bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Rotterdam Elderly Pain Observation Scale
Authors: Seixas-Moizes Julieta , Boerlage Anneke , Lia Érica Negrini , Santos Lucas Emmanuel Lopes e , Zucoloto Miriane Lucindo , Dach Fabíola , Papassidero Priscila Colavite , Wichert-Ana Laís Almeida Leal , Della Pasqua Oscar , Wiesebron Marianne Louise , Icuma Tatiana Reis , Lanchote Vera Lucia , Coelho Eduardo Barbosa , Tibboel Dick , Wichert-Ana Lauro
Published: December 2021

Introduction: This study reports on the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of a Portuguese version of the Rotterdam Elderly Pain Observation Scale (REPOS), a Dutch scale to assess pain in patients who cannot communicate, with or without dementia. Methods: This is a multicenter study in pain and neurological units involving Brazil (clinical phase) and the Netherlands (training phase). We performed a retrospective cross-sectional, 2-staged analysis, translating and culturally adapting the REPOS to a Portuguese version (REPOS-P) and evaluating its psychometric properties. Eight health professionals were trained to observe patients with low back pain. REPOS consists of 10 behavioral items scored as present or absent after a 2-min observation. The REPOS score of ≥3 in combination with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of ≥4 indicated pain. The Content Validity Index (CVI) in all items and instructions showed CVI values at their maximum. According to the higher correlation coefficient found between NRS and REPOS-P, it may be suggested that there was an adequate convergent validity. Results: The REPOS-P was administered to 80 patients with a mean age of 60 years (SD 11.5). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient showed a moderate internal consistency of REPOS-P (α = 0.62), which is compatible with the original study of REPOS. All health professionals reached high levels of interrater agreement within a median of 10 weeks of training, assuring reproducibility. Cohen’s kappa was 0.96 (SD 0.03), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.98 (SD 0.02), showing high reliability of REPOS-P scores between the trainer (researcher) and the trainees (healthcare professionals). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.94–0.97), showing a significant correlation between the total scores of REPOS-P and NRS. Conclusion: The REPOS-P was a valuable scale for assessing elderly patients with low back pain by different healthcare professionals. Short application time, ease of use, clear instructions, and the brief training required for application were essential characteristics of REPOS-P.
Involvement of Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptors in the Favorable Effects of Sumatriptan on the Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rats: A Novel Potential Target
Authors: Aryannejad Armin , Noroozi Nafise , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Ramezani Samira , Rashidian Amir , Laripour Reza , Yousefi Zoshk Mojtaba , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Chamanara Mohsen
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Recent investigations have indicated the potential therapeutic role of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors in various inflammatory-related disorders. However, the role of these receptors has not been studied in skin flap models to date. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the possible involvement of CB2 receptors in the anti-inflammatory effects of sumatriptan, improving the random-pattern skin flap survival in rats. Methods: In a controlled experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 study groups (n = 6 per group). Two doses of sumatriptan (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally 30 min before harvesting the flap tissue. In a separate group, SR144528 (a selective CB2 receptor inverse agonist) was injected before the most effective dose of sumatriptan to determine the possible involvement of CB2 receptors in its action. Histopathological examinations, the expression level of CB2 receptors (Western blot analysis), and IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations (ELISA) were explored in the skin flap sampled tissues. Results: Sumatriptan 0.3 mg/kg remarkably enhanced the skin flap survival in all macroscopic and microscopic investigations compared to the control group (p < 0.001). IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly attenuated (p < 0.001), and the expression of CB2 receptors in skin cells was amplified in rats treated with sumatriptan 0.3 mg/kg (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. However, the administration of SR144528 (2 mg/kg) nullified all the protective effects of sumatriptan 0.3 mg/kg. Conclusion: We discovered that CB2 receptors play a crucial role in the favorable effects of sumatriptan on skin flap survival as a novel mechanism of action. So, targeting these receptors seems to be a dependable method in skin flap surgeries to ensure its survival and prevent tissue necrosis. Further experimental and clinical investigations are needed to ensure the safe clinical application of this method.
Evaluation of the Completeness of ALS Case Ascertainment in the US National ALS Registry: Application of the Capture-Recapture Method
Authors: Nelson Lorene M. , Topol Barbara , Kaye Wendy , Raymond Jaime , Horton D. Kevin , Mehta Paul , Wagner Todd
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry is the first national registry for a chronic neurologic disease in the USA and uses a combination of case-finding methods including administrative healthcare data and patient self-registration. Methods: We applied capture-recapture methodology to estimate the completeness of the Registry for ascertaining patients with ALS for the first full year and the fourth year of the Registry (2011, 2014). The Registry uses the combination of two national administrative claims databases (Medicare and Veterans Affairs) with a self-register option at the registry portal. We conducted descriptive analyses of the demographic and clinical characteristics of the ALS cases identified by each of the sources and estimated the completeness of case ascertainment for each of the three ALS Registry sources individually, pairwise, and in all combinations. Results: Case-finding completeness was 54% in 2011 and improved to 56% in 2014. A smaller proportion of ALS patients under age 65 were ascertained than those 65 or older, and ascertainment was also lower for nonwhite than white patients. The uncorrected ALS prevalence was 4.3/100,000 in 2011 (in 2014, 5.0/100,000), but after correction for underascertainment, annual prevalence in 2011 was 7.9/100,000 (95% CI: 7.6–8.2) (in 2014 was 8.9/100,000 [95% CI: 8.7–9.2]). Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings indicate that administrative healthcare databases are a very efficient method for identifying the majority of ALS prevalent cases in the National ALS Registry and that the inclusion of a web registry portal for patients to self-register is important to ensure a more representative population for estimating ALS prevalence. Nonetheless, more than 40% of ALS cases were not ascertained by the Registry, with individuals younger than age 65 and people of color underrepresented. Recommendations are provided for additional methods that can be considered to improve the completeness of case ascertainment.
Glomerular Disease Education Experience across Nephrology Fellowship Programs: An International Survey
Authors: Seethapathy Harish , Norouzi Sayna , Robson Kate J. , Gharibvand Lida , Mehr Ali Poyan
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Glomerulonephritis (GN) education is an important, albeit a challenging, component of nephrology fellowship training. We hypothesized that trainee experience varies widely across programs, leading to differences in self-reported competency levels in the diagnosis and management of glomerular diseases. Methods: The Glomerular Disease Study & Trial Consortium (GlomCon) conducted an anonymous online survey to determine the educational experience of nephrology trainees. We used multiple-choice questions to obtain data about (a) curriculum-based education, (b) dedicated specialty clinic, and (c) exposure to pathology. We leveraged a visual analog scale of 1–100 (with a higher number indicating a higher comfort level) to assess self-reported levels of clinical competency. The survey was disseminated via email to the subscribing members of GlomCon and through Twitter. Results: In total, there were 109 respondents to our survey, and 56% were from training programs in the USA. Exposure to a specialized GN clinic was reported by 45%, while 77% reported the presence of an onsite nephropathologist at their training program. Self-reported competency scores were 59 ± 25 and 52 ± 25 for diagnosis and treatment of glomerular diseases, respectively. Days spent in a GN clinic per year, years of fellowship, and dedicated nephropathology didactics were associated with higher diagnosis and treatment competency scores. Conclusion: Trainees report a wide variation in glomerular disease education across fellowship programs. A lack of nephropathology exposure and a dedicated GN curriculum was associated with lower scores in self-reported clinical competency in caring for patients with glomerular disease.
Haemoglobin A1c-based screening for prediabetes and diabetes mellitus: a multi-center study in Croatian adult population
Authors: Rogić Dunja , Bilopavlović Nada , Lapić Ivana , Rahelić Dario , Miškić Blaženka , Marasović Krstulović Daniela , Pintarić Hrvoje , Gornik Ivan , Krnjaić-Tadijanović Milena , Tandara Leida , Ostroški Ivanka , Štefanović Mario , Smaić Fran , Cesar Kocijan Valentina , Đuras Anamarija , Surjan Lada , Peran Nena , Kajić Katarina , Nikolac Gabaj Nora
Published: December 2021

