bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects and safety of Tanreqing injection on viral pneumonia: Retraction
Authors: Qiu Yue , Pan Xue , Su Lin , Lui Hui , Li Ya-Dong
Published: September 2020

Background:

Influenza-related viral pneumonia is a severe threat to human health, which has caused high morbidity and mortality each year. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Tanreqing Injection therapy in patients with viral pneumonia.

Materials and methods:

This protocol established in this study has been reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for clinical randomized trials in cases with viral pneumonia until 1st of July 2020. We will use a combination of Medical Subject Heading and free-text terms with various synonyms to search based on the Eligibility criteria. Two investigators independently reviewed the included studies and extracted relevant data. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of were used as effect estimate. I-square (I2) test, substantial heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment will be performed accordingly. Stata 14.0 and Review Manger 5.3 are used for meta-analysis and systematic review.

Results:

The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

The results of this review will be widely disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. This evidence may also provide helpful evidence of whether Tanreqing Injection therapy was efficient and safe in patients with viral pneumonia.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020164164.
Hematological factors predicting mortality in patients with traumatic epidural or subdural hematoma undergoing emergency surgical evacuation
Authors: Kim Na Young , Lim Jaejoon , Lee Seunghoon , Kim Koeun , Hong Jung Hwa , Chun Duk-Hee
Published: September 2020

Hematological abnormalities at admission are common after traumatic brain injuries and are associated with poor outcomes. The objective of this study was to identify the predictive factors of mortality among patients who underwent emergency surgery for the evacuation of epidural hematoma (EDH) or subdural hematoma (SDH).

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of 200 patients who underwent emergency surgical evacuation of EDH or SDH between September 2010 and December 2018. Data on hematological parameters and clinical and intraoperative features were collected. The primary end-point was 1-year mortality after surgery. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were assessed.

Of the 200 patients included in this study, 102 (51%) patients died within 1 year of emergency surgery. Lymphocyte count at admission, creatinine levels, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), age, intraoperative epinephrine use, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score were significantly associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis. The areas under the ROC curve for the GCS score, aPTT, and lymphocyte counts were 0.677 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.602–0.753), 0.644 (95% CI 0.567–0.721), and 0.576 (95% CI 0.496–0.656), respectively.

Patients with elevated lymphocyte counts on admission showed a higher rate of 1-year mortality following emergency craniectomy for EDH or SDH. In addition, prolonged aPTT and a lower GCS score were also related to poor survival.
Injury of the lateral vestibulospinal tract in a patient with the lateral medullary syndrome
Authors: Jang Sung Ho , Park Ga Young , Cho In Hee , Yeo Sang Seok
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

Lateral medullary syndrome is a central vestibular disorder characterized by vertigo and ataxia. We report on a patient with injury of the lateral vestibulospinal tract (VST) following lateral medullary syndrome, detected on diffusion tensor tractography (DTT).

Patient concerns:

A 56-year-old male patient was diagnosed with lateral medullary syndrome due to an infarction in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery area.

Diagnoses:

Two weeks following the infarction, he was transferred to the rehabilitation department of the same university hospital with severe vertigo, ataxia (Berg balance scale: 16 point), and dysphasia. In contrast, he maintained good motor power and cognitive function (Mini-mental state test: 26 points).

Interventions:

N/A

Outcomes:

Both the patient's medial VSTs and left lateral VST were well-reconstructed. In contrast, the right lateral VST was not reconstructed. On DTT parameters of the VST, the patient's medial VSTs and left lateral VST did not differ significantly from the control subjects.

Lessons:

An injury of the right lateral VST was demonstrated in a patient with lateral medullary syndrome. We believe that the result will be helpful in clinical management and research for patients with lateral medullary syndrome.
Peroneal neuropathy caused by an extraneural ganglion cyst in the supracondylar area of the femur
Authors: Sim Jaehoon , Kwak Hyunseok , Lee Soonchul , Min Kyunghoon
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

Peroneal neuropathy is the most common type of peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities. The peroneal nerve is usually compressed at the lateral aspect of the fibular head. Compression by ganglion cysts are one of the numerous underlying etiologies for peroneal nerve neuropathy and are most frequently located around the fibular neck and proximal tibiofibular joint. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an extraneural ganglion cyst located at the level of the distal thigh that resulted in compressive peroneal neuropathy.

Patient concerns:

We report a case of a 56-year-old man with sudden onset of left foot drop and gait disturbance caused by an extraneural ganglion cyst located in the popliteal fossa.

Diagnosis:

Electrodiagnosis (EDX) suggested a peroneal nerve lesion. Subsequently, diagnostic ultrasonography (USG) revealed a cystic mass located within the left side of the supracondylar area of femur. Further magnetic resonance imaging confirmed that the mass was located at the proximal of popliteal fossa.

