bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning for prediction of population health costs
Authors: Drewe-Boss Philipp , Enders Dirk , Walker Jochen , Ohler Uwe
Published: February 2022

Background

Accurate prediction of healthcare costs is important for optimally managing health costs. However, methods leveraging the medical richness from data such as health insurance claims or electronic health records are missing.

Methods

Here, we developed a deep neural network to predict future cost from health insurance claims records. We applied the deep network and a ridge regression model to a sample of 1.4 million German insurants to predict total one-year health care costs. Both methods were compared to existing models with various performance measures and were also used to predict patients with a change in costs and to identify relevant codes for this prediction.

Results

We showed that the neural network outperformed the ridge regression as well as all considered models for cost prediction. Further, the neural network was superior to ridge regression in predicting patients with cost change and identified more specific codes.

Conclusion

In summary, we showed that our deep neural network can leverage the full complexity of the patient records and outperforms standard approaches. We suggest that the better performance is due to the ability to incorporate complex interactions in the model and that the model might also be used for predicting other health phenotypes.
Dental pulp stem cell-derived exosomes suppress M1 macrophage polarization through the ROS-MAPK-NFκB P65 signaling pathway after spinal cord injury
Authors: Liu Chao , Hu Fanqi , Jiao Genlong , Guo Yue , Zhou Pan , Zhang Yuning , Zhang Zhen , Yi Jing , You Yonggang , Li Zhizhong , Wang Hua , Zhang Xuesong
Published: February 2022

Stem cell-derived exosomes have recently been regarded as potential drugs for treating spinal cord injury (SCI) by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppressing M1 macrophage polarization. However, the roles of ROS and exosomes in the process of M1 macrophage polarization are not known. Herein, we demonstrated that ROS can induce M1 macrophage polarization and have a concentration-dependent effect. ROS can induce M1 macrophage polarization through the MAPK-NFκB P65 signaling pathway. Dental pulp stem cell (DPSC)-derived exosomes can reduce macrophage M1 polarization through the ROS-MAPK-NFκB P65 signaling pathway in treating SCI. This study suggested that DPSC-derived exosomes might be a potential drug for treating SCI. Disruption of the cycle between ROS and M1 macrophage polarization might also be a potential effective treatment by reducing secondary damage.

Graphical Abstract
Is it necessary to monitor the serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration on the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day among young women during the follicular-phase long protocol? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Liu Zhaozhao , Liu Manman , Li Jiaheng , Guan Yichun
Published: February 2022

Background

The normal physiological function of LH requires a certain concentration range, but because of pituitary desensitization, even on the day of HCG, endogenous levels of LH are low in the follicular-phase long protocol. Therefore, our study aimed to determine whether it is necessary to monitor serum LH concentrations on the day of HCG (LHHCG) and to determine whether there is an optimal LHHCG range to achieve the desired clinical outcome.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included 4502 cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019, in a single department. The main outcome measures included retrieved eggs, available embryos, and live birth rate.

Results

The LHHCG was divided into five groups: Group A (LH ≤ 0.5), Group B (0.5 IU/L < LH ≤ 1.2 IU/L), Group C (1.2 IU/L < LH ≤ 2.0 IU/L), Group D (2.0 IU/L < LH ≤ 5.0 IU/L), Group E (LH > 5 IU/L). In terms of the numbers of retrieved eggs (15.22 ± 5.66 vs. 13.54 ± 5.23 vs. 12.90 ± 5.05 vs. 12.30 ± 4.88 vs. 9.6 ± 4.09), diploid fertilized oocytes (9.85 ± 4.70 vs. 8.69 ± 4.41 vs. 8.39 ± 4.33 vs. 7.78 ± 3.96 vs. 5.92 ± 2.78), embryos (7.90 ± 4.48 vs. 6.83 ± 4.03 vs. 6.44 ± 3.88 vs. 6.22 ± 3.62 vs. 4.40 ± 2.55), and high-quality embryos (4.32 ± 3.71 vs. 3.97 ± 3.42 vs. 3.76 ± 3.19 vs. 3.71 ± 3.04 vs. 2.52 ± 2.27), an increase in the LHHCG level showed a trend of a gradual decrease. However, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes among the groups (66.67% vs. 64.33% vs. 63.21% vs. 64.48% vs. 63.33%). By adjusting for confounding factors, with an increase in LHHCG, the number of retrieved eggs decreased (OR: -0.351 95%CI − 0.453-[− 0.249]).

Conclusion

In the follicular-phase long protocol among young women, monitoring LHHCG is recommended in the clinical guidelines to obtain the ideal number of eggs.
Assessment and validation of the internal gross tumour volume of gastroesophageal junction cancer during simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy
Authors: Shi Jinming , Tang Yuan , Li Ning , Song Yongwen , Wang Shulian , Liu Yueping , Fang Hui , Lu Ningning , Tang Yu , Qi Shunan , Chen Bo , Li Yexiong , Liu Wenyang , Jin Jing
Published: February 2022

Background

Respiratory motion may introduce errors during radiotherapy. This study aims to assess and validate internal gross tumour volume (IGTV) margins in proximal and distal borders of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumours during simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy.

