bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the Voltage Profile and Loss Reduction in Distribution Network Using Moth Flame Algorithm: Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
Authors: Balakumar S. , Getahun Akililu , Kefale Samuel , Kumar K. Ramash
Published: December 2021

Voltage stability and line losses are inevitable issues even in modern power systems. There are several techniques that emerged to solve problems in the power system to provide quality and uninterrupted supply to customers. The algorithms used in this paper to determine the appropriate location and size of the Static Var Compensator (SVC) in the Distribution Network (DN) are Moth Flame Optimization (MFO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The objective function is defined to minimize voltage deviation and power loss. The burning problem of voltage stability improvement current scenario is because of a rise in electricity demands in all sectors. Paramount duties of power engineers are to keep the system stable and maintain voltage magnitude constant even during peak hours. The results were checked with the aid of MATLAB on Wolaita Sodo radial distribution of 34 bus data networks. The potential use of SVC is key to solve distribution system power quality issues and estimating the advantage of the installation. The results obtained from the test system were compared with PSO results. This comparison was done to know the computational time of proposed techniques. The performance of the MFA based SVC was superior in distribution system and highlighted the importance of device.
Preventing Cervical Cancer Globally: Are We Making Progress?
Authors: Allanson Emma R. , Schmeler Kathleen M.
Published: December 2021

An unacceptable number of women continue to die from cervical cancer around the world each year. Despite established primary and secondary prevention measures, and a natural history of disease which provides a long latent phase in which to intervene, there are still more than 500,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer globally each year, and 300,000 related deaths. Approximately 90% of these cervical cancer cases and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched a Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer that outlines 3 key steps: (i) vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV); (ii) cervical screening; and (iii) treatment of precancerous lesions and management of invasive cancer. Successful implementation of all 3 steps could reduce more than 40% of new cervical cancer cases and 5 million related deaths by 2050. However, this initiative requires high level commitment to HPV immunization programs, innovative approaches to screening, and strengthening of health systems to provide treatment for both precancerous lesions as well as invasive cervical cancer.
NAFLD Nutritional Management: Results from a Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Policarpo Sara Raquel Osório , Machado Mariana V. , Barreira David , Cortez-Pinto Helena
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Lifestyle changes are the mainstay treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to assess the magnitude of weight loss in a group of NAFLD patients followed on a combined lifestyle intervention by a multidisciplinary team. Methods: Patients were assessed before and after a 12-month dietary intervention (Mediterranean diet aiming at weight loss). Patients who received a structured dietary plan along with general lifestyle recommendations were designated as the multidisciplinary treatment (MdT) group. Patients who declined follow-up still received general lifestyle recommendations and were designated as the conventional treatment group, being used as a control group. Results: From the 77 patients with documented NAFLD, 31.2% of patients were overweight and 55.8% obese; 66 patients constituted the MdT group and 11 the conventional treatment group. After 3 months, 89% of patients lost weight; at 6 months, 75.4% maintained the weight lost. At 12 months, 65% of patients still decreased their weight, with 92.2% of patients in the MdT group still maintaining a lower weight than baseline versus just 50% in the conventional group (p = 0.008). Only patients in the MdT group presented a weight loss higher than 10% (9.6%; n = 6). At 12 months patients in the MdT group presented an average reduction of 4.2 kg versus a reduction of just 0.6 kg in the conventional treatment group (p = 0.016). The MdT group, but not the conventional group, presented significant differences in liver enzymes at 12 months compared to baseline. Conclusion: Adherence to a multidisciplinary approach, compared to management solely by a hepatologist, in NAFLD patients, is effective with greater weight loss after a 12-month follow-up and a lower rate of weight gain recurrence.
Dual-Specificity Phosphatases and Kidney Diseases
Authors: Li Haiyang , Xiong Jiachuan , Du Yu , Huang Yinghui , Zhao Jinghong
Published: December 2021

