future hemocompatible devices.
Direct Pull-Through Technique to Insert the Impella RP Device Without Using Fluoroscopy
Authors: Ohira Suguru , Spielvogel David , Lansman Steven L. , Kai Masashi
Published: April 2021

We describe a technique for insertion of the Impella RP device that does not require fluoroscopy. Venous cannulation was performed via the superior vena cava and femoral vein percutaneously. After right atriotomy, the Impella RP is percutaneously inserted and advanced to the right atrium under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. Next, via a longitudinal 2 cm incision in the main pulmonary artery (PA), a large C-shaped clamp is advanced retrograde through the pulmonic and tricuspid valves into the right atrium. The pigtail portion is grasped, pulled through to the main PA, and the device is positioned in the PA under direct vision.
Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy Versus Conventional Gastroscopy
Authors: Geropoulos Georgios , Aquilina Julian , Kakos Christos , Anestiadou Elisavet , Giannis Dimitrios
Published: April 2021

Background:

The introduction of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy overcame the restriction of passive capsule endoscopy movement, thus allowing an improved visualization of the gastrointestinal lumen, where other imaging studies seem to be unhelpful. The aim of this study is to systematically review the performance of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy and evaluate its potential as a less invasive diagnostic method in the detection of gastric lesions.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed in PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, Who Global Health Library (GHL), Virtual Health Library (VHL), Clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science databases. Proportion meta-analyses were performed to estimate the pooled sensitivity of magnetically controlled capsuled endoscopy in the detection of gastrointestinal lesions.

Results:

Among the 3026 studies that were initially assessed, 7 studies were finally included, with a total of 916 patients and 745 gastric lesions. The mean capsule endoscopy examination time was 21.92±8.87 minutes. The pooled overall sensitivity of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy was 87% [95% confidence interval (CI), 84%-89%]. Subgroup analysis showed that the sensitivity of identifying gastric ulcers was 82% (95% CI: 71%-89%), gastric polyps was 82% (95% CI: 76%-87%), and gastric erosions was 95% (95% CI: 86%-98%). In general, magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy was well tolerated by the participants with minimal adverse events.

Conclusion:

The magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy demonstrated an acceptable sensitivity of identifying gastric lesions. Further prospective comparative studies are needed to identify the risks and benefits of this new technique, as well as to determine its role as a replacement for conventional gastroscopy.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Singh Anupam Kumar , Jha Daya Krishna , Jena Anuraag , Kumar-M Praveen , Sebastian Shaji , Sharma Vishal
Published: April 2021

Background

Translational data suggest a potential role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in a subset of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for the efficacy and safety of HBOT in IBD.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Embase and CENTRAL to identify studies reporting the efficacy of HBOT in ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. We pooled the response rates for HBOT in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease separately.

Results

A total 18 studies were included in the systematic review and 16 in the analysis. The overall response rate of HBOT in ulcerative colitis was 83.24% (95% confidence interval: 61.90–93.82), while the response in Crohn’s disease was 81.89 (76.72–86.11). The results of randomized trials for HBOT as adjuvant therapy in ulcerative colitis were conflicting. The complete healing of fistula in fistulizing Crohn’s disease was noted 47.64% (22.05–74.54), while partial healing was noted in 34.29% (17.33–56.50%). Most of the adverse events were minor.

Conclusion

Observational studies suggest benefit of use of HBOT in ulcerative colitis flares and Crohn’s disease. However, adequately powered randomized trials are needed to draw a definite conclusion.
Exploring and predicting mortality among patients with end-stage liver disease without cancer: a machine learning approach
Authors: Yu Cheng-Sheng , Chen Yu-Da , Chang Shy-Shin , Tang Jui-Hsiang , Wu Jenny L. , Lin Chang-Hsien
Published: April 2021

Objective

End-stage liver disease is a global public health problem with a high mortality rate. Early identification of people at risk of poor prognosis is fundamental for decision-making in clinical settings. This study created a machine learning prediction system that provides several related models with visualized graphs, including decision trees, ensemble learning and clustering, to predict mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted: the training data were from patients enrolled from January 2009 to December 2010 and followed up to December 2014; validation data were from patients enrolled from January 2015 to December 2016 and followed up to January 2019. Hospitalized patients with noncancer-related chronic liver disease were identified from the hospital’s electrical medical records.

