bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Triatoma infestans and high levels of human–vector contact across a rural-to-urban gradient in the Argentine Chaco
Authors: Alvedro Alejandra , Gaspe María Sol , Milbourn Hannah , Macchiaverna Natalia Paula , Laiño Mariano Alberto , Enriquez Gustavo Fabián , Gürtler Ricardo Esteban , Cardinal Marta Victoria
Published: January 2021

Background

Peri-urban and urban settings have recently gained more prominence in studies on vector-borne transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi due to sustained rural-to-urban migrations and reports of urban infestations with triatomines. Prompted by the finding of Triatoma infestans across the rural-to-urban gradient in Avia Terai, an endemic municipality of the Argentine Chaco, we assessed selected components of domestic transmission risk in order to determine its variation across the gradient.

Methods

A baseline vector survey was conducted between October 2015 and March 2016, following which we used multistage random sampling to select a representative sample of T. infestans at the municipal level. We assessed T. cruzi infection and blood-feeding sources of 561 insects collected from 109 houses using kinetoplast DNA-PCR assays and direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. We stratified triatomines according to their collection site (domestic or peridomestic), and we further categorized peridomestic sites in ecotopes of low- or high-risk for T. cruzi infection.

Results

The overall adjusted prevalence of T. cruzi-infected T. infestans was 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–2.3) and did not differ between peri-urban (1.7%) and rural (2.2%) environments. No infection was detected in bugs captured in the urban setting; rather, infected triatomines were mainly collected in rural and peri-urban domiciles, occurring in 8% of T. infestans-infested houses. The main blood-feeding sources of domestic and peridomestic triatomines across the gradient were humans and chickens, respectively. The proportion of triatomines that had fed on humans did not differ between peri-urban (62.5%) and rural (65.7%) domiciles, peaking in the few domestic triatomines collected in urban houses and decreasing significantly with an increasing proportion of chicken- and dog- or cat-fed bugs. The relative odds ratio (OR) of having a T. cruzi infection was nearly threefold higher in bugs having a blood meal on humans (OR 3.15), dogs (OR 2.80) or cats (OR: 4.02) in a Firth-penalized multiple logistic model.

Conclusions

Trypanosoma cruzi transmission was likely occurring both in peri-urban and rural houses of Avia Terai. Widespread infestation in a third of urban blocks combined with high levels of human–triatomine contact in the few infested domiciles implies a threat to urban inhabitants. Vector control strategies and surveillance originally conceived for rural areas should be tailored to peri-urban and urban settings in order to achieve sustainable interruption of domestic transmission in the Chaco region.

Graphical Abstract
Screening of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in high-risk patients in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran
Authors: Ashiri Alireza , Rafiei Abdollah , Beiromvand Molouk , Khanzadeh Abdollah , Alghasi Arash
Published: January 2021

Background

Strongyloidiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), can be fatal in immunocompromised patients. Available data onStrongyloides stercoralisinfection in high-risk patients in Iran are limited. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence ofS. stercoralisinfection and associated risk factors among high-risk patients as well as to evaluate the sensitivity of the diagnostic tests used in the diagnose ofS. stercoralisinfection.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed from 2019 to 2020 among 300 high-risk patients in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. Patients with autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant, hematological malignancy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were examined using direct smear examination, formalin-ether concentration, Baermann funnel technique, agar plate culture, and ELISA test. Since agar plate culture was considered the reference diagnostic test, culture-positive samples were confirmed by PCR amplification and the sequencing of the nuclear18SrDNA (SSU) hypervariable region (HVRIV) of the parasite.

Results

The prevalence ofS. stercoralisinfection was 1%, 1.3%, 2%, 2.7%, and 8.7% using direct smear examination, formalin-ether concentration, Baermann funnel technique, agar plate culture, and ELISA test, respectively. All culture-positive samples were confirmed bySSU-PCR. According to the results, the most sensitive test was ELISA, with 100% sensitivity, followed by the Baermann funnel technique with the sensitivity of 75%. Direct smear examination, formalin-ether concentration technique, and Baermann funnel technique had the highest PPV (100%) while the ELISA test had the highest NPV (100%). Significant eosinophilia was observed in the patients whose culture test was positive (7/8;P < 0.05). In the present study, the majority of the positive cases by the agar plate culture had a history of prolonged exposure to soil and of asthma and COPD and were > 60 years old.

Conclusions

Given that the ELISA test had the highest NPV, the screening of all high-risk patients forS. stercoralisinfection in endemic areas is recommended prior to starting corticosteroid therapy with the ELISA test. The results indicate the importance of paying attention to patients with unknown eosinophilia in endemic areas. Ivermectin should be available to strongyloidiasis patients in the endemic areas.
Is individual day-to-day variation of arterial stiffness associated with variation of maximal aerobic performance?
Authors: Okamoto Takanobu , Kobayashi Ryota , Hashimoto Yuto , Kikuchi Naoki , Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: January 2021

Background

Maximal aerobic capacity, e.g. maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), is not constant, and it has a time-dependent variation based on the condition of individual. On the other hand, arterial properties play an important role in determining aerobic performance, and lower arterial stiffness is associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels. This study examined whether individual variations in maximal aerobic performance are associated with arterial stiffness.

