bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus disease-19 and headache; impact on pre-existing and characteristics of de novo: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Hashel Jasem Youssef , Abokalawa Fathi , Alenzi Maram , Alroughani Raed , Ahmed Samar Farouk
Published: August 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Headache is a common symptom during and after Coronavirus disease-19. We aimed to study headache character in relation to COVID-19.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Patients who had Coronavirus disease-19, confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique and presented to the headache clinic within 3 months after the onset of infections were identified to the study. Study included patients diagnosed as primary headache disorders according to The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Participants were grouped into categories according to having previous or de novo headache. Descriptive data, paired sample t-test and the chi-squared test (X2) were used for statistical analyses of the data.

Results

A total of 121 patients were included in this study. Their mean age was 35.29 + 9.54 and most of them were females (83.5%). Prior to Coronavirus disease-19 infections, 78 (64.5%) had migraine and 11(9.1%) experienced a tension-type headache while 32 (26.4) reported de novo headache post Coronavirus disease-19. Patient had significant increase in headache days 11.09 ± 8.45 post Coronavirus disease-19 compared with 8.66 ± 7.49 headache days before Coronavirus disease-19 infection (p < 0.006). Post Coronavirus disease-19, the usage of analgesic increased significantly by the patient with migraine (2.31 ± 1.65 vs 3.05 ± 2.09, p = 0.002) while the patient with tension type headache had statistically significant increase in severity (5.556 ± 1.86 vs 7 ± 2.25, p = 0.033) and frequency (7 ± 6.29 vs 12.72 ± 7.96, p = 0.006) of headache attacks. Bi-frontal and temporal headache are the most reported (40.6% each) headache site among de novo headache group. Patients younger than 40 years had longer duration of the headache attack (18.50 ± 16.44 vs 5.5 ± 9.07, p = 0.045) post COVID-19. Male patients compared to females (8.66 ± 1.15 versus 5.93 ± 2.01 p = 0.04) had more severe headache post Coronavirus disease-19. De novo headache resolved within 1 month in most of patients (65.3%).

Conclusion

Primary headache get worse after Coronavirus disease-19. De novo primary headache is frequent post Coronavirus disease-19 and resolve within 1 month. Headaches related to Coronavirus disease-19 are severe, present as migraine phenotype. Young male patients with Coronavirus disease-19 tend to have worse headache.
Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Performance of Novel ZnO/Ag2WO4/AgBr Nanorods-Based Photoelectrodes
Authors: Mustafa Elfatih , Adam Rania E. , Rouf Polla , Willander Magnus , Nur Omer
Published: August 2021

Highly efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation under solar visible light is crucial for water splitting to produce hydrogen as a source of sustainable energy. Particularly, silver-based nanomaterials are important for PEC performance due to their surface plasmon resonance which can enhance the photoelectrochemical efficiency. However, the PEC of ZnO/Ag2WO4/AgBr with enhanced visible-light water oxidation has not been studied so far. Herein, we present a novel photoelectrodes based on ZnO/Ag2WO4/AgBr nanorods (NRs) for PEC application, which is prepared by the low-temperature chemical growth method and then by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The synthesized photoelectrodes were investigated by several characterization techniques, emphasizing a successful synthesis of the ZnO/Ag2WO4/AgBr heterostructure NRs with excellent photocatalysis performance compared to pure ZnO NRs photoelectrode. The significantly enhanced PEC was due to improved photogeneration and transportation of electrons in the heterojunction due to the synergistic effect of the heterostructure. This study is significant for basic understanding of the photocatalytic mechanism of the heterojunction which can prompt further development of novel efficient photoelectrochemical-catalytic materials.

Graphic Abstract
High-Performance Multifunctional Photodetector and THz Modulator Based on Graphene/TiO2/p-Si Heterojunction
Authors: Wei Miaoqing , Zhang Dainan , Zhang Lei , Jin Lichuan , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we have reported a multifunctional device from graphene/TiO2/p-Si heterojunction, followed by its systematical analysis of optical response in a device under ultraviolet–visible-infrared band and transmission changes of terahertz waves in the 0.3–1.0 THz band under different bias voltages. It is found that photodetector in the “back-to-back” p-n-p energy band structure has a seriously unbalanced distribution of photogenerated carriers in the vertical direction when light is irradiated from the graphene side. So this ensures a higher optical gain of the device in the form of up to 3.6 A/W responsivities and 4 × 1013 Jones detectability under 750 nm laser irradiation. Besides, the addition of TiO2 layer in this terahertz modulator continuously widens the carrier depletion region under negative bias, thereby realizing modulation of the terahertz wave, making the modulation depth up to 23% under − 15 V bias. However, almost no change is observed in the transmission of terahertz wave when a positive bias is applied. A similar of an electronic semiconductor diode is observed that only allows the passage of terahertz wave for negative bias and blocks the positive ones.