Interventions:

Surgical excision was performed using a direct posterior approach. The cystic mass was compressing the common peroneal nerve, and was carefully and completely removed ensuring that all nerve branches were protected.

Outcomes:

A histopathologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of a ganglion cyst. There were no postoperative complications. Two months after the surgery, follow-up USG revealed no evidence of cyst recurrence or residual lesions. Six months after the surgery, the ankle dorsiflexor motor power improved and he experienced less pain and hypoesthesia.

Lessons:

Physicians should bear in mind that the peroneal neuropathy can occur because of the ganglion cyst in the distal thigh. The thorough evaluation of EDX and USG is crucial for the early diagnosis and surgical intervention, although there is no abnormal finding around the fibular neck.
The impact of anastomotic leakage on oncology after curative anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Ma Lushun , Pang Xinyuan , Ji Guofeng , Sun Haojie , Fan Qihao , Ma Chong
Published: September 2020

Background:

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious clinical complication after anterior resection for rectal cancer and will lead to an increase in postoperative mortality. However, the effect on long-term oncology outcomes remains controversial.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases for related articles. The included studies assessed local recurrence, distant recurrence, overall survival, cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival. The systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The combined RRs with 95% CI were then calculated using a fixed effects model or a randomized effect model.

Results:

A total of 18 cohort studies included 34,487 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that AL was associated with increased local recurrence (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.14–1.90, I
2 = 57.8%). Anastomotic leakage decreased overall survival (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.96, I
2 = 58.1%), cancer-specific survival (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.00, I
2 = 30.4%), and disease-free survival (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.94, I
2 = 80.4%). Distant recurrence may had no significant effects of AL (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.91–1.46, I
2 = 58.4%).

Conclusion:

AL has a negative effect on local recurrence and long-term survival (including overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival) after anterior resection for rectal cancer, but not related to distant recurrence.
Identification of genes and pathways associated with subchondral bone in osteoarthritis via bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Yang Zhanyu , Ni Jiangdong , Kuang Letian , Gao Yongquan , Tao Shibin
Published: September 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a high prevalent musculoskeletal problem, which can cause severe pain, constitute a huge social and economic burden, and seriously damage the quality of life. This study was intended to identify genetic characteristics of subchondral bone in patients with OA and to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved. Data of gene expression profiles (GSE51588), which contained 40 OA samples and 10 normal samples, was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The raw data were integrated to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and were further analyzed with bioinformatic analysis. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were built and analyzed via Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). The significant modules and hub genes were identified via Cytoscape. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed. Totally 235 DEGs were differentially expressed in the subchondral bone from OA patients compared with those of normal individuals, of which 78 were upregulated and 157 were downregulated. Eight hub genes were identified, including DEFA4, ARG1, LTF, RETN, PGLYRP1, OLFM4, ORM1, and BPI. The enrichment analyses of the DEGs and significant modules indicated that DEGs were mainly involved in inflammatory response, extracellular space, RAGE receptor binding, and amoebiasis pathway. The present study provides a novel and in-depth understanding of pathogenesis of the OA subchondral bone at molecular level. DEFA4, ARG1, LTF, RETN, PGLYRP1, OLFM4, ORM1, and BPI may be the new candidate targets for diagnosis and therapies on patients with OA in the future.
Bayesian analysis of the association between effective strategies of multimodal nonpharmacological intervention and characteristics of cognitive function in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment
Authors: Yorozuya Kyosuke , Yamane Shingo , Nobuhisa Misako , Owaki Hiroko , Suzuki Takeaki , Okahara Hikaru , Iwamori Wataru , Hanaoka Hideaki
Published: September 2020

The cognitive function of nursing home (NH) residents with cognitive impairment (CI) tends to decline over time. An effective multimodal non-pharmacological intervention (MNPI) strategy is needed to improve the cognitive function of NH residents with CI.

The aim of this study was to clarify the cognitive function characteristics of NH residents with CI in whom a non-pharmacological intervention (NPI) can be implemented, consisting of MNPI using a Bayesian analysis, and to incorporate suggestions to make the MNPI strategy as effective as possible.

This study had a cross-sectional design. The 61 subjects were selected from the residents of 5 NHs, of whom 90.16% were female, and the mean (standard deviation) age was 87.20 ± 6.90. Analyses were performed using a hierarchical Bayesian model, and the global and specific cognitive functions as assessed by the Japanese version of the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination were the response variables. Three types of NPI (cognitive enhancement NPI, physical NPI, psychological and psychosocial NPI), and activities of daily living (ADL), as assessed by the Barthel index, were the explanatory variables.

