bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early ambulation after transfemoral diagnostic cerebral angiography: a pilot study
Authors: Aljuboori Zaid , Eaton Jessica , Carroll Kate , Levitt Michael , Kim Louis
Published: January 2022

Background

A significant proportion of transfemoral cerebral angiography complications are related to the access site, with no clear consensus concerning the optimal closure technique. In this study, we examined the usefulness of a shortened closure protocol for transfemoral diagnostic cerebral angiography.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent transfemoral (4Fr sheath) diagnostic cerebral angiography procedures at our institution. We included patients > 18 years old who underwent the shortened closure protocol to achieve hemostasis at the access site. The shortened protocol entailed the use of nonocclusive manual compression for 15 min followed by 2 h of bed rest, with additional 10–15 min of compression for new hematoma. We collected and analyzed the patients’ demographics, use of antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications, sheath size, and others.

Results

The study cohort comprised 119 patients with a mean age was 54 years with (88%) females. Forty-one patients (34%) were on antiplatelet medications, with 12 (10%) on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Four patients (3%) (two on DAPT, one on Aspirin alone, and one was not on any antiplatelet medication) had access site hematoma that required additional compression. Subgroup analysis showed that within the DAPT, Aspirin alone, and no antiplatelet medications groups, (17%), (3%), and (1%) of patients developed access site hematoma, respectively.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrates that our closure protocol for transfemoral angiograms is safe and effective. There was a trend toward higher access-site complications in patients on DAPT. Further studies are required to expand on and validate our results.
Bayesian geostatistical modelling of stunting in Rwanda: risk factors and spatially explicit residual stunting burden
Authors: Uwiringiyimana Vestine , Osei Frank , Amer Sherif , Veldkamp Antonie
Published: January 2022

Background

Stunting remains a significant public health issue in Rwanda and its prevalence exhibits considerable geographical variation. We apply Bayesian geostatistical modelling to study the spatial pattern of stunting in children less than five years considering anthropometric, socioeconomic and demographic risk factors in Rwanda. In addition, we predict the spatial residuals effects to quantify the burden of stunting not accounted for by our geostatistical model.

Methods

We used the data from the 2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey. We fitted two spatial logistic models with similar structures, only differentiated by the inclusion or exclusion of spatially structured random effects.

Results

The risk factors of stunting identified in the geostatistical model were being male (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.47), lower birthweight (kg) (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.97), non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.45), occurrence of diarrhoea in the last two weeks (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.37), a lower proportion of mothers with overweight (BMI ≥ 25) (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.95), a higher proportion of mothers with no or only primary education (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.36). Also, a higher probability of living in a house with poor flooring material (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.41), reliance on a non-improved water source (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.27), and a low wealth index were identified as risk factors of stunting. Mapping of the spatial residuals effects showed that, in particular, the Northern and Western regions, followed by the Southern region of Rwanda, still exhibit a higher risk of stunting even after accounting for all the covariates in the spatial model.

Conclusions

Further studies are needed to identify the still unknown spatially explicit factors associated with higher risk of stunting. Finally, given the spatial heterogeneity of stunting, interventions to reduce stunting should be geographically targeted.
Relationship between screen time among children and lower economic status during elementary school closures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Lee Sangha , Kim Sungju , Suh Sooyeon , Han Hyojin , Jung Jaeoh , Yang Sujin , Shin Yunmi
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to examine whether the extended use of a variety of digital screen devices was associated with lower economic status and other environmental factors among Korean elementary school children and their caregivers during school closures precipitated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

A total of 217 caregivers of children 7–12 years of age from Suwon, Korea, were recruited and asked to respond to a self-administered questionnaire in June 2020. The questionnaire addressed demographic information and children’s use of digital media, in addition to their caregivers. The t-test was used for continuous variables, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for variables measured on an interval scale. A multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of significant correlative factors on screen time in children as predictors.

Results

Children with lower household incomes demonstrated a higher frequency and longer duration of smartphone and tablet personal computer use compared to those from higher income households. Children of households in which incomes decreased after COVID-19 used smartphones and tablet PCs more often and for longer durations. Children from households that experienced decreased income(s) after COVID-19 used personal computers more often and for a longer duration, and children from low-income families engaged in longer screen time on smartphones. A change in primary caregiver(s) may have increased children’s screen time on smartphones.

Conclusion

Lower household income was associated with longer screen time among children, and poor mental health among caregivers during school closures precipitated the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development of modified rapid entire body assessment (MOREBA) method for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplaces
Authors: Yazdanirad Saeid , Pourtaghi Gholamhossein , Raei Mehdi , Ghasemi Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Background

Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) technique is one of the tools developed for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders based on the effective risk factors. This method has several limitations. The present study was aimed to develop the Modified Rapid Entire Body Assessment (MOREBA) method to more accurately predict the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Materials

This cross-sectional study was performed on 300 male workers of a steel factory with a variety of job tasks in Iran. Then, the information related to the various physical risk factors was extracted through observation of their duties and conversation with them. Also, the subjects were asked to complete the Persian version of Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaires (CMDQ). Then, a theoretical model was drawn in AMOS software. Computed coefficients were used to develop the MOREBA equation. In the end, the final scores were categorized by ROC curves, and the validation of the novel method was investigated using linear regression analysis.