Graphic Abstract
Genome-Wide Identification, Expression and Functional Analysis Reveal the Involvement of FCS-Like Zinc Finger Gene Family in Submergence Response in Rice
Authors: Ma Yamei , Zhao Junliang , Fu Hua , Yang Tifeng , Dong Jingfang , Yang Wu , Chen Luo , Zhou Lian , Wang Jian , Liu Bin , Zhang Shaohong , Edwards David
Published: August 2021

Background

Direct seeding is an efficient rice cultivation practice. However, its application is often limited due to O2deficiency following submergence, leading to poor seed germination, seedling establishment, and consequently yield loss. Identification of genes associated with tolerance to submergence and understanding their regulatory mechanisms is the fundamental way to address this problem. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanism of rice response to submergence stress is still not well understood.

Results

Here, we have performed a genome-wide identification of FCS-like zinc finger (FLZ) proteins and assessed their involvement in submergence response in rice. We identified 29 FLZ genes in rice, and the expression analysis revealed that several genes actively responded to submergence stress. Eight OsFLZ proteins interact with SnRK1A. As a case study, we demonstrated that OsFLZ18 interacted with SnRK1A and inhibited the transcriptional activation activity of SnRK1A in modulating the expression of its target geneαAmy3, a positive regulator in rice flooding tolerance. In line with this,OsFLZ18-overexpression lines displayed retarded early seedling growth and shorter coleoptile following submergence.

Conclusions

These data provide the most comprehensive information ofOsFLZgenes in rice, and highlight their roles in rice submergence response.
airpg: automatically accessing the inverted repeats of archived plastid genomes
Authors: Mehl Tilman , Gruenstaeudl Michael
Published: August 2021

Background

In most flowering plants, the plastid genome exhibits a quadripartite genome structure, comprising a large and a small single copy as well as two inverted repeat regions. Thousands of plastid genomes have been sequenced and submitted to public sequence repositories in recent years. The quality of sequence annotations in many of these submissions is known to be problematic, especially regarding annotations that specify the length and location of the inverted repeats: such annotations are either missing or portray the length or location of the repeats incorrectly. However, many biological investigations employ publicly available plastid genomes at face value and implicitly assume the correctness of their sequence annotations.

Results

We introduce , a Python package that automatically assesses the frequency of incomplete or incorrect annotations of the inverted repeats among publicly available plastid genomes. Specifically, the tool automatically retrieves plastid genomes from NCBI Nucleotide under variable search parameters, surveys them for length and location specifications of inverted repeats, and confirms any inverted repeat annotations through self-comparisons of the genome sequences. The package also includes functionality for automatic identification and removal of duplicate genome records and accounts for taxa that genuinely lack inverted repeats. A survey of the presence of inverted repeat annotations among all plastid genomes of flowering plants submitted to NCBI Nucleotide until the end of 2020 using , followed by a statistical analysis of potential associations with record metadata, highlights that release year and publication status of the genome records have a significant effect on the frequency of complete and equal-length inverted repeat annotations.

Conclusion

The number of plastid genomes on NCBI Nucleotide has increased dramatically in recent years, and many more genomes will likely be submitted over the next decade. enables researchers to automatically access and evaluate the inverted repeats of these plastid genomes as well as their sequence annotations and, thus, contributes to increasing the reliability of publicly available plastid genomes. The software is freely available via the Python package index athttp://pypi.python.org/pypi/airpg.
Evolution of mechanisms controlling epithelial morphogenesis across animals: new insights from dissociation-reaggregation experiments in the sponge Oscarella lobularis
Authors: Vernale Amélie , Prünster Maria Mandela , Marchianò Fabio , Debost Henry , Brouilly Nicolas , Rocher Caroline , Massey-Harroche Dominique , Renard Emmanuelle , Le Bivic André , Habermann Bianca H. , Borchiellini Carole
Published: August 2021

Background

The ancestral presence of epithelia in Metazoa is no longer debated. Porifera seem to be one of the best candidates to be the sister group to all other Metazoa. This makes them a key taxon to explore cell-adhesion evolution on animals. For this reason, several transcriptomic, genomic, histological, physiological and biochemical studies focused on sponge epithelia. Nevertheless, the complete and precise protein composition of cell–cell junctions and mechanisms that regulate epithelial morphogenetic processes still remain at the center of attention.

Results

To get insights into the early evolution of epithelial morphogenesis, we focused on morphogenic characteristics of the homoscleromorph sponge Oscarella lobularis. Homoscleromorpha are a sponge class with a typical basement membrane and adhaerens-like junctions unknown in other sponge classes. We took advantage of the dynamic context provided by cell dissociation-reaggregation experiments to explore morphogenetic processes in epithelial cells in a non-bilaterian lineage by combining fluorescent and electron microscopy observations and RNA sequencing approaches at key time-points of the dissociation and reaggregation processes.

Conclusions

Our results show that part of the molecular toolkit involved in the loss and restoration of epithelial features such as cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion is conserved between Homoscleromorpha and Bilateria, suggesting their common role in the last common ancestor of animals. In addition, sponge-specific genes are differently expressed during the dissociation and reaggregation processes, calling for future functional characterization of these genes.
Transcriptome profiling provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of maize kernel and silk development
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Yapeng , Shi Yaqin , Gou Xiaonan , Yang Bingpeng , Qu Jianzhou , Zhang Xinghua , Xue Jiquan , Xu Shutu
Published: August 2021

Background

Maize kernel filling, which is closely related to the process of double fertilization and is sensitive to a variety of environmental conditions, is an important component of maize yield determination. Silk is an important tissue of maize ears that can discriminate pollen and conduct pollination. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms of kernel development and silk senescence will provide important information for improving the pollination rate to obtain high maize yields.

