bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare for older people in lower and middle income countries
Authors: Tan Maw Pin
Published: January 2022

Two-thirds of the world’s population aged 60 years and over will reside in lower and middle income countries (LMIC) by 2050. Many LMICs are experiencing rapid population ageing at a faster rate than in Western Europe and North America, but may not have the resources to respond to the World Health Organization’s call to action. As population ageing is a global issue, effective and sustainable global solutions are much needed. Proposed strategies include stemming the outflow of trained healthcare workers to high-income nations where migrants from LMICs often contribute to the work force caring for older people. Public education, preventive measures and innovative approaches to training are additional proposed solutions. Higher income countries have a responsibility to contribute towards the development of healthcare services for older people in LMICs.
Metalworking Fluid Exposure and Stroke Mortality Among US Autoworkers
Authors: Elser Holly , Chen Kevin T , Arteaga Daniel , Reimer Richard , Picciotto Sally , Costello Sadie , Eisen Ellen A
Published: January 2022

Although air pollution is an important risk factor for stroke, few studies have considered the impact of workplace exposure to particulate matter (PM). We examined implications of exposure to PM composed of metalworking fluids (MWFs) for stroke mortality in the United Autoworkers–General Motors cohort. Cox proportional hazards models with age as the timescale were used to estimate the association of cumulative straight, soluble, and synthetic MWF exposure with stroke mortality, controlling for sex, race, plant, calendar year, and hire year. Among 38,553 autoworkers followed during 1941–1995, we identified 114 ischemic stroke deaths and 113 hemorrhagic stroke deaths. Overall stroke mortality risk was increased among workers in the middle exposure category for straight MWF (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87, 1.98) and workers in the highest exposure category for synthetic MWF (HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.16) compared with workers who had no direct exposure. Ischemic stroke mortality risk was increased among workers in the highest exposure categories for straight MWF (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.83, 2.52) and synthetic MWF (HR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.39, 4.50). We observed no clear relationship between MWF exposure and hemorrhagic stroke mortality. Our results support a potentially important role for occupational PM exposures in stroke mortality and indicate the need for further studies of PM exposure and stroke in varied occupational settings.
Pesticide Residue Intake From Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Risk of Glioma
Authors: Cote David J , Bever Alaina M , Chiu Yu-Han , Sandoval-Insausti Helena , Smith-Warner Stephanie A , Chavarro Jorge E , Stampfer Meir J
Published: January 2022

We aimed to determine whether intake of pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables was associated with glioma. Within 3 prospective cohorts from 1998–2016—the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII), and Health Professionals Follow-up Study—we computed multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (MVHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for glioma by quintiles of intake of low- and high-pesticide-residue fruits and vegetables using Cox proportional hazards regression. Fruits and vegetables were categorized as high or low residue using a validated method based on pesticide surveillance data. We confirmed 275 glioma cases across 2,745,862 person-years. A significant association was observed between intake of high-residue fruits and vegetables and glioma in NHS (MVHR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.38, 6.44 comparing highest with lowest quintile, P for trend = 0.02). This was not identified in NHSII (MVHR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.19, 1.45, P for trend = 0.20) or Health Professionals Follow-up Study (MVHR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.42, 2.45, P for trend = 0.39). No significant associations were observed by intake of low-residue fruits and vegetables; overall intake was not significantly associated with glioma in any cohort. We found no evidence for an inverse relationship of fruit and vegetable intake with glioma. Although limited in power, this study suggests a possible association between fruit-and-vegetable pesticide residue intake and risk of glioma that merits further study.
Environmental variability as a predictor of behavioral flexibility in urban environments
Authors: Vardi Reut , Berger-Tal Oded
Published: January 2022

Global urbanization processes have highlighted the importance of understanding the effects of urban habitats on animal behavior. Behavioral changes are usually evaluated along an urbanization gradient, comparing urban and rural populations. However, this metric fails to consider heterogeneity between urban habitats that can differ significantly in their characteristics, such as their level of environmental variability. We suggest incorporating dimensions of environmental variability into the urbanization metric when evaluating behavioral changes. We tested the importance of both level of urbanization and level of urban change (i.e., the rate of anthropogenic changes measured as the change in the level of urbanization over time) on animals’ behavioral flexibility by comparing reversal learning abilities in house sparrows from sites differing in the rate of urbanization and urban change levels. We show that at least for males, urban change better explains levels of behavioral flexibility than urbanization level. We further show that urban change corresponds to other behavioral traits such as scrounging behavior and foraging activity. Thus, considering environmental stability and predictability in the form of urban changes can help better understand the mechanisms allowing behavioral changes and adaptations to urban environments. Evaluating the dynamics of the urban built environment could provide a better metric with which to understand urbanization effects on wildlife behavior and an important next step in urban ecology.
Pathophysiological mechanisms of ALPPS: experimental model
Authors: Wang Ruifeng , Quan Zhen , Zheng Tongsen , Wang Kai , Liu Yang , Han Zhaoguo , Wang Xiance , Ma Shiling , Liu Lianxin , Lau Wan Yee , Sun Xilin
Published: January 2022

Background

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is a two-stage strategy that may increase hepatic tumour resectability and reduce postoperative liver failure rate by inducing rapid hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR). Pathophysiological mechanisms after the first stage of ALPPS are poorly understood.

