bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the scaling relations of bulges and early-type galaxies
Authors: Pastrav Bogdan A
Published: June 2021

Following from our recent work, we present here a detailed structural analysis of a representative sample of nearby spiral and early-type galaxies (ETGs) taken from the Key Insights on Nearby Galaxies: a Far-Infrared Survey with Herschel/ (KINGFISH) / Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey (SINGS) surveys. The photometric parameters of bulges are obtained from bulge-disc decompositions using Galfi data analysis algorithm. The method and corrections for projection and dust effects previously obtained are used to derive intrinsic photometric and structural bulge parameters. We show the main bulge scaling relations and the black hole relations, both observed and intrinsic ones, in B band. We find dust and inclination effects to produce more important changes in the parameters of the Kormendy relation for spiral galaxies, with the respective bulges of late-type galaxies (LTGs) residing on a steeper slope relation than the early-type galaxies (ETGs). We observe that the Kormendy relation in combination with a bulge Sérsic index (nb) threshold does not produce a conclusive morphological separation of bulges. The nb- bulge-to-total flux ratio (B/T) and B/T-stellar mass could be used to discriminate between LTGs and ETGs, while a further use of these parameters to divide bulges with different morphologies is problematic due to overlaps in the two distributions or large spread in values. We confirm the existence of two distinct intrinsic relations between the bulge luminosity (or absolute magnitude) and Sérsic index for LTGs and ETGs, while the relations between the black hole mass (MBH) and bulge luminosity are not found to be statistically different at p<0.05. Within errors, we find statistically similar intrinsic MBH − nb relations for all bulges.
Artificial Neural Network classification of 4FGL sources
Authors: Germani S , Tosti G , Lubrano P , Cutini S , Mereu I , Berretta A
Published: June 2021

The Fermi-LAT DR1 and DR2 4FGL catalogues feature more than 5000 gamma-ray sources of which about one fourth are not associated with already known objects, and approximately one third are associated with blazars of uncertain nature. We perform a three-category classification of the 4FGL DR1 and DR2 sources independently, using an ensemble of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to characterize them based on the likelihood of being a Pulsar (PSR), a BL Lac type blazar (BLL) or a Flat Spectrum Radio Quasar (FSRQ). We identify candidate PSR, BLL, and FSRQ among the unassociated sources with approximate equipartition among the three categories and select 10 classification outliers as potentially interesting for follow-up studies.
Kinematics of Mg ii absorbers from the redshift-space distortion around massive quiescent galaxies
Authors: Zu Ying
Published: June 2021

The kinematics of Mg ii absorbers is the key to understanding the origin of cool, metal-enriched gas clouds in the circumgalactic medium of massive quiescent galaxies. Exploiting the fact that the cloud line-of-sight velocity distribution is the only unknown for predicting the redshift-space distortion (RSD) of Mg ii absorbers from their 3D real-space distribution around galaxies, we develop a novel method to infer the cool cloud kinematics from the redshift-space galaxy–cloud cross-correlation ξs. We measure ξs for ∼104 Mg ii absorbers around ∼8 × 105 CMASS galaxies at 0.4 < z < 0.8. We discover that ξs does not exhibit a strong Fingers-of-God effect, but is heavily truncated at velocity ${\sim }300\, \mathrm{km}\, {\rm s}^{-1}$. We reconstruct both the redshift and real-space cloud number density distributions inside haloes, $\xi ^{s}_{1h}$ and ξ1h, respectively. Thus, for any model of cloud kinematics, we can predict $\xi ^{s}_{1h}$ from the reconstructed ξ1h, and self-consistently compare to the observed $\xi ^{s}_{1h}$. We consider four types of cloud kinematics, including an isothermal model with a single velocity dispersion, a satellite infall model in which cool clouds reside in the subhaloes, a cloud accretion model in which clouds follow the cosmic gas accretion, and a tired wind model in which clouds originate from the galactic wind-driven bubbles. All the four models provide statistically good fits to the RSD data, but only the tired wind model can reproduce the observed truncation by propagating ancient wind bubbles at ${\sim }250\, \mathrm{km}\, s^{-1}$ on scales ${\sim }400\, \, h^{-1}\, \mathrm{kpc}$. Our method provides an exciting path to decoding the dynamical origin of metal absorbers from the RSD measurements with upcoming spectroscopic surveys.
Comparison of the ion-to-electron temperature ratio prescription: GRMHD simulations with electron thermodynamics
Authors: Mizuno Yosuke , Fromm Christian M , Younsi Ziri , Porth Oliver , Olivares Hector , Rezzolla Luciano
Published: June 2021