Cognitive enhancement NPI was revealed to have no association with any cognitive function. Physical NPI was negatively associated with orientation [OR 0.31 (95% credible interval (95% CI) –2.33, –0.10)], comprehension [OR 0.16 (95% CI –2.78, –0.95)] and naming [OR 0.49 (95% CI –1.47, –0.02)]. Psychological and psychosocial NPI was positively associated with comprehension [OR 3.67 (95% CI 0.52, 2.13)]. Barthel index was positively associated with total Japanese version of the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination [OR 1.74 (95% CI 0.08, 2.12)], comprehension [OR 3.49 (95% CI 0.45, 4.67)], repetition [OR 10.07 (95% CI 0.53, 9.01)], naming [OR 2.24 (95% CI 0.07, 3.20)], and calculations [OR 18.82 (95% CI 2.71, 9.40)].

The implementation of MNPI should be preceded by cognitive enhancement NPI and physical NPI. Providing ADL enhancing NPI in response to cognitive improvement may be an effective strategy. Providing cognitive enhancement NPI, physical NPI, psychological, and psychosocial NPI, as well as ADL-enhancing NPI at the same time, is also an effective strategy for subjects with mild dementia who are considered to have relatively high cognitive functions.
Traditional Chinese medicine for mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Yu Haiyang , Song Kai , Xiong Fanjie , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2020

Background:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal aging and Alzheimer disease, which is the most common form of dementia in the world. In clinical practice, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions have been administered for MCI, However, there is still uncertain about what strategy of TCM interventions treatment should be preferred in clinical practice. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of different TCM therapies through systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Methods:

According to the strategy, the authors will retrieve a total of 7 electronic databases by August 2020, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMbase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biological Medicine, Chongqing VIP, and Wan-fang databases. After a series of screening, 2 researchers will use Aggregate Data Drug Information System and Stata software to analyze the data extracted from the randomized controlled trials of TCM therapies for MCI. The primary outcome of this study is the improvement of cognitive function and the secondary outcome is the activities of daily living, clinical efficacy, and adverse events, and the quality of the evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation instrument.

Results:

This study will provide a reliable evidence for the selection of TCM therapies in the treatment of MCI.

Conclusion:

This study will generate evidence for different TCM therapies for MCI and provide a decision-making reference for clinical research.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study does not require ethical approval. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication.

OSF registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/JV9KG.
Health Care Transition
Authors: Vittorio Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Improvements in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) have led to an increased number of patients reaching young adulthood. Young adult LT recipients transferring from pediatric to adult models of care have increased rates of rejection, graft loss, and medical complications. The goal of a health care transition program is to optimize health and assist youth in reaching their full potential. The means to achieve this goal requires an organized transition process to support youth in acquiring independent health care skills, preparing for an adult model of care, and transferring to new providers without disruption in treatment. This can only be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach to transition planning. This is often a labor and resource‐intensive undertaking, which may not receive the necessary support from local institutions. Widespread implementation requires the assistance and endorsement from governing organizations at the national and international level.
The moderating effects of pain catastrophizing on the relationship between illness perceptions and self-reported signs of central sensitization in patients with persistent pain
Authors: Wijma Amarins J. , Bults Rinske , Nijs Jo , Paul van Wilgen C.
Published: September 2020

Two factors related to the continuation of persistent pain are pain catastrophizing and illness perceptions. Pain neuroscience education is known to positively influence both in patients with persistent pain. As the integration of pain neuroscience education in monodisciplinary physiotherapy treatments is effective, integration in transdisciplinary cognitive-behavioral treatments seems recommendable. When doing so, the moderating effect of pain catastrophizing and perceptions on treatment results have to be examined, as these provide valuable information under which conditions treatment works. A bottom-up retrospective observational study evaluated the changes in clinical outcomes, and relationships between clinical outcomes and cognitive and emotional factors in patients with persistent pain. Multiple regression analysis, PROCESS macro, explored the moderating effects of pain catastrophizing on the relationship between illness perceptions and self-reported symptoms of central sensitization. In total, 78 patients were included in the study. A correlation between pretreatment scores and change scores in illness perceptions and self-reported symptoms of central sensitization following treatment were found (resp. R-sq 0.407, F(10,99) = 0.638, P = 0.000; R-sq 0.361, F(5, 54) = 0.609, P = 0.000; and R-sq 0.314, F(4,55) = 0.560, P = 0.00), however, moderation of pain catastrophizing scores on these correlations was not found. Even though an association between changes in pain catastrophizing and illness perceptions in patients with persistent pain was found, the direction or strength between the changes in illness perceptions and changes in self-reported symptoms of central sensitization was not influenced by pretreatment scores of pain catastrophizing.
How Much Weight Loss is Required for Cardiovascular Benefits? Insights From a Metabolic Surgery Matched-cohort Study
Authors: Aminian Ali , Zajichek Alexander , Tu Chao , Wolski Kathy E. , Brethauer Stacy A. , Schauer Philip R. , Kattan Michael W. , Nissen Steven E.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the minimum amount of weight loss required to see a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Background:

Although obesity is an established risk factor for morbidity and mortality, the minimum amount of weight loss to have a meaningful impact on cardiovascular health and survival is unknown.