Background: Dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) belong to the family of protein tyrosine phosphatases, which can dephosphorylate both serine/threonine and tyrosine residues. During the past decades, DUSPs have been implicated in various physiological and pathological activities. Besides mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) as the main substrates, other protein and nonprotein substrates can also be dephosphorylated by DUSPs. Aberrant regulations of DUSPs have been found in various diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and kidney diseases, suggesting the involvement of DUSPs in the pathogenesis of diseases. Summary: In this review, we summarize the general characteristics of DUSPs and the research progress made in the field of kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and lupus nephritis. As the main biochemical function of DUSPs is to dephosphorylate MAPKs activity, decreased DUSPs are found in kidney disease models, whereas forced DUSPs expression reverses the disease presentation, which was proved by using transgenic or gene knockout model. Key Messages: Mounting evidence demonstrates that DUSPs have essential physiological and pathological functions in kidney disease. Fully understanding the functions and mechanisms of DUSPs in kidney disease contributes to their clinical application in translation medicine.
Evaluation of Microvascular Patterns Alone Using Endocytoscopy with Narrow-Band Imaging for Diagnosing Gastric Cancer
Authors: Horiuchi Yusuke , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Ishizuka Naoki , Tokura Junki , Ishioka Mitsuaki , Tokai Yoshitaka , Namikawa Ken , Yoshimizu Shoichi , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Fujisaki Junko
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Although endocytoscopy (EC) with narrow-band imaging (NBI) is effective in diagnosing gastric cancer, no diagnostic system has been validated. We explored a specific diagnostic system for gastric cancer using EC with NBI. Methods: Equal numbers of images from cancerous and noncancerous areas (114 images each) were assessed by endoscopists with (development group: 33) and without (validation group: 28) specific training in magnifying endoscopy with NBI. Microvascular and microsurface patterns (MS) in each image were evaluated. Lesions were diagnosed as cancerous when patterns were deemed “irregular.” The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of a diagnosis according to patterns on EC with NBI (microvascular pattern [MV] alone, MS alone, and both) were evaluated and compared between groups to determine the diagnostic performance. Results: In the development and validation groups, diagnoses based on the MV alone had significantly higher accuracy (91.7% vs. 76.3%, p < 0.0001 and 92.5% vs. 67.5%, p < 0.0001, respectively) and sensitivity (88.6% vs. 68.3%, p < 0.0001 and 89.5% vs. 38.6%, p < 0.0001, respectively) than those based on the MS alone. In both groups, there were no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between using the MV alone and both patterns. Discussion/Conclusion: Evaluation of the MV alone is a simple and accurate diagnostic method for gastric cancer. This system could find widespread applications in clinical practice.
History of Suicide Attempts and COVID-19 Infection in Veterans with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder: Moderating Effects of Age and Body Mass Index
Authors: Okusaga Olaoluwa O. , Kember Rachel L. , Peloso Gina M. , Peterson Roseann E. , Vujkovic Mariana , Mitchell Brian G. , Bernard Jared , Walder Annette , Bigdeli Tim B.
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Relative to the general population, patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder have higher rates of suicide attempts and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Therefore, determining whether a history of suicide attempt is associated with COVID-19 in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder has implications for COVID-19 vulnerability stratification in this patient population. Methods: We carried out cross-sectional analyses of electronic health records of veterans with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder that received treatment at any United States Veterans Affairs Medical Center between January 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. We used logistic regression to estimate unadjusted and adjusted (including age, sex, race, marital status, body mass index (BMI), and a medical comorbidity score) odds ratios (ORs) for COVID-19 positivity in suicide attempters relative to nonattempters. Results: A total of 101,032 veterans (mean age 56.67 ± 13.13 years; males 91,715 [90.8%]) were included in the analyses. There were 2,703 (2.7%) suicide attempters and 719 (0.7%) patients were positive for COVID-19. The association between history of suicide attempt and COVID-19 positivity was modified by age and BMI, such that the relationship was only significant in patients younger than 59 years, and in obese (BMI ≥30) patients (adjusted OR 3.42, 95% CI 2.02–5.79 and OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.65–4.94, respectively). Conclusions: Higher rates of COVID-19 in young or obese suicide attempters with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder might be due to the elevated risk for the infection in this subgroup of patients.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Operator Profiles and Associations With In-Hospital Mortality
Authors: Doll Jacob A. , Nelson Adam J. , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , Wojdyla Daniel , Waldo Stephen W. , Rao Sunil V. , Wang Tracy Y.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Percutaneous coronary intervention is performed by operators with differing experience, technique, and case mix. It is unknown if operator practice patterns impact patient outcomes. We sought to determine if a cluster algorithm can identify distinct profiles of percutaneous coronary intervention operators and if these profiles are associated with patient outcomes.

Methods:

Operators performing at least 25 annual procedures between 2014 and 2018 were clustered using an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm. Risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality was compared between clusters.

Results:

We identified 4 practice profiles among 7706 operators performing 2 937 419 procedures. Cluster 1 (n=3345) demonstrated case mix and practice patterns similar to the national median. Cluster 2 (n=1993) treated patients with lower clinical acuity and were less likely to use intracoronary diagnostics, atherectomy, and radial access. Cluster 3 (n=1513) had the lowest case volume, were more likely to work at rural hospitals, and cared for a higher proportion of patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. Cluster 4 (n=855) had the highest case volume, were most likely to treat patients with high anatomic complexity and use atherectomy, intracoronary diagnostics, and mechanical support. Compared with cluster 1, adjusted in-hospital mortality was similar for cluster 2 (estimated difference, −0.03 [95% CI, −0.10 to 0.04]), higher for cluster 3 (0.14 [0.07–0.22]), and lower for cluster 4 (−0.15 [−0.24 to −0.06]).