Results

In this study, transcript profiles were determined in an elite maize inbred line (KA105) to investigate the molecular mechanisms functioning in self-pollinated and unpollinated maize kernels and silks. A total of 5285 and 3225 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) were identified between self-pollinated and unpollinated maize in a kernel group and a silk group, respectively. We found that a large number of genes involved in key steps in the biosynthesis of endosperm storage compounds were upregulated after pollination in kernels, and that abnormal development and senescence appeared in unpollinated kernels (KUP). We also identified several genes with functions in the maintenance of silk structure that were highly expressed in silk. Further investigation suggested that the expression of autophagy-related genes and senescence-related genes is prevalent in maize kernels and silks. In addition, pollination significantly altered the expression levels of senescence-related and autophagy-related genes in maize kernels and silks. Notably, we identified some specific genes and transcription factors (TFs) that are highly expressed in single tissues.

Conclusions

Our results provide novel insights into the potential regulatory mechanisms of self-pollinated and unpollinated maize kernels and silks.
Facilitating population genomics of non-model organisms through optimized experimental design for reduced representation sequencing
Authors: Christiansen Henrik , Heindler Franz M. , Hellemans Bart , Jossart Quentin , Pasotti Francesca , Robert Henri , Verheye Marie , Danis Bruno , Kochzius Marc , Leliaert Frederik , Moreau Camille , Patel Tasnim , Van de Putte Anton P. , Vanreusel Ann , Volckaert Filip A. M. , Schön Isa
Published: August 2021

Background

Genome-wide data are invaluable to characterize differentiation and adaptation of natural populations. Reduced representation sequencing (RRS) subsamples a genome repeatedly across many individuals. However, RRS requires careful optimization and fine-tuning to deliver high marker density while being cost-efficient. The number of genomic fragments created through restriction enzyme digestion and the sequencing library setup must match to achieve sufficient sequencing coverage per locus. Here, we present a workflow based on published information and computational and experimental procedures to investigate and streamline the applicability of RRS.

Results

In an iterative process genome size estimates, restriction enzymes and size selection windows were tested and scaled in six classes of Antarctic animals (Ostracoda, Malacostraca, Bivalvia, Asteroidea, Actinopterygii, Aves). Achieving high marker density would be expensive in amphipods, the malacostracan target taxon, due to the large genome size. We propose alternative approaches such as mitogenome or target capture sequencing for this group. Pilot libraries were sequenced for all other target taxa. Ostracods, bivalves, sea stars, and fish showed overall good coverage and marker numbers for downstream population genomic analyses. In contrast, the bird test library produced low coverage and few polymorphic loci, likely due to degraded DNA.

Conclusions

Prior testing and optimization are important to identify which groups are amenable for RRS and where alternative methods may currently offer better cost-benefit ratios. The steps outlined here are easy to follow for other non-model taxa with little genomic resources, thus stimulating efficient resource use for the many pressing research questions in molecular ecology.
Pathogen and drought stress affect cell wall and phytohormone signaling to shape host responses in a sorghum COMT bmr12 mutant
Authors: Khasin Maya , Bernhardson Lois F. , O’Neill Patrick M. , Palmer Nathan A. , Scully Erin D. , Sattler Scott E. , Funnell-Harris Deanna L.
Published: August 2021

Background

As effects of global climate change intensify, the interaction of biotic and abiotic stresses increasingly threatens current agricultural practices. The secondary cell wall is a vanguard of resistance to these stresses. Fusarium thapsinum (Fusarium stalk rot) and Macrophomina phaseolina (charcoal rot) cause internal damage to the stalks of the drought tolerant C4 grass, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), resulting in reduced transpiration, reduced photosynthesis, and increased lodging, severely reducing yields. Drought can magnify these losses. Two null alleles in monolignol biosynthesis of sorghum (brown midrib 6-ref, bmr6-ref; cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, CAD; and bmr12-ref; caffeic acid O-methyltransferase, COMT) were used to investigate the interaction of water limitation with F. thapsinum or M. phaseolina infection.

Results

The bmr12 plants inoculated with either of these pathogens had increased levels of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) across both watering conditions and significantly reduced lesion sizes under water limitation compared to adequate watering, which suggested that drought may prime induction of pathogen resistance. RNA-Seq analysis revealed coexpressed genes associated with pathogen infection. The defense response included phytohormone signal transduction pathways, primary and secondary cell wall biosynthetic genes, and genes encoding components of the spliceosome and proteasome.

Conclusion

Alterations in the composition of the secondary cell wall affect immunity by influencing phenolic composition and phytohormone signaling, leading to the action of defense pathways. Some of these pathways appear to be activated or enhanced by drought. Secondary metabolite biosynthesis and modification in SA and JA signal transduction may be involved in priming a stronger defense response in water-limited bmr12 plants.
Giant right atrium, what does it hide? Case presentation
Authors: Martín Talavera María , Valverde Pérez Israel , Manso García Begoña
Published: August 2021

Background

Malformation of the right atrium is a rare cardiac abnormality and is usually reported as isolated malformation in the literature.