Methods:

Patients with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and type 2 diabetes who underwent metabolic surgery in an academic center (1998–2017) were propensity-matched 1:5 to nonsurgical patients who received usual care. The adjusted linear and nonlinear effects of weight loss (achieved in the first 18 months after the index date) were studied to identify cut-offs for the minimum weight loss to achieve decreased risk of all-cause mortality and MACE (composite of all-cause mortality, coronary artery events, cerebrovascular events, heart failure, nephropathy, and atrial fibrillation).

Results:

A total of 7201 patients (1223 surgical and 5978 nonsurgical) with a median follow-up time of 4.9 years (interquartile range, 3.5–7) were included. The positive effect of metabolic surgery was still present after adjusting for weight loss amounts, suggesting that there are weight loss-independent factors contributing to a reduction in risk of MACE and all-cause mortality in the surgical cohort. After considering the weighted estimates from a diverse set of models, the risk of MACE decreases after approximately 10% of weight is lost in the surgical group and approximately 20% in the nonsurgical group. For all-cause mortality, the threshold for benefit appeared to be approximately 5% weight loss after metabolic surgery and 20% in the nonsurgical group.

Conclusions:

This large matched-cohort study identified the minimum weight loss thresholds for reduction in risk of MACE and all-cause mortality in patients with obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, in our analysis, the effect of surgery was still present after accounting for weight loss, which may suggest the presence of weight-independent beneficial effects of metabolic surgery on MACE and survival.
Evaluation of Host Immune Cellular and Extracellular Matrix Responses to Prolapse Mesh With and Without Tension in a Rat Model
Authors: Bickhaus Jennifer A. , Fraser Matthew O. , Weidner Alison C. , Jayes Friederike L. , Amundsen Cindy L. , Gall Ken , Marini Frank C. , Robboy Stanley J. , Siddiqui Nazema Y.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We sought to determine whether vaginal host immune cellular and extracellular matrix responses are altered in a rat sacrocolpopexy model when lightweight polypropylene mesh is attached on tension versus without tension.

Methods

We performed hysterectomy and ovariectomy in 32 Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were assigned to 4 groups (n = 8/group): (1) controls with sham operation only (control), (2) mesh sutured only on the vagina (vaginal mesh), (3) sacrocolpopexy without tension, and (4) sacrocolpopexy with tension. Ninety days later, we excised vagina-mesh complexes. A histomorphologic scoring system of hematoxylin/eosin and Masson trichrome stained slides was used to assess host inflammatory responses. The cellular inflammatory response was further quantified using (1) identification of M1 and M2 macrophage subsets and (2) quantification of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The extracellular matrix response was evaluated by measuring (1) matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels and (2) type I/III collagen.

Results

Histomorphological tissue responses were greater in all groups with mesh compared with sham controls. Both sacrocolpopexy groups had similar scores, but each group scored significantly higher than the vaginal mesh group. Among the 4 groups, there were no statistically significant differences in M1 or M2 macrophage subsets, proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines, or extracellular matrix remodeling responses.

Conclusions

Attachment of prolapse mesh resulted in an increased histologic inflammatory response independent of tension. Other markers of cellular inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling showed no differences among experimental groups. Tension on lightweight polypropylene mesh did not significantly alter the host response in this rat sacrocolpopexy model.
Novel cloaking lamellar structures for a screw dislocation dipole, a circular Eshelby inclusion and a concentrated couple
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: September 2020

Using conformal mapping techniques, we design novel lamellar structures which cloak the influence of any one of a screw dislocation dipole, a circular Eshelby inclusion or a concentrated couple. The lamellar structure is composed of two half-planes bonded through a middle coating with a variable thickness within which is located either the dislocation dipole, the circular Eshelby inclusion or the concentrated couple. The Eshelby inclusion undergoes either uniform anti-plane eigenstrains or uniform in-plane volumetric eigenstrains. As a result, the influence of any one of the dislocation dipole, the circular Eshelby inclusion or the concentrated couple is cloaked in that their presence will not disturb the prescribed uniform stress fields in both surrounding half-planes.
Trinidadian guppies use a social heuristic that can support cooperation among non-kin
Authors: Darden Safi K. , James Richard , Cave James M. , Brask Josefine Bohr , Croft Darren P.
Published: September 2020