Results

In traditional multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard model, prothrombin time of international normalized ratio, which was significant with P value = 0.002, odds ratio = 2.790 and hazard ratio 1.363. Besides, blood urea nitrogen and C-reactive protein were also significant, with P value <0.001 and 0.026. The area under the curve was 0.771 in the receiver operating characteristic curve. In machine learning, blood urea nitrogen and age were regarded as the primary factors for predicting mortality. Creatinine, prothrombin time of international normalized ratio and bilirubin were also significant mortality predictors. The area under the curve of the random forest and AdaBoost was 0.838 and 0.792.

Conclusion

The machine learning techniques provided a comprehensive assessment of patient conditions; it could help physicians make an accurate diagnosis of chronic liver disease and improve healthcare management.
How extent of Barrett's metaplasia influences the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Meyer Chase , Hejazi Reza , Bansal Ajay
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review

This review will focus on how the extent of Barrett's metaplasia influences the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). More specifically, this review will discuss the concepts of long and short-segment Barrett's metaplasia and irregular Z line as they relate to EAC risk.

Recent findings

The Prague classification can standardize reporting of Barrett's metaplasia. Recent literature has found significant associations between the length of Barrett's metaplasia and increased progression risk to EAC in multiple geographically distinct populations. Length of Barrett's metaplasia has been incorporated into the Progression of Barrett's esophagus (PIB) model that can predict individualized life-time risks of progression. The risk of malignant transformation appears to be very low in patients with irregular Z line.

Length of Barrett's metaplasia has emerged as an important predictor that can influence the risk of EAC and should be reported using the Prague classification. The PIB model, if further validated, could help a practicing gastroenterologist to inform patients with Barrett's metaplasia about their personal risk of progression to tailor surveillance intervals. Current guidelines do not recommend surveillance in patients with irregular Z line, but careful examination is recommended.
Nonalcohol fatty liver disease: balancing supply and utilization of triglycerides
Authors: Santos-Baez Leinys S. , Ginsberg Henry N.
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as the abnormal accumulation of lipids in the liver, called hepatic steatosis, which occurs most often as a concomitant of the metabolic syndrome. Its incidence has surged significantly in recent decades concomitant with the obesity pandemic and increasing consumption of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. This makes a review of the origins of NAFLD timely and relevant.

Recent findings

This disorder, which shares histologic markers found in alcoholic fatty liver disease, was named NAFLD to distinguish it from the latter. Recently, however, the term metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been suggested as a refinement of NAFLD that should highlight the central, etiologic role of insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. The complexity of the pathways involved in the regulation of hepatic triglyceride synthesis and utilization have become obvious over the past 10 years, including the recent identification of monogenic causes of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. These include PNPLA3, transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2, GCKR, membrane-bound O-acyltransferase 7 suggest targets for new therapies for hepatic steatosis.

The current review can serve as a guide to the complex pathways involved in the maintenance of hepatic triglyceride levels as well as an introduction to the most recent discoveries, including those of key genes that have provided opportunities for new and novel therapeutics.
Effect of Two Interventions on Sleep Quality for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Li Lijun , Wang Lu , Sun Qian , Xiao Panpan , Duan Yinglong , Liu Xiangyu , Zhou Jianda , Xie Jianfei , Cheng Andy S. K.
Published: April 2021

Background

Sleep disturbance is common among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Physical activity (PA) and behavioral activation (BA) therapy have been reported as enhancing sleep quality, but few studies exist on the effects of such interventions combined with technology to promote sleep quality in AYA cancer patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effects of intelligent wearable device–based PA therapy and internet-based modified BA therapy to improve sleep quality among AYA cancer patients.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with 143 AYA cancer patients was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 48), which performed routine care, a PA group (n = 47), which received 8-week PA therapy based on intelligent wearable devices, and a BA group (n = 48), which participated in internet-based modified BA therapy for 8 weeks.

Results

At 1 week and 3 months after the intervention for sleep quality, there were statistically significant differences between the PA group and the control group (P = .020), but no statistically significant difference between the BA group and the control group.

Conclusions

The intelligent wearable device–based PA therapy has more advantages than internet-based modified BA therapy in improving the overall state of AYA cancer patients, and the intervention effect was sustained for at least 3 months.