Results

The parameters evaluated in the MOREBA method included contact stress, rapid and sudden movement, throwing motion, hand-arm vibration, whole-body vibration, temperature, and work-rest cycle in addition to the parameters of the REBA method, including awkward posture, coupling, force, load, static activity, and repetitive activity. The results showed that the strain produced by the physical risk factors with the total effect coefficient of 0.783 could significantly affect the musculoskeletal symptoms. The computed coefficients of the risk factors were applied to develop a novel index. The final score of the MOREBA method was categorized into four levels by optimal cut-off points of 12.37, 16.51, and 24.35. Based on the results, the MOREBA and REBA methods could justify 67 and 55% of the variations of musculoskeletal symptoms, respectively.

Conclusions

The results revealed that modifications conducted in the REBA method were effective, and the MOREBA method can provide a more accurate prediction of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Forearm bone mineral density in adult men after spinal cord injuries: impact of physical activity level, smoking status, body composition, and muscle strength
Authors: Kopiczko Anna , Cieplińska Joanna
Published: January 2022

Background

In the present cross-sectional study, we analyzed the relationships of physical activity level, muscle strength, body composition, injury parameters, and smoking status with bone health in the non-paralyzed upper limb in adult men after spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Methods

The study covered 50 men after spinal cord injuries aged 35.6 ± 4.9 years (25 wheelchair rugby players and 25 non-athletes). Forearm bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) in distal (dis) and proximal (prox) part was measured by densitometry. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF) were calculated. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were estimated from somatic data. An interview was conducted based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. Muscle strength (maximal hand grip strength) was measured using a Jamar dynamometer.

Results

Active male smokers after SCI had significantly lower BMD dis, BMC dis and prox, T-score dis, and prox (large effect > 0.8) than male non-smokers after SCI. Physical activity was a significant predictor (positive direction) for BMC prox (adjusted R2 = 0.56; p < 0.001). The predictor of interactions of physical activity and fat mass was significant for BMC dis (positive direction, adjusted R2 = 0.58; p < 0.001). It was also found that the predictor of interactions of four variables: physical activity, fat mass, hand grip strength (positive direction), and years of active smoking (negative direction) was significant for BMD dis (adjusted R2 = 0.58; p < 0.001). The predictor of interactions of age at injury (additive direction) and the number of cigarettes smoked per day (negative direction) was significant for T-score prox (adjusted R2 = 0.43; p < 0.001). Non-smoking physically active men after SCI had the most advantageous values of mean forearm BMD.

Conclusion

Rugby can be considered a sport that has a beneficial effect on forearm BMD. The physically active men after SCI had significantly higher bone parameters. Physical activity itself and in interactions with fat mass, hand grip strength (positive direction), and years of active smoking (negative direction) had a significant effect on bone health in non-paralyzed upper limbs. Active smoking may reduce the protective role of physical activity for bone health.
Contrast-enhanced and microvascular ultrasound imaging features of testicular lymphoma: report of five cases and review literature
Authors: Yang Li , Tao Yuan , Weixin Zhang , Meiling Bao , Jing Hang
Published: January 2022

Background

To retrospectively investigate the grey-scale, Doppler, contrast-enhanced and microvascular ultrasound of five patients with primary testicular lymphoma of our institute through review literature analysis.

Methods

From January to November 2020, five patients with primary testicular lymphoma confirmed by histology were preoperatively investigated with a standardized sonographic protocol including contrast-enhanced and microvascular ultrasound.

Results

Conventional ultrasound showed localized hypoechogenicity represented with solitary (2 of 5), multiple lesions (2 of 5), or entire testicular involvement (1 of 5). Increased blood flow appeared in color Doppler ultrasound with straight vascular sign (4 of 5). In contrast-enhanced ultrasound images confirmed this pattern (4 of 5) and presented hyper enhancement with enlarged range. On microvascular ultrasound imagings, all lesions were presented with straight and parallel course of intralesional vessels (5 of 5).

Conclusions

Here, we identified an increased vascularity with enlarged range on contrast-enhanced ultrasound along with a linear nonbranching pattern by vascular sign on microvascular ultrasonographic of testicular lymphoma.
Flexible ureteroscopy with ultrasound guidance for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts: A complementary approach for locating the cystic wall
Authors: Yan Kun-Wu , Tian Xiao-Fei , Meng Na , Liu Wen-Zhan , Lu Zhi-Min , Guo Ming-Tao , Xiao Bo
Published: January 2022

Background

Flexible ureteroscopic incision and drainage is a relatively new surgical method for treating parapelvic cysts. Considering that the intraoperative localization of the cyst may fail with a flexible ureteroscope, we use an innovative ultrasound-guided method to locate the cystic wall during flexible ureteroscopic surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive cases of parapelvic renal cysts treated by ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscopy between March 2017 and May 2020. The differences between the simple flexible ureteroscopic technique and ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscopic technique were compared. The surgical procedures, postoperative complications, results and patient follow-ups were evaluated.