Methods

An ALPPS model was established in rabbits with liver VX2 tumour. The pathophysiological mechanisms after the first stage of ALPPS in the FLR and tumour were assessed by multiplexed positron emission tomography (PET) tracers, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and histopathology.

Results

Tumour volume in the ALPPS model differed from post-stage 1 ALPPS at day 14 compared to control animals. 18F-FDG uptake of tumour increased from day 7 onwards in the ALPPS model. Valid volumetric function measured by 18F-methylcholine PET showed good values in accurately monitoring dynamics and time window for functional liver regeneration (days 3 to 7). DCE-MRI revealed changes in the vascular hyperpermeability function, with a peak on day 7 for tumour and FLR.

Conclusion

Molecular and functional imaging are promising non-invasive methods to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms of ALPPS with potential for clinical application.
Gastroduodenal trichobezoar: rare case of Rapunzel syndrome
Authors: Shaw Vinay Kumar , Vardhan Prateek , Jaiswal Anand
Published: January 2022

A 23 year old female presented with symptoms of obstruction. At laparotomy a gastro-duodenal trichobezoar was removed from her stomach and duodenum. Trichobezoar are concretions of swallowed hair bundles and can be associated with Rapunzel syndrome. Endoscopy may be helpful in early cases; however surgery remains the mainstay for late presentation.
NFE2L3 promotes tumor progression and predicts a poor prognosis of bladder cancer
Authors: Qian Jinqin , Huang Cong , Zhu Zhenpeng , He Yuhui , Wang Yang , Feng Ninghan , He Shiming , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun , Zhang Cuijian , Gong Yanqing
Published: January 2022

The high incidence and vulnerability to recurrence of bladder cancer (BLCA) is a challenge in the clinical. Recent studies have revealed that NFE2L3 plays a vital role in the carcinogenesis and progression of different human tumors. However, the role of NFE2L3 in BLCA has not been elucidated. In this study, NFE2L3 expression was significantly increased in BLCA samples. Its high expression was associated with advanced clinicopathological characteristics and was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and metastasis-free survival in 106 patients with BLCA. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that NFE2L3 knockdown inhibited BLCA cells proliferation by inducing the cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, NFE2L3 overexpression promotes BLCA cell migration and invasion in vitro cell lines and in vivo xenografts. Moreover, we identified many genes and pathway alterations associated with tumor progression and metastasis by performing RNA-Seq analysis and functional enrichment of NFE2L3 overexpressing BLCA cells. Mechanistic investigation reveals that overexpression of NFE2L3 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition in BLCA cells with decreased expression of gap junction-associated protein ZO-1 and epithelial marker E-cadherin with the elevation of transcription factors Snail1 and Snail2. Finally, we performed a comprehensive proteomics analysis to explore more potential molecular mechanisms. Our findings revealed that NFE2L3 might serve as a valuable clinical prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in BLCA.
Differential gene expression in layer 3 pyramidal neurons across 3 regions of the human cortical visual spatial working memory network
Authors: Enwright III John F , Arion Dominique , MacDonald William A , Elbakri Rania , Pan Yinghong , Vyas Gopi , Berndt Annerose , Lewis David A
Published: January 2022

Visual spatial working memory (vsWM) is mediated by a distributed cortical network composed of multiple nodes, including primary visual (V1), posterior parietal (PPC), and dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) cortices. Feedforward and feedback information is transferred among these nodes via projections furnished by pyramidal neurons (PNs) located primarily in cortical layer 3. Morphological and electrophysiological differences among layer 3 PNs across these nodes have been reported; however, the transcriptional signatures underlying these differences have not been examined in the human brain. Here we interrogated the transcriptomes of layer 3 PNs from 39 neurotypical human subjects across 3 critical nodes of the vsWM network. Over 8,000 differentially expressed genes were detected, with more than 6,000 transcriptional differences present between layer 3 PNs in V1 and those in PPC and DLPFC. Additionally, over 600 other genes differed in expression along the rostral-to-caudal hierarchy formed by these 3 nodes. Moreover, pathway analysis revealed enrichment of genes in V1 related to circadian rhythms and in DLPFC of genes involved in synaptic plasticity. Overall, these results show robust regional differences in the transcriptome of layer 3 PNs, which likely contribute to regional specialization in their morphological and physiological features and thus in their functional contributions to vsWM.
Effectiveness of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccines Among Incarcerated People in California State Prisons: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chin Elizabeth T , Leidner David , Zhang Yifan , Long Elizabeth , Prince Lea , Schrag Stephanie J , Verani Jennifer R , Wiegand Ryan E , Alarid-Escudero Fernando , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D , Studdert David M , Andrews Jason R , Salomon Joshua A
Published: January 2022