Methods

Twenty-four (mean age, 19.8 ± 0.2 y) and 10 (mean age, 21.2 ± 0.2 y) recreationally active young men and women participated in Experiment 1 (Ex1) and in Experiment 2 (Ex2), respectively. Aerobic performance was assessed using a graded power test (Ex1) or a 1500-m time trial (Ex2). Simultaneously, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured as an index of arterial stiffness in both Ex1 and Ex2 before the exercise trials. In both experiments, subjects returned for measurement of baPWV and V̇O2max or 1500-m time trial at 1 month after first measurements.

Results

No significant differences in mean baPWV, V̇O2max or 1500-m run time were seen between first and second visits. Mean baPWV was significantly lower on days when participants showed higher V̇O2max or better 1500-m run time (P = 0.001 each) than on days when participants showed lower V̇O2max or worse 1500-m run time. In addition, a significant relationship was seen between individual changes in baPWV from first to second visits and changes in V̇O2max (P=0.0001) or 1500-m run time (P=0.04).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that individual day-to-day variations in maximal aerobic performance are associated with variations in arterial stiffness.
Metabolic phenotyping reveals a reduction in the bioavailability of serotonin and kynurenine pathway metabolites in both the urine and serum of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors:   on behalf of AddNeuroMed consortium, Whiley Luke , Chappell Katie E. , D’Hondt Ellie , Lewis Matthew R. , Jiménez Beatriz , Snowden Stuart G. , Soininen Hilkka , Kłoszewska Iwona , Mecocci Patrizia , Tsolaki Magda , Vellas Bruno , Swann Jonathan R. , Hye Abdul , Lovestone Simon , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Holmes Elaine
Published: January 2021

Background

Both serotonergic signalling disruption and systemic inflammation have been associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The common denominator linking the two is the catabolism of the essential amino acid, tryptophan. Metabolism via tryptophan hydroxylase results in serotonin synthesis, whilst metabolism via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) results in kynurenine and its downstream derivatives. IDO is reported to be activated in times of host systemic inflammation and therefore is thought to influence both pathways. To investigate metabolic alterations in AD, a large-scale metabolic phenotyping study was conducted on both urine and serum samples collected from a multi-centre clinical cohort, consisting of individuals clinically diagnosed with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and age-matched controls.

Methods

Metabolic phenotyping was applied to both urine (n = 560) and serum (n = 354) from the European-wide AddNeuroMed/Dementia Case Register (DCR) biobank repositories. Metabolite data were subsequently interrogated for inter-group differences; influence of gender and age; comparisons between two subgroups of MCI - versus those who remained cognitively stable at follow-up visits (sMCI); and those who underwent further cognitive decline (cMCI); and the impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication on metabolite concentrations.

Results

Results revealed significantly lower metabolite concentrations of tryptophan pathway metabolites in the AD group: serotonin (urine, serum), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (urine), kynurenine (serum), kynurenic acid (urine), tryptophan (urine, serum), xanthurenic acid (urine, serum), and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (urine). For each listed metabolite, a decreasing trend in concentrations was observed in-line with clinical diagnosis: control > MCI > AD. There were no significant differences in the two MCI subgroups whilst SSRI medication status influenced observations in serum, but not urine.

Conclusions

Urine and serum serotonin concentrations were found to be significantly lower in AD compared with controls, suggesting the bioavailability of the neurotransmitter may be altered in the disease. A significant increase in the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio suggests that this may be a result of a shift to the kynurenine metabolic route due to increased IDO activity, potentially as a result of systemic inflammation. Modulation of the pathways could help improve serotonin bioavailability and signalling in AD patients.
Structure, kinetic properties and biological function of mechanosensitive Piezo channels
Authors: Fang Xiang-Zhi , Zhou Ting , Xu Ji-Qian , Wang Ya-Xin , Sun Miao-Miao , He Ya-Jun , Pan Shang-Wen , Xiong Wei , Peng Zhe-Kang , Gao Xue-Hui , Shang You
Published: January 2021

Mechanotransduction couples mechanical stimulation with ion flux, which is critical for normal biological processes involved in neuronal cell development, pain sensation, and red blood cell volume regulation. Although they are key mechanotransducers, mechanosensitive ion channels in mammals have remained difficult to identify. In 2010, Coste and colleagues revealed a novel family of mechanically activated cation channels in eukaryotes, consisting of Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels. These have been proposed as the long-sought-after mechanosensitive cation channels in mammals. Piezo1 and Piezo2 exhibit a unique propeller-shaped architecture and have been implicated in mechanotransduction in various critical processes, including touch sensation, balance, and cardiovascular regulation. Furthermore, several mutations in Piezo channels have been shown to cause multiple hereditary human disorders, such as autosomal recessive congenital lymphatic dysplasia. Notably, mutations that cause dehydrated hereditary xerocytosis alter the rate of Piezo channel inactivation, indicating the critical role of their kinetics in normal physiology. Given the importance of Piezo channels in understanding the mechanotransduction process, this review focuses on their structural details, kinetic properties and potential function as mechanosensors. We also briefly review the hereditary diseases caused by mutations in Piezo genes, which is key for understanding the function of these proteins.
Pilot trial of high-dose vitamin C in critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zhang Jing , Rao Xin , Li Yiming , Zhu Yuan , Liu Fang , Guo Guangling , Luo Guoshi , Meng Zhongji , De Backer Daniel , Xiang Hui , Peng Zhiyong
Published: January 2021