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, an Earth-size sub-millimetre radio interferometer, recently captured the first images of the central supermassive black hole in M87. These images were interpreted as gravitationally lensed synchrotron emission from hot plasma orbiting around the black hole. In the accretion flows around low-luminosity active galactic nuclei such as M87, electrons and ions are not in thermal equilibrium. Therefore, the electron temperature, which is important for the thermal synchrotron radiation at EHT frequencies of 230 GHz, is not independently determined. In this work, we investigate the commonly used parametrized ion-to-electron temperature ratio prescription, the so-called R−β model, considering images at 230 GHz by comparing with electron-heating prescriptions obtained from general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamical (GRMHD) simulations of magnetized accretion flows in a Magnetically Arrested Disc (MAD) regime with different recipes for the electron thermodynamics. When comparing images at 230 GHz, we find a very good match between images produced with the R−β prescription and those produced with the turbulent- and magnetic reconnection-heating prescriptions. Indeed, this match is on average even better than that obtained when comparing the set of images built with the R−β prescription with either a randomly chosen image or with a time-averaged one. From this comparative study of different physical aspects, which include the image, visibilities, broad-band spectra, and light curves, we conclude that, within the context of images at 230 GHz relative to MAD accretion flows around supermassive black holes, the commonly used and simple R−β model is able to reproduce well the various and more complex electron-heating prescriptions considered here.
TnpAREP and REP sequences dissemination in bacterial genomes: REP recognition determinants
Authors: Corneloup Alix , Caumont-Sarcos Anne , Kamgoue Alain , Marty Brigitte , Le Phan Thai Nguyen , Siguier Patricia , Guynet Catherine , Ton-Hoang Bao
Published: June 2021

REP, diverse palindromic DNA sequences found at high copy number in many bacterial genomes, have been attributed important roles in cell physiology but their dissemination mechanisms are poorly understood. They might represent non-autonomous transposable elements mobilizable by TnpAREP, the first prokaryotic domesticated transposase associated with REP. TnpAREP, fundamentally different from classical transposases, are members of the HuH superfamily and closely related to the transposases of the IS200/IS605 family. We previously showed that Escherichia coli TnpAREP processes cognate single stranded REP in vitro and that this activity requires the integrity of the REP structure, in particular imperfect palindromes interrupted by a bulge and preceded by a conserved DNA motif. A second group of REPs rather carry perfect palindromes, raising questions about how the latter are recognized by their cognate TnpAREP. To get insight into the importance of REP structural and sequence determinants in these two groups, we developed an in vitro activity assay coupled to a mutational analysis for three different TnpAREP/REP duos via a SELEX approach. We also tackled the question of how the cleavage site is selected. This study revealed that two TnpAREP groups have co-evolved with their cognate REPs and use different strategies to recognize their REP substrates.
Leveraging three-dimensional chromatin architecture for effective reconstruction of enhancer–target gene regulatory interactions
Authors: Salviato Elisa , Djordjilović Vera , Hariprakash Judith Mary , Tagliaferri Ilario , Pal Koustav , Ferrari Francesco
Published: June 2021

A growing amount of evidence in literature suggests that germline sequence variants and somatic mutations in non-coding distal regulatory elements may be crucial for defining disease risk and prognostic stratification of patients, in genetic disorders as well as in cancer. Their functional interpretation is challenging because genome-wide enhancer–target gene (ETG) pairing is an open problem in genomics. The solutions proposed so far do not account for the hierarchy of structural domains which define chromatin three-dimensional (3D) architecture. Here we introduce a change of perspective based on the definition of multi-scale structural chromatin domains, integrated in a statistical framework to define ETG pairs. In this work (i) we develop a computational and statistical framework to reconstruct a comprehensive map of ETG pairs leveraging functional genomics data; (ii) we demonstrate that the incorporation of chromatin 3D architecture information improves ETG pairing accuracy and (iii) we use multiple experimental datasets to extensively benchmark our method against previous solutions for the genome-wide reconstruction of ETG pairs. This solution will facilitate the annotation and interpretation of sequence variants in distal non-coding regulatory elements. We expect this to be especially helpful in clinically oriented applications of whole genome sequencing in cancer and undiagnosed genetic diseases research.
Dialysis dose and mortality in haemodialysis: is higher better?
Authors: Béguin Lisa , Krummel Thierry , Longlune Nathalie , Galland Roula , Couchoud Cécile , Hannedouche Thierry
Published: June 2021

Background

The effect of dialysis dose on mortality remains unsettled. Current guidelines recommend targeting a single-pool Kt/V (spKt/V) at 1.20–1.40 per thrice-weekly dialysis session. However, the optimal dialysis dose remains mostly disputed.

Methods

In a nationwide registry of all incident patients receiving thrice-weekly haemodialysis, 32 283 patients had available data on dialysis dose, estimated by Kt/V and its variants epuration volume per session (Kt) and Kt indexed to body surface area (Kt/A). Survival was analysed with a multivariate Cox model and a concurrent risk model accounting for renal transplantation. A predictive model of Kt in the upper quartile was developed.

