bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Control of Sea Surface Temperature on the Variability of Tropical Cyclone Activity Affecting Vietnam’s Coastline
Authors: Trinh Duong Hoang , Cuong Hoang Duc , Van Kham Duong , Kieu Chanh
Published: January 2021

This study examines the teleconnection between sea surface temperature (SST) in different ocean regions and tropical cyclone (TC) activity affecting Vietnam’s coastal region. Using spatial correlation and principal component analyses, it is found that the variability of TCs affecting Vietnam during 1982–2018 is remotely connected with SST in the Indian Ocean, the southwestern Pacific Ocean, and the northern Philippine Sea. Among the three regions, SST in the northern Philippine Sea displays the most significant inverse relationship with TC activity in the South China Sea (SCS), with lower June–November TC accumulated energy (ACE) for warmer northern Philippine Sea SST. Further analyses of large-scale atmospheric circulations show that this teleconnection between the northern Philippine Sea SST and TC activity in the SCS is linked to the East Asian subtropical jet (EASJ). Principal component analyses of the 200-hPa zonal wind associated with EASJ capture indeed a strong relationship between the second principal component, which characterizes the EASJ intensity, and ACE. Specifically, higher EASJ intensity corresponding to colder northern Philippine Sea SST would enhance large-scale ascending motion and low-level cyclonic anomalies in the SCS, which are favorable for TC formation and result in an overall increased ACE. Examination of the correlation between this second principal component and the northern Philippine Sea SST confirms that this correlation is statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. In this regard, these results support the Pacific–Japan teleconnection between the northern Philippine Sea SST and TC activity in the SCS.
Emerging role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in the
management of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Aryal Sudeep R. , Sharifov Oleg F. , Lloyd Steven G.
Published: January 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a clinical condition characterised by
elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) above normal range due to
various aetiologies. While cardiac right-heart catheterisation (RHC) remains
the gold standard and mandatory for establishing the diagnosis of PH,
noninvasive imaging of the heart plays a central role in the diagnosis and
management of all forms of PH. Although Doppler echocardiography (ECHO) can
measure a range of haemodynamic and anatomical variables, it has limited
utility for visualisation of the pulmonary artery and, oftentimes, the right
ventricle. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides comprehensive
information about the anatomical and functional aspects of the pulmonary
artery and right ventricle that are of prognostic significance for
assessment of long-term outcomes in disease progression. CMR is suited for
serial follow-up of patients with PH due to its noninvasive nature, high
sensitivity to changes in anatomical and functional parameters, and high
reproducibility. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use
of CMR derived parameters as surrogate endpoints for early-phase PH clinical
trials. This review will discuss the role of CMR in the diagnosis and
management of PH, including current applications and future developments, in
comparison to other existing major imaging modalities.
Formation and decay of peat bogs in the vegetable belt of Switzerland
Authors: Egli Markus , Wiesenberg Guido , Leifeld Jens , Gärtner Holger , Seibert Jan , Röösli Claudia , Wingate Vladimir , Dollenmeier Wasja , Griffel Pascal , Suremann Jeannine , Weber Jan , Zyberaj Mergime , Musso Alessandra
Published: January 2021

The rapidly collapsing glacial systems of the Alps produced a large number of melt-water lakes and mires after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Late Glacial period. The Rhone-Aare-glacier system gave rise to large moorlands and lakes in the region of the Three Lakes Region of Western Switzerland. When moorlands are formed, they are efficient sinks of atmospheric carbon, but when transformed to agricultural land they are significant C sources. In addition, mires can be used as archives for reconstructing landscape evolution. We explored in more detail the dynamics of the landscape of the Three Lakes Region with a particular focus on the formation and degradation of mires. The Bernese part of the Three Lakes Region developed to become—after the optimisation of the water-levels of the Swiss Jura—the vegetable belt of Switzerland. The situation for agriculture, however, has now become critical due to an overexploitation of the peatland. Until c. 13 ka BP the entire region was hydrologically connected. An additional lake existed at the western end of the plain receiving sediments from the Aare river. Around 13 ka BP, this lake was isolated from the Aare river and completely silted up until c. 10 ka BP when a mire started to form. In the valley floor (‘Grosses Moos’), the meandering Aare and the varying level of the nearby lake of Neuchâtel caused a spatio-temporally patchy formation of mires (start of formation: 10–3 ka BP). Strong morphodynamics having high erosion and sedimentation rates and a high variability of the chemical composition of the deposited material prevailed during the early Holocene until c. 7.5 ka BP. The situation remained relatively quiet between 5 and 2 ka BP. However, during the last 2000 years the hydrodynamic and geomorphic activities have increased again. The optimisation of the Swiss Jura water-levels during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries enabled the transformation of moorland into arable land. As a consequence, the moorland strongly degraded. Mean annual C-losses in agricultural land are c. 4.9 t ha−1 and c. 2.4 t ha−1 in forests. Because forests limit, but not stop, the degradation of mires, agroforestry might be tested and propagated in future as alternative land-use systems for such sensitive areas.
The Rubisco small subunits in the green algal genus Chloromonas provide insights into evolutionary loss of the eukaryotic carbon-concentrating organelle, the pyrenoid
Authors: Matsuzaki Ryo , Suzuki Shigekatsu , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Kawachi Masanobu , Kanesaki Yu , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Mori Toshiyuki , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: January 2021