Case presentation

Prenatal giant atrial dilatation in an asymptomatic infant was treated surgically at 18 months of age, due to potential risk of thrombosis and arrhythmias. Post-surgical echocardiographic images illustrate residual atrial elevated pressure.

Conclusions

Sometimes, as seems in our case, right atrial dilatation hides an associated restrictive right ventricle.
Association of thrombocytopenia and infection in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wang Litao , Su Weijiang , Xue Jinhua , Gong Xiao , Dai Yining , Chen Jiyan , Xue Ling , He Pengcheng , Liu Yuanhui , Tan Ning
Published: August 2021

Background

The impact of thrombocytopenia on infection in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains poorly understood.

Aims

To evaluate the association between thrombocytopenia and infection in patients with STEMI.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with STEMI were identified from January 2010 to June 2016. The primary endpoint was in-hospital infection, and major adverse clinical events (MACE) and all-cause death were considered as secondary endpoints.

Results

A total of 1401 STEMI patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the presence (n = 186) or absence (n = 1215) of thrombocytopenia. The prevalence of in-hospital infection was significantly higher in the thrombocytopenic group (30.6% (57/186) vs. 16.2% (197/1215), p < 0.001). Prevalence of in-hospital MACE (30.1% (56/186) vs. 16.4% (199/1215), p < 0.001) and all-cause death (8.1% (15/186) vs. 3.8% (46/1215), p = 0.008) revealed an increasing trend. Multivariate analysis indicated that thrombocytopenia was independently associated with increased in-hospital infection (OR, 2.09; 95%CI 1.32–3.27; p = 0.001) and MACE (1.92; 1.27–2.87; p = 0.002), but not all-cause death (1.87; 0.88–3.78; p = 0.091). After a median follow-up of 2.85 years, thrombocytopenia was not associated with all-cause death at multivariable analysis (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.19; 95%CI 0.80–1.77; p = 0.383).

Conclusions

Thrombocytopenia is significantly correlated with in-hospital infection and MACE, and might be used as a prognostic tool in patients with STEMI.
Impact of video quality when evaluating video-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomized, controlled simulation trial
Authors: Plata Christopher , Nellessen Martin , Roth Rebecca , Ecker Hannes , Böttiger Bernd W. , Löser Johannes , Wetsch Wolfgang A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Although not routinely established during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), video-assisted CPR has been described as beneficial in the communication with emergency medical service (EMS) authorities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scenarios. Since the influence of video quality has not been investigated systematically and due to variation of quality of a live-stream video during video-assisted CPR, we investigated the influence of different video quality levels during the evaluation of CPR performance in video sequences.

Methods

Seven video sequences of CPR performance were recorded in high quality and artificially reduced to medium and low quality afterwards. Video sequences showed either correct CPR performance or one of six typical errors: too low and too high compression rate, superficial and increased compression depth, wrong hand position and incomplete release. Video sequences were randomly assigned to the different quality levels. During the randomised and double-blinded evaluation process, 46 paramedics and 47 emergency physicians evaluated seven video sequences of CPR performance in different quality levels (high, medium and low resolution).

Results

Of 650 video sequences, CPR performance was evaluable in 98.2%. CPR performance was correctly evaluated in 71.5% at low quality, in 76.8% at medium quality, and in 77.3% at high quality level, showing no significant differences depending on video quality (p = 0.306). In the subgroup analysis, correct classification of increased compression depth showed significant differences depending on video quality (p = 0.006). Further, there were significant differences in correct CPR classification depending on the presented error (p < 0.001). Allegedly errors, that were not shown in the video sequence, were classified in 28.3%, insignificantly depending on video quality. Correct evaluation did not show significant interprofessional differences (p = 0.468).

Conclusion

Video quality has no significant impact on the evaluation of CPR in a video sequence. Even low video quality leads to an acceptable rate of correct evaluation of CPR performance. There is a significant difference in evaluation of CPR performance depending on the presented error in a video sequence.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Register (Registration number DRKS00015297) Registered on 2018-08-21.
Strategies for the implementation of an electronic fracture risk assessment tool in long term care: a qualitative study
Authors: Bai Yuxin , McArthur Caitlin , Ioannidis George , Giangregorio Lora , Straus Sharon , Papaioannou Alexandra
Published: August 2021

Background

Older adults in long-term care (LTC) homes experience high rates of fractures, which are detrimental to their quality of life. The purpose of this study is to identify and make recommendations on strategies to implementing an evidence-based Fracture Risk Clinical Assessment Protocol (CAP) in LTC.