Results

Regardless of the indicator, a higher dose of dialysis was consistently associated with better survival. The survival differential of Kt was the most discriminating, but marginally, compared with the survival differential according to Kt/V and Kt/A. Patient survival was higher in the upper quartile of Kt (>69 L/session) then deteriorated as the Kt decreased, with a difference in survival between the upper and lower quartile of 23.6% at 5 years. Survival differences across Kt distribution were similar after accounting for kidney transplantation as a competing risk. Predictive factors for Kt in the upper quartile were arteriovenous fistula versus catheters and graft, haemodiafiltration versus haemodialysis, scheduled dialysis start versus emergency start, long weekly dialysis duration and spKt/V measurement versus double-pool equilibrated Kt/V.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the existence of a relationship between dialysis dose and survival that persisted despite correcting for known confounders. A model for predicting a high dose of dialysis is proposed with practical relevance.
Reaching the Unreachable: Strategies for HCV Eradication in Patients With Refractory Opioid Addiction—A Real-world Experience
Authors: Sandmann Lisa , Deppe Julian , Beier Christoph , Ohlendorf Valerie , Schneider Julia , Wedemeyer Heiner , Wedegärtner Felix , Cornberg Markus , Maasoumy Benjamin
Published: June 2021

To achieve global hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication, barriers prohibiting treatment access need to be overcome. We established a strategy to initiate antiviral therapy in patients with severe, refractory heroin addiction. All patients achieved sustained virological response. Outreach programs of hepatologists might be a reasonable way to overcome barriers to HCV treatment.
Textural and Geochemical Evidence for Magnetite Production upon Antigorite Breakdown During Subduction
Authors: Vieira Duarte Joana F , Piccoli Francesca , Pettke Thomas , Hermann Jörg
Published: June 2021

Magnetite stability in ultramafic systems undergoing subduction plays a major role in controlling redox states of the fluids liberated upon dehydration reactions, as well as of residual rocks. Despite their relevance for the evaluation of the redox conditions, the systematics and geochemistry of oxide minerals have remained poorly constrained in subducted ultramafic rocks. Here, we present a detailed petrological and geochemical study of magnetite in hydrous ultramafic rocks from Cerro del Almirez (Spain). Our results indicate that prograde to peak magnetite, ilmenite–hematite solid solution minerals, and sulfides coexist in both antigorite-serpentinite and chlorite-harzburgite at c. 670 °C and 1·6 GPa, displaying successive crystallization stages, each characterized by specific mineral compositions. In antigorite-serpentinite, magnetite inherited from seafloor hydration and recrystallized during subduction has moderate Cr (Cr2O3 < 10 wt%) and low Al and V concentrations. In chlorite-harzburgite, polygonal magnetite is in textural equilibrium with olivine, orthopyroxene, chlorite, pentlandite, and ilmenite–hematite solid solution minerals. The Cr2O3 contents of this magnetite are up to 19 wt%, higher than any magnetite data obtained for antigorite-serpentinite, along with higher Al and V, derived from antigorite breakdown, and lower Mn concentrations. This polygonal magnetite displays conspicuous core to rim zoning as recognized on elemental maps. Cr–V–Al–Fe3+ mass-balance calculations, assuming conservative behavior of total Fe3+ and Al, were employed to model magnetite compositions and modes in the partially dehydrated product chlorite-harzburgite starting from antigorite-serpentinite, as well as in the serpentinite protolith starting from the chlorite-harzburgite. The model results disagree with measured Cr and V compositions in magnetite from antigorite-serpentinites and chlorite-harzburgites. This indicates that these two rock types had different initial bulk compositions and thus cannot be directly compared. Our mass-balance analysis also reveals that new magnetite formation is required across the antigorite-breakdown reaction to account for the mass conservation of fluid-immobile elements such as Cr–V–Al–Fe3+. Complete recrystallization and formation of new magnetite in equilibrium with peak olivine (Mg# 89–91), chlorite (Mg# ∼95), orthopyroxene (Mg# 90–91), and pentlandite buffer the released fluid to redox conditions of ∼1 log unit above the quartz–fayalite–magnetite buffer. This is consistent with the observation that the Fe–Ti solid solution minerals (hemo-ilmenite and ilmeno-hematite) crystallized as homogeneous phases and exsolved upon exhumation and cooling. We conclude that antigorite-dehydration reaction fluids carry only a moderate redox budget and therefore may not be the only reason why the magmas are comparatively oxidized.
Plant casein kinases phosphorylate and destabilize a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor to promote cell division
Authors: Qu Li , Wei Zhuang , Chen Hu-Hui , Liu Tao , Liao Kan , Xue Hong-Wei
Published: June 2021

Cell cycle is one of the most fundamentally conserved biological processes of plants and mammals. Casein kinase1s (CK1s) are critical for cell proliferation in mammalian cells; however, how CK1s coordinate cell division in plants remains unknown. Through genetic and biochemical studies, here we demonstrated that plant CK1, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) EL1-like (AELs), regulate cell cycle/division by modulating the stability and inhibitory effects of Kip-related protein6 (KRP6) through phosphorylation. Cytological analysis showed that AELs deficiency results in suppressed cell-cycle progression mainly due to the decreased DNA replication rate at S phase and increased period of G2 phase. AELs interact with and phosphorylate KRP6 at serines 75 and 109 to stimulate KRP6’s interaction with E3 ligases, thus facilitating the KRP6 degradation through the proteasome. These results demonstrate the crucial roles of CK1s/AELs in regulating cell division through modulating cell-cycle rates and elucidate how CK1s/AELs regulate cell division by destabilizing the stability of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor KRP6 through phosphorylation, providing insights into the plant cell-cycle regulation through CK1s-mediated posttranslational modification.
The Varieties of Agnosticism
Authors: Ferrari Filippo , Incurvati Luca
Published: June 2021