Results

The cyst wall was seen clearly in 10 patients with ureteroscopic vision. Another 7 patients underwent ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscopic surgery since it was difficult to identify the cyst wall. The mean operative time was 25.9 ± 8.7 min and 37.1 ± 10.1 min for the conventional and modified techniques, respectively (P = 0.004); the mean time to search for cysts was 17.6 ± 5.8 min and 26.5 ± 8.4 min, respectively (P = 0.002); and the mean incision time was 7.1 ± 4.9 min and 12.1 ± 5.6 min, respectively (P = 0.000). All of the patients were followed-up for 12 months, and no serious complications or recurrence were observed.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that it is feasible and safe to treat parapelvic renal cysts by ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscopic incision and drainage. The small sample size and need for further studies were the limitations of our work.
Semi-supervised incremental learning with few examples for discovering medical association rules
Authors: Sánchez-de-Madariaga Ricardo , Martinez-Romo Juan , Escribano José Miguel Cantero , Araujo Lourdes
Published: January 2022

Background

Association Rules are one of the main ways to represent structural patterns underlying raw data. They represent dependencies between sets of observations contained in the data. The associations established by these rules are very useful in the medical domain, for example in the predictive health field. Classic algorithms for association rule mining give rise to huge amounts of possible rules that should be filtered in order to select those most likely to be true. Most of the proposed techniques for these tasks are unsupervised. However, the accuracy provided by unsupervised systems is limited. Conversely, resorting to annotated data for training supervised systems is expensive and time-consuming. The purpose of this research is to design a new semi-supervised algorithm that performs like supervised algorithms but uses an affordable amount of training data.

Methods

In this work we propose a new semi-supervised data mining model that combines unsupervised techniques (Fisher’s exact test) with limited supervision. Starting with a small seed of annotated data, the model improves results (F-measure) obtained, using a fully supervised system (standard supervised ML algorithms). The idea is based on utilising the agreement between the predictions of the supervised system and those of the unsupervised techniques in a series of iterative steps.

Results

The new semi-supervised ML algorithm improves the results of supervised algorithms computed using the F-measure in the task of mining medical association rules, but training with an affordable amount of manually annotated data.

Conclusions

Using a small amount of annotated data (which is easily achievable) leads to results similar to those of a supervised system. The proposal may be an important step for the practical development of techniques for mining association rules and generating new valuable scientific medical knowledge.
Genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. from humans and livestock in Nigeria
Authors: Audu Benshak J. , Norval Strachan , Bruno Lopes , Meenakshi Ramjee , Marion Macrae , Forbes Ken J.
Published: January 2022

Background

Campylobacter spp. are zoonotic pathogens, ubiquitous and are found naturally as commensals in livestock from where they can be transmitted to humans directly or through animal products. The genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance profile of Campylobacter was investigated with a focus on C. jejuni and C. coli in humans and livestock (poultry and cattle) from Nigeria.

Methods

586 human stool samples and 472 faecal samples from livestock were cultured for thermophilic Campylobacter species on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA). Culture in combination with whole genome sequencing identified and confirmed the presence of Campylobacter in humans and animals from the study area. Further analysis of the sequences was performed to determine multilocus sequence types and genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance to fluoroquinolone, betalactam, tetracycline and macrolide classes of antimicrobials.

Results

From the human stool samples tested, 50 (9%) were positive of which 33 (66%) were C. jejuni, 14 (28%) were C. coli while 3 (6%) were C. hyointestinalis. In livestock, 132 (28%) were positive. Thirty one (7%) were C. jejuni while 101 (21%) were C. coli. Whole genome sequencing and MLST of the isolates revealed a total of 32 sequence types (STs) identified from 47 human isolates while 48 STs were identified in 124 isolates from livestock indicating a population which was overall, genetically diverse with a few more dominant strains. The antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolates indicated a higher prevalence of resistance in Campylobacter isolated from livestock than in humans. Generally, resistance was greatest for betalactams (42%) closely followed by fluoroquinolones (41%), tetracyclines (15%) and lastly macrolides (2%). Multidrug resistance to three or more antimicrobials was observed in 24 (13%) isolates from humans (n = 1, 4%) and chicken (n = 23, 96%).