Methods

Following the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, we conducted six focus group interviews with a total of 32 LTC stakeholders (e.g. LTC physicians) to identify barriers and facilitators, suggest implementation strategies, and discuss whether the identified strategies were affordable, practicable, effective, acceptable, safe, and if they promote equity (APEASE). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Themes of implementation strategies that met the APEASE criteria were minimizing any increase in workload, training on CAP usage, education for residents and families, and persuasion through stories. Other strategy themes identified were culture change, resident-centred care, physical restructuring, software features, modeling in training, education for staff, social rewards, material rewards, public benchmarking, and regulations.

Conclusions

To implement the Fracture Risk CAP in LTC, we recommend using implementation strategies centred around minimizing any increase in workload, training on CAP usage, providing education for residents and families, and persuading through stories. Through improving implementation of the fracture risk CAP, results from this work will improve identification and management of LTC residents at high fracture risk and could inform the implementation of guidelines for other conditions in LTC homes.
Towards personalized dementia care through meaningful activities supported by technology: A multisite qualitative study with care professionals
Authors: Goodall Gemma , Taraldsen Kristin , Granbo Randi , Serrano J Artur
Published: August 2021

Background

Person-centred care is widely recognised as important for helping people with dementia maintain a sense of self and purpose in life – especially for those living in care facilities. Despite this, most care practices still adopt a medical approach in which physical needs are prioritized over psychosocial well-being. Addressing the need to find ways of promoting person-centred approaches in care, this study explored care professionals’ reflections on a novel, technological intervention (SENSE-GARDEN) that combines multisensory stimuli and digital media to create personalized environments for people with dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of care professionals who had used SENSE-GARDEN for approximately 1 year.

Methods

Three care homes in Norway, Belgium, and Portugal and 1 hospital in Romania used the SENSE-GARDEN with residents/patients with moderate to severe dementia over the course of 1 year. Qualitative data - including observations and interviews with 2 care professionals - were collected at the beginning of the study period from the Norwegian care home to explore initial impressions of the new SENSE-GARDEN room. At the end of the study period, 8 care professionals across the 4 facilities were interviewed for an in-depth exploration of their experiences. The two sets of data were analysed separately through reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

At the beginning of the study period, the staffs’ focus was mainly on the novelty of the new SENSE-GARDEN room and how it provided opportunities for meaningful experiences. Post-intervention, the care professionals provided reflective accounts on how care could be delivered in alternative ways to standard practice. The themes generated from the post-intervention interviews were: “shifting focus onto personalized care”, “building and fostering relationships”, and “continuous discoveries”. Through delivering person-centred care, the professionals reported a sense of purpose and achievement in their work.

Conclusions

Professionals from care facilities across 4 different countries highlighted the value of interventions such as SENSE-GARDEN as a way of creating opportunities to better know people with dementia. Thus, they experienced improved relationships and greater job satisfaction. However, delivering person-centred interventions is time-consuming, and future research should evaluate the feasibility of sustaining them on a long-term basis.
Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of inconclusive results in SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assays
Authors: Lim Yong Kwan , Kweon Oh Joo , Kim Hye Ryoun , Kim Tae-Hyoung , Lee Mi-Kyung
Published: August 2021

Background

Inconclusive results in SARS-CoV-2 molecular assays cause confusion among clinicians and delay appropriate infection prevention and control. In this study, we aimed to characterize the respiratory specimens associated with inconclusive SARS-CoV-2 molecular assay results.

Methods

We re-evaluated inconclusive specimens by 3 additional RT-PCR assays and attempted to detect subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) in these specimens.

Results

Among follow-up tests from confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases, 36.3% of the inconclusive results were classified as presumptive positive results (45/124). However, none of the specimens from 36 screening cases was classified as a presumptive positive result. Among 160 inconclusive specimens, sgRNAs were detected in 78 samples (48.8%): 58 were confirmed cases (58/124, 46.8%) and 20 were screening cases (20/36, 55.6%).

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest the recommendation of considering inconclusive results as positive results for confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases. In screening cases, viral remnants could be partially amplified in PCR assays, and these inconclusive results could be related to previous infections. In addition, sgRNAs were detected in about half of the inconclusive specimens; however, the clinical significance of sgRNA is not yet clear.
Children with Plasmodium vivax infection previously observed in Namibia, were Duffy negative and carried a c.136G > A mutation
Authors: Haiyambo Daniel Hosea , Aleksenko Larysa , Mumbengegwi Davies , Bock Ronnie , Uusiku Petrina , Malleret Benoit , Rénia Laurent , Quaye Isaac Kweku
Published: August 2021

Background

In a previous study, using a molecular approach, we reported the presence of P. vivax in Namibia. Here, we have extended our investigation to the Duffy antigen genetic profile of individuals of the same cohort with and without Plasmodium infections.

Methods

Participants with P. vivax (n = 3), P. falciparum (n = 23) mono-infections and co-infections of P. vivax/P. falciparum (n = 4), and P. falciparum/P. ovale (n = 3) were selected from seven regions. Participants with similar age but without any Plasmodium infections (n = 47) were also selected from all the regions. Duffy allelic profile was examined using standard PCR followed by sequencing of amplified products. Sequenced samples were also examined for the presence or absence of G125A mutation in codon 42, exon 2.