Cooperation among non-kin is well documented in humans and widespread in non-human animals, but explaining the occurrence of cooperation in the absence of inclusive fitness benefits has proven a significant challenge. Current theoretical explanations converge on a single point: cooperators can prevail when they cluster in social space. However, we know very little about the real-world mechanisms that drive such clustering, particularly in systems where cognitive limitations make it unlikely that mechanisms such as score keeping and reputation are at play. Here, we show that Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) use a ‘walk away’ strategy, a simple social heuristic by which assortment by cooperativeness can come about among mobile agents. Guppies cooperate during predator inspection and we found that when experiencing defection in this context, individuals prefer to move to a new social environment, despite having no prior information about this new social group. Our results provide evidence in non-human animals that individuals use a simple social partner updating strategy in response to defection, supporting theoretical work applying heuristics to understanding the proximate mechanisms underpinning the evolution of cooperation among non-kin.
Echolocation call frequency variation in horseshoe bats: molecular basis revealed by comparative transcriptomics
Authors: Sun Haijian , Chen Wenli , Wang Jiaying , Zhang Libiao , Rossiter Stephen J. , Mao Xiuguang
Published: September 2020

Recently diverged taxa with contrasting phenotypes offer opportunities for unravelling the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in nature. Horseshoe bats are a speciose group that exhibit a derived form of high-duty cycle echolocation in which the inner ear is finely tuned to echoes of the narrowband call frequency. Here, by focusing on three recently diverged subspecies of the intermediate horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus affinis) that display divergent echolocation call frequencies, we aim to identify candidate loci putatively involved in hearing frequency variation. We used de novo transcriptome sequencing of two mainland taxa (himalayanusandmacrurus) and one island taxon (hainanus) to compare expression profiles of thousands of genes. By comparing taxa with divergent call frequencies (around 15 kHz difference), we identified 252 differentially expressed genes, of which six have been shown to be involved in hearing or deafness in human/mouse. To obtain further validation of these results, we applied quantitative reverse transcription–PCR to the candidate geneFBXL15and found a broad association between the level of expression and call frequency across taxa. The genes identified here represent strong candidate loci associated with hearing frequency variation in bats.
New Middle Miocene Ape (Primates: Hylobatidae) from Ramnagar, India fills major gaps in the hominoid fossil record
Authors: Gilbert Christopher C. , Ortiz Alejandra , Pugh Kelsey D. , Campisano Christopher J. , Patel Biren A. , Singh Ningthoujam Premjit , Fleagle John G. , Patnaik Rajeev
Published: September 2020

The fossil record of ‘lesser apes’ (i.e. hylobatids = gibbons and siamangs) is virtually non-existent before the latest Miocene of East Asia. However, molecular data strongly and consistently suggest that hylobatids should be present by approximately 20 Ma; thus, there are large temporal, geographical, and morphological gaps between early fossil apes in Africa and the earliest fossil hylobatids in China. Here, we describe a new approximately 12.5–13.8 Ma fossil ape from the Lower Siwaliks of Ramnagar, India, that fills in these long-standing gaps with implications for hylobatid origins. This ape represents the first new hominoid species discovered at Ramnagar in nearly a century, the first new Siwalik ape taxon in more than 30 years, and likely extends the hylobatid fossil record by approximately 5 Myr, providing a minimum age for hylobatid dispersal coeval to that of great apes. The presence of crown hylobatid molar features in the new species indicates an adaptive shift to a more frugivorous diet during the Middle Miocene, consistent with other proposed adaptations to frugivory (e.g. uricase gene silencing) during this time period as well.
Prey with hidden colour defences benefit from their similarity to aposematic signals
Authors: Kim Yongsu , Hwang Yerin , Bae Sangryong , Sherratt Thomas N. , An Jeongseop , Choi Sei-Woong , Miller Jeffrey C. , Kang Changku
Published: September 2020

Some camouflaged animals hide colour signals and display them only transiently. These hidden colour signals are often conspicuous and are used as a secondary defence to warn or startle predators (deimatic displays) and/or to confuse them (flash displays). The hidden signals used in these displays frequently resemble typical aposematic signals, so it is possible that prey with hidden signals have evolved to employ colour patterns of a form that predators have previously learned to associate with unprofitability. Here, we tested this hypothesis by conducting two experiments that examined the effect of predator avoidance learning on the efficacy of deimatic and flash displays. We found that the survival benefits of both deimatic and flash displays were substantially higher against predators that had previously learned to associate the hidden colours with unprofitability than against naive predators. These findings help explain the phenological patterns we found in 1568 macro-lepidopteran species on three continents: species with hidden signals tend to occur later in the season than species without hidden signals.
The Role of the Emergency Department in Protecting the Hospital as a Critical Infrastructure in the Corona Pandemic Strategies and Experiences of a Rural Sole Acute-Care Clinic
Authors: Kortüm S. , Becker D. , Ott H.-J. , Schlaudt H-P.
Published: September 2020

Background

The Klinikum Hochrhein is responsible as a regional sole provider for the acute and emergency medical treatment of more than 170.000 people. Against the background of the pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2 with expected high patient inflows and at the same time endangering one’s own infrastructure due to intraclinical transmissions, the hospital management defined the maintenance of one’s functionality as a priority protection objective in the pandemic. An essential strategic element was a very short-term restructuring of the Emergency Department with the objectives of reducing the number of cases within the clinic, detecting COVID-19 cases as sensitively as possible and separating the patient pathways at an early stage.