Background

Prisons and jails are high-risk settings for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccines may substantially reduce these risks, but evidence is needed on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness for incarcerated people, who are confined in large, risky congregate settings.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to estimate effectiveness of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna), against confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections among incarcerated people in California prisons from 22 December 2020 through 1 March 2021. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provided daily data for all prison residents including demographic, clinical, and carceral characteristics, as well as COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and outcomes. We estimated vaccine effectiveness using multivariable Cox models with time-varying covariates, adjusted for resident characteristics and infection rates across prisons.

Results

Among 60 707 cohort members, 49% received at least 1 BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 dose during the study period. Estimated vaccine effectiveness was 74% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64%–82%) from day 14 after first dose until receipt of second dose and 97% (95% CI, 88%–99%) from day 14 after second dose. Effectiveness was similar among the subset of residents who were medically vulnerable: 74% (95% CI, 62%–82%) and 92% (95% CI, 74%–98%) from 14 days after first and second doses, respectively.

Conclusions

Consistent with results from randomized trials and observational studies in other populations, mRNA vaccines were highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections among incarcerated people. Prioritizing incarcerated people for vaccination, redoubling efforts to boost vaccination, and continuing other ongoing mitigation practices are essential in preventing COVID-19 in this disproportionately affected population.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 environmental contamination in hospital rooms is uncommon using viral culture techniques
Authors: Warren Bobby G , Nelson Alicia , Barrett Aaron , Addison Bechtler , Graves Amanda , Binder Raquel , Gray Gregory , Lewis Sarah , Smith Becky A , Weber David J , Sickbert-Bennett Emily E , Anderson Deverick J
Published: January 2022

We assessed environmental contamination of inpatient rooms housing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in a dedicated COVID-19 unit. Contamination with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was found on 5.5% (19/347) of surfaces via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and 0.3% (1/347) of surfaces via cell culture. Environmental contamination is uncommon in hospitals rooms; RNA presence is not a specific indicator of infectious virus.
Review of surgical experience in 61 patients with mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection
Authors: Wen Chen , Shi Guocheng , Zhang Qian , Zhu Fang , Zhang Hao , Zhu Zhongqun , Chen Huiwen
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

Prior studies have reported a high mortality and incidence of post-repair pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) in mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). This study sought to review the surgical outcomes in this entity.

METHODS

A review of 61 patients undergoing surgical repair of mixed TAPVC was conducted. Patients with a single ventricle were excluded. Patients were subdivided into 3 groups according to Chowdhury’s classification. Predictors for death and postoperative PVO were explored by Cox regression model.

RESULTS

This study trended towards an older cohort with a median age of 88 days (interquartile range, 56.5–177). Twelve patients belonged to ‘2 + 2’ type, 40 belonged to ‘3 + 1’ type and the remaining 9 belonged to bizarre type. There were no early death and 7 late deaths. Follow-up was available in 96.7% of the patients after discharge with a median duration of 53 months (range, 1–177). Nineteen patients developed post-repair PVO among whom 2 required reintervention. Patients with preoperative PVO had a 4-fold higher risk (95% confidence interval, 1.36–12.38) of postoperative PVO than those without and were more likely to die (P = 0.009). No statistical difference was observed among the 3 subgroups in terms of mortality (P = 0.058) and postoperative PVO (P = 0.186).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative PVO was significantly associated with postoperative PVO. There was no statistical difference in terms of death and postoperative PVO among the 3 subtypes of mixed TAPVC. Mid-term results favoured a complete rechanneling of pulmonary veins in ‘3 + 1’ type.
A risk model to predict an unplanned admission to the intensive care unit following lung resection
Authors: Brunelli Alessandro , Begum Housne , Chaudhuri Nilanjan , Agzarian John , Milton Richard , Finley Christian , Tcherveniakov Peter , Valuckiene Laura , Gioutsos Konstantinos , Hanna Wael , Papagiannopoulos Kostas , Shargall Yaron
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to develop a risk-adjusting model to stratify the risk of an unplanned admission to the intensive care unit (following lung resection).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 3123 patients undergoing anatomical lung resections (2014–2019) in 2 centres. A risk score was developed by testing several variables for a possible association with a subsequent ICU admission using stepwise logistic regression analyses, validated by the bootstrap resampling technique. Variables associated with ICU admission were assigned weighted scores based on their regression coefficients. These scores were summed for each patient to generate the ICU risk score, and patients were grouped into risk classes.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients (3.3%) required an unplanned admission to the ICU after the operation. The average ICU stay was 17.6 days. The following variables remained significantly associated with ICU admission following logistic regression: male gender (P = 0.004), body mass index <18.5 (P = 0.002), predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s < 60% (P = 0.004), predicted postoperative carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity <50% (P = 0.013), open access (P = 0.004) and pneumonectomy (P = 0.041). All variables were weighted 1 point except body mass index <18.5 (2 points). The final ICU risk score ranged from 0 to 7 points. Patients were grouped into 6 risk classes showing an incremental unplanned ICU admission rate: class A (score 0), 0.7%; class B (score 1), 1.7%; class C (score 2), 3%; class D (score 3), 7.1%; class E (score 4), 12%; and class F (score > 4), 13% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This risk score may assist in reliably planning the response to a sudden increase in the demand of critical care resources.
The European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery: third report
Authors: de By Theo M M H , Schoenrath Felix , Veen Kevin M , Mohacsi Paul , Stein Julia , Alkhamees Khalid M M , Anastasiadis Kyriakos , Berhnardt Alexander , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Caliskan Kadir , Reineke David , Damman Kevin , Fiane Arnt , Gkouziouta Angeliki , Gollmann-Tepeköylü Can , Gustafsson Finn , Hulman Michal , Iacovoni Attilio , Loforte Antonio , Merkely Bela , Musumeci Francesco , Němec Petr , Netuka Ivan , Özbaran Mustafa , Potapov Evgenij , Pya Yuri , Rábago Gregorio , Ramjankhan Faiz , Reichenspurner Hermann , Saeed Diyar , Sandoval Elena , Stockman Bernard , Vanderheyden Marc , Tops Laurens , Wahlers Thorsten , Zembala Michael , Zimpfer Daniel , Carrel Thierry , Gummert Jan , Meyns Bart
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

In the third report of the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, outcomes of patients receiving mechanical circulatory support are reviewed in relation to implant era.

METHODS

Procedures in adult patients (January 2011–June 2020) were included. Patients from centres with <60% follow-ups completed were excluded. Outcomes were stratified into 3 eras (2011–2013, 2014–2017 and 2018–2020). Adverse event rates (AERs) were calculated and stratified into early phase (<3 months) and late phase (>3 months). Risk factors for death were explored using univariable Cox regression with a stepwise time-varying hazard ratio (<3 vs >3 months).

RESULTS

In total, 4834 procedures in 4486 individual patients (72 hospitals) were included, with a median follow-up of 1.1 (interquartile range: 0.3–2.6) years. The annual number of implants (range: 346–600) did not significantly change (P = 0.41). Both Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support class (classes 4–7: 23, 25 and 33%; P < 0.001) and in-hospital deaths (18.5, 17.2 and 11.2; P < 0.001) decreased significantly between eras. Overall, mortality, transplants and the probability of weaning were 55, 25 and 2% at 5 years after the implant, respectively. Major infections were mainly noted early after the implant occurred (AER<3 months: 1.44 vs AER>3 months: 0.45). Bilirubin and creatinine levels were significant risk factors in the early phase but not in the late phase after the implant.

CONCLUSIONS

In its 10 years of existence, EUROMACS has become a point of reference enabling benchmarking and outcome monitoring. Patient characteristics and outcomes changed between implant eras. In addition, both occurrence of outcomes and risk factor weights are time dependent.
Prevalence of statin intolerance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bytyçi Ibadete , Penson Peter E , Mikhailidis Dimitri P , Wong Nathan D , Hernandez Adrian V , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Thompson Paul D , Mazidi Mohsen , Rysz Jacek , Pella Daniel , Reiner Željko , Toth Peter P , Banach Maciej
Published: January 2022

Aims

Statin intolerance (SI) represents a significant public health problem for which precise estimates of prevalence are needed. Statin intolerance remains an important clinical challenge, and it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. This meta-analysis estimates the overall prevalence of SI, the prevalence according to different diagnostic criteria and in different disease settings, and identifies possible risk factors/conditions that might increase the risk of SI.

Methods and results

We searched several databases up to 31 May 2021, for studies that reported the prevalence of SI. The primary endpoint was overall prevalence and prevalence according to a range of diagnostic criteria [National Lipid Association (NLA), International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP), and European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS)] and in different disease settings. The secondary endpoint was to identify possible risk factors for SI. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall pooled prevalence. A total of 176 studies [112 randomized controlled trials (RCTs); 64 cohort studies] with 4 143 517 patients were ultimately included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of SI was 9.1% (95% confidence interval 8.0–10%). The prevalence was similar when defined using NLA, ILEP, and EAS criteria [7.0% (6.0–8.0%), 6.7% (5.0–8.0%), 5.9% (4.0–7.0%), respectively]. The prevalence of SI in RCTs was significantly lower compared with cohort studies [4.9% (4.0–6.0%) vs. 17% (14–19%)]. The prevalence of SI in studies including both primary and secondary prevention patients was much higher than when primary or secondary prevention patients were analysed separately [18% (14–21%), 8.2% (6.0–10%), 9.1% (6.0–11%), respectively]. Statin lipid solubility did not affect the prevalence of SI [4.0% (2.0–5.0%) vs. 5.0% (4.0–6.0%)]. Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.33, P = 0.04], female gender (OR 1.47, P = 0.007), Asian and Black race (P < 0.05 for both), obesity (OR 1.30, P = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.26, P = 0.02), hypothyroidism (OR 1.37, P = 0.01), chronic liver, and renal failure (P < 0.05 for both) were significantly associated with SI in the meta-regression model. Antiarrhythmic agents, calcium channel blockers, alcohol use, and increased statin dose were also associated with a higher risk of SI.

Conclusion

Based on the present analysis of >4 million patients, the prevalence of SI is low when diagnosed according to international definitions. These results support the concept that the prevalence of complete SI might often be overestimated and highlight the need for the careful assessment of patients with potential symptoms related to SI.
The role of generalized linear models in handling cost and count data
Authors: Lee Christopher S , Conway Catherine
Published: January 2022

Scientists from nursing and allied health disciplines frequently examine data with complex distributions. Key examples include data on cost that typically are skewed, and count data like the number of hospitalizations that regularly have greater variation than expected and a majority of observations at zero. Common approaches to handling complex data involve transformations that can interfere with interpretation, or force-fitting of data into linear or logistic regression. In this article, worked examples of generalized linear models, which allow for flexibility in the distribution of data, involving cost and count outcomes, are presented to help expose researchers to their nuances.
Practical guidelines for near-field mitigation on array-based active surface wave testing
Authors: Rahimi Salman , Wood Clinton M , Himel Ashraf Kamal
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to develop practical guidelines for near-field mitigation for active source surface wave testing. To this end, extensive field measurements were performed considering different factors, including depth to impedance contrast, source offset, source type, surface wave type (Rayleigh or Love) and transformation technique used for data processing. According to the results, near-field effects are independent of surface wave type and depth to impedance contrast. For sites with a very shallow impedance contrast, the cylindrical frequency domain beamformer transformation technique outperforms others in terms of dispersion resolution by significantly mitigating near-field effects. On the other hand, for sites with a very deep impedance contrast, the four transformation techniques provide the similar dispersion resolution when only considering near-field effects. It is also revealed that the normalized array centre distance (NACD) criteria required to mitigate near-field effects is a function of source type. Using 10–15 per cent as the accepted error boundary, a NACD of 1.0 or greater is recommended for low-output impulsive sources such as a sledgehammer source, whereas, for high-output harmonic sources such as a vibroseis, a normalized array centre distance of 0.5 is recommended. A standard deviation on the NACD of approximately 0.3 was observed in much of the data indicating near-field effects are site-specific and can affect the surface dispersion velocity at wavelengths longer or shorter than the recommended NACD. These NACD criteria should not be violated when using a limited number of source offsets (1 or 2). However, if the multiple source offset approach (≥3 source offsets) is used where some of the source offsets meet the criteria, the near-field criteria can be violated for some of the source offsets, given that the near-field effects can be mitigated using the composite dispersion data generated from different source offsets if those offsets produce acceptable dispersion data.
Comparison of wave-propagation simulations in fractured domains using discrete fractures and equivalent media
Authors: Rioyos-Romero Rubén , De Basabe Jonás D , Solorza-Calderón Selene , González-Escobar Mario , Gross Markus
Published: January 2022

Fractures largely control reservoir permeability and, therefore, it is of immediate importance to know the geometrical parameters of fracture sets and their effects on seismic data. To understand the interaction between the fractures and seismic wavefield, we performed numerical simulations of elastic wave propagation in fractured digital rocks (FDRs) using the discontinuous Galerkin method, the linear-slip model and sets of randomly distributed fractures. We compared the results with those obtained using Hudson’s equivalent media theory (HEM) and observed that, when the fracture density is 0.08 or less, there is no statistical difference between the FDR and HEM results; however, when the fracture density is higher than 0.08, the results of HEM diverge from those of FDR. Furthermore, HEM accuracy depends not only on the fracture density but also on the P- to S-wave velocity ratio. The P-wave anisotropy induced by the fractures is observed as a delay, which can be due to fracture density, length or a mixture of both. The Pwave is delayed in all directions, but mostly in the direction perpendicular to the fractures’ orientation.
Inversion of the satellite observations of the tidally induced magnetic field in terms of 3-D upper-mantle electrical conductivity: method and synthetic tests
Authors: Šachl L , Velímský J , Fullea J , Martinec Z
Published: January 2022