Results

All individuals tested carried the − 67 T > C mutation. However, while all P. vivax infected participants carried the c.G125A mutation, 7/28 P. falciparum infected participants and 9/41 of uninfected participants did not have the c.G125A mutation. The exon 2 region surrounding codon 42, had a c.136G > A mutation that was present in all P. vivax infections. The odds ratio for lack of this mutation with P. vivax infections was (OR 0.015, 95% CI 0.001–0.176; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

We conclude that P. vivax infections previously reported in Namibia, occurred in Duffy negative participants, carrying the G125A mutation in codon 42. The role of the additional mutation c.136 G > A in exon 2 in P. vivax infections, will require further investigations.
Identification of significant alteration genes, pathways and TFs induced by LPS in ARDS via bioinformatical analysis
Authors: Lu Weina , Ji Ran
Published: August 2021

Background and aims

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common acute thoracopathy with complicated pathogenesis in ICU. The study is to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the lung tissue and underlying altering mechanisms in ARDS.

Methods

Gene expression profiles of GSE2411 and GSE130936 were available from GEO database, both of them included in GPL339. Then, an integrated analysis of these genes was performed, including gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis in DAVID database, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction evaluated by the online database STRING, Transcription Factors (TFs) forecasting based on the Cytoscape plugin iRegulon, and their expression in varied organs in The Human Protein Atlas.

Results

A total of 39 differential expressed genes were screened from the two datasets, including 39 up-regulated genes and 0 down-regulated genes. The up-regulated genes were mainly enriched in the biological process, such as immune system process, innate immune response, inflammatory response, and also involved in some signal pathways, including cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, Salmonella infection, Legionellosis, Chemokine, and Toll-like receptor signal pathway with an integrated analysis. GBP2, IFIT2 and IFIT3 were identified as hub genes in the lung by PPI network analysis with MCODE plug-in, as well as GO and KEGG re-enrichment. All of the three hub genes were regulated by the predictive common TFs, including STAT1, E2F1, IRF1, IRF2, and IRF9.

Conclusions

This study implied that hub gene GBP2, IFIT2 and IFIT3, which might be regulated by STAT1, E2F1, IRF1, IRF2, or IRF9, played significant roles in ARDS. They could be potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets for ARDS patients.
Limited polymorphism in k13 gene of Plasmodium falciparum and k12 of Plasmodium vivax isolates imported from African and Asian countries between 2014 and 2019 in Hangzhou city, China
Authors: Jin Xingyi , Zhu Sujuan , Xu Weimin , Chen Junfang , Ruan Wei , Wang Xiaoxiao
Published: August 2021

Background

Malaria causes major public health problems globally and drug resistance hinders its control and elimination. Molecular markers associated with drug resistance are considered as a beneficial tool to monitor the disease trends, evolution and distribution so as to help improve drug policy.

Methods

We collected 148 Plasmodium falciparum and 20 Plasmodium vivax isolates imported into Hangzhou city, China between 2014 and 2019. k13 gene of P. falciparum and k12 of P. vivax were sequenced. Polymorphisms and prevalence of k13 and k12 were analyzed.

Results

Most (98.65%, 146/148) P. falciparum infections were imported from Africa, and half P. vivax cases came from Africa and the other half from Asia. Nucleotide mutation prevalence was 2.03% (3/148) and the proportion of amino acid mutations was 0.68% (1/148). The amino acid mutation, A676S, was observed in an isolate from Nigeria. No mutation of k12 was observed from the parasites from African and Asian countries.

Conclusions

Limited polymorphism in k13 gene of P. falciparum isolates imported from African countries, but no evidence for the polymorphism of k12 in P. vivax samples from African and Asian countries was found. These results provide information for drug policy update in study region.
Effect of far infrared therapy on arteriovenous fistula maturation, survival and stenosis in hemodialysis patients, a randomized, controlled clinical trial: the FAITH on fistula trial
Authors: Lindhard K. , Rix M. , Heaf J. G. , Hansen H. P. , Pedersen B. L. , Jensen B. L. , Hansen D.
Published: August 2021

Background

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis treatment. After creation many of the AVFs will never mature or if functioning will need an intervention within 1 year due to an AVF stenosis. Studies investigating possible therapies that improves the AVF maturation and survival are scarce. Far infrared therapy (FIR) has shown promising results. In minor single centre and industry supported trials FIR has shown improved AVF maturation and survival. There is a need of a randomized multicentre controlled trial to examine the effect of FIR on the AVF maturation and survival and to explore the possible AVF protective mechanism induced by the FIR treatment.

Methods

This investigator initiated, randomized, controlled, open-labeled, multicenter clinical trial will examine the effect of FIR on AVF maturation in patients with a newly created AVF (incident) and AVF patency rate after 1 year of treatment in patients with an existing AVF (prevalent) compared to a control group. The intervention group will receive FIR to the skin above their AVF three times a week for 1 year. The control group will be observed without any treatment. The primary outcome for incident AVFs is the time from surgically creation of the AVF to successful cannulation. The primary outcome for the prevalent AVFs is the difference in number of AVFs without intervention and still functioning in the treatment and control group after 12 months. Furthermore, the acute changes in inflammatory and vasodilating factors during FIR will be explored. Arterial stiffness as a marker of long term AVF patency will also be examined.