Methods

The present work is a retrospective analysis of the processes and structures established in the Emergency Department between 27 March 2020 and 20 May 2020. In addition, a retrospective descriptive evaluation of the epidemiological and clinical data of the patients is carried out at the time of first contact during the period mentioned above.

Results

After establishing a pre-triage with structured algorithms, all confirmed COVID-19 cases were identified before entering the clinic and assigned to an appropriate treatment pathway. Unprotected entry into hospital structures or nosocomial infections were not observed, although almost 35% of patients with confirmed infection were admitted due to other symptom complexes or injuries. 201 inpatient patients were initially isolated without COVID-19 being confirmed. The number of cases in the Emergency Department was 39% lower than the previous year’s period, thus avoiding crowding.

Discussion

The reduction in the number of cases was strategically intended and is primarily the result of a restrictive indication of in-clinical treatment but supported by a decline in emergency consultations that can be noticed anyway. The proportion of false positive triage results is probably dependent on epidemiological activity and was accepted for safety reasons as sufficient resources were available for isolation.

Conclusion

Short-term organizational, spatial and procedural restructuring of the Emergency Department has enabled the clinic to achieve its goal of managing the pandemic. The algorithms we developed are particularly well suited to guarantee the desired level of safety in the case of a high pre-test probability.
Seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers of the Sanitary Region VIII, at province of Buenos Aires
Authors: Silva Andrea P. , Fernanda Aguirre M. , Ballejo Christian , Jimena Marro M. , Gamarnik Andrea V. , Vargas Gastón , Pifano Marina , Varela Teresa B. , García Enio , Lawrynowicz Alicia EB , Uez Osvaldo C. , Pagano Irene
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers of the Sanitary Region VIII, at province of Buenos Aires during June 2020.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used. A probabilistic sampling by two-stage conglomerates was carried out. Data were collected from a self-administered questionnaire and a blood sample for antibody identification. The COVIDAR IgG and IgM test were used. RESULTS: 738 health workers were included; the overall response rate was 73.80%. 71.83% of that were women; age showed a normal distribution. Nurses and doctors accounted for more than half of the staff. 75.86% of people claimed to always use Personal Protective Equipment. 5.61% of people had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. 4.60% of people had previously had a nasopharyngeal swab with a negative result. Five workers had positive IgG for SARS-CoV-2 (four women and one man) with negative IgM. The mean age of the cases was 35 years old; two of them were asymptomatic; neither of them had a swab sample taken. The overall seroprevalence was 0.75%, with no significant differences between strata.

Discussion

The seroprevalence found was low; indicating a large proportion of workers was susceptible to infection. We stress the need to complement passive epidemiological surveillance strategies with serological monitoring in health workers.
Factors associated with the risk of upper respiratory tract bacterial infections among HIV-positive patients
Authors: Skrzat-Klapaczyńska Agata , Paciorek Marcin , Firląg-Burkacka Ewa , Horban Andrzej , Kowalska Justyna D.
Published: September 2020

Background

The risk and characteristics of upper respiratory tract (URT) bacterial infections (URT-BI) among HIV (+) patients is understudied. We analyzed factors associated with its occurrence and the spectrum of pathogens among patients routinely followed at the HIV Out-Patient Clinic in Warsaw.

Methods

All symptomatic HIV (+) patients with available URT swab culture were included into analyses. Patients were followed from the day of registration in the clinic until first positive URT swab culture or last clinical visit. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with positive URT swabs culture (those with p<0.1 in univariate included into multivariable).

Results

In total 474 patients were included into the analyses, 166 with positive URT swab. In general 416 (87.8%) patients were male, 342 (72.1%) were infected through MSM contact, 253 (53.4%) were on antiretroviral therapy. Median follow-up time was 3.4 (1.3-5.7) years, age 35.2 (30.6-42.6) years and CD4+ count 528 (400–685) cells/µl. The most common pathogens were S. aureus (40.4%) and S. pyogenes (13.9%) (Table 1). Patients with URT-BI were more likely to be MSM (68.5% vs 78.9%; p<0.016), have detectable viral load (20.9% vs 12.0%; p<0.0001) and CD4+ cell count <500 cells/µl(55.2% vs 39.0%; p=0.003) (Table 2). In multivariate survival analyses detectable viral load (HR3.13; 95%Cl: 2.34-4.19) and MSM (1.63;1.09-2.42) were increasing, but older age (0.63;0.58-0.69, per 5 years older) and higher CD4+ count (0.90;0.85-0.95, per 100 cells/µl) decreasing the risk of URT-BI (Table 2).

