bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axial Involvement in Psoriatic Arthritis cohort (AXIS): the protocol of a joint project of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) and the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA)
Authors: Poddubnyy Denis , Baraliakos Xenofon , Van den Bosch Filip , Braun Jürgen , Coates Laura C. , Chandran Vinod , Diekhoff Torsten , van Gaalen Floris A. , Gensler Lianne S. , Goel Niti , Gottlieb Alice B. , van der Heijde Désirée , Helliwell Philip S. , Hermann Kay Geert A. , Jadon Deepak , Lambert Robert G. , Maksymowych Walter P. , Mease Philip , Nash Peter , Proft Fabian , Protopopov Mikhail , Sieper Joachim , Torgutalp Murat , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Involvement of the axial skeleton (sacroiliac joints and spine) is a relatively frequent manifestation associated with psoriatic skin disease, mostly along with involvement of peripheral musculoskeletal structures (peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis), which are referred to as psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Data suggest that up to 30% of patients with psoriasis have PsA. Depending on the definition used, the prevalence of axial involvement varies from 25% to 70% of patients with PsA. However, there are currently no widely accepted criteria for axial involvement in PsA.Objective: The overarching aim of the Axial Involvement in Psoriatic Arthritis (AXIS) study is to systematically evaluate clinical and imaging manifestations indicative of axial involvement in patients with PsA and to develop classification criteria and a unified nomenclature for axial involvement in PsA that would allow defining a homogeneous subgroup of patients for research.

Design:

Prospective, multicenter, multinational, cross-sectional study.

Methods and analyses:

In this multicenter, multinational, cross-sectional study, eligible patients [adult patients diagnosed with PsA and fulfilling Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) with musculoskeletal symptom duration of ⩽10 years not treated with biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs] will be recruited prospectively. They will undergo study-related clinical and imaging examinations. Imaging will include radiography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations of sacroiliac joints and spine. Local investigators will evaluate for the presence of axial involvement based on clinical and imaging information which will represent the primary outcome of the study. In addition, imaging will undergo evaluation by central review. Finally, the central clinical committee will determine the presence of axial involvement based on all available information.

Ethics:

The study will be performed according to the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and International Council for Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The study protocol will be approved by the individual Independent Ethics Committee / Institutional Review Board of participating centers. Written informed consent will be obtained from all included patients.Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04434885.
Association of circulating soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 with inflammatory markers and urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Takebayashi Kohzo , Suzuki Tatsuhiko , Yamauchi Mototaka , Hara Kenji , Tsuchiya Takafumi , Inukai Toshihiko , Hashimoto Koshi
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

The main purpose of the study was to study the association between circulating soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 levels and various markers, including inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, serum lipids, and renal function, in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

The subjects were 70 patients (men 45, women 25) who were hospitalized for treatment of poor glycemic control. Plasma soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 levels were assayed using a sandwich chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay.

Results:

Circulating soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 was significantly positively correlated with lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein-1 ligands containing apolipoprotein B, reflecting modified low-density lipoprotein, and with inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 and urinary albumin excretion.

Conclusions:

Soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 may serve as a marker reflecting the degrees of inflammation and albuminuria in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Productive myopia: Racialized organizations and edtech
Authors: Crooks Roderic
Published: December 2021

This paper reports on a two-year, field-based study set in a charter management organization (CMO-LAX), a not-for-profit educational organization that operates 18 public schools exclusively in the Black and Latinx communities of South and East Los Angeles. At CMO-LAX, the nine-member Data Team pursues the organization's avowed mission of making public schools data-driven, primarily through the aggregation, analysis, and visualization of digital data derived from quotidian educational activities. This paper draws on the theory of racialized organizations to characterize aspects of data-driven management of public education as practiced by CMO-LAX. I explore two examples of how CMO-LAX shapes data to support racial projects: the reconstruction of the figure of chronic truants and the incorporation of this figure in a calculative regime of student accomplishment. Organizational uses of data support a strategy I call productive myopia, a way of pursuing racial projects via seemingly independent, objective quantifications. This strategy allows the organization to claim to mitigate racial projects and, simultaneously, to accommodate them. This paper concludes by arguing for approaches to research and practice that center racial projects, particularly when data-intensive tools and platforms are incorporated into the provision of public goods and services such as education.
Diffusion tension imaging is a good tool for assessing patients with dementia and behavioral problems and discriminating them from other dementia patients
Authors: Naik Mala , Esmaeili Morteza , Thomas Owen , Geitung Jonn T
Published: December 2021

Background

Dementia is one of the leading public health concerns as the world’s population ages. Although Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia diagnosis among older patients, some patients have additional behavioral symptoms. It is therefore important to provide an exact diagnosis, both to provide the best possible treatment for patients and to facilitate better understanding.