The interaction of the oceanic tidal flow with the Earth’s main magnetic field provides a powerful natural source of electromagnetic (EM) energy suitable for suboceanic upper-mantle electrical conductivity sounding. In this paper, we have developed and tested a new frequency-domain, spherical harmonic-finite element approach to the inverse problem of global EM induction. It is set up for an effective inversion of satellite-observed tidally induced magnetic field in terms of 3-D structure of the electrical conductivity in the suboceanic upper mantle. Before proceeding to the inversion of Swarm-derived models of tidal magnetic signatures, we have performed a series of parametric studies, using the 3-D conductivity model WINTERC-e as a testbed. The WINTERC-e model has been derived using state-of-the-art laboratory conductivity measurements of mantle minerals, and thermal and compositional model of the lithosphere and upper mantle WINTERC-G. The latter model is based on the inversion of global surface waveforms, satellite gravity and gradiometry measurements, surface elevation and heat flow data in a thermodynamically self-consistent framework. Therefore, the WINTERC-e model, independent of any EM data, represents an ideal target for synthetic tests of the 3-D EM inversion. We tested the impact of the truncation degree of the spherical-harmonic expansion of the M2 tidal signal, the effect of random noise in synthetic data and inclusion of the N2 and O1 tidal constituents on the ability to recover the suboceanic upper-mantle conductivity structure. We demonstrate that with suitable regularization we can successfully reconstruct the 3-D upper-mantle conductivity beneath world oceans. In the ideal noise-free case, the correlation coefficient between the target and recovered conductivity is greater than 0.8 in the 150–270 km depth range.
French validation of the e-PROSCeSS questionnaire: stakeholder perceptions of the health promoting sports club
Authors: Johnson Stacey , Vuillemin Anne , Epstein Jonathan , Geidne Susanna , Donaldson Alex , Tezier Benjamin , Kokko Sami , Van Hoye Aurélie
Published: January 2022

The health promoting sports club describes the development of the settings-based approach in sports clubs. Based on this model, a questionnaire was developed to measure health promotion perceptions in sports clubs (e-PROSCeSS). The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of a French version of the e-PROSCeSS measurement tool. The questionnaire includes three scales measuring stakeholder’s perceptions of club (macro), managers (meso) and coaches (micro) activities toward promoting health. Five steps were undertaken to assess perceptions. First, scales were translated into French. Second, each item’s content clarity was tested in three populations: managers, coaches, sports participants. Third, descriptive statistics were analyzed for each scale. Fourth, confirmatory factorial analysis was used to select items for each level. Predictive validity found positive relationships between health promotion perceptions and managing/coaching positions, and negative relationships with drop-out intentions. Positive relationships were found between sports participants’ perceptions of health promotion and their self-rated performance and quality of life, while negative relationships were detected with drop-out intentions. The French e-PROSCeSS subscales showed good psychometric properties in measuring health determinants at multiple levels. However, the tool did not measure health promotion as an overarching concept that questions its applicability in the sports club setting.
E3 ligase Smurf1 protects against misfolded SOD1 in neuronal cells by promoting its K63 ubiquitylation and aggresome formation
Authors: Dong Lei , Liu Liqun , Li Yang , Li Wenxuan , Zhou Liying , Xia Qin
Published: January 2022

K63-linked polyubiquitination of the neurodegenerative disease-associated misfolded protein copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is associated with the formation of inclusion bodies. Highly expressed E3 ligase Smad ubiquitylation regulatory factor 1 (Smurf1) promotes cellular homeostasis through the enhanced capability of aggregate degradation. However, it is not well explored the role of Smurf1 in the dynamics of SOD1 aggresomes. In this study, we report that Smurf1 promotes the recruitment of SOD1 to form aggresomes. Mechanistically, Smurf1 interacts with mutant SOD1 to promote aggresome formation by modification of its K63-linked polyubiquitination. Moreover, overexpressed Smurf1 enhances mutant SOD1 aggresome formation and autophagic degradation to prevent cell death. Thus, our data suggest that Smurf1 plays an important role in attenuating protein misfolding-induced cell toxicity by both driving the sequestration of misfolded SOD1 into aggresomes and autophagic degradation.
Multiomics analyses reveal early metabolic imbalance and mitochondrial stress in neonatal photoreceptors leading to cell death in Pde6brd1/rd1 mouse model of retinal degeneration
Authors: Jiang Ke , Mondal Anupam Kumar , Adlakha Yogita K , Gumerson Jessica , Aponte Angel , Gieser Linn , Kim Jung-Woong , Boleda Alexis , Brooks Matthew J , Nellissery Jacob , Fox Donald A , Balaban Robert , Covian Raul , Swaroop Anand
Published: January 2022