Conclusions

URT BI are common among HIV (+) positive patients with high CD4+ count. Similarly to general population most common patogens are S. aureus and S. pyogenes. Risk factors identified in multivariate survival analysis indicate that younger MSM patients with detectable HIV viral load are at highest risk. In clinical practice this group of patients requires special attention.
Capturing biodiversity complexities while accounting for imperfect detection: the application of occupancy-based diversity profiles
Authors: Abrams Jesse F. , Sollmann Rahel , Mitchell Simon L. , Struebig Matthew J. , Wilting Andreas
Published: September 2020

Measuring the multidimensional diversity properties of a community is of great importance for ecologists, conservationists and stakeholders. Diversity profiles, a plotted series of Hill numbers, simultaneously capture all the common diversity indices. However, diversity metrics require information on species abundance. They often rely on raw count data without accounting for imperfect and varying detection, although detectability can vary between species and study sites. Hierarchical occupancy models explicitly account for variation in detectability, and Hill numbers have been expanded to allow estimation based on occupancy probability. But agreement between occupancy and abundance-based diversity profiles has not been investigated.

Here, we fit community occupancy models to simulated animal communities to explore how well occupancy-based diversity profiles reflect true abundance-based diversity. Because we expect occupancy-based diversity to be overestimated, we further tested a novel occupancy thresholding approach to reduce potential biases in the estimated diversity profiles. Finally, we use empirical data from a megadiverse bird community to present how the framework can be extended to consider trait or phylogeny-based similarity when calculating diversity profiles.

The simulation study showed that occupancy-based diversity profiles produced among-community patterns in diversity similar to true abundance diversity profiles, although within-community diversity was overestimated with the exception of richness. While applying an occupancy threshold reduced this positive bias, this resulted in negative bias in species richness estimates and slightly reduced the ability to reproduce true differences among the simulated communities. Application of our approach to a large bird dataset revealed differential diversity patterns in communities of different habitat types. Accounting for phylogenetic and ecological similarities between species reduced diversity and its variability among habitats.

Our framework allows investigating the complexity of diversity for incidence data, while accounting for imperfect and varying detection probabilities, as well as species similarities. Visualizing results in the form of diversity profiles facilitates comparison of diversity between sites or across time. Therefore, our extension to the diversity profile framework will be a useful tool for studying and monitoring biodiversity.
Palm-to-finger cortical functional interactions in primary somatosensory cortex: a 7T fMRI study
Authors: Akselrod Michel , Martuzzi Roberto , van der Zwaag Wietske , Blanke Olaf , Serino Andrea
Published: September 2020

Many studies focused on the cortical representations of fingers, while the palm is relatively neglected despite its importance for hand function. Here, we investigated palm representation (PR) and its interactions with finger representations (FRs) in primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Few studies in humans suggested that PR is located medially with respect to FRs in S1, yet to date, no study directly quantified the somatotopic organization of PR and the five FRs. Importantly, the relationship between the somatotopic organization and the cortical functional interactions between PR and FRs remains largely unexplored. Using 7T fMRI, we mapped PR and the five FRs at the single subject level. First, we analyzed the cortical distance between PR and FRs to determine their somatotopic organization. Results show that the PR was located medially with respect to D5. Second, we tested whether the observed cortical distances would predict palm-finger functional interactions. Using three complementary measures of functional interactions (co-activations, pattern similarity and resting-state connectivity), we show that palm-finger functional interactions were not determined by their somatotopic organization, that is, there was no gradient moving from D5 to D1, except for resting-state connectivity, which was predicted by the somatotopy. Instead, we show that the representational geometry of palm-finger functional interactions reflected the physical structure of the hand. Collectively, our findings suggest that the spatial proximity between topographically organized neuronal populations do not necessarily predicts their functional interactions, rather the structure of the sensory space (e.g. the hand shape) better predicts the observed functional interactions.
A shift to shorter cuticular hydrocarbons accompanies sexual isolation amongDrosophila americanagroup populations
Authors: Davis Jeremy S. , Pearcy Matthew J. , Yew Joanne Y. , Moyle Leonie C.
Published: September 2020