We provide a framework for understanding agnosticism. The framework accounts for the varieties of agnosticism while vindicating the unity of the phenomenon. This combination of unity and plurality is achieved by taking the varieties of agnosticism to be represented by several agnostic stances, all of which share a common core provided by what we call the minimal agnostic attitude. We illustrate the fruitfulness of the framework by showing how it can be applied to several philosophical debates. In particular, several philosophical positions can be aptly conceived of as instances of agnosticism whilst retaining their differences and distinguishing features.
Factors associated with homelessness among women: a cross-sectional survey of outpatient mental health service users at The Banyan, India
Authors: Krishnadas Preetha , Narasimhan Lakshmi , Joseph Tanya , Bunders Joske , Regeer Barbara
Published: June 2021

Background

Homelessness has multifaceted and damaging effects on women with mental illness. This makes it imperative to identify and address the factors leading to homelessness among women with mental illness in order to inform policy on providing relevant services for this vulnerable population.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 346 women in active contact with one of four outpatient clinics at The Banyan, a non-profit organization in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. A semi-structured instrument and modified version of the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire was used for data collection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine predictive variables for homelessness among women with mental illness.

Result

32.65% of participants reported a history of homelessness. Less than 5 years of schooling (OR = 2.914, 95% CI = 1.027–8.269, P < 0.05) and disrupted relationships (OR = 1.807, 95% CI = 1.23–2.655, P < 0.01) were associated with a greater likelihood of women with mental illness to experience homelessness.

Conclusion

In the study cohort, this was explained mainly by factors rooted in gender-based disadvantage. Further practice and research are needed to develop interventions that address issues with a sociological basis to mental illness and prevent these predictive factors.
Behçet’s disease and activities of daily living
Authors: Nagano Aoi , Takeuchi Masaki , Horita Nobuyuki , Teshigawara Takeshi , Kawagoe Tatsukata , Mizuki Yuki , Meguro Akira , Nakano Hiroto , Kirino Yohei , Takase-Minegishi Kaoru , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Kurosawa Michiko , Fukumoto Takeshi , Takeno Mitsuhiro , Kaneko Takeshi , Mizuki Nobuhisa
Published: June 2021

Objectives

No large-scale registration study has comprehensively evaluated the activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with Behçet’s disease.

Methods

The Japanese government provided us with a dataset of confirmed or suspected Behçet’s disease cases derived from ongoing national registration. ADL were categorized and analysed into four categories in patients who satisfied the International Criteria for Behçet’s Disease.

Results

Data from 2960 patients (men 38.9%, women 61.1%; median age 39 years) were assessed. While 1767 patients (59.7%) had normal ADL, the others had impaired ADL comprising limited but not assisted [n = 1058 (35.7%)], partially assisted [n = 116 (3.9%)] and fully assisted [n = 19 (0.6%)]. Logistic regression analysis showed that chronic ocular lesions [odds ratio (OR) 1.85 (95% CI 1.46, 2.35), P < 0.001], paralysis [OR 2.51 (95% CI 1.58, 3.97), P < 0.001], psychosis [OR 3.16 (95% CI 2.02, 4.95), P < 0.001] and arthritis [OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.44, 1.99), P < 0.001] led to the risk of impaired ADL. Chronic ocular lesions [OR 3.61 (95% CI 2.27, 5.72), P < 0.001], paralysis [OR 3.43 (95% CI 1.87, 6.30), P < 0.001] and psychosis [OR 3.60 (95% CI 2.00, 6.50), P < 0.001] were related to the requirement of physical assistance (partially or fully assisted), although arthritis [OR 1.39 (95% CI 0.93, 2.06), P = 0.108] was not a significant factor in this model.

Conclusion

Ocular lesions, neurological manifestations and arthritis affected ADL. Patients with ocular lesions or neurological manifestations more frequently required physical assistance.
Bidirectional association between systemic lupus erythematosus and macrophage activation syndrome: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Huang Lu-Wei , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Chen Der-Yuan , Chen Yen-Ju , Tang Kuo-Tung , Ko Tai-Ming , Chen Hsin-Hua
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To determine the bidirectional relationship between macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and SLE.

Methods

Using the 1997–2013 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified patients with newly diagnosed SLE from 2001 to 2013 and selected individuals without SLE from a 1 million representative population. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed to balance incident SLE patients and individuals without SLE according to age, sex, comorbidities and medical utilization. The association between a history of MAS and SLE was studied using conditional logistic regression analysis shown as an adjusted odds ratio (aOR). The risk of MAS associated with SLE was analysed using Cox proportional regression analysis, shown as an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), and we conducted a sensitivity analysis using various definitions of MAS.

Results

We included 10 481 SLE patients and 20 962 PS-matched (1:2) non-SLE individuals. The correlation between a history of MAS and SLE did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for potential confounders [aOR 1.18 (95% CI, 0.80, 1.75)] in the age-/sex-matched populations. In the 1:2 PS-matched populations, the risk of MAS markedly increased in patients with SLE [aHR 7.18 (95% CI 4.97, 10.36)]. Other risk factors for MAS included female gender, age ≥65 years, low income, a history of inflammatory bowel disease and a history of MAS.

Conclusion

This nationwide, population-based study revealed that a history of MAS was not significantly associated with SLE risk. However, the risk of MAS was markedly associated with SLE and a history of MAS.
VIRTUAL CLINICAL TRIALS IN MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM EVALUATION AND OPTIMISATION
Authors: Barufaldi Bruno , Maidment Andrew D A , Dustler Magnus , Axelsson Rebecca , Tomic Hanna , Zackrisson Sophia , Tingberg Anders , Bakic Predrag R
Published: June 2021

Virtual clinical trials (VCTs) can be used to evaluate and optimise medical imaging systems. VCTs are based on computer simulations of human anatomy, imaging modalities and image interpretation. OpenVCT is an open-source framework for conducting VCTs of medical imaging, with a particular focus on breast imaging. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the OpenVCT framework in two tasks involving digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). First, VCTs were used to perform a detailed comparison of virtual and clinical reading studies for the detection of lesions in digital mammography and DBT. Then, the framework was expanded to include mechanical imaging (MI) and was used to optimise the novel combination of simultaneous DBT and MI. The first experiments showed close agreement between the clinical and the virtual study, confirming that VCTs can predict changes in performance of DBT accurately. Work in simultaneous DBT and MI system has demonstrated that the system can be optimised in terms of the DBT image quality. We are currently working to expand the OpenVCT software to simulate MI acquisition more accurately and to include models of tumour growth. Based on our experience to date, we envision a future in which VCTs have an important role in medical imaging, including support for more imaging modalities, use with rare diseases and a role in training and testing artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The Lexicon of Self-Driving Vehicles and the Fuliginous Obscurity of ‘Autonomous’ Vehicles
Authors: Marson James , Ferris Katy
Published: June 2021

Self-driving cars, also referred to as connected and autonomous vehicles, are not only in vogue among technology and car enthusiasts (among others) but they have been broadly considered to form a new and disruptive means of transport. The benefits of self-driving cars are replete with stories of inclusivity, safety, environmental benefits, and social connectivity. However, the reality of the words ‘self-driving’ and ‘autonomous’ in the designation of this form of transport are not only inadequately defined, they appear to be actively misleading individuals as to the capabilities of the vehicle and the responsibility that they as driver or person behind the wheel have when in use. Tesla is at the forefront of this debate given that it not only sells an option for its vehicles of full self-driving capability, but it also uses terms such as autopilot which, we argue, lead to misunderstandings by the public and may have resulted, directly or indirectly, to fatal car crashes. We conclude this paper with a recommendation that legislative change is enacted through use of an existing international Standard which will provide the definition and guidance that is necessary for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Mutagenicity and genotoxicity of water boiled in aluminum pots of different duration of use using SOS chromotest and Ames fluctuation test
Authors: Alabi Okunola A , Adeoluwa Yetunde M
Published: June 2021

Boiling water before drinking or using it for cooking is a general practice especially in areas where portable water is not readily available. However, boiling water in an aluminum pot could be a route of entry of heavy metals into humans. This study assessed the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of boiled water samples from aluminum pots of different duration of use using the SOS chromotest on Escherichia coli PQ37 and the Ames fluctuation test on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, respectively. Three aluminum pots from the same manufacturer but of different years of use (6-year-old, 3-year-old, and new aluminum pots) were used for the experiment. Six selected heavy metals (Cadmium, Copper, Arsenic, Nickel, Lead, and Aluminum) were also analyzed in the samples using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS Buck, Scientific model 210 VGP). Cadmium, Copper, Arsenic, Nickel, Lead, and Aluminum were present in all the test water samples at concentrations that were higher than the maximum limit allowable by standard regulatory organizations. The concentrations of these metals in the samples also increased as the duration of use of the aluminum pots increased. The results further showed that the water boiled in the three aluminum pots is mutagenic and genotoxic in both Ames fluctuation and SOS chromotests. The 6-year-old aluminum pot induced the highest mutagenicity and genotoxicity followed by the 3-year-old aluminum pot. The metals in the tested samples were believed to be responsible for the observed mutagenicity and genotoxicity in the microbial assays. The findings of this study revealed that cooking with Aluminum pots could lead to the leaching of heavy metals into food, and pose mutagenic and genotoxic risks to consumers.
Knowledge and Practices for Central Line Infection Prevention Among Brazilian Nurses
Authors: Manzo Bruna Figueiredo , Dittz Duarte Elysângela , Joice de Abreu Felizardo Melissa , Lopes Vimieiro Viviane , Fidelis Vieira Sá Nathalia , Felix Campos Sá Rafaela , Parker Leslie A.
Published: June 2021

Background:

The risk of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) increases when preventive guidelines are not adhered to. However, studies have generally been quantitative and aimed at determining the effectiveness of CLABSI prevention bundles. Few studies have used a mixed-methods approach to investigate nursing professionals' knowledge and practices regarding CLABSI prevention.

Purpose:

To determine nursing professionals' knowledge and practices regarding CLABSI prevention and identify facilitators and barriers to adherence to CLABSI prevention strategies in a Brazilian neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods:

A mixed-methods approach was used. Nursing professionals answered questionnaires regarding knowledge and practices surrounding CLABSI prevention. Semistructured interviews explored barriers nursing professionals face that hinder adherence to CLABSI preventive practices.

Findings:

Nursing professionals had moderate knowledge regarding CLABSI prevention practices. Daily assessment of the continued need for central venous lines (CVLs), hub disinfection before and after handling, and hand hygiene before handling CVLs were practices less adhered to. Interviews revealed barriers to adherence to preventive practices included lack of adequate equipment, resources for hand hygiene, and inadequate physical structure. Increased education and awareness of safe CVL practices and accountability of the entire healthcare team may improve adherence to CLABSI prevention practices. Results of this study reinforce the importance of considering current nursing practices when developing strategies to increase adherence to CLABSI prevention guidelines.

Implications for Practice:

Providing continuing education may increase adherence to CLABSI prevention strategies.

Implications for Research:

Research is needed to develop strategies aimed at increasing nursing adherence to CLABSI prevention strategies.
3-D acetabular morphology of the neuromuscular hip: implications for preoperative planning
Authors: Severson Megan , Bandaralage Harsha , Bomar James D. , Farnsworth Christine L. , Upasani Vidyadhar V.
Published: June 2021

The importance of precisely understanding the pathoanatomy of acetabular dysplasia prior to surgical treatment has long been recognized. Acetabuloplasties for neuromuscular hip dysplasia have typically aimed to improve the acetabulum by increasing posterior-superior coverage, as previous three-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT) studies have shown that acetabular dysplasia in neuromuscular hips is primarily in the direction of posterior-superior subluxation or dislocation. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in 3-D morphology between normal hips and dysplastic neuromuscular hips, specifically to identify areas of acetabular deficiency to guide preoperative decision-making. Patients treated for neuromuscular hip dysplasia at a single institution between 2009 and 2017 with a preoperative high-resolution pelvic CT scan (28 hips) were evaluated with custom software to measure acetabular morphology. Acetabuli were divided into equal octants; coverage angles were measured for each octant of interest. Variables were compared with age- and sex-matched normal controls (56 hips). We found a wide range of hip pathology in our study cohort. Five hips had no sectors with abnormal coverage. One hip (4%) was overcovered anteriorly. The remaining pathology was undercoverage located anteriorly [n = 7 (25%)], superiorly [n = 6 (21%)], posteriorly [n = 4 (14%)] or globally [n = 5 (18%)]. Our findings indicate that individual patients with neuromuscular acetabular dysplasia have unique deformities that do not uniformly conform to a specific area of acetabular deficiency. It is imperative to define the specific 3-D acetabular deficiency location and magnitude for accurate preoperative planning. Level of evidence: Level III.
What Can We Learn From COVID-19 Protocols With Regard to Management of Nonoperative Pediatric Orthopaedic Injuries?
Authors: Hancock Graeme E. , Baxter Ian , Balachandar Vivek , Flowers Mark J. , Evans Owain G.
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes to normal practice in pediatric outpatient orthopaedics, with the instigation of telephone fracture clinic appointments, and the use of self-removable casting. We aim to determine any beneficial or detrimental short-term effects of these changes.

Methods:

All patients referred to fracture clinic from the emergency department during the period March 24, 2020 to May 10, 2020 (national lockdown) were assessed for number of face to face and telephone appointments, number of radiographs performed, time to discharge, use of a removable cast, any cast complications, other complications, reattendance or re-referral after discharge. They were compared with patients referred in the same period in 2019. Follow-up was to 6 months for every patient.

Results:

In 2019, 240 patients were reviewed and 110 in 2020. Changes in practice resulted in significant differences in the number of face to face appointments per patient [2 (1 to 6) 2019 vs. 1 (0 to 5) 2020 (P<0.00001)] and increase in telephone appointments [0 (0 to 1) 2019 vs. 1 (0 to 2) 2020]. Number of radiographs per patient [1 (1 to 7) 2019 vs. 1 (1 to ) 2020 (P=0.0178)] and time to discharge [29 d (0 to 483) 2019 vs. 16 d (0 to 216) 2020 (P<0.00001)] also reduced significantly. Use of a self-removable casting technique increased significantly (2.4% of casts in 2019 vs. 91.8% in 2020 (P<0.00001). There were no significant differences in complications related to cast or otherwise, unplanned attendance or reattendance after discharge. Use of self-removable casts for supracondylar fractures and for simple injuries (including distal radius, forearm, Toddler’s, and ankle fractures) also demonstrated no change in complication rate. Significant potential cost savings of >£185 000 per annum could be demonstrated through clinic appointment and cast removal reductions.

Discussion:

Changes to the normal management of pediatric orthopaedic trauma brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have been demonstrated to be safe in the short term with no increase in complications demonstrated. Potential cost savings are possible both to the health care provider and also to the patient because of reduced hospital attendance. It is feasible to continue these practices for the potential benefits as they appear safe in the short term.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—therapeutic study—retrospective comparative study.
The Clinical Engineering–Information Technology Professional Practice Interface
Authors: Chartash David , Grout Randall W.
Published: June 2021

Clarifying the professional roles between clinical engineers and clinical informaticists potentially will reconcile the clinical engineering and information technology divide, yet the applied science of informatics lacks a defined core task relative to engineering design. Presenting a case study about the design and deployment of a clinical decision support system, we define a core task of informatics. Analyzing this case study given the complexity of clinical systems, we conclude that informatics seeks to solve problems at a hierarchical level above clinical engineering. Attention to the systems complexity of solutions to clinical problems is therefore necessary to demarcate roles and responsibilities between the professions.
Correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3 primer untranslated region of PTX3 and the risk of essential hypertension
Authors: Chen Wanwan , Liu Yanmei , Pan Hongyi , Jiang Jie , Xiang Huaqing , Peng Linlin
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3 primer of untranslated region (3’UTR) of the Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) gene and the risk of essential hypertension (EHT).

PTX3 genotypes, rs2614, rs111451363, and rs73158510 locus, were found in 260 patients with EHT and 260 healthy controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect plasma hsa-miR-4766-5p levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect plasma PTX3 levels. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the binding site of hsa-miR-4766-5p to the PTX3.

PTX3 rs2614 locus T allele was a high risk factor for EHT (odds ratio [OR] = 2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86–4.09, P < .01). Sex and diabetes history affected the correlation between PTX3 gene rs2614 locus SNP and EHT risk. The CCG haplotype was a protective factor for EHT (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.28–0.57, P < .01), whereas the TCG haplotype was a risk factor for EHT (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.51–3.66, P < .01). The plasma PTX3 level of patients with EHT was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .01). The area under the curve for EHT diagnosis in plasma PTX3 levels was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.57–0.66, P < .01). The plasma hsa-miR-4766-5p level in patients with EHT was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < .01). The area under the curve for the diagnosis of EHT according to the plasma hsa-miR-4766-5p level was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85–0.91, P < .01). Plasma PTX3 levels were significantly negatively correlated with hsa-miR-4766-5p levels in patients with EHT and the control group (r = −0.87, −0.85, P < .01, P < .01). The PTX3 gene rs2614 locus C allele was the target gene of hsa-miR-4766-5p.

The PTX3 rs2614 locus SNP is significantly associated with EHT risk.
Immediate breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi muscular flap
Authors: Liu Qiuming , Li Weifeng , Wu Xiaobo , Xu Liang , Hu Pinghua , Cao Yali
Published: June 2021

Reconstruction of breast defects of patients who underwent mastectomy can be challenging. This study was designed to review a series of 43 breast cancer patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) using the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with/without implants. The demographic characteristics, clinical application feasibility, and the satisfaction rates of the patients were retrospectively collected and evaluated.

A total of 43 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy between August 2015 and February 2020 were included in the retrospective study. The included patients were subjected to IBR using latissimus dorsi muscular flap (LDMF) with/without implants. The clinical application feasibility and the satisfaction rates of the patients were evaluated.

Among these patients, 35 patients underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy and 8 patients underwent skin-sparing mastectomy. Twenty-nine patients underwent IBR using LDMF with implants, and 14 patients underwent IBR using LDMF without implants. Among these patients, 2 patients had partial LDMF necrosis and atrophy, and showed significant shrink of the reconstructed breast. One patient developed seromas, and seromas were improved by active dressing change and sucking out the fluid via the skin using a syringe. Two patients had local skin flap necrosis on the chest, 1 patient had preserved areola and local necrosis of the nipple, and this was healed after dressing change. Based on the Harris method, 27, 9, 5, and 2 cases were evaluated as “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” and “poor,” respectively.

In the present study, the reconstructed breast has natural shape, good symmetry, and hidden postoperative scars. The aesthetic effect is relatively good, and the use of LDMF may represent an acceptable and valid option for IBR. The success of this procedure depends on the design of the incision, the skill and proficiency of the operation, as well as the correct treatment after surgery.
Long noncoding RNA taurine-up regulated gene 1 for the prognosis of osteosarcoma
Authors: Ren Zheng , Li Chenyang , Gan Yuling , Liu Xiuxin , Liang Fudong
Published: June 2021

Background:

In recent years, a variety of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been confirmed to be involved in the initiation and progression of osteosarcoma. Taurine-up regulated gene 1 (TUG1) plays an important role in the formation, invasion, and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Therefore, perhaps TUG1 is a potential biomarker for the prognosis of patients suffering from osteosarcoma. In this study, meta-analysis and bioinformatics were adopted to further explore the effects of TUG1 on the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma and its potential molecular mechanism.

Methods:

Embase, PubMed, Sinomed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and Vip Journal Integration Platform were searched from inception to May 2021. The relationship between TUG1 expression and survival outcome was estimated by hazard ratio (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs). Meta-analysis was conducted on the Stata 16.0. The differential expression of TUG1 in osteosarcoma was analyzed by using UALCAN database, and the survival of TUG1 was analyzed as well. The target genes of TUG1 were predicted by RegRNA2.0 biology software, HMDD, targetscan and microTCDS, and TUG1-micoRNAs-mRNAs regulatory network was constructed. The predicted target genes obtained GeneOntology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signal transduction pathway enrichment analysis using FunRich platform.

Results:

The results of this meta-analysis would be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication.

Conclusion:

This study will provide evidence-based medical evidence for the relationship between TUG1 and the prognosis of osteosarcoma. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis will provide ideas for the exploration on osteosarcoma mechanism.

Ethics and dissemination:

The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also should not damage participants’ rights. Ethical approval is not available. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.

OSF registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/CW4BF.
A comparative study of the efficiency and safety of chemotherapy as a therapeutic method for recurrent or resistant gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Authors: Jiang Tian-Yue , Ren Jia-Jie , Zhang Yang , Zhao Yan , Feng Xiao-Ling
Published: June 2021

Background:

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is an infrequent spectrum of placental malignant cases. Generally, single-agent or multiple-agent chemotherapy is used to treat the condition. The condition has a significant impact on women in the childbearing age, which makes post-chemo fertility and obstetrical results a significant contemplation. Nearly 25% of GTN tumors are recurrent, or have a likelihood of relapsing after, the first round of chemotherapy. Therefore, these resistive and recurring lesions require salvage chemotherapy with or without surgical treatment. Therefore, the current meta-analysis and systematic review will assess the effectiveness and level of safety when using chemotherapy to treat women with resistive or recurring GTN.

Methods:

The current study will perform a comprehensive systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have assessed the efficacy and safeness of chemo as a line of treatment for women with resistive or recurring GTN. To this end, a search will be conducted on the following electronic databases: Web of Science, MEDLINE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), EMBASE, WanFang database, and the Cochrane Library. The search will cover the period from the inception of databases to May 2021. In order to identify additional related studies, we will manually search the reference lists of suitable research articles and related systematic reviews. A pair of independent authors will review the titles/abstracts of the studies to check if the studies are eligible, which is proceeded by screening the full texts. This study will employ a uniform data extraction table for data extraction. Moreover, based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, this protocol review also assesses the bias risk in the studies involved.

Results:

A comprehensive synthesis of existing indication on chemo treatment for women with resistive or recurring GTN.

Conclusion:

The results offer fresh references for evaluating the effectiveness and safeness of chemo-based treatment for women with resistive or recurring GTN.

Ethics and dissemination:

An ethical approval is not needed as all data are published.

Review registration number:

May 17, 2021.osf.io/uwky7. (https://osf.io/uwky7/).
The effect of the degree of dual-task interference on gait, dual-task cost, cognitive ability, balance, and fall efficacy in people with stroke
Authors: Baek Chang Yoon , Yoon Hyun Sik , Kim Hyeong Dong , Kang Kyoung Yee
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the degree of dual-task (DT) interference on gait, dual-task cost (DTC), cognitive ability, balance, and fall efficacy in people with stroke.

In this cross-sectional study, people with chronic stroke (N = 36) performed a DT gait assessment (gait and cognitive task). During the evaluation, DT interference in motor and cognition was evaluated simultaneously. Thus, the group with severe interference in both tasks (mutual interference) was compared with the group with mild interference in either.

The main effects for the degree of motor interference were observed on gait performance, DTC in motor, time up and go, and trail-making test B. In the cognitive interference, the main effects were observed on correct response rate, DTC in cognition, time up and go, and trail-making test B. An interaction effect was observed in the trail-making test B.

The degree of motor interference affected gait, balance ability, and executive function (EF), and the degree of cognitive interference influenced the correct response rate in the DT condition, balance ability, and EF. Furthermore, mutual interference led to a significant reduction in EF in people with stroke.
Association of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 with prevalent rheumatoid arthritis among atomic bomb survivors
Authors: Hida Ayumi , Imaizumi Misa , French Benjamin , Ohishi Waka , Haruta Daisuke , Eguchi Katsumi , Nakamura Hideki , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have suggested that human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) might act as a pathogen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but epidemiological evidence of an association is scarce. We measured anti-HTLV-1 antibodies among Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors to determine whether HTLV-1 is related to RA and whether radiation exposure is associated with HTLV-1 and RA prevalence.

This is a cross-sectional study among atomic bomb survivors who participated in biennial health examinations from 2006 to 2010. Serum levels of anti-HTLV-1 antibodies were measured using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay and confirmed by Western blotting. Association between HTLV-1 and RA was analyzed by a logistic regression model.

Of 2091 participants (women 61.5%; median age, 73 years), 215 (10.3%) had anti-HTLV-1 antibodies. HTLV-1 prevalence was higher among women (13.1% vs 5.8%; P < .001). Twenty-two participants (1.1%) were diagnosed with RA. HTLV-1 prevalence among RA participants was significantly higher than that among non-RA participants (27.3% vs 10.1%; P = .020). After adjustment for age, sex, and hepatitis C virus infection, HTLV-1 was significantly associated with prevalent RA (odds ratio, 2.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.06, 7.03). There was no association between radiation dose and either the prevalence of HTLV-1 or RA.

This study, among a well-defined group of atomic bomb survivors, suggests that HTLV-1 is associated with RA.