Background

Pyrenoids are protein microcompartments composed mainly of Rubisco that are localized in the chloroplasts of many photosynthetic organisms. Pyrenoids contribute to the CO2-concentrating mechanism. This organelle has been lost many times during algal/plant evolution, including with the origin of land plants. The molecular basis of the evolutionary loss of pyrenoids is a major topic in evolutionary biology. Recently, it was hypothesized that pyrenoid formation is controlled by the hydrophobicity of the two helices on the surface of the Rubisco small subunit (RBCS), but the relationship between hydrophobicity and pyrenoid loss during the evolution of closely related algal/plant lineages has not been examined. Here, we focused on, the Reticulata group of the unicellular green algal genus Chloromonas, within which pyrenoids are present in some species, although they are absent in the closely related species.

Results

Based on de novo transcriptome analysis and Sanger sequencing of cloned reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products, rbcS sequences were determined from 11 strains of two pyrenoid-lacking and three pyrenoid-containing species of the Reticulata group. We found that the hydrophobicity of the RBCS helices was roughly correlated with the presence or absence of pyrenoids within the Reticulata group and that a decrease in the hydrophobicity of the RBCS helices may have primarily caused pyrenoid loss during the evolution of this group.

Conclusions

Although we suggest that the observed correlation may only exist for the Reticulata group, this is still an interesting study that provides novel insight into a potential mechanism determining initial evolutionary steps of gain and loss of the pyrenoid.
Whole-transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes in the mutant and normal capitula of Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Liu Hua , Luo Chang , Chen Dongliang , Wang Yaqin , Guo Shuang , Chen Xiaoxi , Bai Jingyi , Li Mingyuan , Huang Xinlei , Cheng Xi , Huang Conglin
Published: January 2021

Background

Chrysanthemum morifolium is one of the most economically important and popular floricultural crops in the family Asteraceae. Chrysanthemum flowers vary considerably in terms of colors and shapes. However, the molecular mechanism controlling the development of chrysanthemum floral colors and shapes remains an enigma. We analyzed a cut-flower chrysanthemum variety that produces normal capitula composed of ray florets with normally developed pistils and purple corollas and mutant capitula comprising ray florets with green corollas and vegetative buds instead of pistils.

Results

We conducted a whole-transcriptome analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the mutant and normal capitula using third-generation and second-generation sequencing techniques. We identified the DEGs between the mutant and normal capitula to reveal important regulators underlying the differential development. Many transcription factors and genes related to the photoperiod and GA pathways, floral organ identity, and the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were differentially expressed between the normal and mutant capitula. A qualitative analysis of the pigments in the florets of normal and mutant capitula indicated anthocyanins were synthesized and accumulated in the florets of normal capitula, but not in the florets of mutant capitula. These results provide clues regarding the molecular basis of the replacement of Chrysanthemum morifolium ray florets with normally developed pistils and purple corollas with mutant ray florets with green corollas and vegetative buds. Additionally, the study findings will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying floral organ development and contribute to the development of techniques for studying the regulation of flower shape and color, which may enhance chrysanthemum breeding.

Conclusions

The whole-transcriptome analysis of DEGs in mutant and normal C. morifolium capitula described herein indicates the anthocyanin deficiency of the mutant capitula may be related to the mutation that replaces ray floret pistils with vegetative buds. Moreover, pistils may be required for the anthocyanin biosynthesis in the corollas of chrysanthemum ray florets.
Phospholipid signaling pathway in Capsicum chinense suspension cells as a key response to consortium infection
Authors: Sánchez-Sandoval María E. , Racagni Di-Palma Graciela E. , González-Mendoza Victor M. , Cab-Guillén Yahaira A. , Muñoz-Sanchez José A. , Ramos-Díaz Ana , Hernández-Sotomayor S. M. Teresa
Published: January 2021

Background

Mexico is considered the diversification center for chili species, but these crops are susceptible to infection by pathogens such asColletotrichumspp., which causes anthracnose disease and postharvest decay in general. Studies have been carried out with isolated strains ofColletotrichuminCapsicumplants; however, under growing conditions, microorganisms generally interact with others, resulting in an increase or decrease of their ability to infect the roots ofC. chinenseseedlings and thus, cause disease.

Results

Morphological changes were evident 24 h after inoculation (hai) with the microbial consortium, which consisted primarily ofC. ignotum. High levels of diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (DGPP) and phosphatidic acid (PA) were found around 6 hai. These metabolic changes could be correlated with high transcription levels of diacylglycerol-kinase (CchDGK1andCchDG31) at 3, 6 and 12 hai and also to pathogen gene markers, such asCchPR1andCchPR5.