Background

Few specific medications have been proven effective for the treatment of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we tested whether high-dose vitamin C infusion was effective for severe COVID-19.

Methods

This randomized, controlled, clinical trial was performed at 3 hospitals in Hubei, China. Patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the ICU were randomly assigned in as 1:1 ratio to either the high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) or the placebo. HDIVC group received 12 g of vitamin C/50 ml every 12 h for 7 days at a rate of 12 ml/hour, and the placebo group received bacteriostatic water for injection in the same way within 48 h of arrival to ICU. The primary outcome was invasive mechanical ventilation-free days in 28 days (IMVFD28). Secondary outcomes were 28-day mortality, organ failure (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score), and inflammation progression (interleukin-6).

Results

Only 56 critical COVID-19 patients were ultimately recruited due to the early control of the outbreak. There was no difference in IMVFD28 between two groups (26.0 [9.0–28.0] in HDIVC vs 22.0 [8.50–28.0] in control, p = 0.57). HDIVC failed to reduce 28-day mortality (P = 0.27). During the 7-day treatment period, patients in the HDIVC group had a steady rise in the PaO2/FiO2 (day 7: 229 vs. 151 mmHg, 95% CI 33 to 122, P = 0.01), which was not observed in the control group. IL-6 in the HDIVC group was lower than that in the control group (19.42 vs. 158.00; 95% CI -301.72 to -29.79; P = 0.04) on day 7.

Conclusion

This pilot trial showed that HDIVC failed to improve IMVFD28, but might show a potential signal of benefit in oxygenation for critically ill patients with COVID-19 improving PaO2/FiO2 even though.
Forward-backward recursive expectation-maximization for concurrent speaker tracking
Authors: Dorfan Yuval , Schwartz Boaz , Gannot Sharon
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a study addressing the task of tracking multiple concurrent speakers in reverberant conditions is presented. Since both past and future observations can contribute to the current location estimate, we propose a forward-backward approach, which improves tracking accuracy by introducing near-future data to the estimator, in the cost of an additional short latency. Unlike classical target tracking, we apply a non-Bayesian approach, which does not make assumptions with respect to the target trajectories, except for assuming a realistic change in the parameters due to natural behaviour. The proposed method is based on the recursive expectation-maximization (REM) approach. The new method is dubbed forward-backward recursive expectation-maximization (FB-REM). The performance is demonstrated using an experimental study, where the tested scenarios involve both simulated and recorded signals, with typical reverberation levels and multiple moving sources. It is shown that the proposed algorithm outperforms the regular common causal (REM).
Appraisal of the diagnostic procedures of acute pancreatitis in the guidelines
Authors: Yi Ke-Qian , Yang Ting , Yang Yan-Min , Lan Guo-Li , An Li-Ya , Qi Yu-Xing , Fan Hong-Bo , Duan Yong-Qing , Sun Da-Li
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess the heterogeneity of procedures in the diagnostic guidelines for acute pancreatitis and to identify gaps limiting knowledge in diagnosing this disease.

Methods

A systematic search of a number of databases was performed to determine the guidelines for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in patients with severe pancreatitis. The guidelines for the diagnosis of severe pancreatitis were evaluated by AGREE II. The Measurement Scale of Rate of Agreement (MSRA) was used to assess the guidelines (2015–2020) and extract evidence supporting these recommendations for analysis.

Results

Seven diagnostic guidelines for acute pancreatitis were included. Only the 2019 WSES Guidelines for the Management of Severe Acute Pancreatitis and the Japanese Guidelines for the Management of Acute Pancreatitis: Japanese Guidelines 2015 had a total score of more than 60%, which is worthy of clinical recommendation. The average scores of the Scope and Purpose domain and the Clarity and Expression domain were the highest at 71.62% and 75.59%, respectively, while the average score of the Applicability area was the lowest at 16.67%. The included guidelines were further analyzed to determine the heterogeneity of the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The main reasons for the heterogeneity were the citation of low-quality evidence, the presence of far too many indicators for the classification of acute pancreatitis, unclear depictions of the standard, and poorly comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis of the aetiology in the primary diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, the severity classification, the aetiological diagnosis, and the diagnosis of comorbidities.