Discussion

FIR is a promising new treatment modality that may potentially lead to improved AVF maturation and survival. This randomized controlled open-labelled trial will investigate the effect of FIR and its possible mechanisms.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrialsgov NCT04011072 (7th of July 2019).
Elevated lipid oxidation is associated with exceeding gestational weight gain recommendations and increased neonatal anthropometrics: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Maples Jill M. , Ehrlich Samantha F. , Zite Nikki B. , Pearson Kevin J. , Cade W. Todd , Riedinger Courtney J. , Blankenship Maire M. , Tinius Rachel A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Deviations from gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations are associated with unfavorable maternal and neonatal outcomes. There is a need to understand how maternal substrate metabolism, independent of weight status, may contribute to GWG and neonatal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential link between maternal lipid oxidation rate, GWG, and neonatal anthropometric outcomes.

Methods

Women (N = 32) with a lean pre-pregnancy BMI were recruited during late pregnancy and substrate metabolism was assessed using indirect calorimetry, before and after consumption of a high-fat meal. GWG was categorized as follows: inadequate, adequate, or excess. Shortly after delivery (within 48 h), neonatal anthropometrics were obtained.

Results

Using ANOVA, we found that fasting maternal lipid oxidation rate (grams/minute) was higher (p = 0.003) among women with excess GWG (0.1019 ± 0.0416) compared to women without excess GWG (inadequate = 0.0586 ± 0.0273, adequate = 0.0569 ± 0.0238). Findings were similar when lipid oxidation was assessed post-meal and also when expressed relative to kilograms of fat free mass. Absolute GWG was positively correlated to absolute lipid oxidation expressed in grams/minute at baseline (r = 0.507, p = 0.003), 2 h post-meal (r = 0.531, p = 0.002), and 4 h post-meal (r = 0.546, p = 0.001). Fasting and post-meal lipid oxidation (grams/minute) were positively correlated to neonatal birthweight (fasting r = 0.426, p = 0.015; 2-hour r = 0.393, p = 0.026; 4-hour r = 0.540, p = 0.001) and also to neonatal absolute fat mass (fasting r = 0.493, p = 0.004; 2-hour r = 0.450, p = 0.010; 4-hour r = 0.552, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

A better understanding of the metabolic profile of women during pregnancy may be critical in truly understanding a woman’s risk of GWG outside the recommendations. GWG counseling during prenatal care may need to be tailored to women based not just on their weight status, but other metabolic characteristics.
Optimizing oropharyngeal cancer management by using proton beam therapy: trends of cost-effectiveness
Authors: Li Guo , Xia Yun-Fei , Huang Yi-Xiang , Okat Deniz , Qiu Bo , Doyen Jerome , Bondiau Pierre-Yves , Benezery Karen , Gao Jin , Qian Chao-Nan
Published: August 2021

Background

Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a new-emerging cancer treatment in China but its treatment costs are high and not yet covered by Chinese public medical insurance. The advanced form of PBT, intensity-modulated proton radiation therapy (IMPT), has been confirmed to reduce normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) as compared to conventional intensity-modulated photon-radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Herein, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness and applicability of IMPT versus IMRT for OPC patients in China, aiming at guiding the proper use of PBT.

Methods

A 7-state Markov model was designed for analysis. Base-case evaluation was performed on a 56-year-old (median age of OPC in China) patient under the assumption that IMPT could provide a 25% NTCP-reduction in long-term symptomatic dysphagia and xerostomia. Model robustness was examined using probabilistic sensitivity analysis, cohort analysis, and tornado diagram. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the cost-effective scenarios. IMPT was considered as cost-effective if the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was below the societal willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold.

Results

Compared with IMRT, IMPT provided an extra 0.205 quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) at an additional cost of 34,926.6 US dollars ($), and had an ICER of $170,082.4/ QALY for the base case. At the current WTP of China ($33,558 / QALY) and a current IMPT treatment costs of $50,000, IMPT should provide a minimum NTCP-reduction of 47.5, 50.8, 55.6, 63.3 and 77.2% to be considered cost-effective for patient age levels of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50-year-old, respectively. For patients at the median age level, reducing the current IMPT costs ($50,000) to a $30,000 level would make the minimum NTCP-reduction threshold for “cost-effective” decrease from 91.4 to 44.6%, at the current WTP of China (from 69.0 to 33.5%, at a WTP of $50,000 / QALY; and from 39.7 to 19.1%, at a WTP of $100,000 / QALY).

Conclusions

Cost-effective scenarios of PBT exist in Chinese OPC patients at the current WTP of China. Considering a potential upcoming increase in PBT use in China, such cost-effective scenarios may further expand if a decrease of proton treatment costs occurs or an increase of WTP level.
Gene-associated methylation status of ST14 as a predictor of survival and hormone receptor positivity in breast Cancer
Authors: Dai Yang-Hong , Wang Ying-Fu , Shen Po-Chien , Lo Cheng-Hsiang , Yang Jen-Fu , Lin Chun-Shu , Chao Hsing-Lung , Huang Wen-Yen
Published: August 2021

Background

Genomic profiles of specific gene sets have been established to guide personalized treatment and prognosis for patients with breast cancer (BC). However, epigenomic information has not yet been applied in a clinical setting. ST14 encodes matriptase, a proteinase that is widely expressed in BC with reported prognostic value.