Purpose

To investigate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with fractional anisotropy (FA) can accurately find patients with behavioral symptoms within a group of AD patients.

Material and Methods

Forty-five patients from the geriatric outpatient clinic were recruited consecutively to form a group of patients with AD and behavioral symptoms (AD + BS) and a control group of 50 patients with established AD. All patients had a full assessment for dementia to establish the diagnosis according to ICD-10. MRI included 3D anatomical recordings for morphometric measurements, DTI for fiber tracking, and quantitative assessment of regional white matter integrity. The DTI analyses included computing of the diffusion tensor and its derived FA index.

Results

We found a significant difference in FA values between the patient groups’ frontal lobes. The FA was greater in the study group in both left (0.39 vs 0.09, p < 0.05) and right (0.40 vs 0.16, p < 0.05) frontal lobes.

Conclusion

MRI with FA will find damage in frontal tracts and may be used as a diagnostic tool and be considered a robust tool for the recognizing different types of dementia in the future.
Perioperative Complications of Laminoplasty in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy -A Comparative Study Between Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Using a Nationwide Inpatient Database
Authors: Morishita Shingo , Yoshii Toshitaka , Inose Hiroyuki , Hirai Takashi , Yuasa Masato , Matsukura Yu , Ogawa Takahisa , Fushimi Kiyohide , Katayanagi Junya , Jinno Tetsuya , Okawa Atsushi , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: December 2021

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

Laminoplasty (LAMP) is one of the effective methods to successfully achieve surgical decompression in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). However, little evidence exists regarding the perioperative complications in LAMP for patients with ossification of the longitudinal ligament (OPLL) compared with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). We aimed to investigate the perioperative complication rates and medical costs of DCM, including OPLL and CSM patients who underwent LAMP using a large national inpatient database.

Methods

This study identified patients who underwent LAMP for OPLL and CSM from 2010 to 2016 using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We compared the incidence of perioperative complications (systemic and local), reoperation rates, medical costs during hospitalization, and mortality were between the OPLL and CSM groups after propensity score matching.

Results

This study included 22,714 patients (OPLL: 7485 patients, CSM: 15,229 patients). Consequently, 7169 pairs were matched. More perioperative systemic complications were detected in the OPLL group (one complication: 9.1% vs 7.7%; P = .002), especially for pneumonia (.5% vs .2%; P = .001) and dysphagia (.5% vs .2%; P = .004). The local complication rate was also higher in the OPLL group (paralysis: 1.1% vs .6%, P = .006; spinal fluid leakage: .4% vs .1%, P = .002). The hospitalization costs were approximately $2300 higher ($19,024 vs $16,770; P < .001) in the OPLL group.

Conclusions

More perioperative complications and higher medical costs were noted in patients with OPLL than in patients with CSM who underwent LAMP.
Age of First Oral Health Examination and Dental Treatment Needs of Medicaid-Enrolled Children
Authors: Ahmed I. , McGivern S. , Beymer M.R. , Okunev I. , Tranby E.P. , Frantsve-Hawley J. , Tseng C.H. , Ramos-Gomez F.
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Early childhood caries (ECC), despite being preventable, remains the most prevalent disease of childhood, particularly in children between the ages of 2 and 5 y. The association between the type of health care provider completing initial oral health examinations and subsequent dental caries in children under 6 y of age is unclear.

Objective:

The objective of the current study is to longitudinally assess the association between age at first oral health examination and provider type at first oral health examination on dental treatment for children under 6 y of age.

Methods:

Deidentified administrative claims data were used from the IBM Marketscan Multi-State Medicaid Database (n = 2.41 million Medicaid-enrolled children younger than 6 y in 13 states from 2012 to 2017). A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to examine the association between age at first oral health examination and provider type with first treatment of dental caries at follow-up.

Results:

The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of dental caries for children whose first oral health examination at 4 y of age is 5.425 times higher than for children whose first oral health examination was before 1 y of age (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.371–5.479). The adjusted HR of dental caries for children seen by pediatric dentists (HR = 1.215; 95% CI, 1.207–1.223) and physicians (HR = 2.618; 95% CI, 2.601–2.635) was higher than those seen by a general dentist.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study highlight the importance of children having their first oral health examination no later than 12 mo of age in accordance with existing guidelines and referrals from physicians to prevent the need for invasive treatment.

Knowledge of Transfer Statement:

Results of this study emphasize the need for a child’s first oral health examination to be completed no later than 12 mo of age to prevent dental caries. Reinforcement and referrals by physicians based on this recommendation facilitate early establishment of a dental home in young children.
Opposition to Early Dental Visit by Dentists: A Qualitative Study on Mothers’ Social Networks
Authors: Burgette J.M. , Dahl Z.T. , Weyant R.J. , McNeil D.W. , Foxman B. , Marazita M.L.
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

To examine whether information that mothers received from dentists in their social network was consistent with professional recommendations for the first dental visit at age 1 y.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional qualitative study on mothers in Pennsylvania and West Virginia from 2018 to 2020 to explore how their social networks influence their children’s dental service utilization. In-person, semistructured interviews were conducted with 126 mothers of children ages 3 to 5 y. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using NVivo 12. Two investigators analyzed data using grounded theory and the constant comparative method.