Conclusions

The quality of different diagnostic guidelines for severe pancreatitis is uneven. The recommendations are largely based on low-quality evidence, and the guidelines still have much room for improvement to reach a high level of quality. The diagnostic procedures for acute pancreatitis vary widely in different guidelines. There are large differences between them, and resolving the abovementioned reasons would be a very wise choice for guideline developers to revise and upgrade the guidelines in the future.
Initial boundary value problem for a class of higher-order n-dimensional nonlinear pseudo-parabolic equations
Authors: Xiao Liming , Li Mingkun
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study the initial boundary value problem for a class of higher-order n-dimensional nonlinear pseudo-parabolic equations which do not have positive energy and come from the soil mechanics, the heat conduction, and the nonlinear optics. By the mountain pass theorem we first prove the existence of nonzero weak solution to the static problem, which is the important basis of evolution problem, then based on the method of potential well we prove the existence of global weak solution to the evolution problem.
Some extensions for the several combinatorial identities
Authors: Xi Gao-Wen , Luo Qiu-Ming
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we give some extensions for Mortenson’s identities in series with the Bell polynomial using the partial fraction decomposition. As applications, we obtain some combinatorial identities involving the harmonic numbers.
Complexity analysis of cold chain transportation in a vaccine supply chain considering activity inspection and time-delay
Authors: Dai Daoming , Wu Xuanyu , Si Fengshan
Published: January 2021

The development of COVID-19 vaccine is highly concerned by all countries in the world. So far, many kinds of COVID-19 vaccines have entered phase III clinical trial. However, it is difficult to deliver COVID-19 vaccines efficiently and safely to the areas affected by the epidemic. This paper focuses on vaccine transportation in a supply chain model composed of one distributor and one retailer (clinic or hospital), in which the distributor procures COVID-19 vaccines from the manufacturer and then resells them to the retailer. Distributor detects the activity level of the vaccines, and retailer is responsible for transportation of the vaccines. Firstly, we establish a difference equations model with time-delay. Secondly, we investigate the impact of time-delay on the stability of vaccine supply chain. In addition, we explore the influence of decision adjustment speed of the distributor (or retailer) on the stability of vaccine supply chain. Finally, we verify the theoretical results by a two-dimensional bifurcation diagram, the largest Lyapunov exponent, entropy, and domain of attraction. The results show that when the decision delay-time or the adjustment speed of decision variables exceeds a certain threshold, it brings a negative impact on the stability of vaccine supply chain system. The stability domain of the system shrinks as customers’ sensitivity to cold chain transportation decreases and by contrast expends as customers’ sensitivity to vaccine prices decreases. When the vaccine supply chain is in a state of chaos, the effect of external control over the system is superior to that of internal control over the system.
Oscillation tests for first-order linear differential equations with non-monotone delays
Authors: Attia Emad R.
Published: January 2021

We study the oscillation of a first-order linear delay differential equation. A new technique is developed and used to obtain new oscillatory criteria for differential equation with non-monotone delay. Some of these results can improve many previous works. An example is introduced to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of our results.
Extended liver resection in mice: state of the art and pitfalls—a systematic review
Authors: Kamali Can , Kamali Kaan , Brunnbauer Philipp , Splith Katrin , Pratschke Johann , Schmelzle Moritz , Krenzien Felix
Published: January 2021

Background

Rodent models of liver resection have been used to investigate and evaluate the liver’s complex physiology and pathology since 1931. First documented by Higgins and Anderson, such models were created to understand liver regeneration mechanisms to improve outcomes in patients undergoing extensive liver resection for liver cancer or other underlying liver diseases.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using Pubmed, gathering publications up to January 2019, which engaged with the mouse model of extended liver resection as a method itself. The results of this search were filtered according to their language, novelty, and relevancy.

Results

The Boolean search found 3741 articles on Pubmed, with 3130 publications remaining when filtered by language and the presence of a full text. In total, 21 of these publications examined the key themes of the animal model described. The mortality varied from 0 to 50% depending on the surgeon's experience and the resection method. The liver resection was mainly performed with classic sutures (14 out of 21 publications) and isoflurane was used for anaesthesia (10 out of 21 publications) in combination with analgesics (buprenorphine or ketamine/xylazine). The most used mouse strain was C57BL/6 (7 of 21 publications) which was on average 11 weeks old with a weight of 23 g.

Conclusion

Through the overview, laid out in the selected publications, this paper reviews the shift of the extended liver resection model from rat to the mouse, describes the state of the art in the experimental setting, and discusses the possible limitations and pitfalls. Clearly, the extended liver resection in mice is a reproducible, practical and easy to learn method.
Plasma contact factors as novel biomarkers for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Park Jung Eun , Lim Do Sung , Cho Yeong Hee , Choi Kyu Yeong , Lee Jang Jae , Kim Byeong C. , Lee Kun Ho , Lee Jung Sup
Published: January 2021

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and most of AD patients suffer from vascular abnormalities and neuroinflammation. There is an urgent need to develop novel blood biomarkers capable of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at very early stage. This study was performed to find out new accurate plasma diagnostic biomarkers for AD by investigating a direct relationship between plasma contact system and AD.