Conclusions:

Distinct percutaneous coronary intervention operator profiles are differentially associated with patient outcomes. A phenotypic approach to physician assessment may provide actionable feedback for quality improvement.
Impairment and Plasticity of Language-Related White Matter in Patients With Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Deng Xiaofeng , Yin Hu , Zhang Yan , Zhang Dong , Wang Shuo , Cao Yong , Li Maogui , Wang Bo , Zong Fangrong , Zhao Jizong
Published: December 2021

Background:

Language dysfunction is rarely seen in patients with unruptured brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) albeit the AVM nidus involving language areas, which provides a unique disease model to study language reorganization. The objective of this study was to investigate the impairment and reorganization patterns and characteristics of language-related white matter in AVMs located at different brain areas.

Methods:

Thirty-three patients with AVMs involving language areas were prospectively enrolled. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the lesion locations: the frontal (14 patients), temporal (15 patients), and parietal groups (4 patients). Thirty age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled as comparison. All participants underwent diffusion tensor imaging scans, and automated fiber quantification method was applied to quantitatively study the difference of segmented language-related white matter connectivity between 3 AVM groups and control group.

Results:

Language functions were normal in all subjects according to Western Aphasia Battery test. In the frontal group, fractional anisotropy (FA) value decreased in the left arcuate fascicle and increased in left superior longitudinal fasciculus and uncinate fascicle; in the temporal group, FA values decreased in left inferior fronto-occipital fascicle and inferior longitudinal fascicle and increased in right anterior thalamic radiation and uncinate fascicle; in the parietal group, FA values decreased in left arcuate fascicle and inferior longitudinal fascicle and increased in bilateral anterior thalamic radiations and uncinate fascicles and right inferior fronto-occipital fascicle. In fascicles with decreased FA values, the increase of radial diffusivity was common, and fascicles with increased FA values usually presented along with increased axial diffusivity values.

Conclusions:

Remodeling of language-related white matter occurs when traditional language areas are involved by AVM nidus, and its reorganization patterns vary with locations of AVM nidus. Fascicle impairment is mainly caused by the myelin deficits, and its plasticity may be dominated by the axon remodeling procedure.
Soil response to root-knot nematode management with wine vinasse in a solarised horticultural soil under glasshouse conditions
Authors: López-Pérez Jose A. , Sánchez-Moreno Sara
Published: December 2021

The increasing interest in agroecological practices and the current consideration of agrarian soils as a sustainable resource are driving the development of new strategies to manage soil parasites and diseases. The application of organic matter from different sources to reduce plant parasites contributes to circular economy by applying by-products as soil organic amendments that reduce wastes. Wine vinasse (WV) is a by-product generated to obtain alcohol from wine by physical methods in distilleries. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of WV and its combination with animal manure (WV+M) as soil biodisinfestation products. For this, it was compared with a plastic-covered control to distinguish the biodisinfestation from solarisation effect. The crops tested consisted of a tomato-Swiss chard rotation under glasshouse conditions. Their effects on Meloidogyne incognita, soil fertility, nematode community and crop yield were assessed. The results obtained after two seasons showed a reduction of M. incognita galling in the root system of both crops. The immediate effect after the treatment application was a reduction in the abundance of nematodes and changes in the nematode-based indices that affected all plots, including the control, most likely related to the tillage effect for the treatments application and the plastic cover. Soil fertility was improved by the application of WV (NO3−, Bioav. P) and WV+M (C, Ntotal, K), which reduced herbivore nematode metabolic footprints and enhanced bacterivore footprints. Our results indicate that the combination WV+M was effective reducing M. incognita infection, and improved crop yield. Use of by-products such as WV is a helpful tool for managing horticultural soils.
Identifying, Categorising and Exploring ‘Ælfrician’ Vocabulary Using the Dictionary of Old English, A Thesaurus of Old English and Evoke
Authors: van Baalen Amos
Published: December 2021

Ælfric of Eynsham (c.955×957–c.1010) is one of the most prominent authors of the Anglo-Saxon period. Despite this fact, there has not yet been an exhaustive study into his typical vocabulary. This article employs the Dictionary of Old English and prior scholarship in order to collect and categorise the lexis that is characteristic for his works. This vocabulary is then analysed using the web application Evoke together with A Thesaurus of Old English, which provides insights into the semantic domains that predominate in Ælfric’s vocabulary, as well as the degrees of ambiguity, synonymy and specificity of his typical lexis.
Avoidance of final monopositional vowels
Authors: Shachmon Ori , Faust Noam
Published: December 2021