Retinal diseases exhibit extensive genetic heterogeneity and complex etiology with varying onset and severity. Mutations in over 200 genes can lead to photoreceptor dysfunction and/or cell death in retinal neurodegeneration. To deduce molecular pathways that initiate and/or drive cell death, we adopted a temporal multiomics approach and examined molecular and cellular events in newborn and developing photoreceptors before the onset of degeneration in a widely-used Pde6brd1/rd1 (rd1) mouse, a model of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa caused by PDE6B mutations. Transcriptome profiling of neonatal and developing rods from the rd1 retina revealed early downregulation of genes associated with anabolic pathways and energy metabolism. Quantitative proteomics of rd1 retina showed early changes in calcium signaling and oxidative phosphorylation, with specific partial bypass of complex I electron transfer, which precede the onset of cell death. Concurrently, we detected alterations in central carbon metabolism, including dysregulation of components associated with glycolysis, pentose phosphate and purine biosynthesis. Ex vivo assays of oxygen consumption and transmission electron microscopy validated early and progressive mitochondrial stress and abnormalities in mitochondrial structure and function of rd1 rods. These data uncover mitochondrial overactivation and related metabolic alterations as determinants of early pathology and implicate aberrant calcium signaling as an initiator of higher mitochondrial stress. Our studies thus provide a mechanistic framework with mitochondrial damage and metabolic disruptions as early drivers of photoreceptor cell death in retinal degeneration.
The renal inflammatory network of nephronophthisis
Authors: Quatredeniers Marceau , Bienaimé Frank , Ferri Giulia , Isnard Pierre , Porée Esther , Billot Katy , Birgy Eléonore , Mazloum Manal , Ceccarelli Salomé , Silbermann Flora , Braeg Simone , Nguyen-Khoa Thao , Salomon Rémi , Gubler Marie-Claire , Kuehn E Wolfgang , Saunier Sophie , Viau Amandine
Published: January 2022

Renal ciliopathies are the leading cause of inherited kidney failure. In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), mutations in the ciliary gene PKD1 lead to the induction of CCL2, which promotes macrophage infiltration in the kidney. Whether or not mutations in genes involved in other renal ciliopathies also lead to immune cells recruitment is controversial. Through the parallel analysis of patients’ derived material and murine models, we investigated the inflammatory components of nephronophthisis (NPH), a rare renal ciliopathy affecting children and adults. Our results show that NPH mutations lead to kidney infiltration by neutrophils, macrophages and T cells. Contrary to ADPKD, this immune cell recruitment does not rely on the induction of CCL2 in mutated cells, which is dispensable for disease progression. Through an unbiased approach, we identified a set of inflammatory cytokines that are upregulated precociously and independently of CCL2 in murine models of NPH. The majority of these transcripts is also upregulated in NPH patient renal cells at a level exceeding those found in common non-immune chronic kidney diseases. This study reveals that inflammation is a central aspect in NPH and delineates a specific set of inflammatory mediators that likely regulates immune cell recruitment in response to NPH genes mutations.
Mathematical modeling of COVID-19 pandemic in the context of sub-Saharan Africa: a short-term forecasting in Cameroon and Gabon
Authors: Nkwayep C H , Bowong S , Tsanou B , Alaoui M A Aziz , Kurths J
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we propose and analyse a compartmental model of COVID-19 to predict and control the outbreak. We first formulate a comprehensive mathematical model for the dynamical transmission of COVID-19 in the context of sub-Saharan Africa. We provide the basic properties of the model and compute the basic reproduction number $\mathcal {R}_0$ when the parameter values are constant. After, assuming continuous measurement of the weekly number of newly COVID-19 detected cases, newly deceased individuals and newly recovered individuals, the Ensemble of Kalman filter (EnKf) approach is used to estimate the unmeasured variables and unknown parameters, which are assumed to be time-dependent using real data of COVID-19. We calibrated the proposed model to fit the weekly data in Cameroon and Gabon before, during and after the lockdown. We present the forecasts of the current pandemic in these countries using the estimated parameter values and the estimated variables as initial conditions. During the estimation period, our findings suggest that $\mathcal {R}_0 \approx 1.8377 $ in Cameroon, while $\mathcal {R}_0 \approx 1.0379$ in Gabon meaning that the disease will not die out without any control measures in theses countries. Also, the number of undetected cases remains high in both countries, which could be the source of the new wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Short-term predictions firstly show that one can use the EnKf to predict the COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa and that the second vague of the COVID-19 pandemic will still increase in the future in Gabon and in Cameroon. A comparison between the basic reproduction number from human individuals $\mathcal {R}_{0h}$ and from the SARS-CoV-2 in the environment $\mathcal {R}_{0v}$ has been done in Cameroon and Gabon. A comparative study during the estimation period shows that the transmissions from the free SARS-CoV-2 in the environment is greater than that from the infected individuals in Cameroon with $\mathcal {R}_{0h}$ = 0.05721 and $\mathcal {R}_{0v}$ = 1.78051. This imply that Cameroonian apply distancing measures between individual more than with the free SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. But, the opposite is observed in Gabon with $\mathcal {R}_{0h}$ = 0.63899 and $\mathcal {R}_{0v}$ = 0.39894. So, it is important to increase the awareness campaigns to reduce contacts from individual to individual in Gabon. However, long-term predictions reveal that the COVID-19 detected cases will play an important role in the spread of the disease. Further, we found that there is a necessity to increase timely the surveillance by using an awareness program and a detection process, and the eradication of the pandemic is highly dependent on the control measures taken by each government.
K-Theoretic Hall Algebras of Quivers with Potential as Hopf Algebras
Authors: Pădurariu Tudor
Published: January 2022