Based on the hypothesis that there is a substantial rate of adults with prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM), our aim was to perform haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-based screening in a cohort of Croatian adults and estimate the prevalence of prediabetes and undiagnosed DM according to American Diabetes Association criteria.
This multi-center, cross-sectional study performed in six Croatian hospitals included 5527 patients aged 40 to 70 years admitted to the Emergency Department or undergoing a primary care check-up. Haemoglobin A1c was measured from leftover whole blood samples using the enzymatic method on either Alinity c or Architect c-series analyser (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, USA). Haemoglobin A1c between 39-47 mmol/mol was classified as prediabetes, while ≥ 48 mmol/mol as undiagnosed DM.
After exclusion of 435 patients with known DM, the final cohort included 5092 patients (median age 57; 56% males). A total of 882 (17.3%) patients had HbA1c values between 39 and 47 mmol/mol. There were 214 (4.2%) patients with HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol. Prediabetes prevalence ranged from 14.2% to 20.5%, while undiagnosed DM from 3.3% to 7.3%, with statistically significant differences among settings (P < 0.001). Age-stratified analysis showed that prediabetes and undiagnosed DM prevalence increase with age (P < 0.001), being 25.4% and 5.8%, respectively, in patients aged 60 to 70 years.
Underlying impairment of glucose metabolism was identified in about one in five adults, with significant number of patients with already overt DM. These results should serve as a starting point for further steps directed towards promotion of preventive measures for DM in Croatia.
When Language Contact Says Nothing: A Contrastive Analysis of Queísta Structures in Two Varieties of Peninsular Spanish
Authors: Blas Arroyo José Luis
Published: December 2021

Based on the existence of some structural conflict between Spanish and Catalan in certain points of the syntax, this study tests the hypothesis about the influence of the latter on the distribution of queísmo uses (‘Me alegro que vengas’ [‘I’m glad you come’]) in the Spanish spoken in an eastern peninsular variety in contact with Catalan. Using the tools of comparative sociolinguistics, and the analysis of three corpora of contemporary Spanish, the study exhaustively examines the conditioning of this variable. The starting hypothesis is that the influence of the contact can be inferred from the comparison between different magnitudes derived from a multivariable statistical analysis. In addition to several linguistic and extra-linguistic predictors previously analysed in the literature, we also take into account other factor groups that may be particularly informative about that potential influence. Thus, from a structural point of view, we consider the contrast between: a) conjunctive queísmo in verbal structures, in which the structural conflict with Spanish is more evident (‘me acuerdo (de) que vino con su mujer/em recorde Ø que va vindre amb la seua dona’ [‘I remember that he came with his wife’]; and b) pronominal queísmo in relative sentences, in which the coincidence between both languages is greater (‘el día (en) que nos conocimos / el día (en) què ens vam conéixer’). From an extralinguistic perspective, the incidence of two additional factors is also examined: a) the speech community (without contact (Madrid/Alcalá) vs. in contact (Castellón), and b) the main language of the speakers (Spanish/Catalan-Valencian). The results of several mixed-effect regression analyses performed do not support the hypothesis of contact. The distributional differences between the above-mentioned groups are minimal, and in no case significant. On the other hand, the variation is basically affected by the same structural and non-structural predictors, regardless of the speech community or the ethnolinguistic group examined. Even the few divergences that are observed point in a direction contrary to that expected by the contact hypothesis. The study concludes with some potential explanations about these results and the contrast with other cases of syntactic convergence with Catalan.
On the Effect of Surface Friction and Upward Radiation of Energy on Equatorial Waves
Authors: Lin Jonathan , Emanuel Kerry
Published: December 2021

In theoretical models of tropical dynamics, the effects of both surface friction and upward wave radiation through interaction with the stratosphere are oft-ignored, as they greatly complicate mathematical analysis. In this study, we relax the rigid-lid assumption and impose surface drag, which allows the barotropic mode to be excited in equatorial waves. In particular, a previously developed set of linear, strict quasi-equilibrium tropospheric equations is coupled with a dry, passive stratosphere, and surface drag is added to the troposphere momentum equations. Theoretical and numerical model analysis is performed on the model in the limits of an inviscid surface coupled to a stratosphere, as well as a frictional surface under a rigid lid. This study confirms and extends previous research that shows the presence of a stratosphere strongly shifts the growth rates of fast-propagating equatorial waves to larger scales, reddening the equatorial power spectrum. The growth rates of modes that are slowly propagating and highly interactive with cloud radiation are shown to be negligibly affected by the presence of a stratosphere. Surface friction in this model framework acts as purely a damping mechanism and couples the baroclinic mode to the barotropic mode, increasing the poleward extent of the equatorial waves. Numerical solutions of the coupled troposphere–stratosphere model with surface friction show that the stratosphere stratification controls the extent of tropospheric trapping of the barotropic mode, and thus the poleward extent of the wave. The superposition of phase-shifted barotropic and first baroclinic modes is also shown to lead to an eastward vertical tilt in the dynamical fields of Kelvin wave–like modes.
The Influence of Weather on Fatal Accidents in Austrian Mountains
Authors: Neumair Matthias , Estrella Nicole , Menzel Annette , Ankerst Donna P.
Published: December 2021

Projections of warmer global temperatures in fast-approaching time horizons warrant planning strategies for reducing impacts on human morbidity and mortality. This study sought to determine whether increases in temperature and other changes in weather indices had an impact on rates of fatal accidents occurring in the popular mountainous regions of Austria, with the purpose of improving prevention and accident-mitigation strategies in the mountains. The study was based on the merging of 3285 fatal outdoor accidents reported by the Austrian Alpine Safety Board for the period 2006 to 2018 with daily meteorological data from 43 nearby climate stations during the same period. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the odds of one or more fatal accidents per station and day with weather indices as predictors, controlling for weekend effects bringing more visitors to the mountains. Separate prediction models were performed for summer and winter activities, as well as for specific disciplines. Even after adjustment for concomitant effects impacting mountain fatal accidents, the daily weather indices of temperature, relative humidity, global radiation, cloudiness, snow cover and precipitation were statistically significantly associated with fatal-accident risk. In particular, a 1° increase in temperature was associated with a 13% increase in odds of a mountain-biking accident in the summer and an 8% increase in odds of a mountain suicide in the winter. An increase in global radiation by 1 kW h m−2 was associated with an 11% and 28% increase in fatal-accident odds for mountaineering in the summer and touring in the winter, respectively.
Back Vowel Dynamics and Distinctions in Southern American English
Authors: Stanley Joseph A. , Renwick Margaret E. L. , Kuiper Katherine Ireland , Olsen Rachel M.
Published: December 2021

Southern American English is spoken in a large geographic region in the United States. Its characteristics include back-vowel fronting (e.g., in goose, foot, and goat), which has been ongoing since the mid-nineteenth century; meanwhile, the low back vowels (in lot and thought) have recently merged in some areas. We investigate these five vowels in the Digital Archive of Southern Speech, a legacy corpus of linguistic interviews with sixty-four speakers born 1886-1956. We extracted 89,367 vowel tokens and used generalized additive mixed-effects models to test for socially-driven changes to both their relative phonetic placements and the shapes of their formant trajectories. Our results reinforce previous descriptions of Southern vowels while contributing additional phonetic detail about their trajectories. Goose-fronting is a change in progress, with greatest fronting after coronal consonants. Goat is quite dynamic; it lowers and fronts in apparent time. Generally, women have more fronted realizations than men. Foot is largely monophthongal, and stable across time. Lot and thought are distinct and unmerged, occupying different regions of the vowel space. While their relative positions change across generations, all five vowels show a remarkable consistency in formant trajectory shapes across time. This study’s results reveal social and phonetic details about the back vowels of Southerners born in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries: goose-fronting was well underway, goat-fronting was beginning, but foot remained backed, and the low back vowels were unmerged.
Diversity vs the 2030 agenda. A deconstructive reading of the United Nations agenda for sustainable development
Authors: Telleria Juan
Published: December 2021

This article analyses the marginal position cultural diversity is granted in the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development. Drawing on the work of Martin Heidegger and Jacques Derrida, it analyses and deconstructs the ontological assumptions of the UN's discourse. The inquiry shows that the ontological structure of the UN's agenda creates an essentialist and teleological understanding of history that privileges universality – unity – at the expense of diversity. In this way, the UN's plan of action reproduces what Ernesto Laclau defined as hegemony – a particularity assuming the representation of the totality. The 2030 Agenda naturalises the international power structure designed after World War II and presents it as beneficial for everyone. The article concludes that the 2030 Agenda's ontological assumptions create an inherently ethnocentric understanding of global issues.
Non-linear vibration analysis of specially orthotropic tapered micro-plates with arbitrary located crack: A non-classical analytical approach
Authors: Chandrakar Bhupesh K , Jain NK , Gupta Ankur
Published: December 2021

The present work aims to study the non-linear vibrations in a cracked orthotropic tapered micro-plate. Linear and parabolic variation in the plate thickness is assumed in one as well as two directions. The partial crack is located in the centre, and it is continuous; this crack’s location is arbitrary and can be varied within the centre-line. Based on classical plate theory, the equilibrium principle is applied, and the governing equation of tapered orthotropic plate is derived. Additionally, the microstructure’s effect has been included in the governing equation using the non-classical modified couple stress theory. The simplified line spring model is used to consider the impact of partial crack on the plate dynamics and is incorporated using in-plane forces and bending moments. The introduction of Berger’s formulation brings the non-linearity in the model in terms of in-plane forces. Here, Galerkin’s method has been chosen for converting the derived governing equation into time-dependent modal coordinates, which uses an approximate solution technique to solve the non-linear Duffing equation. The crack is considered along the fibres and across the fibres to show the effect of orthotropy. Results are presented for an orthotropic cracked plate with non-uniform thickness. The effects of the variation of taper constants, crack location, crack length, internal material length scale parameter on the fundamental frequency are obtained for two different boundary conditions. The non-linear frequency response curves are plotted to show the effect of non-linearity on the system dynamics using the method of multiple scales, and the contribution of taper constants and crack parameters on non-linearity is shown with bending-hardening and bending-softening phenomenon. It has been found that vibration characteristics are affected by the taper parameters and fibre direction for a cracked orthotropic plate.
Examining More Lymph Nodes May Improve the Prognosis of Patients With Right Colon Cancer: Determining the Optimal Minimum Lymph Node Count
Authors: Wu Wentao , Li Daning , Ma Wen , Zheng Shuai , Han Didi , Xu Fengshuo , Yan Hong , Lyu Jun
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The objective is to determine the optimal minimum lymph node examination number for right colon cancer (RCC) patients.

Methods

We comprehensively analysed the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database data from 2004 to 2016 to determine the 13-year trend in the number of lymph nodes examined among 108,703 left colon cancer and 165,937 RCC patients. 133,137 RCC patients eligible for inclusion were used to determine the optimal minimum for lymph node examination. We used restricted cubic splines to analyse the dose-response relationship between the number of lymph nodes examined and prognosis. X-tiles and decision trees were used to determine the optimal cutoff for the number of lymph nodes based on the survival outcomes of patients with RCC. The Kaplan–Meier method and COX model were used to estimate the overall survival and independent prognostic factors, and a prediction model was constructed. The C-index, calibration curve, net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were used to determine the predictive performance of the model, and decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the benefits.

Results

Lymph node examinations were common among colon cancer patients over the 13-year study period. It is generally agreed that at least 12 lymph nodes must be examined to ensure proper dissection and accurate staging of RCC; however, the optimal number of lymph nodes to be examined is controversial. The dose-response relationship indicated that 12 was not the optimal minimum number of lymph nodes for RCC patients. X-tile and survival decision-tree analysis indicated that 20 nodes was the optimal number. Survival analysis indicated that <20 nodes examined was a risk factor for poor prognosis, and the classification performance was superior for 20 nodes compared to 12 nodes.

Conclusion

Lymph node examination in RCC patients should be altered. Our research suggests that a 20-node measure may be more suitable for RCC patients.
Salvaging the 'irreparable' tear: Superior Capsular Reconstruction augmented with partial cuff repair
Authors: Wong Seng Juong , Neo Jun Hao Benjamin , Marian Lie Hannah , Tjoen Lie Denny Tjiauw
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) have long posed a complex problem for both patients and surgeons. If not treated promptly, tendon retraction, fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles occur. These lead to irreparable RCTs with poor functional outcomes. We describe our technique of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) augmented with partial cuff repair and report on our short term outcomes

Method

Seven consecutive patients who underwent the procedure were recruited at our institution from January 2019 to December 2019. Medical records of these patients were reviewed looking at pre-operative symptoms and examination findings, imaging studies, intra-operative findings, the surgical technique employed, post-operative progress in terms of pain, affected shoulder range of movement and outcome scores.

Results

All patients showed complete tears of at least two tendons and were deemed irreparable intra-operatively. All patients exhibited Goutalier grade 2–4 wasting of the affected tendons on MRI and Patte grade 3 intra-operatively. At 12 months, the mean improvement shown in Constant score is 12.1 points, in University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score is 9.4 points and in Oxford Shoulder Score is 17 points. Active forward flexion improved in all patients with a mean improvement of 40 degrees. Numerical Pain Rating Scale improved in all patients with a mean of 5.1 points.

Conclusion

Our case series shows good short-term outcomes can be achieved with SCR augmented with partial cuff repair. Notably, our SCR results showed encouraging results even for challenging revision rotator cuff repairs.
Synthesis of hollow and spherical cadmium sulphide nanoparticles by an unconventional design of bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Ho Cuong Tu , Lam Thuong Thuong , Nguyen Hanh Thi , Nguyen Canh Xuan , Le Dang Quang , Lee Ji-hoon , Yang Youri , Hur Hor-Gil
Published: December 2021

The synthesis of CdS nanoparticles was developed based on the unconventional design of bioelectrochemical system (BES) inoculated with Shewanella sp. HN-41. The BES configuration included two bottle chambers separated by silicon membrane but directly connected by a graphite electrode perforating through silicon membrane, namely, non-external circuit bioelectrochemical system (nec_BES). Shewanella sp. HN-41 in the anode of nec_BES consumed lactate and transferred electrons to the graphite electrode end in the anode and, in its turn, the graphite electrode end in the cathode reduced directly thiosulfate to sulphide, forming CdS nanoparticles after 21 days. CdS nanoparticles with the average size of approximately 17 nm were synthesized in the cathode solution. The hollow, spherical, and void structure of particles was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) study confirmed the nanoparticles contained Cd and S elements, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed a strong crystalline phase and mixed crystallites of CdS nanoparticles. The UV-Vis absorption spectra of CdS nanoparticles revealed the blue shift in excitonic transition with respect to CdS bulk material, suggesting its potential application in optical studies. The bioelectrochemical system can be applied for the removal and preparation of other sulphide heavy metals.
Can chest radiographic findings determine disease severity in Covid-19-positive patients? A single-center study
Authors: Stevic Ruza , Colic Nikola , Milenkovic Branislava , Masulovic Dragan
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the severity of the radiographic findings of COVID-19 over time and to assess their correlation with the duration of symptoms prior to admission, CT scores, and disease severity.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and CXR who were admitted at the university hospital was performed between March 25 and 30 April 2020. Baseline and serial CXRs were reviewed, along with onset and disease time courses. Correlations between CXR scores and CT scores, durations of symptoms and disease severity were evaluated; and also between regression times and disease severity.

Results

Of 208 total patients, there were 33 mild (15.9%), 103 moderate (49.5%), and 72 severe-critical (34.6%) cases. The most frequent symptoms were fever, cough, fatigue, and dyspnea. Dyspnea was more frequent in patients with severe and critical disease ( p < 0.001). The duration of symptoms experienced prior to admission was longer in patients with severe and critical disease than in moderate cases ( p < 0.05). Abnormalities on CXR were present on admission in 83.2% patients, with reticulations being the most common finding. CXR scores correlated with duration of symptoms prior to admission and CT scores ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median radiographic score of the severe-critical-type group was significantly higher than the moderate type ( p <  0.001) and regression time correlated with disease severity ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study showed that despite the limitations, CXR remains a very important tool for diagnosing and managing patients with COVID-19.
Topical Capsaicin for the Treatment of Sensory Neuropathic Cough
Authors: Hoesli Rebecca C. , Wingo Melissa L. , Wajsberg Benjamin , Bastian Robert W.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate a novel treatment for sensory neuropathic cough (SNC): topical capsaicin.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary care laryngology clinic.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 201 consecutive patients treated for SNC with capsaicin 0.02% to 0.04% applied topically to the upper aerodigestive tract, typically after failure of standard medications. Patients were asked to use the spray 4 times daily for 2 weeks prior to assessment of benefit. Items assessed included the percentage reduction of coughing, type of benefit noted, and side effects.

Results

Of the 201 patients who used the spray, 36.3% noted no benefit, whereas 63.7% (n = 128) had benefit in terms of cough reduction: 30.8% (n = 62) reported ≥75% reduction; 17.4% (n = 35), 50%‐74% reduction; 7.0% (n = 14), 25%‐49% reduction; and 8.5% (n = 17), 1%‐24% reduction. Of all patients, 78.3% reported no side effects or complications. Of the remaining 21.7%, 1 patient noted a nosebleed after a single administration, and 1 patient noted transient wheezing after administration. The others reported unpleasant local effects, including throat/ear discomfort, voice change, sneezing, reflexive vomiting, and headache.

Conclusion

In our group of 201 patients with SNC, most of which had failed to respond to standard treatments, 63.7% had some response to capsaicin spray, with 30.8% reporting ≥75% reduction. Minimal side effects of treatment were reported. Thus, we suggest that this therapy can be another treatment option for patients with SNC.
Endothelial cell-derived angiopoietin-like protein 2 supports hematopoietic stem cell activities in bone marrow niches
Authors: Yu Zhuo , Yang Wenqian , He Xiaoxiao , Chen Chiqi , Li Wenrui , Zhao Limin , Liu Ligen , Liu Junling , Xie Li , Zhang Yaping , Zheng Junke
Published: December 2021

Bone marrow niche cells have been reported to fine-tune hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) stemness via direct interaction or secreted components. Nevertheless, how niche cells control HSC activities remains largely unknown. We previously showed that angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) can support the ex vivo expansion of HSCs by binding to human leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2. However, how ANGPTL2 from specific niche cell types regulates HSC activities under physiological conditions is still not clear. Herein, we generated an Angptl2-flox/flox transgenic mouse line and conditionally deleted Angptl2 expression in several niche cells, including Cdh5+ or Tie2+ endothelial cells, Prx1+ mesenchymal stem cells, and Pf4+ megakaryocytes, to evaluate its role in the regulation of HSC fate. Interestingly, we demonstrated that only endothelial cell-derived ANGPTL2 and not ANGPTL2 from other niche cell types plays important roles in supporting repopulation capacity, quiescent status, and niche localization. Mechanistically, ANGPTL2 enhances peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor D (PPARD) expression to transactivate G0s2 to sustain the perinuclear localization of nucleolin to prevent HSCs from entering the cell cycle. These findings reveal that endothelial cell-derived ANGPTL2 serves as a critical niche component to maintain HSC stemness, which may benefit the understanding of stem cell biology in bone marrow niches and the development of a unique strategy for the ex vivo expansion of HSCs.
Heat Transfer Performance of a Novel Microchannel Embedded with Connected Grooves
Authors: Yuan Ding , Zhou Wei , Fu Ting , Dong Qingyu
Published: December 2021

To improve the heat transfer performance of microchannels, a novel microchannel embedded with connected grooves crossing two sidewalls and the bottom surface (type A) was designed. A comparative study of heat transfer was conducted regarding the performances of type A microchannels, microchannels embedded with grooves on their bottom (including types B and C), or on the sidewalls (type D) as well as smooth rectangular microchannels (type E) via a three-dimensional numerical simulation and experimental validation (at Reynolds numbers from 118 to 430). Numerical results suggested that the average Nusselt number of types A, B, C, and D microchannels were 106, 73.4, 50.1, and 12.6% higher than that of type E microchannel, respectively. The smallest synergy angle β and entropy generation number Ns,a were determined for type A microchannels based on field synergy and nondimensional entropy analysis, which indicated that type A exhibited the best heat transfer performance. Numerical flow analysis indicated that connected grooves induced fluid to flow along two different temperature gradients, which contributed to enhanced heat transfer performance.
Numerical Modelling of the Powder Metallurgical Manufacturing Chain of High Strength Sintered Gears
Authors: Rajaei Ali , Deng Yuanbin , Schenk Oliver , Rooein Soheil , Bezold Alexander , Broeckmann Christoph
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a digital model for the powder metallurgical (PM) production chain of high-performance sintered gears based on an integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) platform. Discrete and finite element methods (DEM and FEM) were combined to describe the macroscopic material response to the thermomechanical loads and process conditions during the entire production process. The microstructural evolution during the sintering process was predicted on the meso-scale using a Monte-Carlo Model. The effective elastic properties were determined by a homogenization method based on modelling a representative volume element (RVE). The results were subsequently used for the FE modelling of the heat treatment process. Through the development of multi-scale models, it was possible obtain characteristics of the microstructural features. The predicted hardness and residual stress distributions allowed the calculation of the tooth root load bearing capacity of the heat-treated sintered gears.
Presentation and management of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: about 40 cases
Authors: kacem Faten Hadj , Salah Ameni , Fathallah Bilel , Boujelben Khouloud , Charfi Nadia , Abid Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Background

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the chromaffin tissue, which may produce catecholamines. The aim of our study was to analyze the clinical and para-clinical aspects as well as the therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of pheocromocytomas and paragangliomas based on a series of 40 cases.

Methods

Our retrospective population-based research study includes 40 patients. Then, a statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS software (version21).

Results

Our study involves 40 patients, including 23 women (57, 5%) and 17 men (42,5%). The mean age at the time of the diagnosis was 43.8 ± 16.8 years. The circumstances of the discovery were mainly characterized by adrenal incidentaloma and hypertension. The biological diagnosis was based on the dosage of urinary metanephrines and plasma-free metanephrines in, respectively, 61.5% and 18% of cases. A computerized tomography scan and/or a magnetic resonance imaging scan could help to locate the tumor in 100% of cases. Our series includes 3 cases of bilateral pheochromocytoma, 3 cases of paragangliomas and 1 case of malignant pheochromocytoma, while a hereditary form was retained in 3 patients. In fact, thirty-two patients were operated; cure was clinically labeled in 100% and biologically in 87.5% of patients.

Conclusions

The main points for improvement that our study has revealed are; a patient follow-up after surgery, which was not always regular, and an insufficient screening for genetic diseases associated with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
Genome-wide association and selective sweep analyses reveal genetic loci for FCR of egg production traits in ducks
Authors: Liu Hehe , Wang Lei , Guo Zhanbao , Xu Qian , Fan Wenlei , Xu Yaxi , Hu Jian , Zhang Yunsheng , Tang Jing , Xie Ming , Zhou Zhengkui , Hou Shuisheng
Published: December 2021

Background

As a major economic trait in poultry, egg production efficiency attracts widespread interest in breeding and production. However, limited information is available about the underlying genetic architecture of egg production traits in ducks. In this paper, we analyzed six egg production-related traits in 352 F2ducks derived from reciprocal crosses between mallard and Pekin ducks.

Results

Feed conversation ratio (FCR) was positively correlated with feed intake but negatively correlated with egg-related traits, including egg weight and egg production, both phenotypically and genetically. Estimates of pedigree-based heritability were higher than 0.2 for all traits investigated, except hip-width. Based on whole-genome sequencing data, we conducted genome-wide association studies to identify genomic regions associated with these traits. In total, 11 genomic regions were associated with FCR. No genomic regions were identified as significantly associated with hip-width, total feed intake, average daily feed intake, and total egg production. Analysis of selective sweeps between mallard and Pekin ducks confirmed three of these genomic regions on chromosomes 13, 3 and 6. Within these three regions, variants in candidate genes that were in linkage disequilibrium with the GWAS leader single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Chr13:2,196,728,P = 7.05 × 10–14; Chr3:76,991,524,P = 1.06 × 10–12; Chr6:20,356,803,P = 1.14 × 10–10) were detected. Thus, we identified 31 potential candidate genes associated with FCR, among which the strongest candidates are those that are highly expressed in tissues involved in reproduction and nervous system functions of ducks:CNTN4,CRBR,GPR63,KLHL32,FHL5,TRNT1,MANEA,NDUFAF4, andSCD.

Conclusions

For the first time, we report the identification of genomic regions that are associated with FCR in ducks and our results illustrate the genomic changes that occurred during their domestication and are involved in egg production efficiency.
$${\text{COSNet}}_i$$: ComplexOme-Structural Network Interpreter used to study spatial enrichment in metazoan ribosomes
Authors: Martinez-Seidel Federico , Hsieh Yin-Chen , Walther Dirk , Kopka Joachim , Pereira Firmino Alexandre Augusto
Published: December 2021

Background

Upon environmental stimuli, ribosomes are surmised to undergo compositional rearrangements due to abundance changes among proteins assembled into the complex, leading to modulated structural and functional characteristics. Here, we present the ComplexOme-Structural Network Interpreter ($${\text{COSNet}}_i$$

COSNet
i

), a computational method to allow testing whether ribosomal proteins (rProteins) that exhibit abundance changes under specific conditions are spatially confined to particular regions within the large ribosomal complex.

Results

$${\text{COSNet}}_i$$

COSNet
i

translates experimentally determined structures into graphs, with nodes representing proteins and edges the spatial proximity between them. In its first implementation, $${\text{COSNet}}_i$$

COSNet
i

considers rProteins and ignores rRNA and other objects. Spatial regions are defined using a random walk with restart methodology, followed by a procedure to obtain a minimum set of regions that cover all proteins in the complex. Structural coherence is achieved by applying weights to the edges reflecting the physical proximity between purportedly contacting proteins. The weighting probabilistically guides the random-walk path trajectory. Parameter tuning during region selection provides the option to tailor the method to specific biological questions by yielding regions of different sizes with minimum overlaps. In addition, other graph community detection algorithms may be used for the $${\text{COSNet}}_i$$

COSNet
i

workflow, considering that they yield different sized, non-overlapping regions. All tested algorithms result in the same node kernels under equivalent regions. Based on the defined regions, available abundance change information of proteins is mapped onto the graph and subsequently tested for enrichment in any of the defined spatial regions. We applied $${\text{COSNet}}_i$$

COSNet
i

to the cytosolic ribosome structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Oryctolagus cuniculus, and Triticum aestivum using datasets with available quantitative protein abundance change information. We found that in yeast, substoichiometric rProteins depleted from translating polysomes are significantly constrained to a ribosomal region close to the tRNA entry and exit sites.

Conclusions

$${\text{COSNet}}_i$$

COSNet
i

offers a computational method to partition multi-protein complexes into structural regions and a statistical approach to test for spatial enrichments of any given subsets of proteins. $${\text{COSNet}}_i$$

COSNet
i

is applicable to any multi-protein complex given appropriate structural and abundance-change data. $${\text{COSNet}}_i$$

COSNet
i

is publicly available as a GitHub repository https://github.com/MSeidelFed/COSNet_i and can be installed using the python installer pip.
GEP-EpiSeeker: a gene expression programming-based method for epistatic interaction detection in genome-wide association studies
Authors: Peng Yu Zhong , Lin Yanmei , Huang Yiran , Li Ying , Luo Guangsheng , Liao Jianping
Published: December 2021

Background

Identification of epistatic interactions provides a systematic way for exploring associations among different single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and complex diseases. Although considerable progress has been made in epistasis detection, efficiently and accurately identifying epistatic interactions remains a challenge due to the intensive growth of measuring SNP combinations.

Results

In this work, we formulate the detection of epistatic interactions by a combinational optimization problem, and propose a novel evolutionary-based framework, called GEP-EpiSeeker, to detect epistatic interactions using Gene Expression Programming. In GEP-EpiSeeker, we propose several tailor-made chromosome rules to describe SNP combinations, and incorporate Bayesian network-based fitness evaluation into the evolution of tailor-made chromosomes to find suspected SNP combinations, and adopt the Chi-square test to identify optimal solutions from suspected SNP combinations. Moreover, to improve the convergence and accuracy of the algorithm, we design two genetic operators with multiple and adjacent mutations and an adaptive genetic manipulation method with fuzzy control to efficiently manipulate the evolution of tailor-made chromosomes. We compared GEP-EpiSeeker with state-of-the-art methods including BEAM, BOOST, AntEpiSeeker, MACOED, and EACO in terms of power, recall, precision and F1-score on the GWAS datasets of 12 DME disease models and 10 DNME disease models. Our experimental results show that GEP-EpiSeeker outperforms comparative methods.

Conclusions

Here we presented a novel method named GEP-EpiSeeker, based on the Gene Expression Programming algorithm, to identify epistatic interactions in Genome-wide Association Studies. The results indicate that GEP-EpiSeeker could be a promising alternative to the existing methods in epistasis detection and will provide a new way for accurately identifying epistasis.
The use of oxygen reserve index in one-lung ventilation and its impact on peripheral oxygen saturation, perfusion index and, pleth variability index
Authors: Sagiroglu Gonul , Baysal Ayse , Karamustafaoglu Yekta Altemur
Published: December 2021

Background

Our goal is to investigate the use of the oxygen reserve index (ORi) to detect hypoxemia and its relation with parameters such as; peripheral oxygen saturation, perfusion index (PI), and pleth variability index (PVI) during one-lung ventilation (OLV).

Methods

Fifty patients undergoing general anesthesia and OLV for elective thoracic surgeries were enrolled in an observational cohort study in a tertiary care teaching hospital. All patients required OLV after a left-sided double-lumen tube insertion during intubation. The definition of hypoxemia during OLV is a peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) value of less than 95%, while the inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) is higher than 50% on a pulse oximetry device. ORi, pulse oximetry, PI, and PVI values were measured continuously. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and accuracy were calculated for ORi values equal to zero in different time points during surgery to predict hypoxemia. At Clinicaltrials.gov registry, the Registration ID is NCT05050552.

Results

Hypoxemia was observed in 19 patients (38%). The accuracy for predicting hypoxemia during anesthesia induction at ORi value equals zero at 5 min after intubation in the supine position (DS5) showed a sensitivity of 92.3% (95% CI 84.9–99.6), specificity of 81.1% (95% CI 70.2–91.9), and an accuracy of 84.0% (95% CI 73.8–94.2). For predicting hypoxemia, ORi equals zero show good sensitivity, specificity, and statistical accuracy values for time points of DS5 until OLV30 where the sensitivity of 43.8%, specificity of 64%, and an accuracy of 56.1% were recorded. ORi and SpO2 correlation was found at DS5, 5 min after lateral position with two-lung ventilation (DL5) and at 10 min after OLV (OLV10) (p = 0.044, p = 0.039, p = 0.011, respectively). Time-dependent correlations also showed that; at a time point of DS5, ORi has a significant negative correlation with PI whereas, no correlations with PVI were noted.

Conclusions

During the use of OLV for thoracic surgeries, from 5 min after intubation (DS5) up to 30 min after the start of OLV, ORi provides valuable information in predicting hypoxemia defined as SpO2 less than 95% on pulse oximeter at FiO2 higher than 50%.