Implications for Practice

Developing and implementing PA plans for AYA cancer survivors can improve their sleep quality. Social media, intelligent wearable devices, and mobile health applications have unique advantages in promoting sleep quality for AYA cancer survivors.
Evaluation of the Use of Diverse Mental Health Simulation in Nursing Students' Learning Experience
Authors: Ozkara San Eda , Dikec Gul , Ata Elvan Emine , Sendir Merdiye
Published: April 2021

Background

Simulated patients (SPs) in mental health nursing education provide a unique approach to assist student development in complex assessment skills.

Purpose

The purpose of this international multisite study was to evaluate the use of two diverse mental health SP simulation scenarios on nursing students' satisfaction and self-confidence in learning to care for patients with mental health disorders in the United States (n = 70) and Turkey (n = 90).

Methods

A multisite cross-sectional study design was used. Outcome measures included the Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scale and the adapted Simulation Effectiveness Tool–Modified. Results were analyzed using independent t tests.

Results

While students in the United States reported higher perceived self-confidence and satisfaction in learning, both student populations found the intervention effective to their learning (P < .05).

Conclusion

Using SPs in mental health education allow students to practice their assessment skills learned in classroom and transfer them to the clinical area.
An Integrated Mental Health and Acute Care Clinical Rotation on a Dedicated Education Unit
Authors: Walsh Lisa Marie , Goodson Mallory , Pfeiffer Katherine , Higgins Melinda , Robertson Bethany
Published: April 2021

Background

Traditional mental health clinical experiences expose students to an environment that may not prepare them to address mental health needs in hospital settings.

Purpose

The purpose is of this project was to evaluate the implementation of an integrated mental health and acute care clinical model on a dedicated education unit (DEU).

Methods

In this pilot project, students provided dually focused medical and mental health care on assigned patients. A preclass and postclass survey measured their perceptions of mental health competency.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (integrated model on the DEU compared with a traditional experience on an acute care and inpatient behavioral health unit). All groups reported increased mental health competency.

Conclusions

Both groups showed similar improvements from the preclass to the postclass survey on perceived competence, suggesting that an integrated acute care and mental health clinical practicum may be equivalent to the traditional model.
Safety of Fibroblast Activation Protein–Targeted Radionuclide Therapy by a Low-Dose Dosimetric Approach Using 177Lu-FAPI04
Authors: Kuyumcu Serkan , Kovan Bilal , Sanli Yasemin , Buyukkaya Fikret , Has Simsek Duygu , Özkan Zeynep Gözde , Isik Emine Goknur , Ekenel Meltem , Turkmen Cuneyt
Published: April 2021

Objectives

This study is set out to estimate the radiation-absorbed doses to normal organs and tumor tissue using low-dose 177Lu-FAPI04 dosimetry to determine the safety and theranostic potential of fibroblast activation protein–targeted radionuclide therapy.

Patients and Methods

Four patients with metastatic advanced-stage cancer were administered low-dose 177Lu-FAPI04 for dosimetry measurements. Data acquisition for dosimetry of normal organs and tumors was performed by whole-body and 3D SPECT/CT imaging at 4, 24, 48, and 96 hours after administering 177Lu-FAPI04. Blood samples were drawn at 5, 15, 30, 60, 60, 120, and 180 minutes, and at 24, 48, and 96 hours for bone marrow dosimetry calculations.

Results

Mean absorbed doses per megabecquerel were 0.25 ± 0.16 mGy (range, 0.11–0.47 mGy), 0.11 ± 0.08 mGy (range, 0.06–0.22 mGy), and 0.04 ± 0.002 mGy (range, 0.04–0.046 mGy) for kidneys, liver, and bone marrow, respectively. The respective maximum estimated amount of radioactivity to reach radiation-absorbed dose limits were 120.9 ± 68.6 GBq, 47.5 ± 2.8 GBq, 397.8 ± 217.1 GBq, and 52.4 ± 15.3 GBq for kidneys, bone marrow, liver, and total body. The mean absorbed dose per megabecquerel was 0.62 ± 0.55 mGy for bone metastases, 0.38 ± 0.22 mGy for metastatic lymph nodes, 0.33 ± 0.21 mGy for liver metastases, and 0.37 ± 0.29 for metastatic soft tissue. The maximum absorbed dose in a tumor lesion was 1.67 mGy/MBq for bone, 0.6 mGy/MBq for lymph node, 0.62 mGy/MBq for liver, and 1 mGy/MBq for soft tissue.

Conclusions

The mean absorbed dose to organs at risk with 177Lu-FAPI04 is reasonably low, allowing for low tumor-absorbed dose rates by administering a higher dose. Further research on optimizing therapeutic efficacy and using alternative radioisotopes is necessary, along with an individualized dosimetric approach.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) and the Immunoinflammatory Response to Injury (Mini Review)
Authors: Sayyadioskoie Shannon R. , Schwacha Martin G.
Published: April 2021

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogenous population of immature myeloid cells hallmarked by their potent immunosuppressive function in a vast array of pathologic conditions. MDSCs have recently been shown to exhibit marked expansion in acute inflammatory states including traumatic injury, burn, and sepsis. Although MDSCs have been well characterized in cancer, there are significant gaps in our knowledge of their functionality in trauma and sepsis, and their clinical significance remains unclear. It is suggested that MDSCs serve an important role in quelling profound inflammatory responses in the acute setting; however, MDSC accumulation may also predispose patients to developing persistent immune dysregulation with increased risk for nosocomial infections, sepsis, and multiorgan failure. Whether MDSCs may serve as the target for novel therapeutics or an important biomarker in trauma and sepsis is yet to be determined. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of MDSCs within the context of specific traumatic injury types and sepsis. To improve delineation of their functional role, we propose a systemic approach to MDSC analysis including phenotypic standardization, longitudinal analysis, and expansion of clinical research.
Epidemic Models and Protective Mutations
Authors: Parmeggiani Claudio
Published: April 2021

The paper proposes and discusses an epidemic model which assumes that a population, affected to a disease, is (partially) protected from the disease. These protections may be generated by some inherited genetic mutations; mutations favoured by the presence, in the past, of a deadly endemic disease (the Haldane hypothesis). The protections can also have a non-genetic origin: the cause can be the age or the sex of the subjects; in this case the model can only be applied for short periods, typically in the early stages of the epidemic. Anyway we shall see that the presence of these protections, if wisely managed, not only does it benefit the whole population, but it also makes the measures taken to contain the epidemic more effective.
Short time effect of Covid 19 pandemic on HbA1c and acute metabolic complications in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Arslanoglu Ilknur , Akcali Figen , Yavuzyilmaz Fatma , Sungur Mehmet Ali
Published: April 2021

Background

COVID19 pandemic is currently affecting every aspect of daily life of communitiesy throughout the world. We aimed to check how this situation affects the metabolic control of children with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We analyzed all patients with type 1 diabetes a HbA1c test after at least two months ensuing the start of the epidemic in Turkey. We compared the results with the most recent HbA1c test in the hospital’s automation system before the epidemic. In addition, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe hypoglycemia rates were compared.

Results

Among the eligible 219 cases 77.6% had decreased HbA1c levels according to their former result. Mean drop was about 9.71% compared to the former test in the whole group. Age, sex and time interval between two tests were not found to affect this tendency. Diabetic ketoacidosis rate was the same as before the pandemic, whereas severe hypoglycemia rates increased.

Conclusions

Despite the potential of the pandemic to affect routine care of chronic diseases in a negative way the short term metabolic control of type 1 children with type 1 diabetes improved. Telemedicine support by the diabetes team and increased care in the family environment might be possible explanations.

Grafik Abstract

What is already known on this topic?

Care of chronic diseases is a concern in the recent COVID-19 pandemic era.

What this study adds?

A marked improvement in HbA1 C levels of children with Type 1 diabetes in short term during COVID-19 pandemic was noted suggesting factors including closer follow-up by diabetes care team using telemedicine and more family support might be responsible.
Biophysical mechanisms of electroconvulsive therapy-induced volume expansion in the medial temporal lobe: a longitudinal in vivo human imaging study
Authors: Takamiya Akihiro , Bouckaert Filip , Laroy Maarten , Blommaert Jeroen , Radwan Ahmed , Khatoun Ahmad , Deng Zhi-De , Laughlin Myles Mc , Van Paesschen Wim , De Winter François-Laurent , Van den Stock Jan , Sunaert Stefan , Sienaert Pascal , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Emsell Louise
Published: April 2021

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) applies electric currents to the brain to induce seizures for therapeutic purposes. ECT increases gray matter (GM) volume, predominantly in the medial temporal lobe (MTL). The contribution of induced seizures to this volume change remains unclear.

Methods

T1-weighted structural MRI was acquired from thirty patients with late-life depression (mean age 72.5±7.9 years, 19 female), before and one week after one course of right unilateral ECT. Whole brain voxel-/deformation-/surface-based morphometry analyses were conducted to identify tissue-specific (GM, white matter: WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cerebral morphometry changes following ECT. Whole-brain voxel-wise electric field (EF) strength was estimated to investigate the association of EF distribution and regional brain volume change. The association between percentage volume change in the right MTL and ECT-related parameters (seizure duration, EF, and number of ECT sessions) was investigated using multiple regression.

Results

ECT induced widespread GM volume expansion with corresponding contraction in adjacent CSF compartments, and limited WM change. The regional EF was strongly correlated with the distance from the electrodes, but not with regional volume change. The largest volume expansion was identified in the right MTL, and this was correlated with the total seizure duration.

Conclusions

Right unilateral ECT induces widespread, bilateral regional volume expansion and contraction, with the largest change in the right MTL. This dynamic volume change cannot be explained by the effect of electrical stimulation alone and is related to the cumulative effect of ECT-induced seizures.
SARS-CoV-2 natural antibody response persists up to 12 months in a nationwide study from the Faroe Islands
Authors: Petersen Maria Skaalum , Hansen Cecilie Bo , Fríðheim Kristiansen Marnar , Fjallsbak Jógvan Páll , Larsen Sólrun , Hansen Jóhanna Ljósá , Jarlhelt Ida , Pérez-Alós Laura , á Steig Bjarni , Christiansen Debes Hammershaimb , Møller Lars Fodgaard , Strøm Marin , Andorsdóttir Guðrið , Gaini Shahin , Weihe Pál , Garred Peter
Published: April 2021

Only a few studies have assessed the long-term duration of the humoral immune response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

In this nationwide longitudinal study from the Faroe Islands with close to full participation of all individuals on the Islands with PCR confirmed COVID-19 during the two waves of infections in the spring and autumn 2020 (n=172 & n=233), samples were drawn at three longitudinal time points (3, 7 and 12 months and 1, 3 and 7 months after disease onset, respectively).

Serum was analyzed with a direct quantitative IgG antibody binding ELISA to detect anti–SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD antibodies and a commercially available qualitative sandwich RBD ELISA kit measuring total antibody binding.

The seropositive rate in the convalescent individuals was above 95 % at all sampling time points for both assays. There was an overall decline in IgG titers over time in both waves (p < 0.001). Pairwise comparison showed that IgG declined significantly from the first sample until approximately 7 months in both waves (p < 0.001). After that, the antibody level still declined significantly (p < 0.001), but decelerated with an altered slope remaining fairly stable from 7 months to 12 months after infection. Interestingly, the IgG titers followed a U-shaped curve with higher antibody levels among the oldest (67+) and the youngest (0– 17) age groups compared to intermediate groups (p < 0.001).

Our results indicate that COVID-19 convalescent individuals are likely to be protected from reinfection up to 12 months after symptom onset and maybe even longer. We believe our results can add to the understanding of natural immunity and the expected durability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immune responses.
No evidence of significant cross-reactivity between the dengue virus (DENV) and SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies
Authors: Shurrab Farah M. , Humaira Fatima , Al-Absi Enas S. , Al-Sadeq Duaa W. , Qotba Hamda , Yassine Hadi. M. , Abu-Raddad Laith J. , Nasrallah Gheyath K.
Published: April 2021

Background

Several studies reported serological cross-reaction between DENV and SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using rapid point of care (POC) assays. Limited data are available about cross-reactivity when testing is done using advanced chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and ELISA assays.

Objective

This study aims to investigate potential serological cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2-IgG and DENV-IgG using CLIA and ELISA assays.

Study-design

A total of 90 DENV-IgG-ELISA positive and 90 negative pre-pandemic sera were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG using the automated CL-900i CLIA assay. Furthermore, a total of 91 SARS-CoV-2-IgG-CLIA positive and 91 negative post-pandemic sera were tested for anti-DENV-IgG using the Novalis ELISA assay.

Results

The DENV-IgG positive sera had 5 positives and 85 negatives for SARS-CoV-2-IgG. The DENV-IgG negative sera also had 5 positives and 85 negatives for SARS-CoV-2-IgG. No statistically significant difference in specificity between the DENV-IgG positive and DENV-IgG negative sera was found (p-value=1.00). The SARS-CoV-2-IgG positive sera had 43 positives, 47 negatives, and 1 equivocal for DENV-IgG. The SARS-CoV-2-IgG negative sera had 50 positives, 40 negatives, and 1 equivocal for DENV-IgG. No statistically significant difference in the proportion that is DENV-IgG positive between the SARS-CoV-2-IgG positive and SARS-CoV-2-IgG negative sera (p-value=0.58).

Conclusions

No evidence for cross-reactivity between the DENV and SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was found.
Quantifying malaria acquired during travel and its role in malaria elimination on Bioko Island
Authors: Citron Daniel T , Guerra Carlos A , García Guillermo A , Wu Sean L , Battle Katherine E , Gibson Harry S , Smith David L
Published: April 2021

Background

Malaria elimination is the goal for Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. Intensive interventions implemented since 2004 have reduced prevalence, but progress has stalled in recent years. A challenge for elimination has been malaria infections in residents acquired during travel to mainland Equatorial Guinea. We quantify how off-island contributes to remaining malaria prevalence on Bioko Island, and investigate the potential role of a pre-erythrocytic vaccine in making further progress towards elimination.

Methods

We simulated malaria transmission on Bioko Island using a model calibrated based on data from the Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS) from 2015-2018, including detailed travel histories and malaria positivity by rapid-diagnostic tests (RDTs), as well as geospatial estimates of malaria prevalence. Mosquito population density was adjusted to fit local transmission, conditional on importation rates under current levels of control and within-island mobility. We evaluated the impact of two pre-erythrocytic vaccine distribution strategies: mass treat and vaccinate, and prophylactic vaccination for off-island travelers. We propagated uncertainty through the model through an ensemble of simulations fit to the Bayesian joint posterior probability distribution of the geospatial prevalence estimates.

Results

The simulations suggest that in Malabo, an urban city containing 80% of the population, there are some pockets of residual transmission, but a large proportion of prevalence is attributable to malaria importation by travelers. Outside of Malabo, prevalence was mainly attributable to local transmission. We assess the uncertainty in the local transmission vs. importation to be lowest within Malabo and highest outside. Using a pre-erythrocytic vaccine to protect travelers would have larger benefits than using the vaccine to protect residents of Bioko Island from local transmission. In simulations, mass treatment and vaccination had short-lived benefits, as malaria prevalence returned to current levels as the vaccine’s efficacy waned. Prophylactic vaccination of travelers resulted in longer-lasting reductions in prevalence. These projections were robust to underlying uncertainty in prevalence estimates.

Conclusions

The modeled outcomes suggest that the volume of malaria cases imported from the mainland is a partial driver of continued endemic malaria on Bioko Island, and that continued elimination efforts on must account for human travel activity.
Direct fast estimator for recombination frequency in the F2cross
Authors: Lorieux Mathias
Published: April 2021

In this short note, a new unbiased maximum-likelihood estimator is proposed for the recombination frequency in the F2cross. The estimator is much faster to calculate than its EM algorithm equivalent, yet as efficient. Simulation studies are carried to illustrate the gain over another simple estimate proposed by Benito & Gallego (2004).
Bacterial bioconvection confers context-dependent growth benefits and is robust under varying metabolic and genetic conditions
Authors: Shoup Daniel , Ursell Tristan
Published: April 2021

Microbial communities often respond to environmental cues by adopting collective behaviors—like biofilms or swarming—that benefit the population. Bioconvection is a distinct and robust collective behavior wherein microbes locally gather into dense groups and subsequently plume downward through fluid environments, driving flow and mixing on scales thousands of times larger than an individual cell. Though bioconvection was observed more than 100 years ago, effects of differing physical and chemical inputs, as well as its potential selective advantages to different species of microbes, remain largely unexplored. In the canonical microbial bioconvectorBacillus subtilis, density inversions that drive this flow are setup by vertically oriented oxygen gradients that originate from an air-liquid interface. In this work, we developEscherichia colias a complementary model organism for the study of bioconvection. We show that forE. coliandB. subtilis, bioconvection confers a context-dependent growth benefit with clear genetic correlates to motility and chemotaxis. We found that fluid depth, cell concentration, and carbon availability have complimentary effects on the emergence and timing of bioconvective patterns, and whereas oxygen gradients are required forB. subtilisbioconvection, we found thatE. colideficient in aerotaxis (Δaer) or energy-taxis (Δtsr) still bioconvect, as do cultures that lack an air-liquid interface. Thus, in two distantly related microbes, bioconvection confers context-dependent growth benefits, andE. colibioconvection is robustly elicited by multiple types of chemotaxis. These results greatly expand the set of physical and metabolic conditions in which this striking collective behavior can be expected and demonstrate its potential to be a generic force for behavioral selection across ecological contexts.
Optogenetic control of apical constriction induces synthetic morphogenesis in mammalian tissues
Authors: Martínez-Ara Guillermo , Taberner Núria , Takayama Mami , Sandaltzopoulou Elissavet , Villava Casandra E. , Takata Nozomu , Eiraku Mototsugu , Ebisuya Miki
Published: April 2021

During embryonic development, cellular forces synchronize in space and time to generate functional tissue shapes. Apical constriction is one of these force-generating processes, and it is necessary to modulate epithelial curvature in fundamental morphogenetic events, such as neural tube folding. The emerging field of synthetic developmental biology proposes bottom-up approaches to examine the contribution of each cellular process to complex morphogenesis. However, the shortage of tools to manipulate three-dimensional (3D) shapes of mammalian tissues currently hinders the progress of the field. Here we report the development of “OptoShroom3”, a new optogenetic tool that achieves fast spatiotemporal control of apical constriction in mammalian epithelia. Activation of OptoShroom3 through illumination of individual cells in an epithelial cell sheet reduced their apical surface while illumination of groups of cells caused deformation in the adjacent regions. By using OptoShroom3, we further manipulated 3D tissue shapes. Light-induced apical constriction provoked the folding of epithelial cell colonies on soft gels. Its application to murine and human neural organoids led to thickening of neuroepithelia, apical lumen reduction in optic vesicles, and flattening in neuroectodermal tissues. These results show that spatiotemporal control of apical constriction can trigger several types of 3D deformation depending on the initial tissue context.
Whole Brain Correlates of Individual Differences in Skin Conductance Responses during Human Fear Conditioning
Authors: Vinberg Kevin , Rosén Jörgen , Kastrati Granit , Åhs Fredrik
Published: April 2021

Understanding the neural basis for individual differences in the conditioned skin conductance response (SCR) may inform on autonomic regulation in fear-related psychopathology. Previous region-of-interest (ROI) analyses have implicated the amygdala in regulating conditioned SCR, but whole brain analyses are lacking. This study examined correlations between individual differences in conditioned SCR and neural activity throughout the whole brain by using data from a large functional magnetic resonance imaging study (N= 285). Results show that conditioned SCR correlates with activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex/anterior midcingulate cortex, anterior insula, bilateral temporoparietal junction, right frontal operculum, bilateral dorsal premotor cortex, right superior parietal lobe and midbrain. A ROI analysis replicated a correlation between amygdala activity and conditioned SCR, but amygdala contribution to SCR was modest compared with other regions. We suggest that implicated neural regions belong to a large-scale midcingulo-insular network related to salience detection and autonomic-interoceptive processing. Altered activity within this network may underlie individual differences in conditioned SCR and autonomic aspects of psychopathology.
Force field parameters for Fe2+4S2-4 clusters of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, the 5-fluorouracil cancer drug deactivation protein: a step towards in silico pharmacogenomics studies
Authors: Tendwa Maureen Bilinga , Chebon-Bore Lorna , Lobb Kevin , Musyoka Thommas Mutemi , Bishop Özlem Tastan
Published: April 2021

The dimeric dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) metalloenzyme, an adjunct anti-cancer drug target contains highly specialized 4 × Fe2+4S2-4 clusters per chain. These clusters facilitate the catalysis of the rate-limiting step in the pyrimidine degradation pathway through a harmonized electron transfer cascade that triggers a redox catabolic reaction. In the process, majority of administered 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cancer drug is inactivated while a small proportion is activated to nucleic acid antimetabolites. The occurrence of missense mutations in DPD protein within the general population, including those of African descent, has adverse toxicity effects due to altered 5-FU metabolism. Thus, deciphering mutation effects on protein structure and function is vital, especially for precision medicine purposes. We previously proposed combined molecular dynamics (MD) and dynamic residue network (DRN) analysis to decipher the molecular mechanisms of missense mutations in other proteins. However, the presence of Fe2+4S2-4 clusters in DPD poses a challenge for such in silico studies. The existing AMBER force field parameters cannot accurately describe the Fe2+ center coordination exhibited by this enzyme. Therefore, this study aimed to derive AMBER force field parameters for DPD enzyme Fe2+ centers, using the original Seminario method and collation features Visual Force Field Derivation Toolkit as a supportive approach. All-atom MD simulations were performed to validate the results. Both approaches generated similar force field parameters which accurately described the human DPD protein Fe2+4S2-4 clusters architecture. This information is crucial and opens new avenues for in silico cancer pharmacogenomics and drug discovery related research on 5-FU drug efficacy and toxicity issues.
Normal development of the brain: a survey of joint structural-functional brain studies
Authors: Namiranian Roxana , Malakshan Sahar Rahimi , Moghaddam Hamid Abrishami , Khadem Ali , Jafari Reza
Published: April 2021

Joint structural-functional (S-F) developmental studies present a novel approach to address the complex neuroscience questions on how the human brain works and how it matures. Joint S-F biomarkers have the inherent potential to model effectively the brain’s maturation, fill the information gap in temporal brain atlases, and demonstrate how the brain’s performance matures during the lifespan. This review presents the current state of knowledge on heterochronous and heterogeneous development of S-F links during the maturation period. The S-F relationship has been investigated in early-matured unimodal and prolonged-matured transmodal regions of the brain using a variety of structural and functional biomarkers and data acquisition modalities. Joint S-F unimodal studies have employed auditory and visual stimuli, while the main focus of joint S-F transmodal studies has been resting-state networks and working memory. However, non-significant associations between some structural and functional biomarkers and their maturation show that designing and developing effective S-F biomarkers is still a challenge in the field. Maturational characteristics of brain asymmetries have been poorly investigated by the joint S-F studies, and the results were inconsistent with previous non-joint ones. The inherent complexity of the brain performance can be modeled using multifactorial and nonlinear techniques as promising methods to simulate the impact of age on S-F relations considering their analysis challenges.
Humans postural sways: non-Gauss, variability, and aging aspects of a data set mining
Authors: Chuiko Gennady P. , Darnapuk Yevhen S. , Dvornik Olga V. , Krainyk Yaroslav M. , Yaremchuk Olga M.
Published: April 2021

This report presents the results of data mining of a sample with two focus-groups. They have the same sizes: seven people into each one, random-wise picked up from the same data set. The trials of groups were idem. The postural swings, that is, the move of the center-of-pressure (COP), were recorded. Maple, a computer math system, has allowed us to apply the Principal Components Analysis, Statistical analysis, Kernel Density Estimations (KDE) for the probabilities. Poincare and Recurrence Plots were other tools for modern data mining. The non-Gauss features of the real distributions are not that to be neglect. They exist not only as outliers but as sharp kurtosis and skewness. Still, they are so far not enow to grave doubts to the Fractional Brownian model. We found some subtle aging hallmarks for focus-groups. First, the trend of variability descriptors to be bi-modal is sheerer for the older group. Second, the coefficients of correlations of the short-time variability index with other descriptors are clear age-related.

2012 ACM Subject Classification

Applied computing → Life and medical sciences → Health informatics
ipmr: Flexibly implement Integral Projection Models in R
Authors: Levin Sam C. , Childs Dylan Z. , Compagnoni Aldo , Evers Sanne , Knight Tiffany M. , Salguero-Gómez Roberto
Published: April 2021

Integral projection models (IPMs) are an important tool for studying the dynamics of populations structured by one or more continuous traits (e.g.size, height, color). Researchers use IPMs to investigate questions ranging from linking drivers to plant population dynamics, planning conservation and management strategies, and quantifying selective pressures in natural populations. The popularity of stage-structured population models has been supported byRscripts and packages (e.g.IPMpack, popbio, popdemo, lefko3) aimed at ecologists, which have introduced a broad repertoire of functionality and outputs. However, pressing ecological, evolutionary, and conservation biology topics require developing more complex IPMs, and considerably more expertise to implement them. Here, we introduceipmr, a flexibleRpackage for building, analyzing, and interpreting IPMs.

Theipmrframework relies on the mathematical notation of the models to express them in code format. Additionally, this package decouples the model parameterization step from the model implementation step. The latter point substantially increasesipmr’s flexibility to model complex life cycles and demographic processes.

ipmrcan handle a wide variety of models, including density dependence, discretely and continuously varying stochastic environments, and multiple continuous and/or discrete traits.ipmrcan accommodate models with individuals cross-classified by age and size. Furthermore, the package provides methods for demographic analyses (e.g.asymptotic and stochastic growth rates) and visualization (e.g.kernel plotting).

ipmris a flexibleRpackage for integral projection models. The package substantially reduces the amount of time required to implement general IPMs. We also provide extensive documentation with six vignettes and help files, accessible from anRsession and online.