Conclusions

This study has further contributed information about the epidemiology, genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance profile of thermophilic Campylobacter in Nigeria.
Analysis of nucleic acids extracted from rapid diagnostic tests reveals a significant proportion of false positive test results associated with recent malaria treatment
Authors: Hosch Salome , Yoboue Charlene Aya , Donfack Olivier Tresor , Guirou Etienne A. , Dangy Jean-Pierre , Mpina Maxmillian , Nyakurungu Elizabeth , Blöchliger Koranan , Guerra Carlos A. , Phiri Wonder P. , Ayekaba Mitoha Ondo’o , García Guillermo A. , Tanner Marcel , Daubenberger Claudia , Schindler Tobias
Published: January 2022

Background

Surveillance programmes often use malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to determine the proportion of the population carrying parasites in their peripheral blood to assess the malaria transmission intensity. Despite an increasing number of reports on false-negative and false-positive RDT results, there is a lack of systematic quality control activities for RDTs deployed in malaria surveillance programmes.

Methods

The diagnostic performance of field-deployed RDTs used for malaria surveys was assessed by retrospective molecular analysis of the blood retained on the tests.

Results

Of the 2865 RDTs that were collected in 2018 on Bioko Island and analysed in this study, 4.7% had a false-negative result. These false-negative RDTs were associated with low parasite density infections. In 16.6% of analysed samples, masked pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions were identified, in which at least one Plasmodium falciparum strain carried a gene deletion. Among all positive RDTs analysed, 28.4% were tested negative by qPCR and therefore considered to be false-positive. Analysing the questionnaire data collected from the participants, this high proportion of false-positive RDTs could be explained by P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) antigen persistence after recent malaria treatment.

Conclusion

Malaria surveillance depending solely on RDTs needs well-integrated quality control procedures to assess the extent and impact of reduced sensitivity and specificity of RDTs on malaria control programmes.
Transparent decision support for mechanical ventilation using visualization of clinical preferences
Authors: Rees Stephen Edward , Spadaro Savino , Dalla Corte Francesca , Dey Nilanjan , Brohus Jakob Bredal , Scaramuzzo Gaetano , Lodahl David , Winding Robert Ravnholt , Volta Carlo Alberto , Karbing Dan Stieper
Published: January 2022

Background

Systems aiding in selecting the correct settings for mechanical ventilation should visualize patient information at an appropriate level of complexity, so as to reduce information overload and to make reasoning behind advice transparent. Metaphor graphics have been applied to this effect, but these have largely been used to display diagnostic and physiologic information, rather than the clinical decision at hand. This paper describes how the conflicting goals of mechanical ventilation can be visualized and applied in making decisions. Data from previous studies are analyzed to assess whether visual patterns exist which may be of use to the clinical decision maker.

Materials and methods

The structure and screen visualizations of a commercial clinical decision support system (CDSS) are described, including the visualization of the conflicting goals of mechanical ventilation represented as a hexagon. Retrospective analysis is performed on 95 patients from 2 previous clinical studies applying the CDSS, to identify repeated patterns of hexagon symbols.

Results

Visual patterns were identified describing optimal ventilation, over and under ventilation and pressure support, and over oxygenation, with these patterns identified for both control and support modes of mechanical ventilation. Numerous clinical examples are presented for these patterns illustrating their potential interpretation at the bedside.

Conclusions

Visual patterns can be identified which describe the trade-offs required in mechanical ventilation. These may have potential to reduce information overload and help in simple and rapid identification of sub-optimal settings.
Identifying CCR5 coreceptor populations permissive for HIV-1 entry and productive infection: implications for in vivo studies
Authors: Weichseldorfer Matthew , Tagaya Yutaka , Reitz Marvin , DeVico Anthony L. , Latinovic Olga S.
Published: January 2022

Background

The chemokine receptor CCR5 is the major coreceptor for HIV-1 cell entry. We previously observed that not all CCR5 mAbs reduce HIV-1 infection, suggesting that only some CCR5 populations are permissive for HIV-1 entry. This study aims to better understand the relevant conformational states of the cellular coreceptor, CCR5, involved in HIV entry. We hypothesized that CCR5 assumes multiple configurations during normal cycling on the plasma membrane, but only particular forms facilitate HIV-1 infection.

Methods

To this end, we quantified different CCR5 populations using six CCR5 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with different epitope specificities and visualized them with super-resolution microscopy. We quantified each surface CCR5 population before and after HIV-1 infection.

Results

Based on CCR5 conformational changes, down-modulation, and trafficking rates (internalization and recycling kinetics), we were able to distinguish among heterogeneous CCR5 populations and thus which populations might best be targeted to inhibit HIV-1 entry. We assume that a decreased surface presence of a particular CCR5 subpopulation following infection means that it has been internalized due to HIV-1 entry, and that it therefore represents a highly relevant target for future antiviral therapy strategies. Strikingly, this was most true for antibody CTC8, which targets the N-terminal region of CCR5 and blocks viral entry more efficiently than it blocks chemokine binding.

Conclusions

Defining the virus-host interactions responsible for HIV-1 transmission, including specific coreceptor populations capable of establishing de novo infections, is essential for the development of an HIV-1 vaccine. This study hopefully will facilitate further development of inhibitors to block CCR5 usage by HIV-1, as well as inform future HIV-1 vaccine design.
Sleep EEG characteristics associated with total sleep time misperception in young adults: an exploratory study
Authors: Xu Biyun , Cai Qinghao , Mai Runru , Liang Hailong , Huang Jiayu , Yang Zhimin
Published: January 2022

Background

Power spectral analysis (PSA) is one of the most commonly-used EEG markers of cortical hyperarousal, and can help to understand subjective–objective sleep discrepancy (SOD). Age is associated with decreased sleep EEG activity; however, the PSA of young adults is currently limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the correlation of spectral EEG power with total sleep time (TST) misperception in young patients.

Methods

Forty-seven young adults were recruited and underwent a polysomnography recording in a sleep laboratory. Clinical records and self-report questionnaires of all patients were collected, and were used to categorize patients into a good sleeper (GS) group (n = 10), insomnia with a low mismatch group (IWLM, n = 19) or participant with a high mismatch group (IWHM, n = 18). PSA was applied to the first 6 h of sleep.

Results

IWHM patients exhibited a higher absolute power and relative beta/delta ratio in the frontal region compared to the GS group. No significant difference was observed between the IWLM and GS groups. No significant difference in the above parameters was observed between the IWHM and IWLM groups. Moreover, The SOD of TST was positively correlated with frontal absolute power and the relative beta/delta ratio (r = 0.363, P = 0.012; r = 0.363, P = 0.012), and absolute beta EEG spectral power (r = 0.313, P = 0.032) as well as the number of arousals.

Conclusions

Increased frontal beta/delta ratio EEG power was found in young patients with a high mismatch but not in those with a low mismatch, compared with good sleepers. This suggests that there exists increased cortical activity in IWHM patients. In addition, the frontal beta/delta ratio and the number of arousals was positively correlated with the SOD of TST.
Monte Carlo simulation of tilted contact plaque brachytherapy placement for juxtapapillary retinoblastoma
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Murakami Naoya , Suzuki Shigenobu , Ito Kimiteru , Takemori Mihiro , Nakayama Hiroki , Kaga Keita , Chiba Takahito , Iijima Kotaro , Takahashi Kana , Goka Tomonori , Itami Jun , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Igaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Background

The 106-Ruthenium contact plaque applicator is utilized for the treatment of intraocular tumor within a thickness of less than 6 mm. If anything obstructs the placement of the plaque applicator, the treatment is generally difficult because the applicator has to be temporarily located just on the opposite side of the retinal tumor. Furthermore, the plaque applicator edge of approximately 1 mm does not contain 106Ru, estimating the delivered radiation dose for eccentric tumor is challenging because the lateral dose profile is inadequately provided by the manufacture’s certification. This study aims to simulate tumor coverage of the tilted applicator placement for treating an infant with juxtapapillary retinoblastoma and to achieve the effective treatment.

Case presentation

We present an infant with retinoblastoma whose tumor involved macular and was invading just temporal side of the optic disc. Additionally, posterior staphyloma was induced by a series of previous treatments, making it more difficult to treat the standard plaque placement. Thus, the applicator type of CCA was intentionally tilted to the eyeball and the distance between the posterior edge of the applicator and the eyeball had to be then equal to or more than 2 mm based on the dose distribution of the applicator calculated using Monte Carlo simulation to minimize damage to surrounding tissues while covering the tumor. It was then comparable to the certification and previous reports. Based on the acquired dose distribution, the optimal placement of the applicator was derived from varying the distance between the applicator’s edge and the eyeball, and the distance was then determined to be 2 mm. In this case, the minimum dose rate in the tumor was 25.5 mGy/min, and the time required to deliver the prescribed dose was 26.2 h. Therefore, the tilted 106Ru plaque applicator placement could deliver the required dose for the treatment. The physical examination revealed no active tumor as a result of the treatment.

Conclusions

Optimizing the placement of the 106Ru plaque applicator, it was possible to guarantee that the prescribed dose will be delivered to the tumor even if the standard placement is not possible for the juxtapapillary tumor.
Therapy strategies of fifth metatarsal base fracture with lateral collateral ligament injury
Authors: Cao Hongbin , Li Nan , Wang Guixin , He Jinquan
Published: January 2022

Background

Fifth metatarsal base fracture (fifth MBF) and lateral collateral ankle ligament (LCAL) injury are mainly caused by plantar flexion and inversion of the foot. However, there is no relevant report on the incidence, injury type and treatment principle of the fifth MBF combined with an LCAL injury.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 61 patients with fifth MBF. After admission, patients were given the symptomatic treatment and underwent standard anteroposterior (AP), 30-degree oblique foot radiographs, ankle MR and/or ultrasonic examination. The type of surgery varied base on the individual patients (type of fracture with/without lateral collateral ankle ligament injury).

