bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maturity onset diabetes of the young and fibrin-related thrombosis risk
Authors: Sagar RC , Phoenix F , Thanabalasingham G , Naseem K , Ajjan RA , Owen KR
Published: December 2020

Background:

Fibrin network characteristics determine predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Individuals with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have higher risk of CVD and display deranged fibrin network structure. Those with maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) may also be at increased risk but their fibrin clot properties have not been studied.

Methods:

Plasma clots properties from 13 individuals with HNF1A-MODY, 12 matched-individuals with T2DM and 12 with T1DM were studied using a validated turbidimetric assay and confocal microscopy. Plasma levels of fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, complement C3 and C-reactive protein were also measured.

Results:

MODY clot maximum absorbance was 0.37 ± 0.03 AU, similar to T1DM (0.32 ± 0.03 AU; p = 0.26), but lower than T2DM (0.49 ± 0.03 AU; p = 0.02), with confocal microscopy confirming structural differences. Clot lysis time in MODY was similar to T1DM (456 ± 50 and 402 ± 20 s, respectively; p = 0.09) but shorter than T2DM (588 ± 58 s; p = 0.006). Comparing inflammatory/thrombotic proteins in HNF1A-MODY and T2DM, C3 levels were lower in MODY than T2DM (0.58 ± 0.09 and 0.80 ± 0.1 mg/ml, respectively; p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

HNF1A-MODY fibrin network alterations are at least as pronounced as in T1DM but less thrombotic than T2DM clots. Differences in fibrin clot characteristics comparing HNF1A-MODY and T2DM may, in part, relate to lower C3 levels.
Uretero-Arterial Fistula: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Abbas Amr I. Al , Salhanick Marc , Kirkwood Melissa L.
Published: December 2020

Uretero-arterial fistula (UAF) is a rare complication of either aneurysmal disease primarily or pelvic inflammation secondary to urologic, oncologic, or vascular interventions. Diagnosis can be difficult to confirm and treatment may need to proceed on high index of suspicion alone. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman suffering from intermittent hematuria after laser lithotripsy leading to UAF between her left ureter and left Dacron aortobifemoral bypass limb. The fistula was successfully treated with endovascular intervention.
Venous leg symptoms, ecchymosis, and coldness in patients with peripheral varicose vein: A multicenter assessment and validation study (VEIN-VIOLET study)
Authors: Yetkin Ertan , Kutlu Karadag Makbule , Ileri Mehmet , Atak Ramazan , Erdil Nevzat , Tekin Gulacan , Ozyasar Mehmet , Ozturk Selcuk
Published: December 2020

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate peripheral varicose vein symptoms including ecchymosis and coldness by using the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms (VEINES-QoL/Sym) questionnaire.

Methods

A total of 1120 patients were enrolled to the analysis after the exclusion of 199 patients who did not match the inclusion criteria. Patients were asked to answer the VEINES-Sym questionnaire and questions about ecchymosis and coldness. Scores of ecchymosis and coldness were calculated similar to VEINES-Sym questionnaire. Classifications of peripheral varicose vein were made according to the clinical part of clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological classification system and patients with grade 2 or higher were considered as positive for peripheral varicose vein.

Results

Frequency of symptoms present in the VEINES-Sym instrument, ecchymosis and coldness were significantly higher in patients with peripheral varicose vein. Mean score of each symptom was significantly lower in peripheral varicose vein patients including scores of ecchymosis and coldness. Logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of hemorrhoids and all symptoms in VEINES-Sym questionnaire except restless leg were significantly and independently associated with peripheral varicose vein. Besides, ecchymosis (odds ratio: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.34–3.08, p = 0.008) but not coldness was significantly and independently associated with peripheral varicose vein. There was also significant correlation of VEINES-Sym score with ecchymosis ( r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and coldness ( r = 0.47, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Venous leg symptoms present in VEINES-Sym questionnaire except restless legs, presence of hemorrhoids and ecchymosis are significantly and independently associated with peripheral varicose vein. Not only ecchymosis but also coldness has shown an independent association with total VEINES-Sym score.
Maturity timing and performance in a youth national basketball team: Do early-maturing players dominate?
Authors: Arede Jorge , Fernandes John , Moran Jason , Norris Jonty , Leite Nuno
Published: December 2020

The aims of this study were to examine the influence of maturity timing on functional skills and game-related statistics amongst under-16 (U16) national team basketball players, and analyse which of these parameters were related to onward selection to the under-18 (U18) national team. Thirty-six U16 basketball players underwent anthropometric and overhead squat assessments during a national team training camp. Also, maturity offset (MO) was computed alongside game-related statistics during the U16 National Championship and U16 European Championship competitions. For the statistical analysis of all parameters, subjects were identified according to their maturity timing (early vs average). Sitting height, height, body mass, points scored and assists during U16 National Championship discriminated between early- and average-maturing players. Early-maturing players played significantly fewer minutes during the European Championship compared with the National Championship whilst average-maturing players scored significantly more points and performed more assists during the National Championship. Minutes played during the European Championship, and points scored during National and European Championships discriminated ‘selected’ from ‘non-selected’ players for the U18 National Team. These results encourage coaches to acknowledge the value in allowing later-maturing players the time to develop with a view to realising their full potential.
‘I think there is nothing . . . that is really comprehensive’: healthcare professionals’ views on recommending online resources for pain self-management
Authors: Areli E , Godfrey HK , Perry MA , Hempel D , Saipe B , Grainger R , Hale L , Devan H
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

To explore healthcare professionals’ views on, and attitudes, towards recommending online resources for persistent pain self-management.