A group of Arabic dialects in Yemen exhibit a velar k in the subject suffixes of the perfect paradigm. The 1sg subject suffix surfaces in the various dialects as -ku, -k or -kw. In addition, the vocalization of the base may or may not be colored with a round vocalic quality, depending on both the realization of the suffix and the verbal type faʿal or fiʿil. Based on inquiries among speakers from Lower Yemen, we propose a path of evolution that leads from -ku to the labialized -kw, to a “colored” stem, and finally to the grammaticalization of coloration and loss of labialization. Two pressures propel the passage between stages: a functional pressure to distinguish between 1sg and 2msg, and a phonological pressure to avoid monopositional final vowels. The phonological pressure is shown to also motivate palatalization in the 2fsg -ki ⇒ -ky (⇒ -š), as well as the effect of pre-pausal nasal insertion, viz. -ku ⇒ -kum# and -ki ⇒ -kiŋ#. We further show that final vowels resulting from the interaction of the subject suffixes with object clitics are phonologically long—even if phonetically neutralized—and hence they do not violate the phonological requirement. The formal theories of strict CV (Lowenstamm 1996, Scheer 2004) and Element Theory (Kaye et al. 1985) are used to explain the a-synchronized development in the different verbal patterns, as well as the extent of the phonological ban on monopositional vowels.
Active participles in Jordanian Arabic
Authors: Al-Raba’a Basem Ibrahim Malawi
Published: December 2021

This study examines the categorial status, syntactic derivation, and tense of active participles in an urban variety of Jordanian Arabic. It is shown that unlike in other Arabic varieties, active participles in Jordanian Arabic fall into three distinct categories (namely, nominal, adjectival, and verbal) with respect to their morphophonological, syntactic and semantic structures. Moreover, it is argued that active participles are not lexically underspecified or homophonous, but are rather derived distinctively in the syntax. This study also explores tense in active participle clauses. Verbless clauses with adjectival and nominal active participles as the only predicates solely project present tense; a past or future tense is available only if a copula is involved. In contrast, clauses with verbal active participles, which are morphologically unmarked for tense, are shown to license temporal adverbs of different time references. It is argued that such clauses project a covert agreement tense whose time frame is established by time adverbs.
Where in the World are Chinese Women Filmmakers? Transnational China and World Cinema in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Marchetti Gina
Published: December 2021

Transnational Chinese women filmmakers reflect the enormous changes happening in the global film industry as well as political, economic, technological, social, and cultural transformations taking place in the region since the beginning of the millennium. An analysis of Hong Kong writer-director Aubrey Lam’s Anna & Anna (2007) uncovers how this film explores the divided psyche of a woman torn between “two systems” that model femininity for women in Singapore and Shanghai in the 21st century. Lam’s narrative touches on issues central to the work of many women working across the Chinese-speaking world including migration, labor relations, postcolonial and postsocialist identities, commodification of female bodies in consumer culture, cross-border sexualities, female desire and domesticity.
New species of Tintiyakus Cadena-Castañeda (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Lutosinae) from the Brazilian Mountain Amazon Rainforest
Authors: DE MELLO MENDES DIEGO MATHEUS , HELEODORO RAPHAEL AQUINO
Published: December 2021

Tintiyakus is a genus of Chevron Crickets and currently comprises three species with distributions in Colombia and Venezuela, restricted to Amazon rainforest environments between 200–400 m altitude. In this work a new species Tintiyakus lari sp. nov. for Serra da Mocidade is the first record of the genus for Brazil. A pictorial key for males of Tintiyakus species is provided.
A new synonym with a new species of Rhopalopsole (Plecoptera: Leuctridae) from China
Authors: YANG YU-BEN , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: December 2021

Recently, we reviewed the specimens of the genus Rhopalopsole Klapálek, 1912 we have collected and checked the holotype and paratypes of Rhopalopsole duyuzhoui Sivec & Harper, 2008. We present morphological evidence that R. duyuzhoui is a junior synonym of Rhopalopsole basinigra Yang & Yang, 1995, and that R. basiningra is a new distribution record to Guizhou Province, southwestern China. Additionally, a new species of this genus from Guizhou Province, Rhopalopsole dicondylica Yang & Du, sp. nov. is described and illustrated. The new species is compared to the similar species of this genus.
Papakū Makawalu and grounded theory: a combined and collective analysis for Hawai’i land stewardship—Honuaiākea
Authors: Kanahele-Mossman Huihui , Karides Marina
Published: December 2021

Kia’i (protectors) opposed to the building of a Thirty Meter Telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea, a profoundly sacred site and ecologically vital one, impeded its construction to date. The sanctity of Mauna Kea and its implications for Hawai’i’s sovereignty and land ownership are central to the struggle, yet what are the Indigenous ecological laws of Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) that ground opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope? To construct a land stewardship policy, the Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation leadership bridged Papakū Makawalu, a Kanaka Maoli methodology, with grounded theory. Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation leaders organized a series of events where experts collectively and individually merged the two methods to analyse chants. Our article presents a discussion of (a) the struggles over land use on Mauna Kea, (b) the processes for merging methodological traditions, and (c) reflections on Kīho’iho Kānāwai (restoring Kānāwai for Island Stewardship), the final document of Honuaiākea (Earth in Expanse).
Overt speech critically changes lateralization index and did not allow determination of hemispheric dominance for language: an fMRI study
Authors: Berro David Hassanein , Lemée Jean-Michel , Leiber Louis-Marie , Emery Evelyne , Menei Philippe , Ter Minassian Aram
Published: December 2021