Conclusions

Our data constitute the first evidence for the phospholipids signalling events, specifically DGPP and PA participation in the phospholipase C/DGK (PI-PLC/DGK) pathway, in the response ofCapsicumto the consortium, offering new insights on chilis’ defense responses to damping-off diseases.
The reasons why fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave-free ratio are similar using wave separation analysis
Authors: Min Soohong , Kang Gwansuk , Paeng Dong-Guk , Choi Joon Hyouk
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) are the two most commonly used coronary indices of physiological stenosis severity based on pressure. To minimize the effect of wedge pressure (Pwedge), FFR is measured during hyperemia conditions, and iFR is calculated as the ratio of distal and aortic pressures (Pd/Pa) in the wave-free period. The goal of this study was to predict Pwedge using the backward wave (Pback) through wave separation analysis (WSA) and to reflect the effect of Pwedge on FFR and iFR to identify the relationship between the two indices.

Methods

An in vitro circulation system was constructed to calculate Pwedge. The measurements were performed in cases with stenosis percentages of 48, 71, and 88% and with hydrostatic pressures of 10 and 30 mmHg. Then, the correlation between Pback by WSA and Pwedge was calculated. In vivo coronary flow and pressure were simultaneously measured for 11 vessels in all patients. The FFR and iFR values were reconstructed as the ratios of forward wave at distal and proximal sites during hyperemia and at rest, respectively.

Results

Based on the in vitro results, the correlation between Pback and Pwedge was high (r = 0.990, p < 0.0001). In vivo results showed high correlations between FFR and reconstructed FFR (r = 0.992, p < 0.001) and between iFR and reconstructed iFR (r = 0.930, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Reconstructed FFR and iFR were in good agreement with conventional FFR and iFR. FFR and iFR can be expressed as the variation of trans-stenotic forward pressure, indicating that the two values are inferred from the same formula under different conditions.
Reducing the use of physical restraints in home care: development and feasibility testing of a multicomponent program to support the implementation of a guideline
Authors: Vandervelde Sara , Scheepmans Kristien , Milisen Koen , van Achterberg Theo , Vlaeyen Ellen , Flamaing Johan , Dierckx de Casterlé Bernadette
Published: January 2021

Background

A validated evidence-based guideline was developed to reduce physical restraint use in home care. However, the implementation of guidelines in home care is challenging. Therefore, this study aims to systematically develop and evaluate a multicomponent program for the implementation of the guideline for reducing the use of physical restraints in home care.

Methods

Intervention Mapping was used to develop a multicomponent program. This method contains six steps. Each step comprises several tasks towards the design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention; which is theory and evidence informed, as well as practical. To ensure that the multicomponent program would support the implementation of the guideline in home care, a feasibility study of 8 months was organized in one primary care district in Flanders, Belgium. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design was used to evaluate the multicomponent program consisting of a knowledge test, focus groups and an online survey.

Results

The Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior are the foundations of the multicomponent program. Based on modeling, active learning, guided practice, belief selection and resistance to social pressure, eight practical applications were developed to operationalize these methods. The key components of the program are: the ambassadors for restraint-free home care (n = 15), the tutorials, the physical restraint checklist and the flyer. The results of the feasibility study show the necessity to select uniform terminology and definition for physical restraints, to involve all stakeholders from the beginning of the process, to take time for the implementation process, to select competent ambassadors and to collaborate with other home care providers.

Conclusions

The multicomponent program shows promising results. Prior to future use, further research needs to focus on the last two steps of Intervention Mapping (program implementation plan and developing an evaluation plan), to guide implementation on a larger scale and to formally evaluate the effectiveness of the multicomponent program.
Correction to: Implementation and evaluation of a care bundle for prevention of non-ventilator associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (nvHAP) – a mixed-methods study protocol for a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial
Authors: Wolfensberger Aline , Clack Lauren , von Felten Stefanie , Kusejko Katharina , Faes Hesse Mirjam , Jakob Werner , Saleschus Dirk , Meier Marie-Theres , Kouyos Roger , Held Leonhard , Sax Hugo
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Identification of risk factors for in-hospital death of COVID - 19 pneumonia -- lessions from the early outbreak
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: January 2021

Background

To examine the clinical characteristics and identify independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia.