Methods

We enrolled 10 patients in group A and 9 patients in group B. For all patients, two markers were placed at the upper and lower borders of the tumour before treatment. In group A, within the simulation and every 5 fractions of radiotherapy, we used 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) to record the intrafractional displacement of the proximal and distal markers. By fusing the average image of each repeated 4DCT with the simulation image based on the lumbar vertebra, the interfractional displacement could be obtained. We calculated the IGTV margin in the proximal and distal borders of the GEJ tumour. In group B, by referring to the simulation images and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, the range of tumour displacement in proximal and distal borders of GEJ tumour was estimated. We calculated the proportion of marker displacement range in group B lay within the IGTV margin calculated based on the data obtained in group A to estimate the accuracy of the IGTV margin.

Results

The intrafractional displacement in the cranial–caudal (CC) direction was significantly larger than that in the anterior–posterior (AP) and left–right (LR) directions for both the proximal and distal markers of the tumour. The interfractional displacement in the AP and LR directions was larger than that in the CC direction (p = 0.001, p = 0.017) based on the distal marker. The IGTV margins in the LR, AP and CC directions were 9 mm, 8.5 mm and 12.1 mm for the proximal marker and 15.8 mm, 12.7 mm and 11.5 mm for the distal marker, respectively. In group B, the proportions of markers that located within the IGTV margin in the LR, AP and CC directions were 96.5%, 91.3% and 96.5% for the proximal marker and 100%, 96.5%, 93.1% for the distal marker, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study proposed individualized IGTV margins for proximal and distal borders of GEJ tumours during neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The IGTV margin determined in this study was acceptable. This margin could be a reference in clinical practice.
Psychological factors associated with foot and ankle pain: a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Cotchett Matthew , Frescos Nicoletta , Whittaker Glen A. , Bonanno Daniel R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Foot and ankle pain is common, and generally viewed through a biomedical lens rather than applying a biopsychosocial model. The objectives of this review were to evaluate: (1) the psychosocial characteristics of participants with foot/ankle pain compared to participants without foot/ankle pain; (2) the association between psychosocial factors with pain and function in people with foot/ankle pain; and (3) understand the psychosocial factors associated with the lived experience of foot/ankle pain.

Methods

A mixed methods systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews. The databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsychInfo, and Scopus were searched. The Mixed Methods Assessment Tool was used to evaluate study quality. A convergent segregated approach was used to synthesise and integrate quantitative and qualitative data.

Results

Eighteen studies were included, consisting of 13 quantitative, 4 qualitative and 1 mixed methods study. The overall quality of the studies was considered high. Integration of the quantitative and qualitative data were not possible due to the disparate nature of the included studies. A narrative synthesis of the quantitative data revealed that negative emotional and cognitive factors were more common in people with foot/ankle pain compared to those without foot/ankle pain. A significant association was also found between emotional distress with foot pain and foot function in some people with plantar heel pain. In addition, kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising were significantly associated with impaired foot function, and pain catastrophising was significantly associated with first step pain in people with plantar heel pain. The qualitative data revealed emotional impacts, physical challenges, and a loss of self which was individual and unpredictable.

Conclusions

This review provides evidence that negative psychological constructs are greater in participants with foot/ankle pain compared to those without foot/ankle pain, although the cross‐sectional nature of the study designs included in this review reduces the certainty of the evidence. These findings indicate that psychological constructs are associated with foot/ankle pain. Further research should evaluate the predictive ability of multidimensional screening tools to identify patients at risk of developing persistent foot/ankle pain.
Stage IA1 HPV-associated cervical squamous cell carcinoma metastasizing to ovary by special pathway: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaobo , Wang Huan , Shen Danhua
Published: February 2022

Background

As the leading cancer of the female reproductive tract, it is not uncommon for human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated cervical squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-CSCC) to metastasize to pelvic organs and lymph nodes in advanced stages. However, herein, we present a rare case in which superficial invasive HPV-CSCC metastasized to the unilateral ovary as a large mass by spreading directly through the endometrium and fallopian tubes and lymph-vascular space invasion. The case is so unexpected that the misdiagnosis most likely could be proceeded as a primary ovarian cancer.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old postmenopausal woman presented vaginal bleeding for more than 4 months, never received hormonal treatment and had no family history of malignant diseases. Routine ultrasound revealed a 12 × 10 × 10 cm right ovarian mass. Intraoperative frozen section was diagnosed as a borderline Brenner tumour with local highly suspected invasive carcinoma. Accordingly, omentectomy surgery then occurred. Unbelievably, by observation under a microscope, immunohistochemistrial staining, and HPV RNA scope, we found that the carcinoma originated from the uterine cervix. In the uterine cervix, stage IA1 superficial invasive squamous carcinoma was found, and the carcinoma directly spread to the endometrium and bilateral fallopian tube, was planted into the right ovary and eventually grew as a large mass. Moreover, lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) was also discovered. To date, the patient has been given 6 cycles of chemotherapy and has experienced no recurrence.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of superficial invasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma metastasizing to the ovary is very challenging for pathological doctors, especially in intraoperative consultations.
Detection of plasma Aβ seeding activity by a newly developed analyzer for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jia Jianping , Li Tingting , Yang Jianwei , Chen Baian , Qin Wei , Wei Cuibai , Song Yang , Wang Qigeng , Li Yan , Jia Longfei
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma β-amyloid (Aβ) seeding activity measured using a newly developed instrument to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from other forms of dementia.