Background

Pre-surgical mapping of language using functional MRI aimed principally to determine the dominant hemisphere. This mapping is currently performed using covert linguistic task in way to avoid motion artefacts potentially biasing the results. However, overt task is closer to natural speaking, allows a control on the performance of the task, and may be easier to perform for stressed patients and children. However, overt task, by activating phonological areas on both hemispheres and areas involved in pitch prosody control in the non-dominant hemisphere, is expected to modify the determination of the dominant hemisphere by the calculation of the lateralization index (LI).

Objective

Here, we analyzed the modifications in the LI and the interactions between cognitive networks during covert and overt speech task.

Methods

Thirty-three volunteers participated in this study, all but four were right-handed. They performed three functional sessions consisting of (1) covert and (2) overt generation of a short sentence semantically linked with an audibly presented word, from which we estimated the “Covert” and “Overt” contrasts, and a (3) resting-state session. The resting-state session was submitted to spatial independent component analysis to identify language network at rest (LANG), cingulo-opercular network (CO), and ventral attention network (VAN). The LI was calculated using the bootstrapping method.

Results

The LI of the LANG was the most left-lateralized (0.66 ± 0.38). The LI shifted from a moderate leftward lateralization for the Covert contrast (0.32 ± 0.38) to a right lateralization for the Overt contrast (− 0.13 ± 0.30). The LI significantly differed from each other. This rightward shift was due to the recruitment of right hemispheric temporal areas together with the nodes of the CO.

Conclusion

Analyzing the overt speech by fMRI allowed improvement in the physiological knowledge regarding the coordinated activity of the intrinsic connectivity networks. However, the rightward shift of the LI in this condition did not provide the basic information on the hemispheric language dominance. Overt linguistic task cannot be recommended for clinical purpose when determining hemispheric dominance for language.
Torsades de pointes in the PACU after outpatient endoscopy: a case report
Authors: Schaar Andrew , Liu Mark , Patzkowski Michael
Published: December 2021

Background

This case demonstrates the severe electrolyte derangements that may present after a common therapy such as a bowel preparation for an outpatient procedure and the rare yet potential detrimental outcomes of those abnormalities. It also highlights the implications of long QT syndrome regarding pharmacology and treatment.

Case presentation

We present a case of 48 year-old female with severe electrolyte derangements and long QT syndrome (LQTS) leading to Torsades de Pointes (TdP), pulseless ventricular fibrillation, and unsynchronized defibrillation in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) after uneventful upper and lower endoscopy. This led to an unanticipated intensive care unit admission for aggressive electrolyte repletion, cardiology consultation, and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement.

Conclusions

This is a rare presentation after an outpatient procedure that would have had a detrimental outcome if not promptly diagnosed and treated appropriately. Therefore, we aim to provide further insight into the diagnosis and treatment of severe hypokalemia and long QT syndrome resulting in Torsades de Pointes and ventricular fibrillation.
Concordance rate of a four-quadrant plot for repeated measurements
Authors: Hiraishi Mayu , Tanioka Kensuke , Shimokawa Toshio
Published: December 2021

Background

To assure the equivalence between new clinical measurement methods and the standard methods, the four-quadrant plot and the plot’s concordance rate is used in clinical practice, along with Bland-Altman analysis. The conventional concordance rate does not consider the correlation among the data on individual subjects, which may affect its proper evaluation.

Methods

We propose a new concordance rate for the four-quadrant plot based on multivariate normal distribution to take into account the covariance within each individual subject. The proposed concordance rate is formulated as the conditional probability of the agreement. It contains a parameter to set the minimum concordant number between two measurement methods, which is regarded as agreement. This parameter allows flexibility in the interpretation of the results.

Results

Through numerical simulations, the AUC value of the proposed method was 0.967, while that of the conventional concordance rate was 0.938. In the application to a real example, the AUC value of the proposed method was 0.999 and that of the conventional concordance rate was 0.964.

Conclusion

From the results of numerical simulations and a real example, the proposed concordance rate showed better accuracy and higher diagnosability than the conventional approaches.
Joint reconstruction framework of compressed sensing and nonlinear parallel imaging for dynamic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hu Zhanqi , Zhao Cailei , Zhao Xia , Kong Lingyu , Yang Jun , Wang Xiaoyan , Liao Jianxiang , Zhou Yihang
Published: December 2021

Compressed Sensing (CS) and parallel imaging are two promising techniques that accelerate the MRI acquisition process. Combining these two techniques is of great interest due to the complementary information used in each. In this study, we proposed a novel reconstruction framework that effectively combined compressed sensing and nonlinear parallel imaging technique for dynamic cardiac imaging. Specifically, the proposed method decouples the reconstruction process into two sequential steps: In the first step, a series of aliased dynamic images were reconstructed from the highly undersampled k-space data using compressed sensing; In the second step, nonlinear parallel imaging technique, i.e. nonlinear GRAPPA, was utilized to reconstruct the original dynamic images from the reconstructed k-space data obtained from the first step. In addition, we also proposed a tailored k-space down-sampling scheme that satisfies both the incoherent undersampling requirement for CS and the structured undersampling requirement for nonlinear parallel imaging. The proposed method was validated using four in vivo experiments of dynamic cardiac cine MRI with retrospective undersampling. Experimental results showed that the proposed method is superior at reducing aliasing artifacts and preserving the spatial details and temporal variations, compared with the competing k-t FOCUSS and k-t FOCUSS with sensitivity encoding methods, with the same numbers of measurements.
Diagnosis experiences from 50 hepatitis B patients in Chongqing, China: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhou Xiangxi , Zhang Fan , Ao Yongping , Lu Chunli , Li Tingting , Xu Xianglong , Zeng Huan
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to provide recommendations for reducing the impact of hepatitis B infection on patients with chronic hepatitis B by describing their experiences during the diagnosis process.

Methods

We conducted face-to-face interviews with 50 hepatitis B patients recruited by convenient sampling from an infectious diseases department of a teaching hospital in Chongqing, China from July to August 2019. Thematic analysis framework included interviewees’ social demographic characteristics, diagnosis approach, signs and symptoms before diagnosis, feelings after diagnosis, and doctor’s instructions.

Results

Most patients first detected hepatitis B through various types of physical examinations when the patients were asymptomatic or had only mild symptoms. Most patients were shocked, scared, or overwhelmed when they were diagnosed with hepatitis B. They were able to remember the doctor’s instructions about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but not impressed by the doctor’s advice about regular follow-up liver function tests. The lack of regular follow-up has caused irreversible damage to some patients.

Conclusions

Most patients are passively diagnosed with hepatitis B due to their lack of awareness on active hepatitis B prevention. Patients need professional mental health care to overcome the negative emotions that following the diagnosis. Physicians’ instruction should emphasize the importance of regular follow-up liver function tests in addition to a healthy lifestyle.
CircEAF2 counteracts Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progression via miR-BART19-3p/APC/β-catenin axis
Authors: Zhao Chen-xing , Yan Zi-xun , Wen Jing-jing , Fu Di , Xu Peng-peng , Wang Li , Cheng Shu , Hu Jian-da , Zhao Wei-li
Published: December 2021

Background

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) represents an important pathogenic factor of lymphoma and is significantly associated with poor clinical outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in lymphoma progression. However, the underlying mechanism of circRNA on DLBCL progression related to EBV remains largely unknown.

Methods

CircRNA was screened by high-throughput sequencing in tumor samples of 12 patients with DLBCL according to EBV infection status. Expression of circEAF2, as well as the relationship with clinical characteristics and prognosis, were further analyzed in tumor samples of 100 DLBCL patients using quantitative real-time PCR. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to investigate the biological functions of circEAF2 both in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism of circRNA on DLBCL progression were further determined by RNA sequencing, RNA pull down assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay, rescue experiments and western blotting.

Results

We identified a novel circRNA circEAF2, which was downregulated in EBV + DLBCL and negatively correlated with EBV infection and DLBCL progression. In EBV-positive B lymphoma cells, circEAF2 overexpression induced lymphoma cell apoptosis and sensitized lymphoma cells to epirubicin. As mechanism of action, circEAF2 specifically targeted EBV-encoded miR-BART19-3p, upregulated APC, and suppressed downstream β-catenin expression, resulting in inactivation of Wnt signaling pathway and inhibition of EBV + DLBCL cell proliferation. In EBV-positive B-lymphoma murine models, xenografted tumors with circEAF2 overexpression presented decreased Ki-67 positivity, increased cell apoptosis and retarded tumor growth.

Conclusions

CircEAF2 counteracted EBV + DLBCL progression via miR-BART19-3p/APC/β-catenin axis, referring circEAF2 as a potential prognostic biomarker. Therapeutic targeting EBV-encoded miRNA may be a promising strategy in treating EBV-associated lymphoid malignancies.
Cancer associated-fibroblast-derived exosomes in cancer progression
Authors: Li Chao , Teixeira Adilson Fonseca , Zhu Hong-Jian , ten Dijke Peter
Published: December 2021

To identify novel cancer therapies, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has received a lot of attention in recent years in particular with the advent of clinical successes achieved by targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The TME consists of multiple cell types that are embedded in the extracellular matrix (ECM), including immune cells, endothelial cells and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which communicate with cancer cells and each other during tumor progression. CAFs are a dominant and heterogeneous cell type within the TME with a pivotal role in controlling cancer cell invasion and metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis and chemotherapy resistance. CAFs mediate their effects in part by remodeling the ECM and by secreting soluble factors and extracellular vesicles. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain various biomolecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. The biomolecules in exosomes can be transmitted from one to another cell, and thereby affect the behavior of the receiving cell. As exosomes are also present in circulation, their contents can also be explored as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients. In this review, we concentrate on the role of CAFs-derived exosomes in the communication between CAFs and cancer cells and other cells of the TME. First, we introduce the multiple roles of CAFs in tumorigenesis. Thereafter, we discuss the ways CAFs communicate with cancer cells and interplay with other cells of the TME, and focus in particular on the role of exosomes. Then, we elaborate on the mechanisms by which CAFs-derived exosomes contribute to cancer progression, as well as and the clinical impact of exosomes. We conclude by discussing aspects of exosomes that deserve further investigation, including emerging insights into making treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade more efficient.
Development of islet organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells in a cross-linked collagen scaffold
Authors: Sandilya Shruti , Singh Shashi
Published: December 2021

Islets organoids would have value in the cell replacement therapy for diabetes apart from usual personalized drug screening routes. Generation of a large number of Islets like clusters, with ability to respond to glucose stimulation appears to be an ideal choice. In this study we have generated islet organoids with the ability to respond to glucose stimulation by insulin release. The source of the cells was an iPSC cell line differentiated into the pancreatic progenitors. These cells were assembled in matrigel or cross-linked collagen scaffold and compared for their efficacy to release insulin upon stimulation with glucose. The assembled organoids were examined by immunohistochemistry and expression of the relevant marker genes. The organoids showed expression of islet like markers in both - matrigel and crosslinked collagen scaffold. The islet organoids in both the cases showed release of insulin upon stimulation with glucose. The crosslinked collagen scaffold is quite stable and supports islet cells growth and function.
Learning our lesson: using past policies to improve digital and ethnic inequalities beyond the pandemic
Authors: Ramasawmy Mel , Poole Lydia , Banerjee Amitava
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities in the UK, raising questions about whether learning from the past few decades about the interplay between ethnicity and health inequalities has been effectively incorporated in current health policy. As digital health approaches, such as remote consultations and apps, become more widespread during and after the pandemic, it is important to ensure that these do not contribute to ‘widening the gap’. We highlight three areas in which existing knowledge and evidence can be translated into cross-sectoral action to avoid further ethnic and digital health inequalities: data and measurement, improved communication, and embedded equality impact.
How to make online mood-monitoring in bipolar patients a success? A qualitative exploration of requirements
Authors: Geerling B. , Kelders S. M. , Kupka R. W. , Stevens A. W. M. M. , Bohlmeijer E. T.
Published: December 2021

Background

The Life-Chart Method (LCM) is an effective self-management treatment option in bipolar disorder (BD). There is insufficient knowledge about the consumers’ needs and desires for an e-monitoring solution. The first step towards a new mood monitoring application is an extended inventory among consumers and professionals.

Methods

The aim of the current study was: to identify opinions about online mood monitoring of patients with BD and professionals and to identify preferences on design, technical features and options facilitating optimal use and implementation of online mood monitoring. This study used a qualitative design with focus-groups. Participants were recruited among patients and care providers. Three focus-groups were held with eight consumers and five professionals.

Results

The focus-group meetings reveal a shared consciousness of the importance of using the Life-Chart Method for online mood monitoring. There is a need for personalization, adjustability, a strict privacy concept, an adjustable graphic report, and a link to early intervention strategies in the design. Due to the fact that this is a qualitative study with a relative small number of participants, so it remains unclear whether the results are fully generalizable. We can’t rule out a selection bias.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of involving stakeholders in identifying a smartphone-based mood charting applications’ requirements. Personalization, adjustability, privacy, an adjustable graphic report, and a direct link to early intervention strategies are necessary requirements for a successful design. The results of this value specification are included in the follow-up of this project.
The practice of online assessment in an EFL context amidst COVID-19 pandemic: views from teachers
Authors: Ghanbari Nasim , Nowroozi Sima
Published: December 2021

For many years, technology has been applied to improve the quality of language learning and teaching. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the integration of technology in different language learning contexts. The sudden shift to online teaching faced educators with an array of challenges they had not experienced before. In particular, the teachers encountered many barriers with the online assessment of the students. To shed more light on what passed, following a qualitative mode of inquiry, the present study set out to find out how a group of 20 Iranian English language teachers at Persian Gulf University faced with the online assessment challenges posed by COVID-19. For this aim, the researchers conducted in-depth semi-structured retrospective interviews with the teachers at different times throughout the course. In addition, the teachers were asked to provide a narrative account of how they responded to the crisis. The analysis of the findings showed that after the shift to online assessment, the teachers initially faced with serious pedagogical, technical, administrative, and affective barriers, but as the course proceeded, they could adjust their practice with the new situation. However, the teachers recounted problems that still remained and negatively affected their practice. Overall, the study discusses that to improve the online assessment in the post-COVID-19 era several technological, pedagogical, and administrative measures should be taken into account. These would further improve the integration of the technology in the pedagogical context in the long run.
Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bisetegn Habtye , Eshetu Tegegne , Erkihun Yonas
Published: December 2021

Background

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by mainly Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma hematobium. The disease is very common in Africa including Ethiopia. Schistosoma mansoni is a major public health problem in Ethiopia especially among children. This review is aimed to indicate the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni among children at the national and regional levels.

Methods and material

The PRISMA guidelines were followed. An electronic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google search were carried out using key terms. Articles published from the proceeding of professional associations such as the Ethiopian medical laboratory association, the Ethiopian public health association, and annual national research conferences were also searched to find additional eligible studies. Data were extracted independently by two investigators, and cross-checked by a third reviewer. The quality of included studies was assessed using JBI quality assessment criteria. Data were extracted using Microsoft excel and finally analyzed using STATA version 12. The pooled prevalence was done using a random-effects model.

Result

Overall 49 studies involving 20,493 children (10,572 male and 9, 921 females) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection was 37.13% (95%CI:30.02–44.24). High heterogeneity was observed with I2 of 99.4%, P < 0.000. According to subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence was high in the SNNPR (41.49%: 95%CI: 19.52–63.46) followed by the Amhara region (41.11%: 95%CI: 30.41–51.8), the Tigray region (31.40%: 95%CI:11.72–51.09), and the Oromia region (28.98%: 95%CI: 18.85–39.1). Year from 2011 to 2015 contributed to the highest prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among children (46.31%: 95%:34.21–59.05).

Conclusion

This study revealed a 37.13% prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among children. This is an alert to improve and implement appropriate control strategies such as mass drug administration in Ethiopia.
Role of PET/CT in initial evaluation of lymphoma patients
Authors: Naguib Manar Mohamed , Botros Samer Malak , Louka Amir Louis , Hussein Rasha S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Accurate radiologic assessment of treatment response in lymphoma patients is important to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and consequently predict the relapse; the value of PET/CT for post-treatment prognosis prediction has been recently investigated. The aim of this study is to highlight the prognostic value of PET-CT metabolic volumetric parameters in the evaluation of lymphoma patients.

Results

Among the included 40 patients, post-treatment SUV, MTV, and TLG were significantly lower in a responsive group than the non-responsive group. % changes of all quantitative PET/CT parameters were significantly higher in the responsive group than the non-responsive group.

Conclusions

This study suggests that pre-treatment PET/CT quantitative measures (except baseline SUVmax) are not conclusive in the prediction of patient response to treatment; however, the ΔSUVmax, ΔMTV, and ΔTLG% from the baseline to the end of therapy could be used in predicting patient response to treatment, determining patient prognosis, and suggesting the relapse.
Two New Mutations in the CEL Gene Causing Diabetes and Hereditary Pancreatitis: How to Correctly Identify MODY8 Cases
Authors: El Jellas Khadija , Dušátková Petra , Haldorsen Ingfrid S , Molnes Janne , Tjora Erling , Johansson Bente B , Fjeld Karianne , Johansson Stefan , Průhová Štěpánka , Groop Leif , Löhr J Matthias , Njølstad Pål R , Molven Anders
Published: December 2021

Context

Maturity onset diabetes of the young, type 8 (MODY8) is associated with mutations in the CEL gene, which encodes the digestive enzyme carboxyl ester lipase. Several diabetes cases and families have in recent years been attributed to mutations in CEL without any functional or clinical evidence provided.

Objective

To facilitate correct MODY8 diagnostics, we screened 2 cohorts of diabetes patients and delineated the phenotype.

Methods

Young, lean Swedish and Finnish patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (352 cases, 406 controls) were screened for mutations in the CEL gene. We also screened 58 Czech MODY cases who had tested negative for common MODY genes. For CEL mutation-positive subjects, family history was recorded, and clinical investigations and pancreatic imaging performed.

Results

Two cases (1 Swedish and 1 Czech) with germline mutation in CEL were identified. Clinical and radiological investigations of these 2 probands and their families revealed dominantly inherited insulin-dependent diabetes, pancreatic exocrine dysfunction, and atrophic pancreas with lipomatosis and cysts. Notably, hereditary pancreatitis was the predominant phenotype in 1 pedigree. Both families carried single-base pair deletions in the proximal part of the CEL variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) region in exon 11. The mutations are predicted to lead to aberrant protein tails that make the CEL protein susceptible to aggregation.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of MODY8 requires a pancreatic exocrine phenotype and a deletion in the CEL VNTR in addition to dominantly inherited diabetes. CEL screening may be warranted also in families with hereditary pancreatitis of unknown genetic etiology.