Methods:

This study was the qualitative phase of a two-phase mixed method study. Thirty-one New Zealand health professionals involved in the management of persistent pain were interviewed via focus groups and individual interviews. Data were analysed using the general inductive approach.

Results:

The major themes were as follows: (1) risks and limits of online information outweigh benefits, (2) a blended model, of online resources with healthcare professional support, could work, (3) only trustworthy resources can be recommended, (4) need for personalisation and (5) perceived barriers to adoption.

Conclusion:

Online resources were perceived as a useful adjunct to support pain self-management; however, due to potential risks of misinterpretation and misinformation, healthcare professionals proposed a ‘blended model’ where curated online resources introduced during face-to-face consultations could be used to support self-management. Participants needed ‘trustworthy online resources’ that provide evidence-based, updated information that is personalised to clients’ health literacy and cultural beliefs.

Practice implications:

Training for healthcare professionals on critical appraisal of online resources or curation of evidence-based online resources could increase recommendation of online resources to support pain self-management as an adjunct to in-person care.
Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of synchronous renal mass and pancreatic mass: a review
Authors: Knight Andrew S , Ha Freedom L , de Riese Werner T
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Synchronous renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and pancreatic tumors are rare clinical events and have been described scarcely in the literature. Our institution has recently encountered one case. This review aims to summarize and present the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that have been presented in the literature for these synchronous solid malignancies.

Methods:

After reviewing the literature using PubMed, 16 papers were collected that showed a total of 21 patients with a synchronous solid renal and pancreatic mass. The diagnostic and treatment data were then evaluated and analyzed.

Results:

Overall, 13 patients (59%) had two independent primary malignancies consisting of RCC and a pancreatic tumor, seven (31%) were diagnosed with primary RCC with synchronous metastasis to pancreas, one (5%) was found to have a primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma with synchronous metastasis to the kidney, and one (5%) was diagnosed with primary RCC with a benign solid pancreatic lesion. Of the 22 patients that were treated, 18 (81%) underwent surgery, one (5%) had no treatment, and three (14%) underwent chemotherapy without surgery. In the cohort of patients with surgical treatment 12 (66%) had no adjuvant therapy, one (6%) had adjuvant chemotherapy, four (22%) had adjuvant immunotherapy, and one (6%) had adjuvant radiation treatment.

Conclusions:

The occurrence of synchronous malignancies of the kidney and pancreas is rare. No clear guidelines have evolved in the literature in regard to diagnostics and treatment of these patients. This review presents recommended diagnostic and treatment guidelines for these rare clinical cases.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicenter review.
Stability and change in strategic action fields: Municipal solid waste incineration in China, 1988–2020
Authors: Zhang Xixi
Published: December 2020

The theory of strategic action fields (SAFs) is a perspective from which to better understand the emergence, stability, and change of the meso-level social order. However, the transferability of this theoretical perspective requires additional empirical evidence. Therefore, this study regards municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration in China as a SAF, in which various forces vie for the dominant position around the construction and operation of incineration plants. Given that all fields are embedded in a shifting social and cultural context, I analyze the interactions and competitions between incumbents and challengers. I then examine a series of consecutive events in the SAF, such as the emergence of the waste crisis, the development of MSW incineration, and consequential episodes of contention. I also investigate other factors that may affect the prospects for stability and change of the SAF, including actions of the state, influences of other related fields, and large-scale crises. By tracing the developmental trajectory of the SAF of MSW incineration, I discuss the applicability of the theory of SAFs to understanding an underexplored field in China.
The frequency of Tim-3 on circulating Tfh cells was increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Guo Shuai , Yu Xujie , Wang Limei , Jing Jing , Sun Yuanyuan , Li Na , Kuang Jiangying , Zhao Di , Yu Xingyu , Yang Jingjing , Yan Wenjiang
Published: December 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic, low-grade inflammation disease. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) are implicated in many immune diseases. This study aims to explore whether Tim-3 expression on Tfh cells is associated with T2DM progression. White blood cells (WBCs) were harvested from 30 patients with T2DM and 20 healthy donors. The abundance of circulating Tfh cells (cTfh) and the frequency of Tim-3 were analyzed by flow cytometry. Levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and fasting plasma C-peptide were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and diabetes duration were also recorded. Patients with T2DM had higher numbers of cTfh cells. In addition, cTfh cells showed a negative correlation with HbA1C and diabetes duration, a positive correlation with fasting plasma C-peptide. The frequency of Tim-3 on cTfh cells was higher among T2DM patients compared with healthy donors. The in vitro experiment showed that high glucose levels increased the abundance cTfh cells but had no effect on Tim-3 expression. Our results suggest that cTfh cells and associated Tim-3 frequency may contribute to the progression of T2DM, and high glucose levels may influence cTfh cells directly.
Towards a “Digital” Sports Journalism: Field Theory, Changing Boundaries and Evolving Technologies
Authors: Perreault Gregory , Bell Travis R.
Published: December 2020