Methods

Seventy-nine AD patients, 64 non-AD dementia (NADD) patients, and 75 cognitively normal (NC) subjects were recruited in the study. To measure the levels of Aβ seeding activity in the plasma samples, we have developed an AD-seeds protein analyzer. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to quantify the ability of plasma Aβ seeding activity to distinguish between AD and NADD or NC individuals. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine the associations between plasma Aβ seeding activity and global cognitive function or conventional AD biomarkers.

Results

The Aβ seeding activities were 0.83 (0.58–1.16) A.U. in AD, 0.42 (0.04–0.74) A.U. in NADD and 0.42 (0.09–0.69) A.U. in NC, respectively. The Aβ seeding activity was able to identify AD patients and distinguish them from NC or NADD with high accuracy (AUC = 0.85–0.86). In addition, the plasma Aβ seeding activity showed a strong correlation with cognitive performance (mini-mental state examination, r = − 0.188; Montreal cognitive assessment, r = − 0.189; clinical dementia rating, r = 0.205) and conventional biomarkers (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] Aβ42/40, r = -0.227; CSF T-tau/Aβ42, r = 0.239; CSF P-tau/Aβ42, r = 0.259).

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that plasma Aβ seeding activity is an antibody-free and low-cost biomarker for the diagnosis of AD.

Trial registration

Trial registration number NCT04850053
Dimethyl fumarate decreases short-term but not long-term inflammation in a focal EAE model of neuroinflammation
Authors: Vainio S. K. , Dickens A. M. , Matilainen M. , López-Picón F. R. , Aarnio R. , Eskola O. , Solin O. , Anthony D. C. , Rinne J. O. , Airas L. , Haaparanta-Solin M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an oral immunomodulatory drug used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here, we sought to study whether the effect of DMF can be detected using positron emission tomography (PET) targeting the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in the focal delayed-type hypersensitivity rat model of multiple sclerosis (fDTH-EAE). The rats were treated orally twice daily from lesion activation (day 0) with either vehicle (tap water with 0.08% Methocel, 200 µL; control group n = 4 (3 after week four)) or 15 mg/kg DMF (n = 4) in 0.08% aqueous Methocel (200 µL) for 8 weeks. The animals were imaged by PET using the TSPO tracer [18F]GE-180 in weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 18 following lesion activation, and the non-displaceable binding potential (BPND) was calculated. Immunohistochemical staining for Iba1, CD4, and CD8 was performed in week 18, and in separate cohorts of animals, following 2 or 4 weeks of treatment.

Results

Using the fDTH-EAE model, DMF reduced the [18F]GE-180 BPND in the DMF-treated animals compared to control animals after 1 week of treatment (two-tailed unpaired t test, p = 0.031), but not in weeks 2, 4, 8, or 18 when imaged in vivo by PET. Immunostaining for Iba1 showed that DMF had no effect on the perilesional volume or the core lesion volume after 2 or 4 weeks of treatment, or at 18 weeks. However, the optical density (OD) measurements of CD4+ staining showed reduced OD in the lesions of the treated rats.

Conclusions

DMF reduced the microglial activation in the fDTH-EAE model after 1 week of treatment, as detected by PET imaging of the TSPO ligand [18F]GE-180. However, over an extended time course, reduced microglial activation was not observed using [18F]GE-180 or by immunohistochemistry for Iba1+ microglia/macrophages. Additionally, DMF did affect the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes at the fDTH-EAE lesion.
A glycolysis-related two-gene risk model that can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Liu Zhentao , Zhou Xin , Lu Yongqu , Yao Yanhong , Wang Wendong , Lu Siyi , Wang Bingyan , Li Fei , Fu Wei
Published: February 2022

Background

Aerobic glycolysis is an emerging hallmark of cancer. Although some studies have constructed glycolysis-related prognostic models of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, whether the COAD glycolysis-related prognostic model is appropriate for distinguishing the prognosis of rectal adenocarcinoma (READ) patients remains unknown. Exploring critical and specific glycolytic genes related to READ prognosis may help us discover new potential therapeutic targets for READ patients.

Results

Three gene sets, HALLMARK_GLYCOLYSIS, REACTOME_GLYCOLYSIS and REACTOME_REGULATION_OF_GLYCOLYSIS_BY_FRUCTOSE_2_6_BISPHOSPHATE_METABOLISM, were both significantly enriched in both COAD and READ through glycolysis-related gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We found that six genes (ANKZF1, STC2, SUCLG2P2, P4HA1, GPC1 and PCK1) were independent prognostic genes in COAD, while TSTA3 and PKP2 were independent prognostic genes in READ. Glycolysis-related prognostic model of COAD and READ was, respectively, constructed and assessed in COAD and READ. We found that the glycolysis-related prognostic model of COAD was not appropriate for READ, while glycolysis-related prognostic model of READ was more appropriate for READ than for COAD. PCA and t-SNE analysis confirmed that READ patients in two groups (high and low risk score groups) were distributed in discrete directions based on the glycolysis-related prognostic model of READ. We found that this model was an independent prognostic indicator through multivariate Cox analysis, and it still showed robust effectiveness in different age, gender, M stage, and TNM stage. A nomogram combining the risk model of READ with clinicopathological characteristics was established to provide oncologists with a practical tool to evaluate the rectal cancer outcomes. GO enrichment and KEGG analyses confirmed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in several glycolysis-related molecular functions or pathways based on glycolysis-related prognostic model of READ.

Conclusions

We found that a glycolysis-related prognostic model of COAD was not appropriate for READ, and we established a novel glycolysis-related two-gene risk model to effectively predict the prognosis of rectal cancer patients.
A novel LARGE1-AFF2 fusion expanding the molecular alterations associated with the methylation class of neuroepithelial tumors with PATZ1 fusions
Authors: Tauziède-Espariat Arnault , Chotard Guillaume , le Loarer François , Baud Jessica , Azmani Rihab , Dangouloff-Ros Volodia , Boddaert Nathalie , Icher-de-Bouyn Céline , Gimbert Edouard , Hasty Lauren , Métais Alice , Chrétien Fabrice , Varlet Pascale ,   on behalf of the the RENOCLIP-LOC
Published: February 2022

A novel DNA methylation class of tumor within the central nervous system, the "neuroepithelial tumor (NET),PATZ1fusion-positive” has recently been identified in the literature, characterized byEWSR1- andMN1-PATZ1fusions. The cellular origin of this tumor type remains unknown, wavering between glioneuronal or mesenchymal (as round cell sarcomas withEWSR1-PATZ1of the soft tissue). Because of the low number of reported cases, this tumor type will not be added to the 2021 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Herein, we report one case of a CNS tumor classified by DNA methylation analysis as NET-PATZ1but harboring a novelLARGE1-AFF2fusion which has until now never been described in soft tissue or the CNS.We compare its clinical, histopathological, immunophenotypical, and genetic features with those previously described in NET-PATZ1. Interestingly, the current case presented histopathological (astroblastoma-like features, glioneuronal phenotype), clinical (with a favorable course), genetic (1p loss), and epigenetic (DNA-methylation profiling) similarities to previously reported cases of NET-PATZ1. Our results added data suggesting that different histomolecular tumor subtypes seem to be included within the methylation class “NET,PATZ1fusion-positive”, including nonPATZ1fusions, and that further cases are needed to better characterize them.
Latitudinal and interhemispheric differences of the ionospheric semi-diurnal lunitidal perturbations during the 2009 Arctic sudden stratospheric warming event in the eastern Asia–Australia sector
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Donghe , Sun Shuji , Hao Yongqiang , Xiao Zuo
Published: February 2022

The ionosphere exhibits some characteristic perturbations during sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events, of which the mechanism is not thoroughly understood. This study focuses on the latitudinal and interhemispheric differences of the enhanced semi-diurnal lunitidal (M2) perturbations related to SSW using total electron content calculated from the network of Global Navigation Satellite System and ionosonde data in the eastern Asia–Australia sector during the January 2009 SSW. Our results show that the most distinct M2 perturbations in the northern and southern hemispheres occur near the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly crest regions around ± 15° geomagnetic latitudes, but corresponds to different moon phases, respectively. Clear M2 perturbations extend to middle latitudes only in the southern hemisphere and have another local maximum in the southern middle latitude. Such latitudinal and interhemispheric features of ionospheric M2 perturbations in the low latitude in the eastern Asia–Australia sector are similar as those in the American sector during the same SSW event. This supports previous suggestion that such latitudinal and interhemispheric differences in the low latitude can be primarily explained by the summer–winter thermospheric wind modulation on equatorial plasma fountain and thus emphasize its role in the vertical coupling process of M2 perturbation. The clear differences of M2 perturbations in the southern middle latitude between the eastern Asia–Australia and American sectors indicate that the thermospheric circulation related to the Weddell Sea Anomaly may have influence on the lower atmosphere–ionosphere coupling.

Graphical Abstract
Wasting and associated factors among critically ill children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit in Ethiopia
Authors: Teshager Nahom Worku , Amare Ashenafi Tazebew , Tamirat Koku Sisay , Zemene Melkamu Aderajew
Published: February 2022

Background

Nutritional problems are increasingly associated with acute infections. It is also related to further complications of illnesses and poor treatment outcomes of medical conditions. This study aimed to assess wasting and associated factors among critically ill children admitted to intensive care units at the time of admission.

Methods

An institution-based prospective observational study was employed among children admitted to pediatric intensive care of the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from February 1, 2018, to July 30, 2019. Data about socio-demographic, clinical, and anthropometric measurements were taken from children at the time of admission and length of hospital stay and treatment-related data were collected by chart review at discharge. Summary measures were computed and presented in the form of text, tables, and graphs. Ap-value of less than 0.2 was used to select candidate variables for multivariable analysis. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with wasting. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated and variables with a p-value less than 0.05 in the multi-variable analysis were considered to declare factors associated with wasting.

