bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning, visualizing and exploring 16S rRNA structure using an attention-based deep neural network
Authors: Zhao Zhengqiao , Woloszynek Stephen , Agbavor Felix , Mell Joshua Chang , Sokhansanj Bahrad A. , Rosen Gail L.
Published: September 2021

Recurrent neural networks with memory and attention mechanisms are widely used in natural language processing because they can capture short and long term sequential information for diverse tasks. We propose an integrated deep learning model for microbial DNA sequence data, which exploits convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and attention mechanisms to predict taxonomic classifications and sample-associated attributes, such as the relationship between the microbiome and host phenotype, on the read/sequence level. In this paper, we develop this novel deep learning approach and evaluate its application to amplicon sequences. We apply our approach to short DNA reads and full sequences of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) marker genes, which identify the heterogeneity of a microbial community sample. We demonstrate that our implementation of a novel attention-based deep network architecture, Read2Pheno, achieves read-level phenotypic prediction. Training Read2Pheno models will encode sequences (reads) into dense, meaningful representations: learned embedded vectors output from the intermediate layer of the network model, which can provide biological insight when visualized. The attention layer of Read2Pheno models can also automatically identify nucleotide regions in reads/sequences which are particularly informative for classification. As such, this novel approach can avoid pre/post-processing and manual interpretation required with conventional approaches to microbiome sequence classification. We further show, as proof-of-concept, that aggregating read-level information can robustly predict microbial community properties, host phenotype, and taxonomic classification, with performance at least comparable to conventional approaches. An implementation of the attention-based deep learning network is available at https://github.com/EESI/sequence_attention (a python package) and https://github.com/EESI/seq2att (a command line tool).
Hemodynamics-driven mathematical model of first and second heart sound generation
Authors: Shahmohammadi Mehrdad , Luo Hongxing , Westphal Philip , Cornelussen Richard N. , Prinzen Frits W. , Delhaas Tammo
Published: September 2021

We propose a novel, two-degree of freedom mathematical model of mechanical vibrations of the heart that generates heart sounds in CircAdapt, a complete real-time model of the cardiovascular system. Heart sounds during rest, exercise, biventricular (BiVHF), left ventricular (LVHF) and right ventricular heart failure (RVHF) were simulated to examine model functionality in various conditions. Simulated and experimental heart sound components showed both qualitative and quantitative agreements in terms of heart sound morphology, frequency, and timing. Rate of left ventricular pressure (LV dp/dtmax) and first heart sound (S1) amplitude were proportional with exercise level. The relation of the second heart sound (S2) amplitude with exercise level was less significant. BiVHF resulted in amplitude reduction of S1. LVHF resulted in reverse splitting of S2 and an amplitude reduction of only the left-sided heart sound components, whereas RVHF resulted in a prolonged splitting of S2 and only a mild amplitude reduction of the right-sided heart sound components. In conclusion, our hemodynamics-driven mathematical model provides fast and realistic simulations of heart sounds under various conditions and may be helpful to find new indicators for diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac diseases.

New & noteworthy

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first hemodynamic-based heart sound generation model embedded in a complete real-time computational model of the cardiovascular system. Simulated heart sounds are similar to experimental and clinical measurements, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Our model can be used to investigate the relationships between heart sound acoustic features and hemodynamic factors/anatomical parameters.
Cholera outbreak in Forcibly Displaced Myanmar National (FDMN) from a small population segment in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 2019
Authors: Faruque Abu S. G. , Khan Azharul Islam , Nahar Baitun , Islam S. M. Rafiqul , Hossain M. Nasif , Abdullah Syed Asif , Khan Soroar Hossain , Hossain Md. Sabbir , Khan Feroz Hayat , Prajapati Mukeshkumar , Widiati Yulia , Hasan A. S. M. Mainul , Kim Minjoon , Musto Jennie , Vandenent Maya , Clemens John David , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: September 2021

Background

Bangladesh experienced a sudden, large influx of forcibly displaced persons from Myanmar in August 2017. A cholera outbreak occurred in the displaced population during September-December 2019. This study aims to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of cholera patients who were hospitalized in diarrhea treatment centers (DTCs) and sought care from settlements of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) as well as host country nationals during the cholera outbreak.

Methods

Diarrhea Treatment Center (DTC) based surveillance was carried out among the FDMN and host population in Teknaf and Leda DTCs hospitalized for cholera during September-December 2019.

Results

During the study period, 147 individuals with cholera were hospitalized. The majority, 72% of patients reported to Leda DTC. Nearly 65% sought care from FDMN settlements. About 47% of the cholera individuals were children less than 5 years old and 42% were aged 15 years and more. Half of the cholera patients were females. FDMN often reported from Camp # 26 (45%), followed by Camp # 24 (36%), and Camp # 27 (12%). Eighty-two percent of the cholera patients reported watery diarrhea. Some or severe dehydration was observed in 65% of cholera individuals. Eighty-one percent of people with cholera received pre-packaged ORS at home. About 88% of FDMN cholera patients reported consumption of public tap water. Pit latrine without water seal was often used by FDMN cholera individuals (78%).

Conclusion

Vigilance for cholera patients by routine surveillance, preparedness, and response readiness for surges and oral cholera vaccination campaigns can alleviate the threats of cholera.
A comparative test of inequity aversion in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and dingoes (Canis dingo)
Authors: McAuliffe Katherine
Published: September 2021

Despite much recent empirical work on inequity aversion in nonhuman species, many questions remain about its distribution across taxa and the factors that shape its evolution and expression. Past work suggests that domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and wolves (Canis lupus) are averse to inequitable resource distributions in contexts that call upon some degree of training such as ‘give paw’ and ‘buzzer press’ tasks. However, it is unclear whether inequity aversion appears in other canid species and in other experimental contexts. Using a novel inequity aversion task that does not require specific training, this study helps address these gaps by investigating inequity aversion in domestic dogs and a closely related but non-domesticated canid, the dingo (Canis dingo). Subjects were presented with equal and unequal reward distributions and given the opportunity to approach or refuse to approach allocations. Measures of interest were (1) subjects’ refusal to approach when getting no food; (2) approach latency; and (3) social referencing. None of these measures differed systematically across the inequity condition and control conditions in either dogs or dingoes. These findings add to the growing literature on inequity aversion in canids, providing data from a new species and a new experimental context. Additionally, they raise questions about the experimental features that must be in place for inequity aversion to appear in canids.
Passive stretching decreases muscle efficiency in balance tasks
Authors: Coratella Giuseppe , Longo Stefano , Rampichini Susanna , Doria Christian , Borrelli Marta , Limonta Eloisa , Michielon Giovanni , Cè Emiliano , Esposito Fabio
Published: September 2021

The current study aimed to verify whether or not passive static stretching affects balance control capacity. Thirty-eight participants (19 women and 19 men) underwent a passive static stretching session, involving the knee extensor/flexor and dorsi/plantarflexor muscles, and a control session (no stretching, CTRL). Before (PRE), immediately after (POST), after 15 (POST15) and 30 min (POST30) from stretching (or rest in CTRL), balance control was evaluated under static and dynamic conditions, with open/closed eyes, and with/without somatosensory perturbation (foam under the feet). During tests, centre of pressure (CoP) sway area and perimeter and antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway mean speed were computed. Surface electromyography root mean square (sEMG RMS) was calculated from the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior muscles during MVC and during the balance tests. Hip flexion/extension and dorsi/plantarflexion range of motion (ROM), maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and sEMG RMS during MVC were measured at the same time points. After stretching, ROM increased (≈6.5%; P<0.05), while MVC and sEMG RMS decreased (≈9% and ≈7.5%, respectively; P<0.05). Regardless of the testing condition, CoP sway area and the perimeter remained similar, while antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway mean speed decreased by ≈8% and ≈12%, respectively (P<0.05). sEMG RMS during the balance tests increased in all muscles in POST (≈7%, P<0.05). All variables recovered in POST30. No changes occurred in CTRL. Passive static stretching did not affect the overall balance control ability. However, greater muscle activation was required to maintain similar CoP sway, thus suggesting a decrease in muscle efficiency.
Rewinding the molecular clock in the genus Carabus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in light of fossil evidence and the Gondwana split: A reanalysis
Authors: Opgenoorth Lars , Hofmann Sylvia , Schmidt Joachim
Published: September 2021

Molecular clocks have become powerful tools given increasing sequencing and fossil resources. However, calibration analyses outcomes depend on the choice of priors. Here, we revisited the seminal dating study published by Andújar and coworkers of the genusCarabusproposing that prior choices need re-evaluation. We hypothesized that reflecting fossil evidence and the Gondwanan split properly significantly rewinds the molecular clock. We re-used the dataset including five mitochondrial and four nuclear DNA fragments with a total length of 7888 nt. Fossil evidence for Oligocene occurrence ofCalosomawas considered. Root age was set based on the fossil evidence of Harpalinae ground beetles in the Upper Cretaceous. Paleogene divergence of the outgroup taxa Ceroglossini and Pamborini is introduced as a new prior based on current paleontological and geological literature. The ultrametric time-calibrated tree of the extended nd5 dataset resulted in a median TMRCACarabusof 53.92 Ma (HPD 95% 45.01–63.18 Ma), roughly 30 Ma older than in the Andújar study. The splits amongC.rugosusandC.morbillosus(A),C.riffensisfrom the EuropeanMesocarabus(B), andEurycarabusandNesaeocarabus(C) were dated to 17.58 (12.87–22.85), 24.14 (18.02–30.58), and 21.6 (16.44–27.43) Ma. They were decidedly older than those previously reported (7.48, 10.93, and 9.51 Ma). These changes were driven almost entirely by constraining the Carabidae time-tree root with a Harpalinae amber fossil at ~99 Ma. Utilizing the nd5 dating results of three well-supportedCarabusclades as secondary calibration points for the complete MIT-NUC dataset led to a TMRCA ofCarabusof 44.72 (37.54–52.22) Ma, compared with 25.16 Ma (18.41–33.04 Ma) in the previous study. Considering fossil evidence for OligoceneCalosomaand Late Cretaceous Harpalini together with the Gondwanan split as a new prior, our new approach supports the origin of genusCarabusin the Eocene. Our results are preliminary because of the heavy reliance on the nd5 gene, and thus will have to be tested with a sufficient set of nuclear markers. Additionally, uncertainties due to dating root age of the tree based on a single fossil and outgroup taxon affect the results. Improvement of the fossil database, particularly in the supertribe Carabitae, is needed to reduce these uncertainties in datingCarabusphylogeny.
Genomic signatures of Lake Erie bacteria suggest interaction in the Microcystis phycosphere
Authors: Hoke Alexa K. , Reynoso Guadalupe , Smith Morgan R. , Gardner Malia I. , Lockwood Dominique J. , Gilbert Naomi E. , Wilhelm Steven W. , Becker Isabella R. , Brennan Grant J. , Crider Katherine E. , Farnan Shannon R. , Mendoza Victoria , Poole Alison C. , Zimmerman Zachary P. , Utz Lucy K. , Wurch Louie L. , Steffen Morgan M.
Published: September 2021

Microbial interactions in harmful algal bloom (HAB) communities have been examined in marine systems, but are poorly studied in fresh waters. To investigate HAB-microbe interactions, we isolated bacteria with close associations to bloom-forming cyanobacteria, Microcystis spp., during a 2017 bloom in the western basin of Lake Erie. The genomes of five isolates (Exiguobacterium sp. JMULE1, Enterobacter sp. JMULE2, Deinococcus sp. JMULE3, Paenibacillus sp. JMULE4, and Acidovorax sp. JMULE5.) were sequenced on a PacBio Sequel system. These genomes ranged in size from 3.1 Mbp (Exiguobacterium sp. JMULE1) to 5.7 Mbp (Enterobacter sp. JMULE2). The genomes were analyzed for genes relating to critical metabolic functions, including nitrogen reduction and carbon utilization. All five of the sequenced genomes contained genes that could be used in potential signaling and nutrient exchange between the bacteria and cyanobacteria such as Microcystis. Gene expression signatures of algal-derived carbon utilization for two isolates were identified in Microcystis blooms in Lake Erie and Lake Tai (Taihu) at low levels, suggesting these organisms are active and may have a functional role during Microcystis blooms in aggregates, but were largely missing from whole water samples. These findings build on the growing evidence that the bacterial microbiome associated with bloom-forming algae have the functional potential to contribute to nutrient exchange within bloom communities and interact with important bloom formers like Microcystis.
Description of an Australian endemic species of Trioza (Hemiptera: Triozidae) pest of the endemic tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Martoni Francesco , Blacket Mark J.
Published: September 2021

Psyllids, also known as jumping plant lice, are phloem feeding Hemiptera that often show a strict species-specific relationship with their host plants. When psyllid-plant associations involve economically important crops, this may lead to the recognition of a psyllid species as an agricultural or horticultural pest. The Australian endemic tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel., has been used for more than a century to extract essential oils and, long before that, as a traditional medicine by Indigenous Australian people. Recently, a triozid species has been found to damage the new growth of tea trees both in Queensland and New South Wales, raising interest around this previously undocumented pest. Furthermore, adults of the same species were also collected from Citrus plantations, leading to potential false-positive records of the exotic pest Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio 1918), the African Citrus psyllid. Here we describe for the first time Trioza melaleucae Martoni sp. nov. providing information on its distribution, host plant associations and phylogenetic relationships to other Trioza species. This work enables both morphological and molecular identification of this new species, allowing it to be recognized and distinguished for the first time from exotic pests as well as other Australian native psyllids. Furthermore, the haplotype network analysis presented here suggests a close relationship between Trioza melaleucae and the other Myrtaceae-feeding Trioza spp. from Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan.
The PPLD has advantages over conventional regression methods in application to moderately sized genome-wide association studies
Authors: Vieland Veronica J. , Seok Sang-Cheol
Published: September 2021

In earlier work, we have developed and evaluated an alternative approach to the analysis of GWAS data, based on a statistic called the PPLD. More recently, motivated by a GWAS for genetic modifiers of the X-linked Mendelian disorder Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), we adapted the PPLD for application to time-to-event (TE) phenotypes. Because DMD itself is relatively rare, this is a setting in which the very large sample sizes generally assembled for GWAS are simply not attainable. For this reason, statistical methods specially adapted for use in small data sets are required. Here we explore the behavior of the TE-PPLD via simulations, comparing the TE-PPLD with Cox Proportional Hazards analysis in the context of small to moderate sample sizes. Our results will help to inform our approach to the DMD study going forward, and they illustrate several respects in which the TE-PPLD, and by extension the original PPLD, offer advantages over regression-based approaches to GWAS in this context.
Acute Pain Service in Hungarian hospitals
Authors: Lovasi Orsolya , Lám Judit , Schutzmann Réka , Gaál Péter
Published: September 2021

Background

Surgical procedures play an increasing role among health technologies to treat diseases. Pain often accompanies such diseases, both as a result of their pathology, but also as the side-effect of the intervention itself, and it is not only a burdensome subjective feeling, but adversely affects the recovery process, can induce complications and increases treatment costs. Acute Pain Service Teams are becoming increasingly widespread in hospitals to address post-operative pain, yet we have so far no data on how many hospitals have actually adopted this technology in Hungary.

Objectives

The main objectives of our study were to assess the prevalence of Acute Pain Service Teams, map their structure and operation, as well as to understand the barriers and conducive factors of their establishment in Hungarian hospitals.

Methods

We carried out a survey among the 72 hospitals with surgical departments. The questionnaire was filled in by 52 providers, which gave us a response rate of 72.2%.

Results

Our results show, that only two of the responding hospitals have Acute Pain Service Teams albeit their structure and operation are in line with the literature. In the 50 hospitals without such teams, financing difficulties and human resources shortages are mentioned to be the most important obstacles of their establishment, but the lack of initiative and interest on the part of the specialities concerned are also an important barrier.

Conclusions

Lagging behind the more affluent EU member states, but similarly to other Central and Eastern European countries, Acute Pain Service has been hardly adopted by Hungarian hospitals. Hungarian health professionals know the technology and would support its wider introduction, if the technical feasibility barriers could be overcome. Health policy should play a more active role to facilitate change in this area, the investment in which promises a substantial return in terms of health gains and cost savings.
Sarcopenia increases the risk of post-operative recurrence in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kawaguchi Yo , Hanaoka Jun , Ohshio Yasuhiko , Okamoto Keigo , Kaku Ryosuke , Hayashi Kazuki , Shiratori Takuya , Akazawa Akira
Published: September 2021

Background

Sarcopenia is among the most prevalent and serious cancer-related symptom, and is strongly correlated with a poor prognosis. Moreover, it reportedly predicts poor prognosis after surgery in patients with lung cancer. However, it is unclear whether sarcopenia directly affects post-operative recurrence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sarcopenia can be a risk indicator for post-operative recurrence, and whether it suppresses anti-tumor immunity, in a cohort of patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed the data of 256 consecutive patients who underwent curative lobectomy and lymph node dissection for non-small cell lung cancer at our institution. The psoas muscle mass index was calculated as the total psoas muscle area at the third lumbar vertebral level/height2 (cm2/m2). Sarcopenia was defined by a psoas muscle mass index of under 5.03 cm2/m2 and 3.17 cm2/m2 in male and female patients, respectively. Post-operative prognosis and cumulative incidence of recurrence rates were calculated.

Results

The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates post-surgery were 59.5% and 38.6%, respectively, in patients with sarcopenia versus 81.1% and 72.1%, respectively, in patients without sarcopenia (p < 0.001). The 5-year cumulative incidence of recurrence rate in patients with sarcopenia was significantly higher than those without sarcopenia (49.9% versus 22.4%, respectively) in every pathological stage. Pathological stages II and III (hazard ratio, 3.36; p = 0.004), histological type (hazard ratio, 2.31; p = 0.025), and sarcopenia (hazard ratio, 2.52; p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for post-operative recurrence according to multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia is a risk indicator for post-operative recurrence in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia follow-up and long COVID in primary care: A retrospective observational study in Madrid city
Authors: Ares-Blanco Sara , Pérez Álvarez Marta , Gefaell Larrondo Ileana , Muñoz Cristina , Aguilar Ruiz Vanesa , Castelo Jurado Marta , Guisado-Clavero Marina
Published: September 2021

Background

Patients with COVID-19 are follow-up in primary care and long COVID is scarcely defined. The study aim was to describe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and cut-offs for defining long COVID in primary care follow-up patients.

Methods

A retrospective observational study in primary care in Madrid, Spain, was conducted. Data was collected during 6 months (April to September) in 2020, during COVID-19 first wave, from patients ≥ 18 years with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed. Variables: sociodemographic, comorbidities, COVID-19 symptoms and complications, laboratory test and chest X-ray. Descriptive statistics were used, mean (standard deviation (SD)) and medians (interquartile range (IQR)) respectively. Differences were detected applying X2 test, Student’s T-test, ANOVA, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis depending on variable characteristics.

Results

155 patients presented pneumonia in day 7.8 from the onset (79.4% were hospitalized, median length of 7.0 days (IQR: 3.0, 13.0)). After discharge, the follow-up lasted 54.0 median days (IQR 42.0, 88.0) and 12.2 mean (SD 6.4) phone calls were registered per patient. The main symptoms and their duration were: cough (41.9%, 12 days), dyspnoea (31.0%, 15 days), asthenia (26.5%, 21 days). Different cut-off points were applied for long COVID and week 4 was considered the best milestone (28.3% of the sample still had symptoms after week 4) versus week 12 (8.3%). Patients who still had symptoms >4 weeks follow-up took place over 81.0 days (IQR: 50.5, 103.0), their symptoms were more prevalent and lasted longer than those ≤ 4 weeks: cough (63.6% 30 days), dyspnoea (54.6%, 46 days), and asthenia (56.8%, 29 days). Embolism was more frequent in patients who still had symptoms >4 weeks than those with symptoms ≤4 weeks (9.1% vs 1.8%, p value 0.034).

Conclusion

Most patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia recovered during the first 4 weeks from the beginning of the infection. The cut-off point to define long COVID, as persisting symptoms, should be between 4 to 12 weeks from the onset of the symptoms.
Quality assessment of selected co-trimoxazole suspension brands marketed in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Irungu Beatrice Njeri , Koech Lilian C. , Ondicho Joyce M. , Keter Lucia K.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Quality of medicines in both developed and developing countries is sometimes compromised due to infiltration of counterfeit, substandard or degraded medicines into the markets. It is a public health concern as poor quality medicines endanger public health where patients are exposed to chemical toxins and/or sub-therapeutic doses. This could lead to reduced treatment efficacy and promote development of drug resistance. Co-trimoxazole, a fixed dose combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, is a broad spectrum for bacterial diseases and is also used as a prophylaxis for opportunistic infections in HIV infected individuals. This study evaluated quality of selected co-trimoxazole suspension brands marketed in Nairobi County, Kenya.

Methods

A total of 106 samples were collected, categorized into 15 brands and evaluated for active pharmaceutical ingredient content (API) and pH following United States Pharmacopeia. Assay for API was conducted using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results were compared with pharmacopeia references. Visual examination of labels and confirmation of retention status of the brands with Pharmacy and Poisons Board retention register was carried out.

Results

The samples were primarily of local origin (86.7%). On October 23, 2019, retention status of six of the fifteen brands documented were no longer listed in the Pharmacy and Poisons Board retention register. Of the 106 samples tested 70.6% and 86.8% were compliant with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specifications for pH and API respectively while 84.0% adhered to packaging and labelling requirements.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that majority of co-trimoxazole suspensions tested were compliant with USP requirements. Additionally, it has provided evidence of poor quality co-trimoxazole medicines that could compromise treatment of infectious diseases in children. This emphasizes the need for regular quality assurance tests to ensure only quality medicines are in the market.
Machine learning methods for automated classification of tumors with papillary thyroid carcinoma-like nuclei: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Böhland Moritz , Tharun Lars , Scherr Tim , Mikut Ralf , Hagenmeyer Veit , Thompson Lester D. R. , Perner Sven , Reischl Markus
Published: September 2021

When approaching thyroid gland tumor classification, the differentiation between samples with and without “papillary thyroid carcinoma-like” nuclei is a daunting task with high inter-observer variability among pathologists. Thus, there is increasing interest in the use of machine learning approaches to provide pathologists real-time decision support. In this paper, we optimize and quantitatively compare two automated machine learning methods for thyroid gland tumor classification on two datasets to assist pathologists in decision-making regarding these methods and their parameters. The first method is a feature-based classification originating from common image processing and consists of cell nucleus segmentation, feature extraction, and subsequent thyroid gland tumor classification utilizing different classifiers. The second method is a deep learning-based classification which directly classifies the input images with a convolutional neural network without the need for cell nucleus segmentation. On the Tharun and Thompson dataset, the feature-based classification achieves an accuracy of 89.7% (Cohen’s Kappa 0.79), compared to the deep learning-based classification of 89.1% (Cohen’s Kappa 0.78). On the Nikiforov dataset, the feature-based classification achieves an accuracy of 83.5% (Cohen’s Kappa 0.46) compared to the deep learning-based classification 77.4% (Cohen’s Kappa 0.35). Thus, both automated thyroid tumor classification methods can reach the classification level of an expert pathologist. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing feature-based and deep learning-based classification regarding their ability to classify samples with and without papillary thyroid carcinoma-like nuclei on two large-scale datasets.
Swept-source OCT reduces the risk of axial length measurement errors in eyes with cataract and epiretinal membranes
Authors: Faraldi Francesco , Lavia Carlo Alessandro , Nassisi Marco , Kilian Raphael A. , Bacherini Daniela , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: September 2021

Aims

To compare the biometric data from partial coherence interferometry (PCI) and swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) in patients with age-related cataract and epiretinal membrane (ERM): ERM, ERM with foveoschisis and macular pseudohole.

Methods

49 eyes of 49 subjects including 36 ERM, 9 ERM foveoschisis and 4 macular pseudohole were analysed to evaluate the axial length (AL) measurements and the presence of AL measurement errors, defined basing on the shape of the biometric output graphs and on the concordance of AL values between instruments. Eyes with ERM were divided in four stages according to OCT features (i.e. presence/absence of the foveal pit, presence of ectopic inner foveal layers, disrupted retinal layers).

Results

The devices provided similar mean AL measurements in all subgroups, with differences <0.1 mm in 41/49 cases (83.6%). AL measurement errors were observed in ERM stages 3 and 4, characterized by ectopic inner foveal layers, and were significantly more frequent with the PCI (8/17, 47%) as compared with the SS-OCT device (2/17, 12%), p = 0.02. The refractive prediction error in cases with AL measurement errors was significantly greater using the PCI compared to the SS-OCT device (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Both devices provide reliable biometric data in the majority of patients and can be used in the preoperative assessment of patients with age-related cataract and ERM. In eyes with ectopic inner foveal layers, attention should be paid as AL measurement and refractive prediction errors may occur, more frequently with the PCI device.
The effects of mycorrhizal colonization on phytophagous insects and their natural enemies in soybean fields
Authors: Dabré Élisée Emmanuel , Lee Soon-Jae , Hijri Mohamed , Favret Colin
Published: September 2021

The use of belowground microorganisms in agriculture, with the aim to stimulate plant growth and improve crop yields, has recently gained interest. However, few studies have examined the effects of microorganism inoculation on higher trophic levels in natural conditions. We examined how the diversity of phytophagous insects and their natural enemies responded to the field-inoculation of soybean with a model arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Rhizophagus irregularis, combined with a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and a plant growth-promoting bacterium, Bacillus pumilus. We also investigate if the absence or presence of potassium fertilizer can affect this interaction. We found an increase in the abundance of piercing-sucking insects with the triple inoculant irrespective of potassium treatment, whereas there were no differences among treatments for other insect groups. A decrease in the abundance of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, with the double inoculant Rhizophagus + Bradyrhizobium was observed in potassium enriched plots and in the abundance of Empoasca spp. with potassium treatment independent of inoculation type. Although it was not possible to discriminate the mycorrhization realized by inoculum from that of the indigenous AMF in the field, we confirmed global negative effects of overall mycorrhizal colonization on the abundance of phytophagous piercing-sucking insects, phytophagous chewing insects, and the alpha diversity of phytophagous insects. In perspective, the use of AMF/Rhizobacteria inoculants in the field should focus on the identity and performance of strains to better understand their impact on insects.
Collective conceptualization of parental support of dual career athletes: The EMPATIA framework
Authors: Varga Kinga , MacDonncha Ciaran , Blondel Laurence , Bozzano Enrico , Burlot Fabrice , Costa Rute , Debois Nadine , Delon Dominique , Figueiredo Antonio , Foerster Joerg , Gjaka Masar , Gonçalves Carlos , Guidotti Flavia , Pesce Caterina , Pišl Andrej , Rheinisch Eoin , Rolo Ana , Rozman Sara , Ryan Gary , Templet Anne , Tessitore Antonio , Warrington Giles , Capranica Laura , Doupona Mojca
Published: September 2021

Background

This study aimed to use a concept mapping methodology to develop a European framework of the needs of parents/guardians (P/G) for supporting athletes combining sport and education (dual career, DC).

Methods

By means of a concept mapping methodology, 337 French, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, and Slovenian parents sorted and rated 80 potential statements associated to parenting DC athletes.

Results

Five distinct clusters emerged: 1. P/G’ roles, needs and awareness to support athletes, including 22 statements (mean:3.7; range: 3.2–4.2 pt); 2. Requirements for effective planning of DC pathway, including 19 statements (mean:3.7; range: 3.2–4.5 pt); 3. Educational opportunity, including 13 statements (mean:3.5; range: 3.1–4.0 pt); 4. Policy and provision for DC, including 19 statements (mean:3.7; range: 3.1–4.2 pt); and 5. Athletes’ lifestyle & self-management, including 7 statements (mean:4.0; range: 3.5–4.5 pt). Estimates of effect size (Partial eta-squared) were calculated for ANOVAs to assess the degree of variability on the statement importance ranking as the dependent variable accounted for by the demographic data.

The concept mapping showed good validity (stress value: 0.11) and high reliability (rSHT: 0.99, rSHM: 0.98; rRR:0.98). One-third of the statements indicated differences (p<0.05) in relation to the P/Gs’ gender and the athletes’ education level, competition level and sport typology.

Conclusion

In synthesizing the opinions, experience and needs of P/Gs of DC athletes the present framework provided sound theoretical underpinnings to inform the development of an online educational programme for empowering parenting DC athletes (https://edu.empatiasport.eu/eng/), as well as be a foundation for future Pan-European DC research on how these statements interact with each other, in different European contexts.
Development of growth factor-incorporating liposomes for integration into scaffolds as a method to improve tissue regeneration
Authors: Natsaridis E. , Mouzoura P. , Gkartziou F. , Marazioti A. , Antimisiaris S.G.
Published: September 2021

This review is an update with regard to the efforts to develop liposomal carriers for growth factor delivery. It is well known that growth factors have the potential to enhance/accelerate tissue regeneration; however, their poor stability, which results in rapid loss of their activity, together with their rapid clearance from defected tissues (when applied as free molecules) is a serious drawback for their use; their highly hydrophilic nature and low capability to permeate through biological barriers (cell membranes) are additional factors that limit their applicability. In recent years, the advantages of liposomal drug delivery systems have motivated efforts to deliver growth factors (GFs) in liposomal form. Herein, after briefly introducing the basic structural characteristics of liposome types and their advantages when used as drug carriers, as well as the basic problems encountered when GFs are applied for tissue regeneration, we focus on recent reports on the development and potential regenerative effects of liposomal GFs, towards defects of various tissues. The methodologies used for incorporation, attachment or immobilization of liposomal GFs in order to sustain their retention at the defected tissues are also highlighted.
Cend1 and Neurog2 efficiently reprogram human cortical astrocytes to neural precursor cells and induced-neurons
Authors: Aravantinou-Fatorou Katerina , Vejdani Seyyedeh , Thomaidou Dimitra
Published: September 2021

Direct reprogramming of glial cells into induced-neurons is a promising strategy for CNS repair after acute injury or neurodegenerative diseases. Grey matter astrocytes, which exhibit features of neural stem cells when activated, are an ideal cell source for direct neuronal conversion. The aim of the study is the investigation of the neuronal reprogramming capacity of CEND1 and/or Neurogenin-2 (NEUROG2) upon their overexpression on primary human adult cortical astrocytes. Our data indicate that adult human cortical astrocytes can be directly reprogrammed by either CEND1 or NEUROG2 to cells with differentiated neuronal morphology, exhibiting long neurites and branched processes. Exploration of gene expression dynamics along the conversion process revealed that neuronal genes are significantly up-regulated while astrocytic genes are down-regulated. Differentiated induced-neurons (iNs) exhibit either GABAergic or glutamatergic/dopaminergic identity upon
CEND1 and NEUROG2 overexpression respectively. Co-expression of CEND1 and NEUROG2 in double-transduced cultures induced elevated expression levels of neural progenitor/stem genes and appearance of highly proliferative spheres with neural progenitor cell (NPC) properties in culture.
Assess the Prevalence of Low-Birth-Weight Babies and Its Risk Factors among Postnatal Mothers in Wardha District
Authors: Hingankar Yugandhara Dilip , Thool Bali , Taksande Vaishali
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Babies of low birth weight (LBW) include 2,499 g or less weight as stated by WHO. LBW consists of VLBW which is below 1500 g and extremely low birth weight which is lesser than 1000 g. The normal gross weight of the infant at the time of delivery is 2500 - 4200 g. The cause of LBW is preterm birth or a slow prenatal growth rate. The survival rate is determined by the baby’s birth weight. Several risk factors are also associated such as multiple pregnancies, poor nutrition, hypertension, drug addiction or intake of alcohol. It is very necessary to prevent LBW rather than treating it after birth. The present study was done to assess the prevalence of lowbirth-weight babies and its risk factors among postnatal mothers in the Wardha district. METHODS A descriptive research design was undertaken, and 35 postnatal mothers in the Wardha district were selected for the study, the data was collected with the help of a structured questionnaire and a risk factor assessment scale was used for postnatal mothers. RESULTS The result of the study shows the prevalence rate of LBW babies among postnatal mothers as 49.18 %, and there was an assessment of risk factors among postnatal mothers from selected areas and association of prevalence of low birth with selected demographic variables. There was no association of prevalence of lowbirth-weight babies among postnatal mothers in relation to demographic variables. CONCLUSIONS This study concludes that there is a good prevalence of LBW babies but mothers didn’t have adequate knowledge regarding LBW of babies and risk factors that affect the mother as well as the foetus. KEY WORDS Low Birth Weight, Preterm, Gestation, Dehydration, Hyperthermia, Hypothermia
Effect of Sustained Isometric Handgrip Training on Blood Pressure in Normotensive and Prehypertensive Population
Authors: Devmurari Parthkumar , Mehta Chandni , Satani Kalpesh , Parmar Lata
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Prehypertension is common in adolescence and young adults and even normal blood pressure nowadays due to a marked increase in the sedentary lifestyle, job profile, psychological stress. Blood pressure (BP) in this age can linearly progress towards elevated levels of BP when associated with risk factors like body mass index (BMI). Along with lifestyle modifications, non-pharmacological interventions are also recommended to manage prehypertension and delay progression towards hypertension at a young age. Isometric handgrip training (IHGT) is emerging as a popular non-pharmacological therapy. Research has demonstrated hypotensive effects with IHGT in various sets when performed at 30 - 40 % maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The purpose of the present study was to find the effect of isometric handgrip strength training (IHG) on blood pressure and pulse pressure in normotensive and prehypertensive population. METHODS An experimental study design where 26 participants meeting the inclusion criteria were selected by convenient sampling. They were equally grouped into normotensive and prehypertensive training groups after measurement of baseline BP. All of them performed five 2 - minute sustained isometric contractions, at 30 - 40 % of MVC, using 90 an inexpensive spring hand grip trainer, for six sessions per week for 2 weeks. MVC was determined by a hand dynamometer. Pre - to - post BP and PP were compared in the present study. RESULTS After 2 weeks, t-test and repeated measures of ANOVA revealed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) [Mean Difference 4, 9] and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [Mean Difference – 5, 5] (P = 0.01) but PP did not change in normotensive (P - 0.64) and prehypertensives (P = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS Practicing IHGT using an inexpensive spring handgrip trainer for two weeks consecutively reduced blood pressure but not pulse pressure. KEY WORDS Isometric, Handgrip. Blood Pressure
Rapid Progression of Endogenous Endophthalmitis in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Ting Jacqueline Yih Ling , Teo Bin Hoo , Khialdin Safinaz Mohd , Mustapha Mushawiahti
Published: September 2021

Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammatory disease classified as either endogenous or exogenous, depending on the route of infection. The disease may be caused by trauma, intraocular surgery, infectious keratitis or other endogenous causes.1,2 Endogenous endophthalmitis develops when the infectious agent travels via the bloodstream, crosses the blood ocular barrier and proliferates within the eye.3 Endogenous endophthalmitis accounts for approximately 5 – 8 % of all endophthalmitis cases.1 Specific predisposing factors may cause patients more at risk for rapid disease progression.3,4 Besides, source of the infection varies widely from the respiratory tract to urinary tract or liver abscess.5 We report a case series of endogenous endophthalmitis among immunocompromised patients. These cases highlighted the importance of early diagnosis with appropriate timely intervention to prevent further spread of infection and reduce the complications.
Adenoid Hypertrophy with Deviated Nasal Septum in Young Adults
Authors: Anand Shweta , Kattimani Mahesh Virupakshi
Published: September 2021

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common cause of nasal obstruction in children but relatively uncommon in adults, however adenoid hypertrophy in young adults is thought to be a persistence of untreated adenoid hypertrophy of childhood. This case series also notes that adenoid hypertrophy can be associated with deviated nasal septum. Coblation assisted endoscopic adenoidectomy usually has good result in adenoid clearance. Hence, routine endoscopic examination of nasopharynx helps in early diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy and subsequent better management in young adults with complaints of nasal blockage. Nasopharyngeal vegetations were earlier described by Wilhelm Meyer in 1870 as forming part of Waldeyer’s ring of lymphoid tissue and he coined the term ‘adenoid’ to describe the same. In younger children, it has been thought that the adenoids may have an important role in development of an immunological memory. Physiologically it has been considered that hypertrophy of adenoid tissue occurs during 6 - 10 years and tend to regress and atrophy at 16 years. Grading of adenoid hypertrophy as described by Clemens et al. is as follows.1  Grade I: adenoid tissue filling 1/3rd. of the vertical height of choana.  Grade II: adenoid tissue filling up to 2/3rd of the vertical height of choana.  Grade III: from 2/3rd to nearly all but not completely filling the choana.  Grade IV: complete choanal obstruction We present three cases of adenoid hypertrophy with deviated nasal septums in adults who visited ENT outpatient department (OPD) at National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur during COVID era of January 2021 to April 2021.
Expectations Unleashed: What May Come From the Biden Administration and the G7 in 2021
Authors: Jensen Jody
Published: September 2021

The article evaluates the first 100 days ofthe Biden administration and the G7 meeting in June 2021 in the U.K. It concentrates on U.S. foreign policy and hopes for the reintegration of the U.S. in European and global structures. The G7 is also reviewed first from the perspective of Euro-Atlantic–China relations, following with reactions to the G7 pandemic relief efforts, and towards proposed climate change policies. In conclusion, the scenarios of “Westlessness,” “Westfulness,” and “Westishness” are employed to map out potential trajectories for U.S., EU and global developments.
European Integration as New National Mythology: On The Resolution of the Macedonian Name Dispute
Authors: Nikolovski Dimitar
Published: September 2021

The paper examines the effect that the resolution of the naming dispute between North Macedonia and Greece has on the re-definition of the Macedonian nation. It discusses the narratives of supporters and opponents to the Prespa Agreement and poses the question of whether the European integration (under which auspices the name change occurred) has indeed served as new national mythology for Macedonians.
A vállalati kormányzás gyakorlata a magyarországi gyógyszeripari társaságoknál
Authors: Siklósi Árpád
Published: September 2021

A szerző dolgozatában a magyarországi gyógyszeripari cégek vállalati kormányzási gyakorlatát vizsgálta egy németországi kérdőív segítségével végzett felmérés alapján. A felmérés a vállalatok tulajdonosi szerkezetét, a menedzsment és a vezető testületek (igazgatóság és felügyelőbizottság) összetételét, működését, szerepét és a társaság működtetésére gyakorolt hatását vizsgálta. Emellett a kérdőív egy külön fejezetben kitért a vállalati működés egyéb érintetteinek befolyására is. A felmérés eredményeinek összegzéseként összegyűjtötte azokat a jellemzőket, amelyek a kapott válaszok tanúsága szerint általában igazak a magyarországi gyógyszeripari társaságok kormányzási gyakorlatára.
Modeling of bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced endometritis in rats and the possibility of its therapy using plasma enriched with soluble platelet factors
Authors: Potapnev M. , Pavlov K. , Doronina O. , Metelitsa T. , Anfinogenova E. , Davydov D. , Chegodaeva E. , Kurklinskaya G. , Naborovskaya A.
Published: September 2021

We presents results of a study on endometritis modeling in rats with double intravaginal administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The established endometrial inflammatory process was accompanied by a decrease in the weight of animals, an increase in the weight of the uterus, neutrophilic infiltration, edema, and overexpression of cyclooxygenase in endometrium on 30-45 days after the start of endometritis induction. Local intravaginal use of plasma enriched with soluble platelet factors/platelet-rich plasma (PORFT/PRP) caused a decrease in the intensity of the inflammatory process and the rate of neutrophil infiltration of the endometrium, a decrease in the intensity of cyclooxygenase, interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-β expression, and an increase in the body weight of animals. The conclusion was made on the possibility of creating model of endometritis in rats by double administration of LPS and the ability of local administration of PORFT/PRP to have a therapeutic effect on the inflammatory process in the endometrium.