Results:

Over half of mothers reported a professional relationship with a dentist as part of their social network on children’s oral health. Mothers described the following themes: 1) mothers contacted dentists in their social network for child dental information and to schedule their child’s first dental visit, 2) mothers described dentists’ justifications for the timing of the first dental visit older than age 1 y, 3) mothers described the impact of the dentist declining to see her child, and 4) after the dentist declined to see her child, some mothers did not comply with the dentist’s recommendation of delayed child dental visits because they were given alternative information that encouraged early dental visits.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate a need for dentists to reinforce mothers’ dental-seeking behavior for young children and adhere to recommendations on the age 1 dental visit.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

Qualitative data on mothers’ social networks show that dentists play a key role in access to early dental visits, particularly when dentists decline to see the mother’s child for visits.
Discontinuing monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP pathway after one-year treatment: an observational longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Vernieri Fabrizio , Brunelli Nicoletta , Messina Roberta , Costa Carmelina Maria , Colombo Bruno , Torelli Paola , Quintana Simone , Cevoli Sabina , Favoni Valentina , d’Onofrio Florindo , Egeo Gabriella , Rao Renata , Filippi Massimo , Barbanti Piero , Altamura Claudia
Published: December 2021

Background

Monoclonal antibodies anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (mAbs anti-CGRP) pathway are effective and safe on migraine prevention. However, some drug agencies limited these treatments to one year due to their high costs. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of discontinuing mAbs anti-CGRP on monthly migraine days (MMDs) and disability in high-frequency episodic (HFEM) and chronic migraine (CM) patients.

Methods

This observational longitudinal cohort study was conducted at 10 Italian headache centres. Consecutive adult patients were followed-up for three months (F-UP1–3) after discontinuation of a one-year erenumab/galcanezumab treatment. The primary endpoint was the change in F-UP MMDs. Secondary endpoints included variation in pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS), monthly acute medication intake (MAMI), and HIT-6 scores. We also assessed from F-UP1 to 3 the ≥50% response rate, relapse rate to CM, and recurrence of Medication Overuse (MO).

Results

We enrolled 154 patients (72.1% female, 48.2 ± 11.1 years, 107 CM, 47 HFEM); 91 were treated with erenumab, 63 with galcanezumab. From F-UP1 to F-UP3, MMDs, MAMI, NRS, and HIT-6 progressively increased but were still lower at F-UP3 than baseline (Friedman’s analysis of rank,p < .001). In the F-UP1–3 visits, ≥50% response rate frequency did not differ significantly between CM and HFEM patients. However, the median reduction in response rate at F-UP3 was higher in HFEM (− 47.7% [25th, − 79.5; 75th,-17.0]) than in CM patients (− 25.5% [25th, − 47.1; 75th, − 3.3]; Mann-Whitney U test;p = .032). Of the 84 baseline CM patients who had reverted to episodic migraine, 28 (33.3%) relapsed to CM at F-UP1, 35 (41.7%) at F-UP2, 39 (46.4%) at F-UP3. Of the 64 baseline patients suffering of medication overuse headache ceasing MO, 15 (18.3%) relapsed to MO at F-UP1, 26 (31.6%) at F-UP2, and 30 (42.3%, 11 missing data) at F-UP3. Lower MMDs, MAMI, NRS, and HIT-6 and higher response rate in the last month of therapy characterized patients with ≥50% response rate at F-UP1 and F-UP3 (Mann-Whitney U test; consistentlyp < .01).

Conclusion

Migraine frequency and disability gradually increased after mAbs anti-CGRP interruption. Most patients did not relapse to MO or CM despite the increase in MMDs. Our data suggest to reconsider mAbs anti-CGRP discontinuation.
Spontaneous globe subluxation: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yadete Tesfaye , Isby Ian , Patel Ketan , Lin Alex
Published: December 2021