Methods

A total of 156 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia at the Central Hospital of Wuhan from January 29, 2020, to March 20, 2020, and 20 healthy individuals were enrolled in this single-centered retrospective study. The epidemiological parameters, clinical presentations, underlying diseases, laboratory test results, and disease outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

The median age of all enrolled patients was 66 years. At least one underlying disease was identified in 101 COVID-19 patients, with hypertension being the most common one, followed by cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The most common symptoms identified upon admission were fever, cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. Compared to survival cases, patients who died during hospitalization had higher plasma levels of D-dimer, creatinine, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactate, and lower percentage of lymphocytes (LYM [%]), platelet count and albumin levels. Most enrolled patients received antibiotics and anti-viral treatment. In addition, 60 patients received corticosteroids, and 51 received intravenous immunoglobulin infusion. Forty-four patients received noninvasive ventilation and 19 received invasive ventilation. Respiratory failure was the most frequently observed complication (106 [67.9%]), followed by sepsis (103 [66.0%]), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (67 [42.9%]), and septic shock (50 [32.1%]).

Multivariable regression suggested that advanced age (OR [odds ratio] = 1.098, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.006–1.199, P = 0.037), shorter duration from onset to admission (OR = 0.853, 95% CI: 0.750–0.969, P = 0.015) and elevated lactate level upon admission (OR = 2.689, 95% CI: 1.044–6.926, P = 0.040) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality for COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, increased LYM (%) at admission (OR = 0.787, 95% CI: 0.686–0.903, P = 0.001) indicated a better prognosis.

Conclusions

In this study, we discovered that age, duration from onset to admission, LYM (%), and lactate level upon admission were independent factors that affecting the in-hospital mortality rate.
Preoperative thyroid hormone levels predict ICU mortality after cardiopulmonary bypass in congenital heart disease patients younger than 3 months old
Authors: Yu Di , Zou Liang , Cun Yueshuang , Li Yaping , Wang Qingfeng , Shu Yaqin , Mo Xuming
Published: January 2021

Background

We aimed to study the effectiveness of preoperative thyroid hormone levels in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) mortality after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed data from 133 patients younger than 3 months old who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB from June 2017 to November 2019. ICU mortality prediction was assessed by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis and area under the curve (AUC) analysis.

Results

Non-survivors were younger (17.46 ± 17.10 days vs. 38.63 ± 26.87 days, P = 0.006), with a higher proportion of neonates (9/13 vs. 41/120, P = 0.017) and a higher proportion of individuals with a Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 (RACHS-1) score ≥ 4 (8/13 vs. 31/120, P = 0.020). No significant difference was found in CPB and aortic cross-clamping (ACC) time. The levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3) (3.91 ± 0.99 pmol/L vs. 5.11 ± 1.55 pmol/L, P = 0.007) and total triiodothyronine (TT3) (1.55 ± 0.35 nmol/L vs. 1.90 ± 0.57 nmol/L, P = 0.032) were higher in survivors than in non-survivors. In the ICU mortality prediction assessment, FT3 was an independent mortality predictor and showed a high AUC (0.856 ± 0.040).

Conclusions

The preoperative FT3 level was a powerful and independent predictor of ICU mortality after CPB in infants with CHD younger than 3 months old.
High diagnostic accuracy of automated rapid Strep A test reduces antibiotic prescriptions for children in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hendi Salama Bin , Malik Zainab A. , Khamis Amar Hassan , Al-Najjar Fadil Y. A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Diagnosis of Group AStreptococcus(GAS) pharyngitis in children is hindered by variable sensitivity of clinical criteria and rapid Strep A tests (SAT), resulting in reliance on throat cultures as the gold standard for diagnosis. Delays while awaiting culture reports result in unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions among children, contributing to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Methods

Diagnostic accuracy study of an automated SAT (A-SAT) in children up to 16 years of age presenting to an emergency room with signs and symptoms of pharyngitis between March and June 2019. Paired throat swabs for A-SAT and culture were collected. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for A-SAT were calculated.

Results

Two hundred and ninety-one children were included in this study. 168 (57.7%) were boys and the mean age was 4.2 years. A-SAT was positive in 94 (32.3%) and throat culture was positive in 90 (30.9%) children. A-SAT and throat culture results showed a high level of consistency in our cohort. Only 6 (2%) children had inconsistent results, demonstrating that the A-SAT has a high sensitivity (98.9%), specificity (97.5%), PPV (94.7%) and NPV (99.5%) for the diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis in children. Only 92 (32%) children were prescribed antibiotics while the vast majority (68%) were not.

Conclusions

A-SAT is a quick and reliable test with diagnostic accuracy comparable to throat culture. Its widespread clinical use can help limit antibiotic prescriptions to children presenting with pharyngitis, thus limiting the spread of AMR.
Correction to: Mental health status among family members of health care workers in Ningbo, China, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ying Yuchen , Ruan Liemin , Kong Fanqian , Zhu Binbin , Ji Yunxin , Lou Zhongze
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Lung ultrasound score assessing the pulmonary edema in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome received continuous hemofiltration therapy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Chunxia , Shi Jingyi , Shan Yijun , Miao Huijie , Sun Ting , Zhou Yiping , Zhang Yucai
Published: January 2021

Background

Lung ultrasound score is a potential method for determining pulmonary edema in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has become the preferred modality to manage fluid overload during ARDS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of lung ultrasound (LUS) score on assessing the effects of CRRT on pulmonary edema and pulmonary function in pediatric ARDS.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in 70 children with moderate to severe ARDS in a tertiary university pediatric intensive care unit from January 2016 to December 2019. 37 patients received CRRT (CRRT group) and 33 patients treated by conventional therapy (Non-CRRT group). LUS score was measured within 2 h identified ARDS as the value of 1st, and the following three days as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. We used Spearman correlation analysis to develop the relationship between LUS score and parameters related to respiratory dynamics, clinical outcomes as well as daily fluid balance during the first four days after ARDS diagnosed.

Results

The 1st LUS score in CRRT group were significantly higher than Non-CRRT group (P < 0.001), but the LUS score decreased gradually following CRRT (P < 0.001). LUS score was significantly correlated with Cdyn (dynamic lung compliance) (1st: r = − 0.757, 2nd: r = − 0.906, 3rd: r = − 0.885, 4th: r = − 0.834), OI (oxygenation index) (1st: r = 0.678, 2nd: r = 0.689, 3rd: r = 0.486, 4th: r = 0.324) based on 1st to 4th values (all P < 0.05). Only values of the 3rd and 4th LUS score after ARDS diagnosed were correlated with duration of mechanical ventilation [1st: r = 0.167, P = 0.325; 2nd: r = 0.299, P = 0.072; 3rd: r = 0.579, P < 0.001; 4th: r = 0.483, P = 0.002]. LUS score decreased from 22 (18–25) to 15 (13–18) and OI decreased from 15.92 (14.07–17.73) to 9.49 (8.70–10.58) after CRRT for four days (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

LUS score is significantly correlated with lung function parameters in pediatric ARDS. The improvement of pulmonary edema in patient with ARDS received CRRT can be assessed by the LUS score.

Trial registration CCTR, ChiCTR-ONC-16009698. Registered 1 November 2016, prospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=16535&htm=4. This study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.
Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in animals in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Modiyinji Abdou Fatawou , Bigna Jean Joel , Kenmoe Sebastien , Simo Fredy Brice N. , Amougou Marie A. , Ndangang Marie S. , Nola Moise , Njouom Richard
Published: January 2021

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and have high burden in the resource-limited countries. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of hepatitis in animals in Africa can help to understand the epidemiology among humans. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence of HEV infection and distribution of HEV genotypes among animals in Africa.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to March 22th, 2020 without any language restriction. We considered cross-sectional studies of HEV infection in animals in Africa. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of included studies were done independently by two investigators. Prevalence data were pooled using the random-effects meta-analysis. This review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018087684.

Results

Twenty-five studies (13 species and 6983 animals) were included. The prevalence (antibodies or ribonucleic acid [RNA]) of HEV infection in animals varied widely depending on biological markers of HEV infection measured: 23.4% (95% confidence interval; 12.0–37.2) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins G, 13.1% (3.1–28.3) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M, and 1.8% (0.2–4.3) for RNA; with substantial heterogeneity. In subgroup analysis, the immunoglobulins G seroprevalence was higher among pigs 37.8% (13.9–65.4). The following HEV genotypes were reported in animals: Rat-HEV genotype 1 (rats and horses), HEV-3 (pigs), HEV-7 (dromedaries), and Bat hepeviruses (bats).

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of HEV infection in animals in Africa and HEV genotypes close to that of humans. Some animals in Africa could be the reservoir of HEV, highlighting the need of molecular epidemiological studies for investigating zoonotic transmission.
Exploring convolutional neural networks and spatial video for on-the-ground mapping in informal settlements
Authors: Ajayakumar Jayakrishnan , Curtis Andrew J. , Rouzier Vanessa , Pape Jean William , Bempah Sandra , Alam Meer Taifur , Alam Md. Mahbubul , Rashid Mohammed H. , Ali Afsar , Morris John Glenn
Published: January 2021

Background

The health burden in developing world informal settlements often coincides with a lack of spatial data that could be used to guide intervention strategies. Spatial video (SV) has proven to be a useful tool to collect environmental and social data at a granular scale, though the effort required to turn these spatially encoded video frames into maps limits sustainability and scalability. In this paper we explore the use of convolution neural networks (CNN) to solve this problem by automatically identifying disease related environmental risks in a series of SV collected from Haiti. Our objective is to determine the potential of machine learning in health risk mapping for these environments by assessing the challenges faced in adequately training the required classification models.

Results

We show that SV can be a suitable source for automatically identifying and extracting health risk features using machine learning. While well-defined objects such as drains, buckets, tires and animals can be efficiently classified, more amorphous masses such as trash or standing water are difficult to classify. Our results further show that variations in the number of image frames selected, the image resolution, and combinations of these can be used to improve the overall model performance.

Conclusion

Machine learning in combination with spatial video can be used to automatically identify environmental risks associated with common health problems in informal settlements, though there are likely to be variations in the type of data needed for training based on location. Success based on the risk type being identified are also likely to vary geographically. However, we are confident in identifying a series of best practices for data collection, model training and performance in these settings. We also discuss the next step of testing these findings in other environments, and how adding in the simultaneously collected geographic data could be used to create an automatic health risk mapping tool.
Heath related quality of life and associated factors among diabetes patients in sub-Saharan countries: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tusa Biruk Shalmeno , Weldesenbet Adisu Birhanu , Gemada Assefa Tola , Merga Bedasa Taye , Regassa Lemma Demissie
Published: January 2021

Background

Various primary studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan countries on the level of health related quality of life (HRQoL) and their associated factors among diabetic patients. However, the result of these studies lacks consistency. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the pooled level of HRQoL and their associated factors among diabetic patients in sub-Saharan countries.

Methods

Electronic databases predominantly PubMed were searched. Databases, such as Google and Google scholar, were searched for gray literature. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. Heterogeneity of the studies was checked by Forest plot and I-squared statistic. Both inverse-variance fixed-effect and DerSimonian and Laird random-effects methods were applied to estimate the pooled level of HRQoL (for both WHO-QoL-BREF and SF-36) and the effect size of associated factors.

Result

From a total 776 retrieved studies, 16 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled mean score of physical health, psychological, social relation and environmental health domain of WHO-QoL-BREF were 43.12, 47.40, 46.60 and 45.59 respectively. Age had a significant association (pooled β = − 0.47), (pooled β = − 0.24), (pooled β = − 0.32) and (pooled β = − 0.03) with physical health, psychological health, social relation and environmental health domains respectively. Being rural residence (pooled β = − 0.32) was inversely associated with environmental health domain of WHO-QoL-BREF. Increased fasting blood sugar had a significant association (pooled β = − 0.08, 95% CI − 0.11, − 0.05), (pooled β = − 0.07) and (pooled β = − 0.004) with physical health, psychological health and environmental health domains respectively. Having Co-morbidity (pooled β = − 6.25) and diabetes related complication (pooled β = − 5.65) were contrarily related to physical health domain of WHO-QoL-BREF.

Conclusion

The pooled mean of physical and environmental domains of HRQOL scores was the least compared to the psychological and social domains. Being Old age and rural residence, increased fasting blood sugar, having co-morbidity and diabetic related complications were contrarily related to level of HRQoL. Therefore, we recommend that early detection and treatment of diabetes related complication and comorbidity and control of fasting blood sugar. While doing that due attention should be given for old and rural dwellers.
A call to advance and translate research into policy on governance, ethics, and conflicts of interest in public health: the GECI-PH network
Authors: Nakkash Rima , Mialon Melissa , Makhoul Jihad , Arora Monika , Afifi Rima , Al Halabi Abeer , London Leslie
Published: January 2021

Efforts to adopt public health policies that would limit the consumption of unhealthy commodities, such as tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed food products, are often undermined by private sector actors whose profits depend on the sales of such products. There is ample evidence showing that these corporations not only try to influence public health policy; they also shape research, practice and public opinion. Globalization, trade and investment agreements, and privatization, amongst other factors, have facilitated the growing influence of private sector actors on public health at both national and global levels. Protecting and promoting public health from the undue influence of private sector actors is thus an urgent task. With this backdrop in mind, we launched the “Governance, Ethics, and Conflicts of Interest in Public Health” Network (GECI-PH Network) in 2018. Our network seeks to share, collate, promote and foster knowledge on governance, ethical, and conflicts of interest that arise in the interactions between private sectors actors and those in public health, and within multi-stakeholder mechanisms where dividing lines between different actors are often blurred. We call for strong guidance to address and manage the influence of private sector actors on public health policy, research and practice, and for dialogue on this important topic. Our network recently reached 119 members. Membership is diverse in composition and expertise, location, and institutions. We invite colleagues with a common interest to join our network.
Anthelmintic resistance of horse strongyle nematodes to ivermectin and pyrantel in Lithuania
Authors: Dauparaitė Evelina , Kupčinskas Tomas , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg , Petkevičius Saulius
Published: January 2021

Background

With intensive use of anthelmintic drugs in recent decades, anthelmintic resistance (AR) in horse nematodes is becoming a growing issue in many countries. However, there is little available information about the parasites, treatment practices or AR in the horse population in Lithuania. The aim of this study was to assess the current situation of AR on horse farms in Lithuania. The study was conducted in 25 stables on horses with a strongyle faecal egg count (FEC) of ≥ 200 eggs per gram. A faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was performed on each farm after administration of ivermectin (IVM) or pyrantel (PYR).

Results

The efficacy of IVM was comparatively high, with 98.8% of 250 horses having a zero egg count 14 days after treatment. Two conditions were used to interpret the FECRT results for PYR: firstly, resistance was determined when FECR was < 90% and the lower 95% confidence interval (LCL) was < 80%, and secondly when in addition the upper confidence level (UCL) was < 95%. Under the first condition, resistance against PYR was found in five stables (25% of all tested herds), while when considering the UCL as well, resistance was only detected in two stables (8%). The FEC showed a significant (P < 0.01) difference between the treatment and control groups. Only cyathostomin larvae were detected in larval cultures derived from strongyle-positive faecal samples collected 14 days after treatment of a test group with PYR.

Conclusions

This in vivo study showed that PYR resistance is prevalent on horse farms in Lithuania, while the efficacy of IVM still appears to be unaffected. However, further studies of ivermectin resistance are needed. These findings should guide the implementation of more sustainable management of strongyle infections in horses in Lithuania.
Gut microbiota influence tumor development and Alter interactions with the human immune system
Authors: Ge Yanshan , Wang Xinhui , Guo Yali , Yan Junting , Abuduwaili Aliya , Aximujiang Kasimujiang , Yan Jie , Wu Minghua
Published: January 2021

Recent scientific advances have greatly enhanced our understanding of the complex link between the gut microbiome and cancer. Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance between commensal and pathogenic bacteria and the production of microbial antigens and metabolites. The immune system and the gut microbiome interact to maintain homeostasis of the gut, and alterations in the microbiome composition lead to immune dysregulation, promoting chronic inflammation and development of tumors. Gut microorganisms and their toxic metabolites may migrate to other parts of the body via the circulatory system, causing an imbalance in the physiological status of the host and secretion of various neuroactive molecules through the gut-brain axis, gut-hepatic axis, and gut-lung axis to affect inflammation and tumorigenesis in specific organs. Thus, gut microbiota can be used as a tumor marker and may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of malignant tumors.
Sepsis is associated with mitochondrial DNA damage and a reduced mitochondrial mass in the kidney of patients with sepsis-AKI
Authors: van der Slikke Elisabeth C. , Star Bastiaan S. , van Meurs Matijs , Henning Robert H. , Moser Jill , Bouma Hjalmar R.
Published: January 2021

Background

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition accompanied by organ dysfunction subsequent to a dysregulated host response to infection. Up to 60% of patients with sepsis develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which is associated with a poor clinical outcome. The pathophysiology of sepsis-associated AKI (sepsis-AKI) remains incompletely understood, but mitochondria have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis. Therefore, our aim was to identify mitochondrial damage in patients with sepsis-AKI.

Methods

We conducted a clinical laboratory study using “warm” postmortem biopsies from sepsis-associated AKI patients from a university teaching hospital. Biopsies were taken from adult patients (n = 14) who died of sepsis with AKI at the intensive care unit (ICU) and control patients (n = 12) undergoing tumor nephrectomy. To define the mechanisms of the mitochondrial contribution to the pathogenesis of sepsis-AKI, we explored mRNA and DNA expression of mitochondrial quality mechanism pathways, DNA oxidation and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity in renal biopsies from sepsis-AKI patients and control subjects. Next, we induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 48 h to mimic sepsis and validate our results in vitro.

Results

Compared to control subjects, sepsis-AKI patients had upregulated mRNA expression of oxidative damage markers, excess mitochondrial DNA damage and lower mitochondrial mass. Sepsis-AKI patients had lower mRNA expression of mitochondrial quality markers TFAM, PINK1 and PARKIN, but not of MFN2 and DRP1. Oxidative DNA damage was present in the cytosol of tubular epithelial cells in the kidney of sepsis-AKI patients, whereas it was almost absent in biopsies from control subjects. Oxidative DNA damage co-localized with both the nuclei and mitochondria. Accordingly, HUVECs induced with LPS for 48 h showed an increased mnSOD expression, a decreased TFAM expression and higher mtDNA damage levels.

Conclusion

Sepsis-AKI induces mitochondrial DNA damage in the human kidney, without upregulation of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, which likely resulted in a reduction in mitochondrial mass.
SuperTAD: robust detection of hierarchical topologically associated domains with optimized structural information
Authors: Zhang Yu Wei , Wang Meng Bo , Li Shuai Cheng
Published: January 2021

Topologically associating domains (TADs) are the organizational units of chromosome structures. TADs can contain TADs, thus forming a hierarchy. TAD hierarchies can be inferred from Hi-C data through coding trees. However, the current method for computing coding trees is not optimal. In this paper, we propose optimal algorithms for this computation. In comparison with seven state-of-art methods using two public datasets, from GM12878 and IMR90 cells, SuperTAD shows a significant enrichment of structural proteins around detected boundaries and histone modifications within TADs and displays a high consistency between various resolutions of identical Hi-C matrices.
Approaches to genetic tool development for rapid domestication of non-model microorganisms
Authors: Riley Lauren A. , Guss Adam M.
Published: January 2021

Non-model microorganisms often possess complex phenotypes that could be important for the future of biofuel and chemical production. They have received significant interest the last several years, but advancement is still slow due to the lack of a robust genetic toolbox in most organisms. Typically, “domestication” of a new non-model microorganism has been done on an ad hoc basis, and historically, it can take years to develop transformation and basic genetic tools. Here, we review the barriers and solutions to rapid development of genetic transformation tools in new hosts, with a major focus on Restriction-Modification systems, which are a well-known and significant barrier to efficient transformation. We further explore the tools and approaches used for efficient gene deletion, DNA insertion, and heterologous gene expression. Finally, more advanced and high-throughput tools are now being developed in diverse non-model microbes, paving the way for rapid and multiplexed genome engineering for biotechnology.
A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the specific detection of Hammondia hammondi and its differentiation from Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Schares Gereon , Globokar Vrhovec Majda , Tuschy Mareen , Joeres Maike , Bärwald Andrea , Koudela Bretislav , Dubey Jitender P. , Maksimov Pavlo , Conraths Franz J.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Hammondia hammondi and Toxoplasma gondii are closely related protozoan parasites, but only T. gondii is zoonotic. Both species use felids as definitive hosts and cannot be differentiated by oocyst morphology. In T. gondii, a 529-base pair (bp) repetitive element (TgREP-529) is of utmost diagnostic importance for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tests. We identified a similar repetitive region in the H. hammondi genome (HhamREP-529).

Methods

Based on reported sequences, primers and probes were selected in silico and optimal primer probe combinations were explored, also by including previously published primers. The analytical sensitivity was tested using serial dilutions of oocyst DNA. For testing analytical specificity, DNA isolated from several related species was used as controls. The newly established TaqMan PCR (Hham-qPCR1) was applied to tissues collected from H. hammondi-infected gamma-interferon gene knockout (GKO) mice at varying time points post-infection.

Results

Ten forward and six reverse primers were tested in varying combinations. Four potentially suitable dual-labelled probes were selected. One set based on the primer pair (Hham275F, Hham81R) and the probe (Hham222P) yielded optimal results. In addition to excellent analytic specificity, the assay revealed an analytical sensitivity of genome equivalents of less than one oocyst. Investigation of the tissue distribution in GKO mice revealed the presence of parasite DNA in all examined organs, but to a varying extent, suggesting 100- to 10,000-fold differences in parasitic loads between tissues in the chronic state of infection, 42 days post-infection.

Discussion

The use of the 529-bp repeat of H. hammondi is suitable for establishing a quantitative real-time PCR assay, because this repeat probably exists about 200 times in the genome of a single organism, like its counterpart in T. gondii. Although there were enough sequence data available, only a few of the primers predicted in silico revealed sufficient amplification; the identification of a suitable probe was also difficult. This is in accord with our previous observations on considerable variability in the 529-bp repetitive element of H. hammondi.

Conclusions

The H. hammondi real-time PCR represents an important novel diagnostic tool for epidemiological and cell biological studies on H. hammondi and related parasites.

Graphical Abstract
Parasitism of Aedes albopictus by Ascogregarina taiwanensis lowers its competitive ability against Aedes triseriatus
Authors: Stump Emma , Childs Lauren M. , Walker Melody
Published: January 2021

Background

Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases such as dengue, malaria and La Crosse virus that significantly impact the human population. When multiple mosquito species are present, the competition between species may alter population dynamics as well as disease spread. Two mosquito species, Aedes albopictus and Aedes triseriatus, both inhabit areas where La Crosse virus is found. Infection of Aedes albopictus by the parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis and Aedes triseriatus by the parasite Ascogregarina barretti can decrease a mosquito’s fitness, respectively. In particular, the decrease in fitness of Aedes albopictus occurs through the impact of Ascogregarina taiwanensis on female fecundity, larval development rate, and larval mortality and may impact its initial competitive advantage over Aedes triseriatus during invasion.

Methods

We examine the effects of parasitism of gregarine parasites on Aedes albopictus and triseriatus population dynamics and competition with a focus on when Aedes albopictus is new to an area. We build a compartmental model including competition between Aedes albopictus and triseriatus while under parasitism of the gregarine parasites. Using parameters based on the literature, we simulate the dynamics and analyze the equilibrium population proportion of the two species. We consider the presence of both parasites and potential dilution effects.

Results

We show that increased levels of parasitism in Aedes albopictus will decrease the initial competitive advantage of the species over Aedes triseriatus and increase the survivorship of Aedes triseriatus. We find Aedes albopictus is better able to invade when there is more extreme parasitism of Aedes triseriatus. Furthermore, although the transient dynamics differ, dilution of the parasite density through uptake by both species does not alter the equilibrium population sizes of either species.

Conclusions

Mosquito population dynamics are affected by many factors, such as abiotic factors (e.g. temperature and humidity) and competition between mosquito species. This is especially true when multiple mosquito species are vying to live in the same area. Knowledge of how population dynamics are affected by gregarine parasites among competing species can inform future mosquito control efforts and help prevent the spread of vector-borne disease.

Graphical Abstract