Long trivialized as the “toy department,” sports journalism nevertheless represents an enduring, and vital subfield within journalism. As with many niches of journalism, sports journalism has needed to adjust to changes resulting from the technology of the field. In particular, digital sports journalism faces pressure from adjacent fields, represented in team and player media, which perform many of the same tasks historically attributed to sports journalism. Through the lens of field theory, the present study reports on long-form interviews with 47 sports journalists who self-defined their work as digital journalism. This study argues that the perception of insurgents—team media that prior research demonstrated is often seen as a part of the field—has caused digital sports journalists to view their work as economically vital to the individual newsroom, but not topically essential to the journalistic field at large.
Role of Invasive Urodynamic Studies in Establishing Cauda Equina Syndrome and Postoperative Recovery
Authors: Mallepally Abhinandan Reddy , Mohapatra Bibhudendu , Das Kalidutta
Published: December 2020

Study design:

Retrospective with prospective follow-up.

Objective:

Confirming the diagnosis of CES based purely on symptoms and signs is unreliable and usually associated with high false positive rate. A missed diagnosis can permanently disable the patient. Present study aims to determine the relationship between clinical symptoms/ signs (bladder dysfunction) with UDS, subsequently aid in surgical decision making and assessing post-operative recovery.

Methods:

A prospective follow-up of patients with disc herniation and bladder symptoms from January 2018 to July 2020 was done. All patients underwent UDS and grouped into acontractile, hypocontractile and normal bladder. Data regarding PAS, VAC, GTP, timing to surgery and onset of radiculopathy and recovery with correlation to UDS was done preoperatively and post operatively.

Results:

107 patients were studied (M-63/F-44). Patients with PAS present still had acontractile (61%) or hypocontractile (39%) detrusor and with VAC present, 57% had acontractile and 43% hypocontractile detrusors. 10 patients with both PAS and VAC present had acontractile detrusor. 82% patients with acute radiculopathy (<2 days) improved when operated <24 hrs while only 47% showed improvement with chronic radiculopathy. The detrusor function recovered in 66.1% when operated <12 hours, 40% in <12-24 hours of presentation.

Conclusion:

Adjuvant information from UDS in combination with clinicoradiological findings help in accurate diagnosis even in patients with no objective motor and sensory deficits. Quantitative findings on UDS are consistent with postoperative recovery of patient’s urination power, representing improvement and can be used as a prognostic factor.
Anteroinferior Hip Instability in Flexion During Dynamic Arthroscopic Examination Is Associated With Abnormal Anterior Acetabular Horn
Authors: Hatem Munif A. , Helal Asadullah , Khoury Anthony N. , Martin Hal David
Published: December 2020

Background:

The stabilization of the femoral head is provided by the distal acetabulum when the hip is in a flexed position. However, the osseous parameters for the diagnosis of hip instability in flexion are not defined.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To determine whether the osseous parameters of the distal acetabulum are different in hips demonstrating anteroinferior subluxation in flexion under dynamic arthroscopic examination, compared with individuals without hip symptoms. The hypothesis was that the morphometric parameters of the anterior acetabular horn are distinct in hips with anteroinferior instability compared with asymptomatic hips.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 30 hips with anteroinferior instability in flexion under dynamic arthroscopic examination were identified. A control group of 60 hips (30 patients), matched by age and sex, was formed from individuals who had undergone pelvis magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for nonorthopaedic reasons. Unstable and control hips were compared according to the following parameters assessed on axial MRI scans of the pelvis: anterior sector angle (ASA), anterior horn angle (AHA), posterior sector angle (PSA), posterior horn angle (PHA), acetabular version, lateral center-edge angle, acetabular inclination (Tönnis angle), and femoral head diameter.

Results:

The coverage of the femoral head by the anterior acetabular horn was decreased in unstable hips compared with the control group (mean ASA, 54.8° vs 61°, respectively; P < .001). Unstable hips also had a steeper anterior acetabular horn, with an increased mean AHA compared with controls (52.5° vs 46.8°, respectively; P < .001). An ASA <58° had a sensitivity of 0.8, a specificity of 0.68, a negative predictive value of 0.87, and a positive predictive value of 0.56 for anteroinferior hip instability. An AHA >50° had a sensitivity of 0.77, a specificity of 0.72, a negative predictive value of 0.86, and a positive predictive value of 0.57 for anteroinferior hip instability. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean PSA, PHA, acetabular version, lateral center-edge angle, acetabular inclination, or femoral head diameter between unstable hips and controls.

Conclusion:

Abnormal morphology of the anterior acetabular horn is associated with anteroinferior instability in hip flexion. The ASA and AHA can aid in the diagnosis of hip instability.
Addressing the Needs of Migrant Workers in ICUs in Singapore
Authors: Lim Crystal , Zhou Jamie Xuelian , Woong Natalie Liling , Chiam Min , Krishna Lalit Kumar Radha
Published: December 2020

Background:

With nearly 400 000 migrant workers in Singapore, many from Bangladesh, India and Myanmar, language and cultural barriers posed a great many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was especially so as majority of the COVID-19 clusters in Singapore emerged from their communal dormitories. With concerns arising as to how this minority group could be best cared for in the intensive care units, the need for medical interpreters became clear.

Main:

In response, the Communication and Supportive Care (CSC) workgroup at the Singapore General Hospital developed the ‘Medical Interpreters Training for ICU Conversations’ program. Led by a medical social worker-cum-ethicist and 2 palliative care physicians, twenty volunteers underwent training. The program comprised of 4 parts. Firstly, volunteers were provided with an overview of challenges within the COVID-19 isolation ICU environment. Discussed in detail were common issues between patients and families, forms of distress faced by healthcare workers, family communication modality protocols, and the sociocultural demographics of Singapore’s migrant worker population. Secondly, key practice principles and ‘Do’s/Don’ts’ in line with the ethical principles of medical interpretation identified by the California Healthcare Interpreters Association were shared. Thirdly, practical steps to consider before, during and at the end of each interpretation session were foregrounded. Lastly, a focus group discussion on the complexities of ICU cases and their attending issues was conducted. Targeted support was further provided in response to participant feedback and specific issues raised.

Conclusion:

As a testament to its efficacy, the program has since been extended to the general wards and the Ministry of Health in Singapore has further commissioned similar programs in various hospitals. In-depth training on the fundamentals of medical terminology, language and cultural competency should be provided to all pertinent healthcare workers and hospitals should consider hiring medical interpreters in permanent positions.
Seizing the Day for Southern Urbanism: Reflections from the Lockdown
Authors: Maringanti Anant
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 and the lockdown have challenged urbanists to rethink many of their core practices. As we return to a ‘new normal’, it is important to articulate responses to present challenges through the manner in which we have taught Southern urbanism over the last decade. One of the early lessons of Southern urban practice was that the field had to be our primary site of pedagogy. It is important, too, to recognise and value what this experience teaches us about theory, knowledge and practice. Over the last decade, I have been among a small band of urbanists in India and across the world who have been attempting to craft new learning and teaching contexts where experience and sensory perceptions are privileged but not at the expense of abstraction and concept building. As we witness uncertainty of an unprecedented degree, it is only through praxis and concept-forming informing each other that new theory will emerge. It will not emerge from any single source. This democratisation of practice is the single most important outcome of the last 3 months.
Clinical features, optical coherence tomography findings and treatment outcomes of post-fever retinitis
Authors: Sundar M Dheepak , Chawla Rohan , Balaji Akshaya , Garg Itika , Kalathil Reshmi , Hasan Nasiq , Vikas S J , Kumar Atul
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

To study the clinical features, optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, treatment options and follow-up outcomes of post-fever retinitis (PFR).

Subjects:

A total of 19 eyes of 13 patients, diagnosed with PFR (retinitis following febrile episode) over 2 years were retrospectively studied.

Methods:

Documented history, baseline clinical features and systemic investigations performed for PFR were reviewed. Fundus findings, foveal architecture on swept-source OCT, the treatment options and the follow-up outcomes including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were reviewed and analyzed.

Results:

Common fundus findings included whitish retinitis lesions (100%), macular star (95%, 18eyes), retinal flame-shaped hemorrhages (63%, 12 eyes), inflammatory retinal vessels (30%, 6 eyes), vitreous hemorrhage (one eye) and OCT findings included neuro-sensory detachment (79%, 15 eyes), intraretinal white dots (89.5%,17 eyes). The baseline median log MAR BCVA and CFT were 1.30 (interquartile range (IQR):0.8–1.8) and 423 microns (IQR:182–555). Overall, nine patients (12 eyes) received a combination of oral doxycycline and oral steroids and four patients (7 eyes) received a combination of oral doxycycline, oral steroid and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (IVA). Significant improvement was evident at 8 weeks in median BCVA (0.50, IQR: 0.3–0.8, p < 0.05) and median CFT (223 micron, IQR: 170–256, p < 0.05) though only 26% (5 eyes) attained BCVA > = 6/12.

Conclusion:

Our study puts forth certain characteristic fundus and OCT features of PFR. A combination of oral doxycycline and oral steroids as a treatment option showed improvement in BCVA and CFT. Additional IVA helps in faster visual recovery in patients presenting with severe macular edema at onset.
Transcribed sex-specific markers on the Y chromosome of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Carraretto Davide , Aketarawong Nidchaya , Di Cosimo Alessandro , Manni Mosè , Scolari Francesca , Valerio Federica , Malacrida Anna R. , Gomulski Ludvik M. , Gasperi Giuliano
Published: December 2020

Background

The Oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis, is a highly polyphagous invasive species with a high reproductive potential. In many tropical and subtropical parts of the world it ranks as one of the major pests of fruits and vegetables. Due to its economic importance, genetic, cytogenetic, genomic and biotechnological approaches have been applied to understand its biology and to implement the Sterile Insect Technique, currently a part of area-wide control programmes against this fly. Its chromosome complement includes five pairs of autosomes and the sex chromosomes. The X and Y sex chromosomes are heteromorphic and the highly heterochromatic and degenerate Y harbours the male factorBdMoY. The characterization of the Y chromosome in this fly apart from elucidating its role as primary sex determination system, it is also of crucial importance to understand its role in male biology. The repetitive nature of the Y chromosome makes it challenging to sequence and characterise.

Results

Using Representational Difference Analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridisation on mitotic chromosomes and in silico genome resources, we show that theB. dorsalisY chromosome harbours transcribed sequences ofgyf,(typo-gyf) a homologue of theDrosophila melanogaster Gigyfgene, and of a non-LTR retrotransposon R1. Similar sequences are also transcribed on the X chromosome. Paralogues of theGigyfgene are also present on the Y and X chromosomes of the related speciesB. tryoni. Another identified Y-specific repetitive sequence linked toBdMoYappears to be specific toB. dorsalis.

Conclusions

Our random scan of the Y chromosome provides a broad picture of its general composition and represents a starting point for further applicative and evolutionary studies. The identified repetitive sequences can provide a useful Y-marking system for molecular karyotyping of single embryos. Having a robust diagnostic marker associated withBdMoYwill facilitate studies on howBdMoYregulates the male sex determination cascade during the embryonic sex-determination window. The Y chromosome, despite its high degeneracy and heterochromatic nature, harbours transcribed sequences oftypo-gyfthat may maintain their important function in post-transcriptional mRNA regulation. That transcribed paralogous copies ofGigyfare present also on the X and that this genomic distribution is maintained also inB. tryoniraises questions on the evolution of sex chromosomes inBactroceraand other tephritids.
Genetic structure and symbiotic profile of worldwide natural populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Nikolouli Katerina , Augustinos Antonios A. , Stathopoulou Panagiota , Asimakis Elias , Mintzas Anastasios , Bourtzis Kostas , Tsiamis George
Published: December 2020

Background

The Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata,is a cosmopolitan agricultural pest of worldwide economic importance and a model for the development of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for fruit flies of the Tephritidae family (Diptera). SIT relies on the effective mating of laboratory-reared strains and natural populations, and therefore requires an efficient mass-rearing system that will allow for the production of high-quality males. Adaptation of wild flies to an artificial laboratory environment can be accompanied by negative effects on several life history traits through changes in their genetic diversity and symbiotic communities. Such changes may lead to reduced biological quality and mating competitiveness in respect to the wild populations. Profiling wild populations can help understand, and maybe reverse, deleterious effects accompanying laboratory domestication thus providing insects that can efficiently and effectively support SIT application.

Results

In the present study, we analyzed both the genetic structure and gut symbiotic communities of natural medfly populations of worldwide distribution, including Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The genetic structure of 408 individuals from 15 distinct populations was analyzed with a set of commonly used microsatellite markers. The symbiotic communities of a subset of 265 individuals from 11 populations were analyzed using the 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing of single individuals (adults). Genetic differentiation was detected among geographically distant populations while adults originated from neighboring areas were genetically closer. Alpha and beta diversity of bacterial communities pointed to an overall reduced symbiotic diversity and the influence of the geographic location on the bacterial profile.

Conclusions

Our analysis revealed differences both in the genetic profile and the structure of gut symbiotic communities of medfly natural populations. The genetic analysis expanded our knowledge to populations not analyzed before and our results were in accordance with the existing scenarios regarding this species expansion and colonization pathways. At the same time, the bacterial communities from different natural medfly populations have been characterized, thus broadening our knowledge on the microbiota of the species across its range. Genetic and symbiotic differences between natural and laboratory populations must be considered when designing AW-IPM approaches with a SIT component, since they may impact mating compatibility and mating competitiveness of the laboratory-reared males. In parallel, enrichment from wild populations and/or symbiotic supplementation could increase rearing productivity, biological quality, and mating competitiveness of SIT-important laboratory strains.
An early female lethal system of the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, for biotechnology-enhanced SIT
Authors: Concha Carolina , Yan Ying , Arp Alex , Quilarque Evelin , Sagel Agustin , de León Adalberto Pérez , McMillan W. Owen , Skoda Steven , Scott Maxwell J.
Published: December 2020

Background

The New World Screwworm fly (NWS),Cochliomyia hominivorax, is an ectoparasite of warm-blooded animals and a major pest of livestock in parts of South America and the Caribbean where it remains endemic. In North and Central America it was eradicated using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). A control program is managed cooperatively between the governments of the United States and Panama to prevent the northward spread of NWS from infested countries in South America. This is accomplished by maintaining a permanent barrier through the release of millions of sterile male and female flies in the border between Panama and Colombia. Our research team demonstrated the utility of biotechnology-enhanced approaches for SIT by developing a male-only strain of the NWS. The strain carried a single component tetracycline repressible female lethal system where females died at late larval/pupal stages. The control program can be further improved by removing females during embryonic development as larval diet costs are significant.

Results

The strains developed carry a two-component system consisting of theLucilia sericata bottleneckgene promoter driving expression of the tTA gene and a tTA-regulatedLshidproapoptotic effector gene. Insertion of the sex-specifically spliced intron from theC. hominivorax transformergene within theLshidgene ensures that only females die when insects are reared in the absence of tetracycline. In several double homozygous two-component strains and in one “All-in-one” strain that had both components in a single construct, female lethality occurred at the embryonic and/or first instar larval stages when raised on diet without tetracycline. Laboratory evaluation for phenotypes that are relevant for mass rearing in a production facility revealed that most strains had fitness characteristics similar to the wild type J06 strain that is currently reared for release in the permanent barrier. Testing of an “All in one” strain under mass rearing conditions showed that the strain maintained the fitness characteristics observed in small-scale rearing.

Conclusions

The early female lethal strains described here could be selected by the NWS Control Program for testing at large scale in the production facility to enhance the efficiency of the NWS eradication program.
Efficient SARS-CoV-2 detection in unextracted oro-nasopharyngeal specimens by rRT-PCR with the Seegene Allplex™ 2019-nCoV assay
Authors: Freppel Wesley , Merindol Natacha , Rallu Fabien , Bergevin Marco
Published: December 2020

Background

The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need to rapidly detect infected people. The challenge for clinical laboratories has been finding a high throughput, cost-efficient, and accurate testing method in the context of extraction reagents shortage on a global scale. To answer this need, we studied SARS-CoV-2 detection in oro-nasopharyngeal (ONP) swabs stored in Universal Transport Media (UTM) or in RNase-free water by rRT-PCR with Seegene Allplex™ 2019-nCoV assay without RNA extraction.

Results

Optimal results were obtained when swabs stored in UTM were diluted 1/5 and 1/2 in RNase-free water. Thermal lysis before rRT-PCR testing slightly improved detection rate. In addition, proteinase K (PK) treatment allowed for a significant reduction of invalid results and increased sensitivity for detection of low viral load specimens. In a panel of positive samples with all 3 viral genes amplified and N gene Cycle threshold values (Ct values) from 15 to 40, our detection rate was 98.9% with PK and 94.4% without. In a challenging panel of low positive samples with only the N gene being detectable at Ct values > 30, detection rate was increased from 53.3 to 76.7% with the addition of PK, and invalid rate fell off from 18.3 to 0%. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our method reliably detects specimens with Ct values up to 35, whereas false negative samples become frequent above this range. Finally, we show that swabs should be stored at − 70 °C rather than 4 °C when testing cannot be performed within 72 h of collection.

Conclusion

We successfully optimized the unextracted rRT-PCR process using the Seegene Allplex™ 2019-nCoV assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNAs in nasopharyngeal swabs. This improved method offers cost savings and turnaround time advantages compared to automated extraction, with high efficiency of detection that could play an important role in the surveillance of Covid-19.
The professional contribution of chiropractors to Danish elite football clubs: a qualitative exploration of role and perceived value in an interprofessional service provision context
Authors: Hostrup Joachim , Koza Anders , Myburgh Corrie
Published: December 2020

Background

Interprofessional team-based care has been widely adopted in elite level athletic health and performance practice. Chiropractors can claim some penetration as health care service providers in high level sport. However, their position as valued members of interprofessional health care teams, especially those built around traditional medical organisational structures, is unclear. This investigation sought to explore the perceived role and value of chiropractors as service providers in elite Danish football clubs.

Methods

A comparative qualitative case study was conducted. Six Danish premiere league (Superliga) clubs were purposively sampled to compare and contrast instances where chiropractors were both present and absent from the health care team. Triangulated responses were solicited from healthcare coordinators, chiropractors and athletes within each club’s organization through semi-structured individual interviews. The audio-recorded responses were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using a framework approach.

Results

Data were collected September and November 2019. A coding framework of 14 codes and 4 code families emerged, centering around the role of chiropractors, benefits of utilizing chiropractic care and facilitators and barriers to interprofessional practice. From this framework, three themes were abstracted, these being: “Broadening horizons”, “In-house preferred to take-away” and “Already covered, or even necessary?”

Conclusion

In this practice context, chiropractors fill the role of musculoskeletal health care service providers. Their perceived value stems from additional expert disciplinary knowledge, improved diagnostic triage and increased treatment flexibility. However, where not utilized, the role of a spinal health expert is questioned and when acknowledged, is limited to that of a technician/therapist. It is unclear from this investigation whether chiropractors can claim core provider status. Further exploration of this interesting context of interprofessional practice is warranted.
Estimating prevalence of subjective cognitive decline in and across international cohort studies of aging: a COSMIC study
Authors:   for Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC), Röhr Susanne , Pabst Alexander , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Jessen Frank , Turana Yuda , Handajani Yvonne S. , Brayne Carol , Matthews Fiona E. , Stephan Blossom C. M. , Lipton Richard B. , Katz Mindy J. , Wang Cuiling , Guerchet Maëlenn , Preux Pierre-Marie , Mbelesso Pascal , Ritchie Karen , Ancelin Marie-Laure , Carrière Isabelle , Guaita Antonio , Davin Annalisa , Vaccaro Roberta , Kim Ki Woong , Han Ji Won , Suh Seung Wan , Shahar Suzana , Din Normah C. , Vanoh Divya , van Boxtel Martin , Köhler Sebastian , Ganguli Mary , Jacobsen Erin P. , Snitz Beth E. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Cherbuin Nicolas , Kumagai Shuzo , Chen Sanmei , Narazaki Kenji , Ng Tze Pin , Gao Qi , Gwee Xinyi , Brodaty Henry , Kochan Nicole A. , Trollor Julian , Lobo Antonio , López-Antón Raúl , Santabárbara Javier , Crawford John D. , Lipnicki Darren M. , Sachdev Perminder S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is recognized as a risk stage for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias, but its prevalence is not well known. We aimed to use uniform criteria to better estimate SCD prevalence across international cohorts.

Methods

We combined individual participant data for 16 cohorts from 15 countries (members of the COSMIC consortium) and used qualitative and quantitative (Item Response Theory/IRT) harmonization techniques to estimate SCD prevalence.

Results

The sample comprised 39,387 cognitively unimpaired individuals above age 60. The prevalence of SCD across studies was around one quarter with both qualitative harmonization/QH (23.8%, 95%CI = 23.3–24.4%) and IRT (25.6%, 95%CI = 25.1–26.1%); however, prevalence estimates varied largely between studies (QH 6.1%, 95%CI = 5.1–7.0%, to 52.7%, 95%CI = 47.4–58.0%; IRT: 7.8%, 95%CI = 6.8–8.9%, to 52.7%, 95%CI = 47.4–58.0%). Across studies, SCD prevalence was higher in men than women, in lower levels of education, in Asian and Black African people compared to White people, in lower- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries, and in studies conducted in later decades.

Conclusions

SCD is frequent in old age. Having a quarter of older individuals with SCD warrants further investigation of its significance, as a risk stage for AD and other dementias, and of ways to help individuals with SCD who seek medical advice. Moreover, a standardized instrument to measure SCD is needed to overcome the measurement variability currently dominant in the field.
From Big Data to Artificial Intelligence: chemoinformatics meets new challenges
Authors: Tetko Igor V. , Engkvist Ola
Published: December 2020

The increasing volume of biomedical data in chemistry and life sciences requires development of new methods and approaches for their analysis. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, especially neural networks, are increasingly used in the chemical industry, in particular with respect to Big Data. This editorial highlights the main results presented during the special session of the International Conference on Neural Networks organized by “Big Data in Chemistry” project and draws perspectives on the future progress of the field.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of direct and indirect models of early induced acute lung injury
Authors: Chimenti Laura , Morales-Quinteros Luis , Puig Ferranda , Camprubi-Rimblas Marta , Guillamat-Prats Raquel , Gómez Maria Nieves , Tijero Jessica , Blanch Lluis , Matute-Bello Gustavo , Artigas Antonio
Published: December 2020

Background

The animal experimental counterpart of human acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is acute lung injury (ALI). Most models of ALI involve reproducing the clinical risk factors associated with human ARDS, such as sepsis or acid aspiration; however, none of these models fully replicates human ARDS.

Aim

To compare different experimental animal models of ALI, based on direct or indirect mechanisms of lung injury, to characterize a model which more closely could reproduce the acute phase of human ARDS.

Materials and methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to intratracheal instillations of (1) HCl to mimic aspiration of gastric contents; (2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic bacterial infection; (3) HCl followed by LPS to mimic aspiration of gastric contents with bacterial superinfection; or (4) cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce peritonitis and mimic sepsis. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after instillations or 24 h after CLP.

Results

At 24 h, rats instilled with LPS or HCl-LPS had increased lung permeability, alveolar neutrophilic recruitment and inflammatory markers (GRO/KC, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-6). Rats receiving only HCl or subjected to CLP had no evidence of lung injury.

Conclusions

Rat models of ALI induced directly by LPS or HCl-LPS more closely reproduced the acute phase of human ARDS than the CLP model of indirectly induced ALI.
Star-shaped patterns caused by colloidal aggregation during the spreading process of a droplet
Authors: Shimokawa Michiko , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Sakaguchi Hidetsugu
Published: December 2020

In this study, we discovered that, when an acidic solution with a low surface tension spreads on the surface of a glycerol solution mixed with milk, a star-shaped pattern is spontaneously formed on the surface in the horizontal plane during the spreading process. We experimentally investigated the emergence of the star-shaped pattern caused by an interfacial instability by using glycerol and aqueous 2-methoxyethanol solutions, which are acidic solutions; we chose the viscosity of the glycerol solution and concentration of both solutions as free parameters. The result demonstrated that the star-shaped pattern emerged when the concentration of 2-methoxyethanol was high. We proposed a phenomenological model based on our experimental results, which explains the following three points: the spreading of the aqueous 2-methoxyethanol solution on the surface of the glycerol solution; colloidal aggregation of the milk protein colloids caused by the denaturation that occurs when mixed with 2-methoxyethanol; accumulation of the aggregates toward the dent regions of the moving interface by a sweeping effect. The model reproduced the star-shaped pattern, which was similar to the experimental one. Furthermore, the concentration of the 2-methoxyethanol solution and the viscosity of the glycerol solution were taken as control parameters in our experiments and were varied, and a phase diagram was obtained. The phase diagram was similar to that obtained from our experiments. The results suggest that the above three points are important for the formation of the star-shaped pattern.
North Versus South
Authors: Levey Stephen , DeRooy Gabriel
Published: December 2020

In this article, the authors reconstruct the inherent variability found in mid-nineteenth-century American English by drawing on a corpus of semiliterate correspondence rich in nonstandard grammatical features, the Corpus of American Civil War Letters (CACWL). The primary focus is on a comparison of morphosyntactic variability (was/were variation and restrictive relativization strategies) in letters written between 1861 and 1865 by Civil War soldiers originating from Massachusetts and Alabama. Key findings include the elevated rate of was-leveling, particularly in the Alabama letters; the variable effect of the type-of-subject constraint on the selection of nonstandard was; and the scarcity of wh-relativizers in restrictive relative clauses. Contextualization of these findings in relation to an ongoing quantitative investigation of grammatical variation in four additional states represented in the CACWL (Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina) provides further evidence of structured heterogeneity in Civil War correspondence as well as the sensitivity of variable grammatical processes to regional differences. Taken together, the study’s findings demonstrate how judicious use of the CACWL can leverage new insights into nineteenth-century American English.
Recent Advances in Transition Metal-Catalyzed Selective B-H Functionalization ofo-Carboranes
Authors: Au Yik Ki , Xie Zuowei
Published: December 2020

Carboranes are a class of carbon-boron molecular clusters, possessing extraordinary characteristics including three-dimensional aromaticity conjugated by σ-bonds, icosahedral geometry and inherent robustness. They are finding growing applications as valuable building blocks in boron neutron capture therapy agents, pharmacophores, nanomaterials, optoelectronic, organometallic/coordination chemistry and more. Therefore, the effective and controlled functionalization of carboranes has attracted enormous research interests, particularly in regio- and enantio-selective cage BH derivatization among ten chemically similar BH vertices of o-carboranes. Only in the recent few years, significant progress has been made in transition metal catalyzed vertex-specific BH functionalization. This review summarizes recent advances in this research realm.
Blood Metabolic Profile in Barki Ewes during Transition Period
Authors: EL-SAYED A. , EL-ASHKER M. , IBRAHIM Η. , SHOIEB S. , IBRAHIM F. , YOUSSEF M. , EL-KHODERY S.
Published: December 2020

This technical research article investigated the changes in the hemato-biochemical profile in Barki ewes during the transition period. A total of 15 healthy pregnant Barki ewes (age, 4.9 ± 0.7 years old; weight, 38.5 ± 4.9 Kg) were randomly selected for the current study. Blood samples were collected from the selected ewes via jugular vein puncture during the transition period at five different time points; 4 and 2 weeks prior the estimated date of delivery (EDD), at the parturition time, then at 2 and 4 weeks post-partum. Red blood cells (RBCs) count and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased 2 weeks before the EDD and at the parturition time. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly (P<0.05) decreased 4 weeks post-partum. The neutrophil count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were significantly (P < 0.05) increased 2 weeks post-partum. The level of β-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) and concentration of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) in the serum were significantly (P<0.05) increased 2 weeks before EDD, at the parturition time, and 2 weeks post-partum. Both cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased significantly (P<0.05) 2 weeks before EDD and at the parturition time. Leptin level was significantly (P<0.05) decreased at 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-partum. Glucose level increased significantly (P<0.05) at the parturition time then decreased significantly (P<0.05) at 2 weeks post-partum, after which it increased again 4 weeks post-partum. Total protein level was significantly (P<0.05) increased 2 weeks post-partum. The level of both calcium and inorganic phosphorus was significantly (P<0.05) decreased at the parturition time and 2 weeks post-partum. The results revealed that Barki ewes showed profound physiological alterations during the transition period which are not necessarily indicative of a disease, but reflect physiological variations. Therefore, metabolic profile test was needed to determine the nutritional status of Barki ewes, and to take the possible preventive measures that increase ewes’ productivity and predict health disorders.