Background

Spontaneous globe subluxation (SGS) is an atraumatic anterior dislocation of the eyeball. It is exceedingly rare. Understanding SGS predisposing factors may help uncover its etiology and undertake vision-saving management.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old female presented to the ED with her right eye out of its socket. She reported blurry vision, photophobia, and pain in the affected eye. She was unable to close her right eyelid and was in obvious distress. On arrival, her blood pressure was elevated. Her medical history was notable for hypertension and obesity. On physical examination, extraocular eye movements were not intact, and the globe appeared whole and round. She was also unable to count fingers with the affected eye. There was no visible trauma to the face. Multiple wet gauzes with sterile saline were placed over the displaced eyeball. Direct and even pressure was applied on the globe. Within 30 s, the globe was reduced back in. The patient was able to close her eyelids and reports substantial pain relief with reduction. A CT scan of the orbits was then obtained, demonstrating mild bilateral proptosis. The globes were normal and symmetric. No intraconal or extraconal abscess or infection was seen. There were no intraconal or extraconal masses. There was no acute orbital traumatic injury, no avulsion of the optic nerve, ocular rupture, or retrobulbar hematoma. After reviewing the case with an ophthalmologist, a follow-up appointment with the ophthalmologist was arranged. The patient was discharged on erythromycin ointment. Post-discharge investigation of the CT imaging revealed dilated optic nerve sheaths, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and empty sella.

Conclusions

In addition to causing distress and severe anxiety, SGS poses numerous immediate as well as long-term complications. Traction of the optic nerve and retinal vasculature may potentially cause retinal venous congestion and loss of visual acuity with potential vision loss. In the absence of known risk factors or disease processes, orbital imaging and serological studies for thyroid ophthalmopathy should be considered.
GraphOmics: an interactive platform to explore and integrate multi-omics data
Authors: Wandy Joe , Daly Rónán
Published: December 2021

Background

An increasing number of studies now produce multiple omics measurements that require using sophisticated computational methods for analysis. While each omics data can be examined separately, jointly integrating multiple omics data allows for deeper understanding and insights to be gained from the study. In particular, data integration can be performed horizontally, where biological entities from multiple omics measurements are mapped to common reactions and pathways. However, data integration remains a challenge due to the complexity of the data and the difficulty in interpreting analysis results.

Results

Here we present GraphOmics, a user-friendly platform to explore and integrate multiple omics datasets and support hypothesis generation. Users can upload transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics data to GraphOmics. Relevant entities are connected based on their biochemical relationships, and mapped to reactions and pathways from Reactome. From the Data Browser in GraphOmics, mapped entities and pathways can be ranked, sorted and filtered according to their statistical significance (p values) and fold changes. Context-sensitive panels provide information on the currently selected entities, while interactive heatmaps and clustering functionalities are also available. As a case study, we demonstrated how GraphOmics was used to interactively explore multi-omics data and support hypothesis generation using two complex datasets from existing Zebrafish regeneration and Covid-19 human studies.

Conclusions

GraphOmics is fully open-sourced and freely accessible from https://graphomics.glasgowcompbio.org/. It can be used to integrate multiple omics data horizontally by mapping entities across omics to reactions and pathways. Our demonstration showed that by using interactive explorations from GraphOmics, interesting insights and biological hypotheses could be rapidly revealed.
Integrated analysis of DNA methylome and transcriptome reveals the differences in biological characteristics of porcine mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Feng Zheng , Yang Yalan , Liu Zhiguo , Zhao Weimin , Huang Lei , Wu Tianwen , Mu Yulian
Published: December 2021

Background

Bone marrow (BM) and umbilical cord (UC) are the main sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These two MSCs display significant differences in many biological characteristics, yet the underlying regulation mechanisms of these cells remain largely unknown.

Results

BMMSCs and UCMSCs were isolated from inbred Wuzhishan miniature pigs and the first global DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of porcine MSCs were generated. The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation ability of porcine BMMSCs is greater than that of UCMSCs. A total of 1979 genes were differentially expressed and 587 genes were differentially methylated at promoter regions in these cells. Integrative analysis revealed that 102 genes displayed differences in both gene expression and promoter methylation. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that these genes were associated with cell differentiation, migration, and immunogenicity. Remarkably, skeletal system development-related genes were significantly hypomethylated and upregulated, whereas cell cycle genes were opposite in UCMSCs, implying that these cells have higher cell proliferative activity and lower differentiation potential than BMMSCs.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating the differences in biological characteristics of BMMSCs and UCMSCs. Results of this study provide a molecular theoretical basis for the application of porcine MSCs in human medicine.
Comprehensive epigenomic profiling of human alveolar epithelial differentiation identifies key epigenetic states and transcription factor co-regulatory networks for maintenance of distal lung identity
Authors: Zhou B. , Stueve T. R. , Mihalakakos E. A. , Miao L. , Mullen D. , Wang Y. , Liu Y. , Luo J. , Tran E. , Siegmund K. D. , Lynch S. K. , Ryan A. L. , Offringa I. A. , Borok Z. , Marconett C. N.
Published: December 2021

Background

Disruption of alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) differentiation is implicated in distal lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and lung adenocarcinoma that impact morbidity and mortality worldwide. Elucidating underlying disease pathogenesis requires a mechanistic molecular understanding of AEC differentiation. Previous studies have focused on changes of individual transcription factors, and to date no study has comprehensively characterized the dynamic, global epigenomic alterations that facilitate this critical differentiation process in humans.

Results

We comprehensively profiled the epigenomic states of human AECs during type 2 to type 1-like cell differentiation, including the methylome and chromatin functional domains, and integrated this with transcriptome-wide RNA expression data. Enhancer regions were drastically altered during AEC differentiation. Transcription factor binding analysis within enhancer regions revealed diverse interactive networks with enrichment for many transcription factors, including NKX2–1 and FOXA family members, as well as transcription factors with less well characterized roles in AEC differentiation, such as members of the MEF2, TEAD, and AP1 families. Additionally, associations among transcription factors changed during differentiation, implicating a complex network of heterotrimeric complex switching in driving differentiation. Integration of AEC enhancer states with the catalog of enhancer elements in the Roadmap Epigenomics Mapping Consortium and Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) revealed that AECs have similar epigenomic structures to other profiled epithelial cell types, including human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs), with NKX2–1 serving as a distinguishing feature of distal lung differentiation.

Conclusions

Enhancer regions are hotspots of epigenomic alteration that regulate AEC differentiation. Furthermore, the differentiation process is regulated by dynamic networks of transcription factors acting in concert, rather than individually. These findings provide a roadmap for understanding the relationship between disruption of the epigenetic state during AEC differentiation and development of lung diseases that may be therapeutically amenable.
Multi-omics analyses of early liver injury reveals cell-type-specific transcriptional and epigenomic shift
Authors: Migdał Maciej , Tralle Eugeniusz , Abu Nahia Karim , Bugajski Łukasz , Kędzierska Katarzyna Zofia , Garbicz Filip , Piwocka Katarzyna , Winata Cecilia Lanny , Pawlak Michał
Published: December 2021

Background

Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to tissue injury and inflammation hallmarked by the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition in the liver parenchyma and tissue remodelling. Different cell types of the liver are known to play distinct roles in liver injury response. Hepatocytes and liver endothelial cells receive molecular signals indicating tissue injury and activate hepatic stellate cells which produce ECM proteins upon their activation. Despite the growing knowledge on the molecular mechanism underlying hepatic fibrosis in general, the cell-type-specific gene regulatory network associated with the initial response to hepatotoxic injury is still poorly characterized.

Results

In this study, we used thioacetamide (TAA) to induce hepatic injury in adult zebrafish. We isolated three major liver cell types - hepatocytes, endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells - and identified cell-type-specific chromatin accessibility and transcriptional changes in an early stage of liver injury. We found that TAA induced transcriptional shifts in all three cell types hallmarked by significant alterations in the expression of genes related to fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as immune response-associated and vascular-specific genes. Interestingly, liver endothelial cells exhibit the most pronounced response to liver injury at the transcriptome and chromatin level, hallmarked by the loss of their angiogenic phenotype.

Conclusion

Our results uncovered cell-type-specific transcriptome and epigenome responses to early stage liver injury, which provide valuable insights into understanding the molecular mechanism implicated in the early response of the liver to pro-fibrotic signals.
Bioinformatic comparison of Kunitz protease inhibitors in Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and E. multilocularis and the genes expressed in different developmental stages of E. granulosus s.s.
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tian Mengxiao , Qi Wenjing , Wu Juan , Zheng Huajun , Guo Gang , Zhang Liang , Ranasinghe Shiwanthi L. , McManus Donald P. , Li Jun , Zhang Wenbao
Published: December 2021

Background

Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and E. multilocularis, respectively, are important zoonotic diseases. Protease inhibitors are crucial for the survival of both Echinococcus spp. Kunitz-type inhibitors play a regulatory role in the control of protease activity. In this study,we identified Kunitz-type domain protease inhibitors(KDPIs) present in the genomes of these two tapeworms and analyzed the gene sequences using computational, structural bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to evaluate the evolutionary relationships of these genes. Hi-seq transcriptome analysis showed that E. granulosuss.s. KDPIs were differentially expressed in the different developmental stages. We validated some of the genes expressed in adult worm, protoscolex and cyst germinal membrane of E. granulosuss.s. and E. multilocularis by quantitative PCR.

Results

A total of 19 genes from E. multilocularis and 23 genes from E. granulosuss.s. were predicted to be KDPIs with the most containing a single Kunitz-domain. A maximum likelihood method phylogenetic tree indicated that the E. granulosuss.s. and E. multilocularis Kunitz domain peptides were divided into three branches containing 9 clusters. The ratio of positively charged residues and neutral residues are different between E. multilocularis and E. granulosuss.s. KDPIs. We also found that E. multilocularis had higher percentage of sequences containing signal peptides (17/19, 89.47%) than that of E. granulosuss.s. (14/23, 60.87%). Transcript analysis showed all the E. granulosuss.s. KDPI genes were expressed differentially in four developmental stages of the worm. Transcription analysis showed that 9 KDPIs (including EG_07244,EGR_08716 and EGR_10096) were highly upregulated in adult worm, and 2 KDPIs (EG_09268 and EG_09490) were highly expressed in the cyst germinal membrane. Quantitative gene expression analysis(qPCR) of four genes confirmed the expression of these genes. EGR_08716 and its homologous gene (EmuJ_001137000) were highly and specifically expressed in adult worms of the two worms.

Conclusions

A total 19 and 23 KDPIs were identified in the genomes of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.s. , respectively. The differential expression of these KDPIs in different stages may indicate their different roles in the different hosts. The difference in characterization of KDPIs may be associated with the different pathology of metacestode stage of these two parasites.
Design and performance of a bovine 200 k SNP chip developed for endangered German Black Pied cattle (DSN)
Authors: Neumann Guilherme B. , Korkuć Paula , Arends Danny , Wolf Manuel J. , May Katharina , Reißmann Monika , Elzaki Salma , König Sven , Brockmann Gudrun A.
Published: December 2021

Background

German Black Pied cattle (DSN) are an endangered dual-purpose breed which was largely replaced by Holstein cattle due to their lower milk yield. DSN cattle are kept as a genetic reserve with a current herd size of around 2500 animals. The ability to track sequence variants specific to DSN could help to support the conservation of DSN’s genetic diversity and to provide avenues for genetic improvement.

Results

Whole-genome sequencing data of 304 DSN cattle were used to design a customized DSN200k SNP chip harboring 182,154 variants (173,569 SNPs and 8585 indels) based on ten selection categories. We included variants of interest to DSN such as DSN unique variants and variants from previous association studies in DSN, but also variants of general interest such as variants with predicted consequences of high, moderate, or low impact on the transcripts and SNPs from the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. Further, the selection of variants based on haplotype blocks ensured that the whole-genome was uniformly covered with an average variant distance of 14.4 kb on autosomes. Using 300 DSN and 162 animals from other cattle breeds including Holstein, endangered local cattle populations, and also a Bos indicus breed, performance of the SNP chip was evaluated. Altogether, 171,978 (94.31%) of the variants were successfully called in at least one of the analyzed breeds. In DSN, the number of successfully called variants was 166,563 (91.44%) while 156,684 (86.02%) were segregating at a minor allele frequency > 1%. The concordance rate between technical replicates was 99.83 ± 0.19%.

Conclusion

The DSN200k SNP chip was proved useful for DSN and other Bos taurus as well as one Bos indicus breed. It is suitable for genetic diversity management and marker-assisted selection of DSN animals. Moreover, variants that were segregating in other breeds can be used for the design of breed-specific customized SNP chips. This will be of great value in the application of conservation programs for endangered local populations in the future.
Comparison of novel rapid diagnostic of blood culture identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Accelerate Pheno system and BioFire FilmArray Blood Culture Identification and BioFire FilmArray Blood Culture Identification 2 panels
Authors: Sze Dorothy T. T. , Lau Candy C. Y. , Chan Tsz-Ming , Ma Edmond S. K. , Tang Bone S. F.
Published: December 2021

Background

Conventional turnaround time (TAT) for positive blood culture (PBC) identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is 2–3 days. We evaluated the TAT and ID/AST performance using clinical and seeded samples directly from PBC bottles with different commercial approaches: (1) Accelerate Pheno® system (Pheno) for ID/AST; (2) BioFire® FilmArray® Blood Culture Identification (BCID) Panel and/ or BCID2 for ID; (3) direct AST by VITEK® 2 (direct AST); and (4) overnight culture using VITEK® 2 colony AST.

Results

A total of 141 PBC samples were included in this evaluation. Using MALDI-TOF (Bruker MALDI Biotyper) as the reference method for ID, the overall monomicrobial ID sensitivity/specificity are as follows: Pheno 97.9/99.9%; BCID 100/100%; and BCID2 100/100%, respectively. For AST performance, broth microdilution (BMD) was used as the reference method. For gram-negatives, overall categorical and essential agreements (CA/EA) for each method were: Pheno 90.3/93.2%; direct AST 92.6/88.5%; colony AST 94.4/89.5%, respectively. For gram-positives, the overall CA/EAs were as follows: Pheno 97.2/98.89%; direct AST 97.2/100%; colony AST 97.2/100%, respectively. The BCID/BCID2 and direct AST TATs were around 9–20 h (1/9-19 h for ID with resistance markers/AST), with 15 min/sample hands-on time. In comparison, Pheno TATs were around 8–10 h (1.5/7 h for ID/AST) with 2 min/sample hands-on time, maintains a clinically relevant fast report of antibiotic minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and allows for less TAT and hands-on time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted as such in Asia; all studied approaches achieved satisfactory performance, factors such as TAT, panel of antibiotics choices and hands-on time should be considered for the selection of appropriate rapid ID and AST of PBC methods in different laboratory settings.
Seed development in Paeonia ostii (Paeoniaceae), with particular reference to embryogeny
Authors: Zhang Keliang , Cao Weizhang , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Sun Jing , Yao Linjun , Tao Jun
Published: December 2021

Background

Seeds of Paeonia ostii have been proposed as a source of raw material for the production of edible oil; however, lack of information about the developmental biology of the seeds hampers our ability to use them. Our aim was to investigate development of the seed coat, endosperm and embryo of P. ostii in relation to timing of accumulation of nutrient reserves from pollination to seed maturity. Ovules and developing seeds of P. ostii were collected at various stages of development from zygote to maturity. Seed fresh mass, dry mass, germination, moisture, soluble sugars, starch, protein and oil content were determined. Ontogeny of seeds including embryo, endosperm and seed coat were analyzed histologically.

Results

The ovule of P. ostii is anatropous, crassinucellate and bitegmic. The zygote begins to divide at about 5 days after pollination (DAP), and the division is not accompanied by cell wall formation. By 25 DAP, the proembryo begins to cellularize. Thereafter, several embryo primordia appear at the surface of the cellularized proembryo, but only one matures. Endosperm development follows the typical nuclear type. The seed coat is derived from the outer integument. During seed development, soluble sugars, starch and crude fat content increased and then decreased, with maximum contents at 60, 80 and 100 DAP, respectively. Protein content was relatively low compared with soluble sugars and crude fat, but it increased throughout seed development.

Conclusions

During seed development in P. ostii, the seed coat acts as a temporary storage tissue. Embryo development of P. ostii can be divided into two stages: a coenocytic proembryo from zygote (n + n) that degenerates and a somatic embryo from peripheral cells of the proembryo (2n → 2n). This pattern of embryogeny differs from that of all other angiosperms, but it is similar to that of gymnosperms.
Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal rupture with prolonged support of intra-aortic balloon pump after primary PCI: a case report
Authors: Yang Chuan , Sun Yong , Zou Deling , Sun Zhaoqing , Zhang Xinzhong , Su Guangsheng , Qi Jing , Pang Wenyue
Published: December 2021

Background

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but severe complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). For such cases, surgical repair is recommended by major guidelines, but not always possible for such cases.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old man presented to the emergency room. ECG showed the ST-segment was elevated by 2–3 mm in lead II, III, and aVF, with Q-waves. Coronary angiography (CAG) showed multi-vessel disease with a total occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA) and severe stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). A diagnosis of acute inferior myocardial infarction was made. VSR occurred immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (a 2.5 × 20 mm drug-eluting stent implanted in RCA), and the patient developed cardiogenic shock. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was used to stabilize the hemodynamics. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed an 11.4-mm left-to-right shunt in the interventricular septum. An attempt was made to reduce the IABP augmentation ratio for weaning on day 12 but failed. Transcatheter closure was conducted using a 24-mm double-umbrella occluder on day 28. The patient was weaned from IABP on day 31 and underwent secondary PCI for LAD lesions on day 35. The patient was discharged on day 41. Upon the last follow-up 6 years later, CAG and TTE revealed no in-stent restenosis, no left-to-right shunt, and 51% left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusions

Prolonged implementation of IABP can be a viable option to allow deferred closure of VSR in AMI patients, and transcatheter closure may be considered as a second choice for the selected senior and vulnerable patients, but the risk is still high.
Prognostic value of diagnostic scales in community-acquired sepsis mortality at an emergency service. Prognosis in community-adquired sepsis
Authors: Clar Jorge , Oltra María Rosa , Benavent Raquel , Pinto Carolina , Ruiz Adrian , Sanchez Maria Teresa , Noceda Jose , Redon Josep , Forner Maria Jose
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To asses the prognostic value of diagnostic scales in mortality of community-adquired sepsis and added value of additional parameters.

Methods

Prospective observational study of patients with community-adquired sepsis in the Emergency Room of University Hospital. The study population were patients presented in the Emergency Room with confirmed infection and practicians sepsis diagnosis. Demographics, triage vital signs, inhaled oxygen fraction, inflammatory markers, biochemistry, all-cause mortality during hospitalization and three months after were recorded. Prognostic value of qSOFA, NEWS, SOFA, SIRS, and amplified scales were calculated by using logistic regression and ROC curves.

Results

201 patients, 54% male, average age 77±11,2 years were included. Sixty-three (31.5%) died during hospitalization and 24 (12%) three months after discharge. At the time of admission vital signs related with in-hospital mortality were Glasgow Coma Scale <13, respiratory rate ≥22 bpm, temperature, oxygen desaturation, high flow oxygen therapy and heart rate. Patients dead in-hospital had lower PaCO2, higher lactate, glucose and creatinine. Greater predictive capacity of the scales, from higher to lower, was: qSOFA, NEWS2, SOFA and SIRS. Amplified scales with lactate >2mg/dl, glucose, blood level >190mg/dl and PaCO2 <35mmHg improved predictive value.

Conclusion

Amplified-qSOFA and amplified-NEWS2 scales at Emergency Department may offer a better prognostic of septic patients mortality.
Driving the ambulance: an essential component of emergency medical services: an integrative review
Authors: Becker Julia , Hugelius Karin
Published: December 2021

Background

The transport of patients from one location to another is a fundamental part of emergency medical services. However, little interest has been shown in the actual driving of the ambulance. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate how the driving of the ambulance affects the patient and the medical care provided in an emergency medical situation.

Methods

A systematic integrative review using both quantitative and qualitative designs based on 17 scientific papers published between 2011 and 2020 was conducted.

Results

Ambulance driving, both the actual speed, driving pattern, navigation, and communication between the driver and the patient, influenced both the patient’s medical condition and the possibility of providing adequate care during the transport. The driving itself had an impact on prehospital time spent on the road, safety, comfort, and medical issues. The driver’s health and ability to manage stress caused by traffic, time pressure, sirens, and disturbing moments also significantly influenced ambulance transport safety.

Conclusions

The driving of the ambulance had a potential effect on patient health, wellbeing, and safety. Therefore, driving should be considered an essential part of the medical care offered within emergency medical services, requiring specific skills and competence in both medicine, stress management, and risk approaches in addition to the technical skills of driving a vehicle. Further studies on the driving, environmental, and safety aspects of being transported in an ambulance are needed from a patient’s perspective.
Modelling of longitudinal data to predict cardiovascular disease risk: a methodological review
Authors: Stevens David , Lane Deirdre A. , Harrison Stephanie L. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi
Published: December 2021

Objective

The identification of methodology for modelling cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using longitudinal data and risk factor trajectories.

Methods

We screened MEDLINE-Ovid from inception until 3 June 2020. MeSH and text search terms covered three areas: data type, modelling type and disease area including search terms such as “longitudinal”, “trajector*” and “cardiovasc*” respectively. Studies were filtered to meet the following inclusion criteria: longitudinal individual patient data in adult patients with ≥3 time-points and a CVD or mortality outcome. Studies were screened and analyzed by one author. Any queries were discussed with the other authors. Comparisons were made between the methods identified looking at assumptions, flexibility and software availability.

Results

From the initial 2601 studies returned by the searches 80 studies were included. Four statistical approaches were identified for modelling the longitudinal data: 3 (4%) studies compared time points with simple statistical tests, 40 (50%) used single-stage approaches, such as including single time points or summary measures in survival models, 29 (36%) used two-stage approaches including an estimated longitudinal parameter in survival models, and 8 (10%) used joint models which modelled the longitudinal and survival data together. The proportion of CVD risk prediction models created using longitudinal data using two-stage and joint models increased over time.

Conclusions

Single stage models are still heavily utilized by many CVD risk prediction studies for modelling longitudinal data. Future studies should fully utilize available longitudinal data when analyzing CVD risk by employing two-stage and joint approaches which can often better utilize the available data.
Improving postal survey response using behavioural science: a nested randomised control trial
Authors: McBride Emily , Mase Hiromi , Kerrison Robert S. , Marlow Laura A. V. , Waller Jo
Published: December 2021

Background

Systematic reviews have identified effective strategies for increasing postal response rates to questionnaires; however, most studies have isolated single techniques, testing the effect of each one individually. Despite providing insight into explanatory mechanisms, this approach lacks ecological validity, given that multiple techniques are often combined in routine practice.

Methods

We used a two-armed parallel randomised controlled trial (n = 2702), nested within a cross-sectional health survey study, to evaluate whether using a pragmatic combination of behavioural science and evidenced-based techniques (e.g., personalisation, social norms messaging) in a study invitation letter increased response to the survey, when compared with a standard invitation letter. Participants and outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment. We tested this in a sample of women testing positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) at cervical cancer screening in England.

Results

Overall, 646 participants responded to the survey (response rate [RR] = 23.9%). Logistic regression revealed higher odds of response in the intervention arm (n = 357/1353, RR = 26.4%) compared with the control arm (n = 289/1349, RR = 21.4%), while adjusting for age, deprivation, clinical site, and clinical test result (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09–1.55).

Conclusion

Applying easy-to-implement behavioural science and evidence-based methods to routine invitation letters improved postal response to a health-related survey, whilst adjusting for demographic characteristics. Our findings provide support for the pragmatic adoption of combined techniques in routine research to increase response to postal surveys.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN15113095. Registered 7 May 2019 – retrospectively registered.