Results

In 61 patients, there were 39 patients with LCAL injury. Among the 39 patients with LCAL injury, 24 patients with Grade I–II injury, 6 patients with Grade III injury, and 9 patients with avulsion fractures. There was no significant difference between the patients without LCAL injury and the patients with LCAL injury in terms of age (p = 0.67) and gender (p = 0.575). The incidence of fifth MBF with LCAL injury accounted for 63.93% of fifth metatarsal base fracture; the most common causes of injury included sprains and falls. The average fracture healing time was 8.3 (range, 6–12) weeks. For fifth MBF with displaced more than 2 mm, hook plate or lag screw was used for fixation; for complete rupture of LCAL, suture anchor was used to repairing the ligament; for partial LCAL injury, plaster was used for fixation after surgery; for avulsion fractures, cannulated screw or suture anchor was used for repair. None of the patients had complications such as delayed union, nonunion, and incision infection.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can obtain good therapeutic results in fifth MBF patients combined with LCAL injury. Moreover, defining a treatment plan for ligament injury is essential for reducing postoperative complications. This study provides a basis for epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of fifth MBF with LCAL injury.
Blood-based biomarkers of inflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Staats Kim A. , Borchelt David R. , Tansey Malú Gámez , Wymer James
Published: January 2022

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease in which many processes are detected including (neuro)inflammation. Many drugs have been tested for ALS in clinical trials but most have failed to reach their primary endpoints. The development and inclusion of different types of biomarkers in diagnosis and clinical trials can assist in determining target engagement of a drug, in distinguishing between ALS and other diseases, and in predicting disease progression rate, drug responsiveness, or an adverse event. Ideally, among other characteristics, a biomarker in ALS correlates highly with a disease process in the central nervous system or with disease progression and is conveniently obtained in a peripheral tissue. Here, we describe the state of biomarkers of inflammation in ALS by focusing on peripherally detectable and cellular responses from blood cells, and provide new (combinatorial) directions for exploration that are now feasible due to technological advancements.
IDEAS: individual level differential expression analysis for single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Liu Si , Miao Zhen , Han Fang , Gottardo Raphael , Sun Wei
Published: January 2022

We consider an increasingly popular study design where single-cell RNA-seq data are collected from multiple individuals and the question of interest is to find genes that are differentially expressed between two groups of individuals. Towards this end, we propose a statistical method named IDEAS (individual level differential expression analysis for scRNA-seq). For each gene, IDEAS summarizes its expression in each individual by a distribution and then assesses whether these individual-specific distributions are different between two groups of individuals. We apply IDEAS to assess gene expression differences of autism patients versus controls and COVID-19 patients with mild versus severe symptoms.
A randomized double-blind cross-over trial to study the effects of resistant starch prebiotic in chronic kidney disease (ReSPECKD)
Authors: Shamloo Maryam , Mollard Rebecca , Wang Haizhou , Kingra Kulwant , Tangri Navdeep , MacKay Dylan
Published: January 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a reduced quality of life and an increased risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Accumulation of nitrogen-based uremic toxins leads to worsening of symptoms in individuals with CKD. Many uremic toxins, such as indoxyl and p-cresol sulphate, are produced exclusively by the gut microbiome through the proteolytic digestion of aromatic amino acids. Strategies to reduce the production of these toxins by the gut microbiome in individuals with CKD may lessen symptom burden and delay the onset of dialysis. One such strategy is to change the overall metabolism of the gut microbiome so that less uremic toxins are produced. This can be accomplished by manipulating the energy source available to the microbiome. Fermentable carbohydrates which reach the gut microbiome, like resistant starch (RS), have been shown to inhibit or reduce bacterial amino acid metabolism. This study aims to investigate the effects of resistant potato starch (RPS) as a prebiotic in individuals with CKD before the onset of dialysis.

Methods

This is a double-blind, randomized two-period crossover trial. Thirty-six eligible participants will consent to follow a 26-week study regimen. Participants will receive 2 sachets per day containing either 15 g of RPS (MSPrebiotic, resistant potato starch treatment) or 15 g cornstarch (Amioca TF, digestible starch control). Changes in blood uremic toxins will be investigated as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include the effect of RPS consumption on symptoms, quality of life and abundance, and diversity and functionality of the gut microbiome.

Discussion

This randomized trial will provide further insight into whether the consumption of RPS as a prebiotic will reduce uremic toxins and symptoms in individuals who have CKD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04961164. Registered on 14 July 2021
Integrated 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and fragmentation signatures as enhanced biomarkers in lung cancer
Authors: Hu Xinlei , Luo Kai , Shi Hui , Yan Xiaoqin , Huang Ruichen , Zhao Bi , Zhang Jun , Xie Dan , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2022

Background

Lung cancer is one of most common cancers worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%, which is mainly due to late-stage diagnosis. Noninvasive methods using 5-hydroxymethylation of cytosine (5hmC) modifications and fragmentation profiles from 5hmC cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing provide an opportunity for lung cancer detection and management.

Results

A total of 157 lung cancer patients were recruited to generate the largest lung cancer cfDNA 5hmC dataset, which mainly consisted of 62 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), 48 lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and 25 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, with most patients (131, 83.44%) at advanced tumor stages. A 37-feature 5hmC model was constructed and validated to distinguish lung cancer patients from healthy controls, with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.8938 and 0.8476 (sensitivity = 87.50% and 72.73%, specificity = 83.87% and 80.60%) in two distinct validation sets. Furthermore, fragment profiles of cfDNA 5hmC datasets were first explored to develop a 48-feature fragmentation model with good performance (AUC = 0.9257 and 0.822, sensitivity = 87.50% and 78.79%, specificity = 80.65% and 76.12%) in the two validation sets. Another diagnostic model integrating 5hmC signals and fragment profiles improved AUC to 0.9432 and 0.8639 (sensitivity = 87.50% and 83.33%, specificity = 90.30% and 77.61%) in the two validation sets, better than models based on either of them alone and performing well in different stages and lung cancer subtypes. Several 5hmC markers were found to be associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) based on gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Conclusions

Both the 5hmC signal and fragmentation profiles in 5hmC cfDNA data are sensitive and effective in lung cancer detection and could be incorporated into the diagnostic model to achieve good performance, promoting research focused on clinical diagnostic models based on cfDNA 5hmC data.

Graphical abstract
Computed tomography features and clinical characteristics of gastritis cystica profunda
Authors: Wang Rui , Lu Hao , Yu Juan , Huang Wenpeng , Li Jing , Cheng Ming , Liang Pan , Li Liming , Zhao Huiping , Gao Jianbo
Published: January 2022

Background

The diagnostic evidence of gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) are not adequately described due to its extremely low morbidity. This study aimed to analyze and summarize the comprehensive CT features and clinical characteristics of patients with GCP.

Results

Nineteen patients were enrolled, including eight men and eleven women, with a mean age of 55.53 years. Only one patient had the history of gastric polypectomy. Among the nineteen cases, two cases were in the gastric cardia, four in the gastric fundus, eight in the gastric body and five in the gastric antrum. The shapes were sphere in thirteen patients, hemisphere in five patients and diffuse in one patient. The mean size of eighteen local lesions was 1.63 cm. The cystic changes in submucosa were detected in fifteen patients. Compared with the pancreas, most GCP lesions were hypo-attenuated on unenhanced CT (n = 8), in arterial phase (AP) (n = 17) and venous phase (VP) (n = 11). Fifteen patients had the peak enhancement in VP and two in AP. The rim-like enhancement with central low attenuation was clearly observed in thirteen patients. For the GCP accompanied by adenocarcinoma, the enhancement peak was present in AP and the gradual expansion of enhancement area was in VP. All patients underwent surgical or endoscopic resection. Sixteen cases had remission of symptoms and no recurrence.

Conclusions

The careful analysis of CT features and clinical characteristics can provide support for deepening the understanding of the GCP. However, a more accurate diagnosis depends on histopathological features.
Update of transmission modelling and projections of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis in the Mandoul focus, Chad
Authors: Rock Kat S. , Huang Ching-I , Crump Ronald E. , Bessell Paul R. , Brown Paul E. , Tirados Inaki , Solano Philippe , Antillon Marina , Picado Albert , Mbainda Severin , Darnas Justin , Crowley Emily H. , Torr Steve J. , Peka Mallaye
Published: January 2022

Background

In recent years, a programme of vector control, screening and treatment of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) infections led to a rapid decline in cases in the Mandoul focus of Chad. To represent the biology of transmission between humans and tsetse, we previously developed a mechanistic transmission model, fitted to data between 2000 and 2013 which suggested that transmission was interrupted by 2015. The present study outlines refinements to the model to: (1) Assess whether elimination of transmission has already been achieved despite low-level case reporting; (2) quantify the role of intensified interventions in transmission reduction; and (3) predict the trajectory of gHAT in Mandoul for the next decade under different strategies.

Method

Our previous gHAT transmission model for Mandoul was updated using human case data (2000–2019) and a series of model refinements. These include how diagnostic specificity is incorporated into the model and improvements to the fitting method (increased variance in observed case reporting and how underreporting and improvements to passive screening are captured). A side-by-side comparison of fitting to case data was performed between the models.

Results

We estimated that passive detection rates have increased due to improvements in diagnostic availability in fixed health facilities since 2015, by 2.1-fold for stage 1 detection, and 1.5-fold for stage 2. We find that whilst the diagnostic algorithm for active screening is estimated to be highly specific (95% credible interval (CI) 99.9–100%, Specificity = 99.9%), the high screening and low infection levels mean that some recently reported cases with no parasitological confirmation might be false positives. We also find that the focus-wide tsetse reduction estimated through model fitting (95% CI 96.1–99.6%, Reduction = 99.1%) is comparable to the reduction previously measured by the decline in tsetse catches from monitoring traps. In line with previous results, the model suggests that transmission was interrupted in 2015 due to intensified interventions.

Conclusions

We recommend that additional confirmatory testing is performed in Mandoul to ensure the endgame can be carefully monitored. More specific measurement of cases, would better inform when it is safe to stop active screening and vector control, provided there is a strong passive surveillance system in place.

Graphical Abstract
Supervised machine learning predictive analytics for alumni income
Authors: Gomez-Cravioto Daniela A. , Diaz-Ramos Ramon E. , Hernandez-Gress Neil , Preciado Jose Luis , Ceballos Hector G.
Published: January 2022

Background

This paper explores machine learning algorithms and approaches for predicting alum income to obtain insights on the strongest predictors and a ‘high’ earners’ class.

Methods

It examines the alum sample data obtained from a survey from a multicampus Mexican private university. Survey results include 17,898 and 12,275 observations before and after cleaning and pre-processing, respectively. The dataset comprises income values and a large set of independent demographical attributes of former students. We conduct an in-depth analysis to determine whether the accuracy of traditional algorithms can be improved with a data science approach. Furthermore, we present insights on patterns obtained using explainable artificial intelligence techniques.

Results

Results show that the machine learning models outperformed the parametric models of linear and logistic regression, in predicting alum’s current income with statistically significant results (p < 0.05) in three different tasks. Moreover, the later methods were found to be the most accurate in predicting the alum’s first income after graduation.

Conclusion

We identified that age, gender, working hours per week, first income and variables related to the alum’s job position and firm contributed to explaining their current income. Findings indicated a gender wage gap, suggesting that further work is needed to enable equality.
Modeling scientometric indicators using a statistical data ontology
Authors: Lopez-Rodriguez Victor , Ceballos Hector G.
Published: January 2022

Scientometrics is the field of study and evaluation of scientific measures such as the impact of research papers and academic journals. It is an important field because nowadays different rankings use key indicators for university rankings and universities themselves use them as Key Performance Indicators (KPI). The purpose of this work is to propose a semantic modeling of scientometric indicators using the ontology Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX). We develop a case study at Tecnologico de Monterrey following the Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) methodology. We evaluate the benefits of storing and querying scientometric indicators using linked data as a mean for providing flexible and quick access knowledge representation that supports indicator discovery, enquiring and composition. The semi-automatic generation and further storage of this linked data in the Neo4j graph database enabled an updatable and quick access model.
Antifeedant Activity and Biochemical Responses in Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Infesting Broccoli, Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra exposed to Piper ribesioides Wall Extracts and Allelochemicals
Authors: Pengsook Anchulee , Bullangpoti Vasakorn , Koul Opender , Nobsathian Saksit , Saiyaitong Chatwadee , Yooboon Thitaree , Phankaen Poonnanan , Pluempanupat Wanchai , Kumrungsee Nutchaya
Published: January 2022

Background

Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a widely occurring insect pest of several crops conventionally controlled by pyrethroids and organophosphates hazardous for the environment and human health. Thus, the alternatives are biocide-based phytochemicals. Accordingly, the Piper ribesioides Wall. (Piperales: Piperaceae) plant, well distributed in the northern regions of Thailand (Nan Province), was used due to its known bioactivity against insects. The objective was to determine the feeding deterrent activity of P. ribesioides extracts and isolated allelochemicals under laboratory conditions and correlate the efficacy under greenhouse conditions after the extracts were applied to S. exigua larvae infesting potted Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra (Bailey) Musil plants. Another objective was to look at the impact of spray applications on detoxification enzymes to check the possibility of resistance development against such natural extracts.

Results

Ethyl acetate extract deterred feeding of larvae better than other extracts with the concentrations causing 50% feeding inhibition (FI50) of 26.25 µg/cm2 and feeding deterrence index (FDI) of 91.8%, which was slightly lower than the positive control (cypermethrin, FDI = 100%; FI50 0.027 µg/cm2). The most effective feeding deterrent compounds against S. exigua were pinostrobin and pinocembrin with FDI range of 77 to 90% and FI50 values of 14.39 and 19.38 µg/cm2. In the greenhouse, the larvae treated on potted B. oleracea at FI50 concentrations (determined in laboratory experiments), ethyl acetate extract gave the highest mortality of 63.33% within 24 h of first spray and total of 73.33% after 24 h of the second spray. Impact on detoxification enzymes (24 h post-treatment) was determined from survived 3rd instars of S. exigua using spray applications. Inhibition of carboxylesterase (CE) was 1.94-fold after hexane extract treatment. However, ethyl acetate extract inhibited glutathione-s-transferase (GST) 1.30-fold.

Conclusions

Ethyl acetate extract of P. ribesioides twigs and isolated pinostrobin and pinocembrin compounds were potential antifeedants against S. exigua larvae. The data obtained also showed that such antifeedant levels of treatment could be used in greenhouse or field trials directly as an extract after establishing the efficacy of extracts and the active compounds therein under laboratory conditions.

Graphical Abstract