Results

The median age at admission was 48 (IQR: 12 to 122) months. Of the total admitted children to ICU, 47.97% were undernourished, of which 32% (95%CI: (26.8% to 37.4%) were severely wasted. Caregivers who had no formal education (AOR=4.43, 95%CI 1.62 12.10), transferred from wards (AOR=2.98, 95%CI: 1.02 8.69), duration of illness ≥6 days before health facility visit (AOR=2.14, 95%CI: 1.22 3.72) and comorbidity (AOR=6.85, 95%CI: 2.93 16.05) were statistically significant factors associated with wasting.

Conclusion

Wasting was high among children admitted to the intensive care unit. No formal education, transferred from wards and operation rooms, longer duration of illness before health facility visits, and comorbidity were factors associated with wasting. Wasted patients had higher mortality as compared to patients with no wasting. A multicenter study with larger sample size is recommended for a more generalizable result.
How one block of trials influences the next: persistent effects of disease prevalence and feedback on decisions about images of skin lesions in a large online study
Authors: Wolfe Jeremy M.
Published: February 2022

Using an online, medical image labeling app, 803 individuals rated images of skin lesions as either "melanoma" (skin cancer) or "nevus" (a skin mole). Each block consisted of 80 images. Blocks could have high (50%) or low (20%) target prevalence and could provide full, accurate feedback or no feedback. As in prior work, with feedback, decision criteria were more conservative at low prevalence than at high prevalence and resulted in more miss errors. Without feedback, this low prevalence effect was reversed (albeit, not significantly). Participants could participate in up to four different conditions a day on each of 6 days. Our main interest was in the effect of Block N on Block N + 1. Low prevalence with feedback made participants more conservative on a subsequent block. High prevalence with feedback made participants more liberal on a subsequent block. Conditions with no feedback had no significant impact on the subsequent block. The delay between Blocks 1 and 2 had no significant effect. The effect on the second half of Block 2 was just as large as on the first half. Medical expertise (over the range available in the study) had no impact on these effects, though medical students were better at the task than other groups. Overall, these seem to be robust effects where feedback may be 'teaching' participants how to respond in the future. This might have application in, for example, training or re-training situations.
Serological investigation of low pathogenic avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus antibodies in Japanese quails, 30 village weavers and one laughing dove in two states of Nigeria
Authors: Adebiyi Adebowale I. , Gamra Olushola , Jubril Afusat , Oluwayelu Daniel O.
Published: February 2022

Background

In spite of efforts to control avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) over decades, circulation of the viral causative agents among domestic and feral birds is considered implicated factors for the intermittent outbreaks of AI and ND among domesticated birds as well as commercial poultry flocks in Nigeria. In this study, sera from domestic (Japanese quails) and peri-domestic birds including laughing dove and village weavers were screened for antibodies to low pathogenic AI virus (LPAIV) and ND virus (NDV).

Methods

A competitive ELISA was used to detect anti-AI virus antibodies in the sera of 101 unvaccinated Japanese quails, 30 village weavers and one laughing dove caught for human consumption in Oyo and Osun states, Nigeria. Hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibodies against LPAIV were then detected in the ELISA-positive sera using H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 subtype-specific antigens. Also, antibodies to NDV were detected and quantified in the sera using HI test.

Results

Seroprevalence of NDV antibodies from tested quail sera was 12.9% (13/101), while AI was 18.8% (19/101) with detection of anti-LPAIV H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 antibodies. The laughing dove serum was positive for NDV and anti-LPAIV H9N7 antibodies while all sera from village weavers had no detectable LPAIV antibodies, but 26.7% (8/30) were positive for NDV antibodies.

Conclusions

This study provides serologic evidence of infection with LPAIV H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 as well as Newcastle disease in domestic and peri-domestic birds in southwest Nigeria and highlights the potential role of these birds in the epidemiology of AI and ND.
Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis of hip: establishing and validating diagnostic criteria in the Southeast Asian population
Authors: Man Lok-chun , Yeung Yip-kan , Ho Sheung-tung , Chiu Ming-yu , Pan Nin-yuan
Published: February 2022

Background

The study aimed to establish quantitative diagnostic criteria for rapidly progressive osteoarthritis (RPOA) of the hip and to compare the criteria with those for other pathological hip entities in the Asian population.

Methods

From July 2011 to September 2019, 126 patients who had undergone hip replacement were retrospectively recruited from a fast-track joint replacement list. Patient demographics and radiological parameters were evaluated. Diagnosis of hip RPOA was established based on Lequesne et al’s criteria. The patients with RPOA, hip dysplasia, avascular necrosis, and primary osteoarthritis were allocated to the corresponding groups separately and compared. The diagnostic criteria of RPOA were established and validated in the sample population.

Results

Diagnosis of hip RPOA was confirmed in 18 patients. Their mean age at surgery (72 years) was significantly higher in this group than in the dysplasia and avascular necrosis groups. The mean pelvic tilt parameter (0.485) of RPOA group was significantly lower than those of other groups. The mean initial Tonnis angle (8.35°) of RPOA group was significantly higher than those of avascular necrosis and osteoarthritis groups. The differences were statistically significant between RPOA and non-RPOA groups in limb shortening rate, superior joint space narrowing, acetabular destruction, and head destruction (P < 0.05). Tonnis angle and lateral subluxation also increased significantly during the disease progression.

Conclusion

Posterior pelvic tilt and increased Tonnis angle may contribute to the pathogenesis of RPOA, leading to progressive acquired acetabular obliquity and lateral subluxation. We propose the modern comprehensive diagnostic criteria be based on the existing literature and the current findings. Further external validation is recommended.
Short-term impact of COVID-19 infection on right ventricular functions: single center observational study
Authors: Rifaie Osama , Reda Ahmed , Hatata Ahmed , Gamal Amr , Abdelmonaem Mostafa
Published: February 2022

Background

COVID-19 pandemic is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular insult is a leading cause of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients, especially right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and massive pulmonary embolism. This study aims to assess short-term impact of COVID 19 infection on (RV) functions among hospitalized patients with moderate or severe illness using bed side trans-thoracic echocardiogram. This study was conducted in 3 isolation hospitals in Cairo, spanning over 3 months during the expected pandemic peak in Egypt in 2020. The study recruited 100 consecutive patients with moderate or severe COVID-19 infection. Four patients refused to participate in the study. Patients with pre-existing structural heart diseases were excluded. All patients underwent full history taking and clinical examination. Bed side echocardiography was done emphasizing on (RV), and (RA) dimensions, (LV) functions and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PSAS). Cardiac biomarkers were withdrawn and CT angiography was ordered when clinically warranted.

Results

The mean age of the studied cohort was 59.5 ± 8.6 years with males comprising 71.9% of the studied group. (RV) and (RA) dilatation was noted in 8 cases (8.3%). (LV) dysfunction was noted in 11 cases (11.4%). (PASP) showed a statistically significant negative correlation with (LV) function. However, (PSAP) was positively correlated to (RA) and (RV) dimensions, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) jet severity, previous COVID infection and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Mortality was noted in 3 cases (3.1%), all had LV dysfunction with elevated troponin level. Six patients (6.2%) had combined (LV) and (RV) dysfunction.

Conclusions

COVID-19 illness had a negative impact on (RV) and (LV) functions, that could be assessed accurately by trans-thoracic 2 D echocardiogram. The degree of ventricular dysfunction correlated with the rise in cardiac biomarkers as well as the degree of (PASP).
Anxiety and depression among vaccinated anesthesia and intensive care doctors during COVID-19 pandemic in United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rizk Dalia Nagui , Abo Ghanima Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had an impact on frontline healthcare workers’ (HCW) mental health as they experienced depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. There is a need to investigate the impact on anesthesia and intensive care doctors (ICU), especially after the rise of vaccination. Anesthesia and ICU doctors are among the frontline HCW dealing with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients. Their job puts them at risk of developing psychological disorders because of the daily stress. The aim of the current study was to assess factors affecting anxiety and depression among vaccinated anesthesia and ICU doctors working in United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study targeting vaccinated anesthesia and ICU doctors in UAE was conducted during March 2021. Data were collected using an online questionnaire uploaded to Google Forms including two sections; the first section included question assessing personal data, professional background data, previous COVID-19 diagnosis, and type of vaccine received. The second section of the questionnaire included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of different factors with anxiety and depression. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

Significantly higher anxiety (46%) and depression (53.6%) were associated with the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine. The lowest anxiety (23.9%) and depression (21.6%) scores were related to the Sinopharm vaccine. Anxiety was significantly higher for participants previously diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR = 2.55), and depression was lower for those who deal with COVID-19-positive patients (AOR = 0.28). Anesthesiologists had significantly lower anxiety and depression than those specialized in both anesthesia and ICU (AOR = 0.32 and 0.51)

Conclusions

Previous diagnosis with COVID-19, female gender, and medical comorbidities were associated with high rates of symptoms of anxiety and depression among anesthesia and ICU doctors. Regular monitoring of the mental health impact of COVID-19, especially after the availability of different vaccines, is recommended.
An essential function for autocrine hedgehog signaling in epithelial proliferation and differentiation in the trachea
Authors: Yin Wenguang , Liontos Andreas , Koepke Janine , Ghoul Maroua , Mazzocchi Luciana , Liu Xinyuan , Lu Chunyan , Wu Haoyu , Fysikopoulos Athanasios , Sountoulidis Alexandros , Seeger Werner , Ruppert Clemens , Günther Andreas , Stainier Didier Y. R. , Samakovlis Christos
Published: February 2022

The tracheal epithelium is a primary target for pulmonary diseases as it provides a conduit for air flow between the environment and the lung lobes. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying airway epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation remain poorly understood. Hedgehog (HH) signaling orchestrates communication between epithelial and mesenchymal cells in the lung, where it modulates stromal cell proliferation, differentiation and signaling back to the epithelium. Here, we reveal a previously unreported autocrine function of HH signaling in airway epithelial cells. Epithelial cell depletion of the ligand sonic hedgehog (SHH) or its effector smoothened (SMO) causes defects in both epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. In cultured primary human airway epithelial cells, HH signaling inhibition also hampers cell proliferation and differentiation. Epithelial HH function is mediated, at least in part, through transcriptional activation, as HH signaling inhibition leads to downregulation of cell type-specific transcription factor genes in both the mouse trachea and human airway epithelial cells. These results provide new insights into the role of HH signaling in epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation during airway development.
Notch signaling regulates neural stem cell quiescence entry and exit in Drosophila
Authors: Sood Chhavi , Justis Virginia T. , Doyle Susan E. , Siegrist Sarah E.
Published: February 2022

Stem cells enter and exit quiescence as part of normal developmental programs and to maintain tissue homeostasis in adulthood. Although it is clear that stem cell intrinsic and extrinsic cues, local and systemic, regulate quiescence, it remains unclear whether intrinsic and extrinsic cues coordinate to control quiescence and how cue coordination is achieved. Here, we report that Notch signaling coordinates neuroblast intrinsic temporal programs with extrinsic nutrient cues to regulate quiescence in Drosophila. When Notch activity is reduced, quiescence is delayed or altogether bypassed, with some neuroblasts dividing continuously during the embryonic-to-larval transition. During embryogenesis before quiescence, neuroblasts express Notch and the Notch ligand Delta. After division, Delta is partitioned to adjacent GMC daughters where it transactivates Notch in neuroblasts. Over time, in response to intrinsic temporal cues and increasing numbers of Delta-expressing daughters, neuroblast Notch activity increases, leading to cell cycle exit and consequently, attenuation of Notch pathway activity. Quiescent neuroblasts have low to no active Notch, which is required for exit from quiescence in response to nutrient cues. Thus, Notch signaling coordinates proliferation versus quiescence decisions.
O papel do Supremo Tribunal Federal na intermediação dos conflitos federativos no contexto da Covid-19
Authors: Leoni Fernanda
Published: February 2022

O presente artigo avalia as tendências decisórias manifestadas pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal com relação aos conflitos entre entes federativos ocasionados ou majorados pelo contexto da pandemia do Covid-19. O objetivo é avaliar se esse novo cenário impactou a jurisprudência do tribunal, considerada centralista na análise desses conflitos, no sentido de privilegiar a União em eventuais embates com outros entes federativos. Para tanto, foi realizada uma breve revisão de literatura sobre o modelo federalista nacional e o papel do Supremo Tribunal Federal nesse panorama, seguida da análise de ações de controle concentrado envolvendo o tema, distribuídas no período de um ano de pandemia. Os dados analisados revelam que apesar de algumas decisões privilegiando o papel das demais unidades federativas, não se visualizou uma mudança efetiva de tendência decisória por parte do Supremo Tribunal Federal no período de pandemia.
A pandemia e o futuro do federalismo brasileiro
Authors: Grin Eduardo José , Araújo Fernandes Antônio Sérgio , Ianni Segatto Catarina , Carvalho Teixeira Marco Antônio , Ferreira Marques do Nascimento Alex Bruno , Chies Schommer Paula
Published: February 2022

Esta edição especial visa a analisar a crise federativa no Brasil que foi instalada no país durante o enfrentamento da pandemia da Covid-19. Buscou-se trazer estudos e reflexões focadas em explicar essa crise, bem como apontar saídas encontradas pelos entes federados diante dos problemas enfrentados, além de sugerir perspectivas para o estudo do federalismo.
Evaluation of different types of feline blood groups in cats of Isfahan, Iran
Authors: NAJAFABADI ES , KARIMI-DEHKORDI M , DEHKORDI MJ
Published: February 2022

There is a high demand for pet veterinary care due to the increasing tendency to keep pets in Iranian households. These include blood transfusions because incompatible blood groups can lead to some negative effects such as isoerythrolysis in cats. This study was the first attempt to evaluate the distribution of blood type of cats in Iran. Blood samples were collected from 63 domestic short hair cats in Isfahan, Iran and blood groups were determined by the kit card agglutination method (Rapid Vet-H IC Feline kits, Agrolabo, Scarmagno, Italy). According to the results, the frequency of blood types of A, B, and AB were 96.8%, 3.2%, and 0%, respectively. Card agglutination method is a fast method with high validity. Therefore, it is recommended for determining blood types in donor and recipient in veterinary hospitals and breeding centers.
Diversity and prevalence of Eimeria species in goats of Nepal
Authors: GHIMIRE TR , ADHIKARI RB , BHATTARAI N
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Eimeria and identify its different species in adult goats brought to the Kathmandu valley, Nepal, for commercial meat purposes. Eimeria spp. were present in 916 samples out of 991 examined samples (92.4%). A total of 15 different morphologic forms of Eimeria were detected, with the prevalence rates as follows: E. ninakohlyakimovae (83.0%), E. alijevi (75.2%), E. capralis (75.2%), E. masseyensis (67.2%), E. hirci larger form (63.2%), E. tunisiensis (47.3%), E. charlestoni (33.0%), E. jolchejevi larger form (32.4%), E. arloingi (32.4%), E. caprina (19.3%), E. aspheronica (16.5%), E. jolchejevi smaller form (13.5%), E. christenseni (9.4%), E. hirci smaller form (9.4%), and E. caprovina (8.1%). The current data support the fact that Eimeria species are predominant in adult populations. Therefore, coprologic diagnosis and anticoccidial treatments should be implemented in these populations before their transport to new sites to avoid the transmission.
The effects of cGnRH on gonadotropin secretion and hatching traits in Japanese quail
Authors: ÇIFTCI HB , AYGÜN A
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of chicken Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone-I (cGnRH-I) on male fertility potential. Male and female quails were placed in cages(1 male and 5 females) and devoted into four experimental groups: a) control  group - no injection, b) negative control group - 200 μl standard saline was injected, c) 5μg cGnRH group - 5μg cGnRH-I was injected and d) 20μg cGnRH group - 20μg cGnRH-I was injected. Each group was consisting of scattered six cages. In each cage only males were subcutaneously injected under the wing (3 injections - 1 week apart from each other). A fourth injection was administered at the end of egg collection and one hour later blood was collected and serum concentrations of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), prolactin and testosterone were measured. Egg fertility, hatchability and weekly egg production per hen were also measured. Injection of cGnRH-I did not increase pituitary gonadotropin secretion (LH or FSH); however, serum LH concentration non-significantly reduced in negative control group. A significant decrease in serum testosterone concentration was observed in negative control group compared to 20 μg cGnRH injected group. Fertility and hatchability of total set eggs were lower in negative control group compared to other groups. Egg production in control group was significantly decreased, probably due to the non-significant suppression of prolactin. Embryonic mortality (hatchability of fertile eggs) non-significantly increased in control and negative control groups compared to GnRH injected groups. It seems that cGnRH has a positive effect on fertility and hatchability; however, more studies are needed with older males to confirm our findings.
Genetic parameter estimates of chick quality, growth, and carcass characteristics in Japanese quail
Authors: NARINÇ D , AYDEMIR E
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to estimate the heritabilities of chick quality and growth traits and their genetic relationships with some slaughter traits. Chick quality was determined using both Tona and Pasgar score methods. All birds were slaughtered at 8 weeks of age to measure carcass yield (CY), and percentage of breast (BY), leg (LY), wing (WY), abdominal fat (AFY). Heritability estimates for chick quality scores of Tona and Pasgar were found 0.08, and 0.09, respectively. Heritability estimates for growth curve parameters and inflection point coordinates of the Gompertz model were low to moderate, with values ranging from 0.17 to 0.26. Low heritability estimates for CY, BY, LY, and WY were found 0.04, 0.14, 0.09, and 0.07, respectively. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between chick quality and BW-growth traits were determined low and statistically non-significant (P>0.05). Similarly, genetic and phenotypic relationships between chick quality and carcass yield, and between chick quality and percentages of carcass parts were found low and statistically non-significant (P>0.05). As a result, it is possible to say that applying multitrait selection, including chick quality, will not affect other yield characteristics positively or negatively. However, in virtue of the chick quality is a very low heritable trait, environmental improvement of chick quality trait may be considered rather than genetic improvement.
Ameliorative effect of tocotrienol and selenium yeast against the adverse effect of florfenicol in broilers’ liver
Authors: HOSNY AI , KHAIRY MH , ASY AM , ABOZEID EA
Published: February 2022

The prolonged use of florfenicol can lead to detrimental side effects in poultry. This work focuses on the role of tocotrienol and selenium yeast to mitigate the adverse effects of florfenicol in broilers’ liver. One hundred and fifty, one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks where equally divided in 5 experimental groups according to the following experimental design: Group (1) control group chicks fed to a balanced diet only. Group (2) Chicks treated with florfenicol (20 mg/kg b.w.) per bird for 3 successive days and the florfenicol was administered in other groups by the same dose and for the same period of time. Group (3) chicks treated with florfenicol and tocotrienol (170 mg/kg b.w.) for 7 successive days. Group (4) Chicks treated with florfenicol and selenium yeast (0.15mg /kg b.w., on feed) for 7 successive days. Group (5) Chicks treated with a combination of florfenicol, tocotrienol and selenium yeast. Chickens treated with florfenicol exhibited an increased level in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), as well asa decreasedlevel in hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Tocotrienol and selenium yeast decreased the MDA and increased SOD and GSH in hepatic tissue as well as return ALP, cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL to their normal levels. Treated chicks with tocotrienol returned serum (ALT) to normal activity but serum total protein and albumin levels were increased. Theselenium yeast treated groups showed an increase of serum total globulin. Histopathologically, florfenicol treated group had focal hepatic leukocytic infiltration and focal coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes but chickens with the combination of tocotrienol and selenium yeast had activated Kupffer cells and revealed less evident necrotic changes in liver. In conclusion, tocotrienol and selenium yeast administrated alone or in combination highlightedimproved antioxidant effects and mitigated the lipid peroxidation in broilers’ liver treated with florfenicol. Thus, tocotrienol and selenium yeastcan improve the safety of using florfenicol in broiler chickens under experimental conditions.