Methods

A total 101 of human CSF and plasma samples from normal and AD patients were analyzed. The contact factor activities in plasma were measured with the corresponding specific peptide substrates.

Results

The activities of contact factors (FXIIa, FXIa, plasma kallikrein) and FXa clearly increased and statistically correlated as AD progresses. We present here, for the first time, the FXIIa cut-off scores to as: > 26.3 U/ml for prodromal AD [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.783, p < 0.001] and > 27.2 U/ml for AD dementia (AUC = 0.906, p < 0.001). We also describe the cut-off scores from the ratios of CSF Aβ1–42 versus the contact factors. Of these, the representative ratio cut-off scores of Aβ1–42/FXIIa were to be: < 33.8 for prodromal AD (AUC = 0.965, p < 0.001) and < 27.44 for AD dementia (AUC = 1.0, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The activation of plasma contact system is closely associated with clinical stage of AD, and FXIIa activity as well as the cut-off scores of CSF Aβ1–42/FXIIa can be used as novel accurate diagnostic AD biomarkers.
A novel multi-source information-fusion predictive framework based on deep neural networks for accuracy enhancement in stock market prediction
Authors: Nti Isaac Kofi , Adekoya Adebayo Felix , Weyori Benjamin Asubam
Published: January 2021

The stock market is very unstable and volatile due to several factors such as public sentiments, economic factors and more. Several Petabytes volumes of data are generated every second from different sources, which affect the stock market. A fair and efficient fusion of these data sources (factors) into intelligence is expected to offer better prediction accuracy on the stock market. However, integrating these factors from different data sources as one dataset for market analysis is seen as challenging because they come in a different format (numerical or text). In this study, we propose a novel multi-source information-fusion stock price prediction framework based on a hybrid deep neural network architecture (Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)) named IKN-ConvLSTM. Precisely, we design a predictive framework to integrate stock-related information from six (6) heterogeneous sources. Secondly, we construct a base model using CNN, and random search algorithm as a feature selector to optimise our initial training parameters. Finally, a stacked LSTM network is fine-tuned by using the tuned parameter (features) from the base-model to enhance prediction accuracy. Our approach's emperical evaluation was carried out with stock data (January 3, 2017, to January 31, 2020) from the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). The results show a good prediction accuracy of 98.31%, specificity (0.9975), sensitivity (0.8939%) and F-score (0.9672) of the amalgamated dataset compared with the distinct dataset. Based on the study outcome, it can be concluded that efficient information fusion of different stock price indicators as a single data source for market prediction offer high prediction accuracy than individual data sources.
Psychological effects of remote-only communication among reference persons of ICU patients during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cattelan Jessy , Castellano Sara , Merdji Hamid , Audusseau Jean , Claude Baptiste , Feuillassier Léa , Cunat Sibylle , Astrié Marc , Aquin Camille , Buis Guillaume , Gehant Edgar , Granier Amandine , Kercha Hassiba , Le Guillou Camille , Martin Guillaume , Roulot Kevin , Meziani Ferhat , Putois Olivier , Helms Julie
Published: January 2021

Background

During COVID-19 pandemic, visits have been prohibited in most French ICUs. Psychological effects, for reference persons (RPs), of remote-only communication have been assessed.

Methods

All RPs of patients referred to ICU for COVID-19 were included. HADS, IES-R, and satisfaction were evaluated at admission, discharge/death, and 3 months. At 3 months, a psychologist provided a qualitative description of RPs’ psychological distress.

Results

Eighty-eight RPs were included. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was 83% and 73% respectively. At 3 months, lower HADS decrease was associated with patient death/continued hospitalization, and/or sleeping disorders in RPs (p < 0.01). Ninety-nine percent RPs felt the patient was safe (9 [7; 10]/10 points, Likert-type scale), confident with caregivers (10 [9; 10]/10 points), and satisfied with information provided (10 [9; 10]/10 points). All RPs stressed the specific-type of “responsibility” associated with being an RP in a remote-only context, leading RPs to develop narrow diffusion strategies (67%) and restrict the array of contacted relatives to a very few and/or only contacting them rarely. 10 RPs (30%) related the situation to a prior traumatic experience.

Conclusion

RPs experienced psychological distress and reported that being an RP in a remote-only communication context was a specific responsibility and qualified it as an overall negative experience.

Trial registration

NCT04385121. Registered 12 May 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/.
Machine learning-based prediction models for accidental hypothermia patients
Authors: Okada Yohei , Matsuyama Tasuku , Morita Sachiko , Ehara Naoki , Miyamae Nobuhiro , Jo Takaaki , Sumida Yasuyuki , Okada Nobunaga , Watanabe Makoto , Nozawa Masahiro , Tsuruoka Ayumu , Fujimoto Yoshihiro , Okumura Yoshiki , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Iiduka Ryoji , Ohtsuru Shigeru
Published: January 2021

Background

Accidental hypothermia is a critical condition with high risks of fatal arrhythmia, multiple organ failure, and mortality; however, there is no established model to predict the mortality. The present study aimed to develop and validate machine learning-based models for predicting in-hospital mortality using easily available data at hospital admission among the patients with accidental hypothermia.

Method

This study was secondary analysis of multi-center retrospective cohort study (J-point registry) including patients with accidental hypothermia. Adult patients with body temperature 35.0 °C or less at emergency department were included. Prediction models for in-hospital mortality using machine learning (lasso, random forest, and gradient boosting tree) were made in development cohort from six hospitals, and the predictive performance were assessed in validation cohort from other six hospitals. As a reference, we compared the SOFA score and 5A score.

Results

We included total 532 patients in the development cohort [N= 288, six hospitals, in-hospital mortality: 22.0% (64/288)], and the validation cohort [N= 244, six hospitals, in-hospital mortality 27.0% (66/244)]. The C-statistics [95% CI] of the models in validation cohorts were as follows: lasso 0.784 [0.717–0.851] , random forest 0.794[0.735–0.853], gradient boosting tree 0.780 [0.714–0.847], SOFA 0.787 [0.722–0.851], and 5A score 0.750[0.681–0.820]. The calibration plot showed that these models were well calibrated to observed in-hospital mortality. Decision curve analysis indicated that these models obtained clinical net-benefit.

Conclusion

This multi-center retrospective cohort study indicated that machine learning-based prediction models could accurately predict in-hospital mortality in validation cohort among the accidental hypothermia patients. These models might be able to support physicians and patient’s decision-making. However, the applicability to clinical settings, and the actual clinical utility is still unclear; thus, further prospective study is warranted to evaluate the clinical usefulness.
A narrative review of the last decade’s literature on the diagnostic accuracy of septic arthritis of the native joint
Authors: Turner Elizabeth H. G. , Lang Mc Daniel H. , Spiker Andrea M.
Published: January 2021

While septic arthritis can be a straightforward diagnosis, there are many cases when the diagnosis is difficult to make. The aim of this study was to review the last decade’s literature on the diagnosis of septic arthritis of the native joint in adults and summarize that data in an easy to follow algorithm to clarify how the last decade’s data may be applied to the diagnosis of septic arthritis. A search of PubMed and CINAHL databases was performed to identify studies that compared results diagnostic tests for septic arthritis. We cross referenced this search with searches of additional databases (including Cochrane Library and Scopus) to confirm similar search results. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool was used by two independent reviewers to determine study quality and risk of bias. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria to the initial search, 15 papers total were included for analysis. All 15 papers were of high quality methodology as determined by the QUADAS tool. There were 26 different diagnostics tests used across the 15 papers included for review. Three of those diagnostic tests had specificity and sensitivity greater than 80%. Eight tests had a positive likelihood ratio of ≥10. Three tests had a negative likelihood ratio < 0.1, indicating that they may help to rule out septic arthritis. A flowchart was created to summarize the findings of our review, so that physicians may reference this visual in making the appropriate diagnosis when the commonly held standards of cell count, gram stain, and culture aren’t enough to make the diagnosis.
Value of 18F-FDG-PET to predict PD-L1 expression and outcomes of PD-1 inhibition therapy in human cancers
Authors: Kaira Kyoichi , Kuji Ichiei , Kagamu Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibodies are administered in varied human cancer types. The expression of PD-L1 within tumor cells has been identified as a predictive marker, although assessing its expression has benefitted only patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or head and neck cancer. Whereas, more than 75% of the patients with NSCLC showing partial response to PD-1 blockade therapy experienced long-term survival for more than 5-years Thus, identifying the responders to PD-1 blockade at early phase after its initiation is of clinical importance. The 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) on positron emission tomography (PET) can evaluate any tumor shrinkage by assessing the metabolic tumor volume at an earlier phase than conventional modalities such as computed tomography (CT). While several reports describe the correlation of PD-L1 expression with 18F-FDG uptake rate in the tumor cells, it remains to be delineated whether this rate determined by the glucose metabolism and hypoxia is associated with the status of immune microenvironment, including the expression of PD-L1. Moreover, details of the relationship between expression of PD-L1 and 18F-FDG uptake is still unclear. Therefore, we reviewed the clinical significance of 18F-FDG uptake on PET as a predictor of the efficacy of PD-1 blockade therapy, by correlating with the expression of PD-L1, in patients with several neoplasms.
Numerical analysis of static behavior of caisson-type quay wall deepened by grouting rubble-mound
Authors: Nguyen Anh-Dan , Kim Young-Sang , Kang Gyeong-O , Kim Hui-Jin
Published: January 2021

Caisson type gravity quay wall is a common structure used in the coastal regions. However, many of the existing quay walls constructed in the past are becoming obsolete. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to enhance the performance of these quay walls by increasing the front water depth. To deepen the water depth, a special grout type is ejected to solidify the rubble mound under the caisson toe, then excavating a part of the rubble placed in front of the caisson to the designed level. Various cases with different shapes and dimensions are proposed to optimize the grouted area. Based on the examination of stability and construction feasibility, the reasonable geometry and area of grouted rubble can be selected. In addition, the numerical analysis is performed by the Finite Element Method (FEM) program (PLAXIS 2D) to expect the behavior of the quay wall and grouted rubble. The results demonstrate that after upgrading, the maximum contact stress between caisson and rubble mound increases sharply, but the stress at the bottom of grouted rubble does not change in comparison prior to innovation. The analysis also indicates that when the Hardening Soil (HS) model is applied, the displacement of the quay wall is higher than that of the Mohr–Coulomb soil (MC) model.
Neutralization effect of slag on the acid rock drainage
Authors: Baek Inwoo , Kim Jaegon , Song Youngsuk , Kim Taehyung
Published: January 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Pohang Tertiary mudstone presents the issue of acid rock drainage. This study analyzed the capacity of a mixed slag (70% steel slag + 30% blast furnace slag) to neutralize Pohang Tertiary mudstone’s acid rock drainage.

Methods

Element analysis, acid neutralization capacity (ANC) test, and net acid generation (NAG) test were conducted on Pohang Tertiary mudstone samples and the mixed slag. The XRF analysis and the XRD analysis on the mixed slag were conducted to measure the CaO content, which indicates the potential of the mixed slag as an acid-neutralizing agent.

Results

According to the analysis results on the Pohang Tertiary mudstone samples, the total sulfur content was high, which indicates a high risk of acid rock drainage generation. Although there were slight deviations between the samples, overall, the mudstone exhibited a high acid rock drainage generation capacity. The XRF analysis of mixed slag results showed high amounts of CaO content. From the XRD analysis graph, it was clear that a high proportion of minerals with Ca- compounds consisting of basic substances were present. The neutralization capacity of the mixed slag on Pohang Tertiary mudstone was determined by the relationship between maximum potential acidity (MPA) and acid neutralization capacity (ANC). For instance, the mixed slag of 4.5% effectively neutralizes a sulfur content of 1%.
Test Re-test Reliability of Single and Multijoint Strength Properties in Female Australian Footballers
Authors: Kadlec Daniel , Jordan Matthew J. , Snyder Leanne , Alderson Jacqueline , Nimphius Sophia
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To examine the test re-test reliability of isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of hip adduction (ADDISO), hip abduction (ABDISO), and multijoint leg extension (SQUATISO) in sub-elite female Australian footballers.

Methods

Data were collected from 24 sub-elite female Australian footballers (age 22.6 ± 4.5 years; height 169.4 ± 5.5 cm; body mass 66.6 ± 8.0 kg; 4.5 ± 4.4 years sport-specific training; 2.5 ± 2.0 years unstructured resistance training) from the same club on two non-consecutive days. Participants performed three isometric MVCs of ADDISO, ABDISO, and SQUATISO. The SQUATISO was performed at 140° knee flexion with a vertical trunk position and ADDISO and ABDISO measures were performed in a supine position at 60° of knee flexion and 60° hip flexion. Reliability was assessed using paired t tests and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), typical error (TE), and coefficient of variation (CV%) with 95% CI.

Results

SQUATISO peak force (ICC .95; CV% 4.1), ABDISO for left, right, and sum (ICC .90–.92; CV% 5.0–5.7), and ADDISO for left, right, and sum (ICC .86–.91; CV% 6.2–6.9) were deemed acceptably reliable based on predetermined criteria (ICC ≥ .8 and CV% ≤ 10).

Conclusion

SQUATISO, ABDISO, and ADDISO tests demonstrated acceptable reliability for the assessment of peak force in sub-elite female Australian footballers, suggesting these assessments are suitable for muscle strength testing and monitoring adaptations to training.
Clinical utility of procalcitonin in severe odontogenic maxillofacial infection
Authors: Kim Ji-Kwan , Lee Jae-Hoon
Published: January 2021

Background

Most of the maxillofacial infections are bacterial infections, and there is a possibility that systemic infections occur by maxillofacial infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of procalcitonin in patients with odontogenic bacterial infections of the maxillofacial region.

Methods

We enrolled sixty patients, who were admitted with odontogenic maxillofacial infection from September 2018 to March 2020. White blood cell counts, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin concentrations were evaluated. Sixty patients were classified into two groups, sepsis and non-sepsis groups, based on systemic inflammatory response syndrome. A Studentttest was performed to statistically analyze the difference in inflammatory markers between sepsis and non-sepsis groups.

Results

The mean procalcitonin values on admission were 7.24 ng/mL (range, 0.09–37.15 ng/mL) and 0.40 ng/mL (range, 0.02–4.94 ng/mL) in the sepsis group and non-sepsis group, respectively. The procalcitonin values between the two groups showed a significant difference (P< 0.05). The area under the curve of procalcitonin was 0.927 (P< 0.001), and the cutoff value of procalcitonin that maximizes the area under the curve was calculated to be 0.87 ng/mL.

Conclusions

According to our study, routine laboratory tests have insufficient accuracy in diagnosing sepsis syndrome. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to perform the procalcitonin test in patients with maxillofacial infection in addition to the conventional laboratory tests to diagnose the systemic inflammatory condition of the patients.
Real-life outcomes of subthreshold laser therapy for diabetic macular edema
Authors: Passos Renato M. , Malerbi Fernando K. , Rocha Marindia , Maia Maurício , Farah Michel E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major cause of visual impairment and its treatment is a public health challenge. Even though anti-angiogenic drugs are the gold-standard treatment, they are not ideal and subthreshold laser (SL) remains a viable and promising therapy in selected cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate its efficacy in a real-life setting.

Methods

Retrospective case series of 56 eyes of 36 patients with center-involving DME treated with SL monotherapy. Treatment was performed in a single session with the EasyRet® photocoagulator with the following parameters: 5% duty cycle, 200-ms pulse duration, 160-µm spot size and 50% power of the barely visible threshold. A high-density pattern was then applied to the whole edematous area, using multispot mode. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) data were obtained at baseline and around 3 months after treatment.

Results

Fifty-six eyes of 36 patients were included (39% women, mean age 64.8 years old); mean time between treatment day and follow-up visit was 14 ± 6 weeks. BCVA (Snellen converted to logMAR) was 0.59 ± 0.32 and 0.43 ± 0.25 at baseline and follow-up, respectively (p = 0.002). Thirty-two percent had prior panretinal photocoagulation (p = 0.011). Mean laser power was 555 ± 150 mW and number of spots was 1,109 ± 580. Intraretinal and subretinal fluid (SRF) was seen in 96 and 41% of eyes at baseline and improved in 35 and 74% of those after treatment, respectively. Quantitative analysis of central macular thickness (CMT) change was performed in a subset of 23 eyes, 43% of which exhibited > 10% CMT reduction post-treatment.

Conclusions

Subthreshold laser therapy is known to have RPE function as its main target, modulating the activation of heat-shock proteins and normalizing cytokine expression. In the present study, the DME cases associated with SRF had the best anatomical response, while intraretinal edema responded poorly to laser monotherapy. BCVA and macular thickness exhibited a mild response, suggesting the need for combined treatment in most patients. Given the effect on SRF reabsorption, subthreshold laser therapy could be a viable treatment option in selected cases.
Application of Taguchi design in the removal of heavy metals from Simulated metal solutions using groundnut shell and tea bag as a natural absorbent
Authors: Arthur David Ebuka , Oyibo Augustina Aroh
Published: January 2021

Background

A series of metal solutions such as chromium sulphate, lead sulphate and nickel sulphate were prepared, and varying concentrations were used to model the optimum conditions that would favour the removal of these metals in polluted situations. Taguchi design was used to set the experiment in motion by using three factors such as pH, concentration and time, although the experiment was done at a fixed temperature of 30 °C as detailed in the study.

Result

The percentage of heavy metals removal from the solutions at varying conditions was used to model the effectiveness of the adsorbent. All models and their statistical parameters were reported in the study. The model identified as the best was the one involving the removal of chromium concentration using the tea bag adsorbent. The ability of the model to predict other concentrations which were not used in developing the model was high and was reported as preR2 of 0.94.

Conclusion

The model predicts that the experiment which was conducted at varying pH values ranging from 1.00–8.00 can lead to the effective removal of chromium by decreasing the pH of the system to pH value = 1, and increasing the contact time of the adsorbent tea bag residue. The model confirms the transformation of chromium from hexavalent to trivalent at acidic pH which decreases its ionic solubility in an aqueous system leads to its ultimate removal by the adsorbent
Development of imidacloprid and indoxacarb formulations to nanoformulations and their efficacy against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd)
Authors: Sabry Al-kazafy Hassan , Salem Hamdy Abdel-Naby , Metwally Hala Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Background

The conventional pesticide formulations have many side effects on environmental. These effects were due to the huge quantity of pesticides used. Using of nanopesticide formulations can be reduced the quantity of pesticides used and subsequently decreased the cost of pest control and environment contamination.

Results

Indoxacarb and imidacloprid nanoparticles were developed. The size of nanoparticles ranged between 200 and 400 nm. The obtained results showed that the percentage of mortalities in second instar larvae of Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis were 95 and 75% in indoxacarb and imidacloprid nanoparticles, respectively. On the other hand, these percentages were 76.7 and 91.7%, respectively, with conventional formulations. In spite of one fifth of pesticide concentrations were used in nanoformulations, the LC50, s in nanoformulations were 2.9 and 15.9 ppm for indoxacarb and imidacloprid, respectively, compared to 34.3 and 66.5 in conventional formulation. The loading capacity in both indoxacarb nanoparticle and imidacloprid nanoparticle were 60.7 and 52.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

These results found that indoxacarb and imidacloprid nanoparticles were 12 and 4 times, respectively, more effective than indoxacarb and imidacloprid conventional formulations against the second instar larvae of S. littoralis. These results also showed that indoxacarb and imidacloprid nanoparticles can be used as effective formulations against the cotton leafworm larvae instead of the conventional formulation to reduce the environment contamination, control cost and pest population.