Preprojective K-theoretic Hall algebras (KHAs), particular cases of KHAs of quivers with potential, are conjecturally positive halves of the Okounkov–Smirnov affine quantum algebras. It is thus natural to ask whether KHAs of quivers with potential are halves of a quantum group. For a symmetric quiver with potential satisfying a Künneth-type condition, we construct (positive and negative) extensions of its KHA, which are bialgebras. In particular, there are bialgebra extensions of preprojective KHAs and one can construct their Drinfeld double algebra.
Patient-reported outcomes as hospital performance measures: the challenge of confounding and how to handle it
Authors: Kristensen Pia Kjær , Johnsen Søren Paaske
Published: January 2022

It is highly appealing to use patient-reported outcomes (PROs) as hospital performance measures; however, so far, the attention to key methodological issues has been limited. One of the most critical challenges when comparing PRO-based performance measures across providers is to rule out confounding. In this paper, we explain confounding and why it matters when comparing across providers. Using examples from studies, we present potential strategies for dealing with confounding when using PRO data at an aggregated level. We aim to give clinicians an overview of how confounding can be addressed in both the design stage (restriction, matching, self-controlled design and propensity score) and the analysis stage (stratification, standardization and multivariable adjustment, including multilevel analysis) of a study. We also briefly discuss strategies for confounding control when data on important confounders are missing or unavailable.
Implementation of the EUCAST rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test (RAST) directly from positive blood culture bottles without the advanced identification systems
Authors: Tayşi Muhammet Rıdvan , Şentürk Gönül Çiçek , Çalişkan Elif , Öcal Duygu , Miroglu Gülşah , Şencan İrfan
Published: January 2022

Objectives

EUCAST published its recommendations for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility tests (RASTs) directly from positive signal blood culture (BC) bottles. The objective of the present study was to investigate the accuracy and applicability of the predicted RAST (p-RAST) method without using automated identification systems, and the effects of the results obtained with this method on the treatment decision of the clinician.

Methods

The RAST procedure was applied to positive BC samples between November 2020 and June 2021. The categorical results of the method were obtained by comparing the p-RAST results obtained at 4, 6 and 8 h of incubation according to predicted bacterial species with conventional methods and standard disc diffusion results. The effects of these results on the treatment decision of the clinician were evaluated retrospectively. The actual categorical results of the EUCAST RAST [standard RAST (s-RAST)] method were identified.

Results

The p-RAST and s-RAST results were analysed according to 145 and 111 isolates, respectively. The p-RAST total error rates were 3.0%, 3.1% and 2.8% at 4, 6 and 8 h of incubation, respectively, and the s-RAST total error rates were determined as 2.7%, 3.3% and 3.2%, respectively. With p-RAST’s results, it was observed that effective escalation was performed in the antimicrobial treatment for 45 patients, and effective de-escalation could be performed in 32 patients, but it was recommended not to perform de-escalation.

Conclusions

Even in a microbiology laboratory with limited facilities, reliable antimicrobial susceptibility test results can be obtained in a short time with the p-RAST method without using automated systems and antimicrobial choice can be guided in a shorter time.
Effect of topical berberine in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions
Authors: Calvo Alba , Moreno Esther , Aldalur Irati , Sanmartín Carmen , Larrea Esther , González-Peñas Elena , Irache Juan Manuel , Espuelas Socorro
Published: January 2022

Objectives

More effective topical treatments remain an unmet need for the localized forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical berberine cream in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major parasites.

Methods

A cream containing 0.5% berberine-β-glycerophosphate salt and 2.5% menthol was prepared. Its physicochemical and stability properties were determined. The cream was evaluated for its capacity to reduce lesion size and parasitic load as well as to promote wound healing after twice-a-day administration for 35 days. Clinical biochemical profile was used for estimating off-target effects. In vitro time-to-kill curves in L. major-infected macrophages and skin and plasma pharmacokinetics were determined, aiming to establish pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships.

Results

The cream was stable at 40°C for 3 months and at 4°C for at least 8 months. It was able to halt lesion progression in all treated mice. At the end of treatment, parasite load in the skin was reduced by 99.9% (4 log) and genes involved in the wound healing process were up-regulated compared with untreated mice.

The observed effects were higher than expected from in vitro time-to-kill kinetic and plasma berberine concentrations, which ranged between 0.07 and 0.22 μM.

Conclusions

The twice-a-day administration of a topical berberine cream was safe, able to stop parasite progression and improved the appearance of skin CL lesions. The relationship between drug plasma levels and in vivo effect was unclear.