Methods

In this present study, we evaluated the effect of ST14 DNA methylation (DNAm) on overall survival (OS) of patients with BC as a representative example to promote the use of the epigenome in clinical decisions. We analyzed publicly available genomic and epigenomic data from 1361 BC patients. Methylation was characterized by the β-value from CpG probes based on sequencing with the Illumina Human 450 K platform.

Results

A high mean DNAm (β > 0.6779) across 34 CpG probes for ST14, as the gene-associated methylation (GAM) pattern, was associated with a longer OS after adjusting age, stage, histology and molecular features in Cox model (p value < 0.001). A high GAM status was also associated with a higher XBP1 expression level and higher proportion of hormone-positive BC (p value < 0.001). Pathway analysis revealed that altered GAM was related to matrisome-associated pathway.

Conclusions

Here we show the potential role of ST14 DNAm in BC prognosis and warrant further study.
Personal innovative approach in radiation therapy of lung cancer- functional lung avoidance SPECT-guided (ASPECT) radiation therapy: a study protocol for phase II randomised double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Khalil Azza Ahmed , Hau Eric , Gebski Val , Grau Cai , Gee Harriet , Nyeng Tine Bisballe , West Katrina , Kramer Stine , Farlow David , Knap Marianne , Møller Ditte Sloth , Hoffmann Lone , Farr Katherina P.
Published: August 2021

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) plays a key role in curative-intent treatment for locally advanced lung cancer. Radiation induced pulmonary toxicity can be significant for some patients and becomes a limiting factor for radiation dose, suitability for treatment, as well as post treatment quality of life and suitability for the newly introduced adjuvant immunotherapy. Modern RT techniques aim to minimise the radiation dose to the lungs, without accounting for regional distribution of lung function. Many lung cancer patients have significant regional differences in pulmonary function due to smoking and chronic lung co-morbidity. Even though reduction of dose to functional lung has shown to be feasible, the method of preferential functional lung avoidance has not been investigated in a randomised clinical trial.

Methods

In this study, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging technique is used for functional lung definition, in conjunction with advanced radiation dose delivery method in randomised, double-blind trial. The study aims to assess the impact of functional lung avoidance technique on pulmonary toxicity and quality of life in patients receiving chemo-RT for lung cancer. Eligibility criteria are biopsy verified lung cancer, scheduled to receive (chemo)-RT with curative intent. Every patient will undergo a pre-treatment perfusion SPECT/CT to identify functional lung. At radiation dose planning, two plans will be produced for all patients on trial. Standard reference plan, without the use of SPECT imaging data, and functional avoidance plan, will be optimised to reduce the dose to functional lung within the predefined constraints. Both plans will be clinically approved. Patients will then be randomised in a 2:1 ratio to be treated according to either the functional avoidance or the standard plan. This study aims to accrue a total of 200 patients within 3 years. The primary endpoint is symptomatic radiation-induced lung toxicity, measured serially 1–12 months after RT. Secondary endpoints include: a quality of life and patient reported lung symptoms assessment, overall survival, progression-free survival, and loco-regional disease control.

Discussion

ASPECT trial will investigate functional avoidance method of radiation delivery in clinical practice, and will establish toxicity outcomes for patients with lung cancer undergoing curative chemo-RT.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT04676828. Registered 1 December 2020.
Efficacies of preoperative prism adaptation test and monocular occlusion for detecting the maximum angle of deviation in intermittent exotropia
Authors: Takada Ryota , Matsumoto Fumiko , Wakayama Akemi , Numata Takuya , Tanabe Fumi , Abe Kosuke , Kusaka Shunji
Published: August 2021

Background

The efficacies of prism adaptation test (PAT) and monocular occlusion (MO) and their optimal test durations to detect the maximum angles of deviation at near and distance in eyes with intermittent exotropia (IXT) were assessed and compared.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 72 patients with IXT. All the patients had undergone the initial strabismus surgery between April 2015 and October 2018 and had been preoperatively tested by both PAT and MO performed on different days for 30 and 60 min. Near and distance deviations after 30 and 60 min of PAT and MO were compared to their baseline measurements obtained immediately after prism wear and before occlusion by alternate prism cover test. The near/distance measurements and required test duration to reveal the maximum deviation angle were also compared between PAT and MO.

Results

Compared with the baseline, the near deviation by PAT significantly increased after 30 (P < 0.05) and 60 (P < 0.01) minutes but not the distance deviation. However, the increase after 30 min was not significant. By MO, neither near nor distance deviation showed a significant difference from the baseline after 30 and 60 min. PAT showed a significantly larger near deviation than MO at 30 and 60 min, but a larger distance deviation by PAT was only observed at 30 min.

Conclusions

In patients with basic and convergence insufficiency types of IXT, a 30-minute PAT appears to be more effective than MO in revealing the maximum angle of deviation before strabismus surgery.