Because sensory signals often evolve rapidly, they could be instrumental in the emergence of reproductive isolation between species. However, pinpointing their specific contribution to isolating barriers, and the mechanisms underlying their divergence, remains challenging. Here we demonstrate sexual isolation due to divergence in chemical signals between two populations ofDrosophila americana(SC and NE) and one population ofD. novamexicana, and dissect its underlying phenotypic and genetic mechanisms. Mating trials revealed strong sexual isolation betweenDrosophila novamexicanamales and SCDrosophila americanafemales, as well as more moderate bi-directional isolation betweenD. americanapopulations. Mating behavior data indicates SCD. americanamales have the highest courtship efficiency and, unlike males of the other populations, are accepted by females of all species. Quantification of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles—chemosensory signals that are used for species recognition and mate finding inDrosophila—shows that the SCD. americanapopulation differs from the other populations primarily on the basis of compound carbon chain-length. Moreover, manipulation of male CHC composition via heterospecific perfuming—specifically perfumingD. novamexicanamales with SCD. americanamales—abolishes their sexual isolation from theseD. americanafemales. Of a set of candidates, a single gene—elongase CG17821—had patterns of gene expression consistent with a role in CHC differences between species. Sequence comparisons indicate D. novamexicana and our Nebraska (NE)D. americanapopulation share a derived CG17821 truncation mutation that could also contribute to their shared “short” CHC phenotype. Together, these data suggest an evolutionary model for the origin and spread of this allele and its consequences for CHC divergence and sexual isolation in this group.
An acoustic platform for single-cell, high-throughput measurements of the viscoelastic properties of cells
Authors: Romanov Valentin , Silvani Giulia , Zhu Huiyu , Cox Charles D , Martinac Boris
Published: September 2020

Cellular processes including adhesion, migration and differentiation are governed by the distinct mechanical properties of each cell. Importantly, the mechanical properties of individual cells can vary depending on local physical and biochemical cues in a time-dependent manner resulting in significant inter-cell heterogeneity. While several different methods have been developed to interrogate the mechanical properties of single cells, throughput to capture this heterogeneity remains an issue. While new high-throughput techniques are slowly emerging, they are primarily aimed at characterizing cells in suspension, whereas high-throughput measurements of adherent cells have proven to be more challenging. Here, we demonstrate single-cell, high-throughput characterization of adherent cells using acoustic force spectroscopy. We demonstrate that cells undergo marked changes in viscoelasticity as a function of temperature, the measurements of which are facilitated by a closed microfluidic culturing environment that can rapidly change temperature between 21 °C and 37 °C. In addition, we show quantitative differences in cells exposed to different pharmacological treatments specifically targeting the membrane-cytoskeleton interface. Further, we utilize the high-throughput format of the AFS to rapidly probe, in excess of 1000 cells, three different cell-lines expressing different levels of a mechanosensitive protein, Piezo1, demonstrating the ability to differentiate between cells based on protein expression levels.
Unique prediction of developmental psychopathology from genetic and familial risk
Authors: Loughnan Robert , Palmer Clare E. , Makowski Carolina , Thompson Wesley K. , Barch Deanna M. , Jernigan Terry L. , Dale Anders M. , Fan Chun Chieh
Published: September 2020

Background

Early detection is critical for easing the rising burden of psychiatric disorders. However, the specificity of psychopathological measurements and genetic predictors is unclear among youth.

Methods

We measured associations between genetic risk for psychopathology (polygenic risk scores (PRS) and family history (FH) measures) and a wide range of behavioral measures in a large sample (n=5204) of early adolescent participants (9-11 years) from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) StudySM. Associations were measured both with and without taking into consideration shared variance across measures of genetic risk.

Results

Polygenic risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression (DEP) shared many significant associations with externalizing, internalizing and psychosis-related behaviors. However, when accounting for all measures of genetic and familial risk these two PRS also showed clear, unique patterns of association: the DEP PRS showed significantly stronger associations with somatic complaints and depression symptoms; whereas the ADHD PRS showed stronger associations with ADHD symptoms, impulsivity and prodromal psychosis. The Schizophrenia PRS showed a unique negative association with performance on cognitive tasks measuring fluid abilities, such as working memory and executive function, that was not accounted for by other measures of genetic risk. FH accounted for unique variability in behavior above and beyond PRS and vice versa with FH measures explaining a greater proportion of unique variability compared to the PRS.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that, among youth, many behaviors show shared genetic influences; however, there is also specificity in the profile of emerging psychopathologies for individuals with high genetic risk for particular disorders. This may be useful for quantifying early, differential risk for psychopathology in development.

Funding

The ABCD Study is supported by the National Institutes of Health and additional federal partners under award numbers U01DA041022, U01DA041028, U01DA041048, U01DA041089, U01DA041106, U01DA041117, U01DA041120, U01DA041134, U01DA041148, U01DA041156, U01DA041174, U24DA041123, U24DA041147, U01DA041093, and U01DA041025. A full list of supporters is available at https://abcdstudy.org/federal-partners.html. R.L was supported by Kavli Innovative Research Grant under award number 2019-1624. C.F. was supported by grant R01MH122688 and RF1MH120025 funded by the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH).