bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The obesity paradigm and the role of health services in obesity prevention: a grounded theory approach
Authors: Pearce Claire , Rychetnik Lucie , Wilson Andrew
Published: February 2021

Background

Health services have a clear role in the treatment of obesity and diseases linked to obesity but a less well-established role in prevention, particularly in hospital and community-based health services.

Methods

The aim of this research was to examine whether and how hospital and community-based health services incorporate adult obesity prevention into policy and practice. The case study setting was an Australian based health service. Grounded theory informed all aspects of the research including participant recruitment, data collection and data analysis. A systems approach guided the analysis of diverse perspectives, relationships and interconnections within the study context.

Results

The prevailing paradigm within the health service is that obesity is a matter of choice. This dominant perspective combined with a disease focused medical model overly simplifies the complex issue of obesity and reinforces the paradigm which treats obesity as a matter of individual responsibility. A focus on individual change hinders health services from playing an effective role in obesity prevention and leads to unintended consequences, including increasing stigma.

Conclusions

Health service responses to obesity and its prevention compound the negative elements associated with obesity for individuals and are ineffective in creating positive change at individual or a societal level. An alternative systems-level approach is needed to align health service responses with contemporary approaches that address obesity prevention as a complex problem.
Strategies for spinal surgery reimbursement: bundling in the working-age population
Authors: Dalton Michael K. , Mjåset Christer , Manful Adoma , Helgeson Melvin D. , Wynn-Jones William , Cooper Zara , Koehlmoos Tracey P. , Weissman Joel S.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Bundled payments for spine surgery, which is known for having high overall cost with wide variation, have been previously studied in older adults. However, there has been limited work examining bundled payments in working-age patients. We sought to identify the variation in the cost of spine surgery among working age adults in a large, national insurance claims database.

Methods

We queried the TRICARE claims database for all patients, aged 18–64, undergoing cervical and non-cervical spinal fusion surgery between 2012 and 2014. We calculated the case mix adjusted, price standardized payments for all aspects of care during the 60-, 90-, and 180-day periods post operation. Variation was assessed by stratifying Hospital Referral Regions into quintiles.

Results

After adjusting for case mix, there was significant variation in the cost of both cervical ($10,538.23, 60% of first quintile) and non-cervical ($20,155.59, 74%). Relative variation in total cost decreased from 60- to 180-days (63 to 55% and 76 to 69%). Index hospitalization was the primary driver of costs and variation for both cervical (1st-to-5th quintile range: $11,033–$19,960) and non-cervical ($18,565–$36,844) followed by readmissions for cervical ($0–$11,521) and non-cervical ($0–$13,932). Even at the highest quintile, post-acute care remained the lowest contribution to overall cost ($2070 & $2984).

Conclusions

There is wide variation in the cost of spine surgery across the United States for working age adults, driven largely by index procedure and readmissions costs. Our findings suggest that implementing episodes longer than the current 90-day standard would do little to better control cost variation.
EPHA7 mutation as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple cancers
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wu Hao-Xiang , Lin Wu-Hao , Wang Zi-Xian , Yang Lu-Ping , Zeng Zhao-Lei , Luo Hui-Yan
Published: February 2021

Background

A critical and challenging process in immunotherapy is to identify cancer patients who could benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Exploration of predictive biomarkers could help to maximize the clinical benefits. Eph receptors have been shown to play essential roles in tumor immunity. However, the association between EPH gene mutation and ICI response is lacking.

Methods

Clinical data and whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from published studies were collected and consolidated as a discovery cohort to analyze the association between EPH gene mutation and efficacy of ICI therapy. Another independent cohort from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) was adopted to validate our findings. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort was used to perform anti-tumor immunity and pathway enrichment analysis.

Results

Among fourteen EPH genes, EPHA7-mutant (EPHA7-MUT) was enriched in patients responding to ICI therapy (FDR adjusted P < 0.05). In the discovery cohort (n = 386), significant differences were detected between EPHA7-MUT and EPHA7-wildtype (EPHA7-WT) patients regarding objective response rate (ORR, 52.6% vs 29.1%, FDR adjusted P = 0.0357) and durable clinical benefit (DCB, 70.3% vs 42.7%, FDR adjusted P = 0.0200). In the validation cohort (n = 1144), significant overall survival advantage was observed in EPHA7-MUT patients (HR = 0.62 [95% confidence interval, 0.39 to 0.97], multivariable adjusted P = 0.0367), which was independent of tumor mutational burden (TMB) and copy number alteration (CNA). Notably, EPHA7-MUT patients without ICI therapy had significantly worse overall survival in TCGA cohort (HR = 1.33 [95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.67], multivariable adjusted P = 0.0139). Further gene set enrichment analysis revealed enhanced anti-tumor immunity in EPHA7-MUT tumor.

Conclusions

EPHA7-MUT successfully predicted better clinical outcomes in ICI-treated patients across multiple cancer types, indicating that EPHA7-MUT could serve as a potential predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors.
An edge-based statistical analysis of long non-coding RNA expression profiles reveals a negative association between Parkinson’s disease and colon cancer
Authors: Tian Suyan , Zhang Mingyue , Ma Zhiming
Published: February 2021

Background

Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, while Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Recent accumulating evidence indicates that these two diseases are associated with each other. Also, from the perspective of long non-coding RNAs, some well-known genes such as H19 and PVT1 can link these two diseases together. Several studies have shown that patients with PD had a decreased risk of developing CC compared with patients without PD. However, controversies surround the relationship between PD and CC, and to date, no concordant conclusion has been drawn.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to assess the association between these two diseases based on lncRNA-to-lncRNA interactions. Motivated by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis method, a customized procedure was proposed and used to identify differentially correlated edges (DCEs) in the respective interaction networks for PD and CC and explore how these two diseases are linked.

Results

Of the two sets of DCEs for PD and CC, 16 pairs overlapped. Among them, 15 edges had opposite signs, with positive signs for CC indicating a gain of connectivity, whereas negative signs for PD indicating a loss of connectivity.

Conclusions

By using the lncRNA expression profiles, and a customized procedure, an answer to the question about how PD and CC are associated is provided.
Comparative genomics and transcriptomics analyses provide insights into the high yield and regulatory mechanism of Norvancomycin biosynthesis in Amycolatopsis orientalis NCPC 2-48
Authors: Li Xingxing , Zhang Cong , Zhao Ying , Lei Xuan , Jiang Zhibo , Zhang Xuexia , Zheng Zhihui , Si Shuyi , Wang Lifei , Hong Bin
Published: February 2021

Background

Norvancomycin has been widely used in clinic to treat against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and MRSE (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis) infections in China. Amycolatopsis orientalis NCPC 2-48, a high yield strain derived from A. orientalis CPCC 200066, has been applied in industrial large-scale production of norvancomycin by North China Pharmaceutical Group. However, the potential high-yield and regulatory mechanism involved in norvancomycin biosynthetic pathway has not yet been addressed.

Results

Here we sequenced and compared the genomes and transcriptomes of A. orientalis CPCC 200066 and NCPC 2-48. These two genomes are extremely similar with an identity of more than 99.9%, and no duplication and structural variation was found in the norvancomycin biosynthetic gene cluster. Comparative transcriptomic analysis indicated that biosynthetic genes of norvancomycin, as well as some primary metabolite pathways for the biosynthetic precursors of norvancomycin were generally upregulated. AoStrR1 and AoLuxR1, two cluster-situated regulatory genes in norvancomycin cluster, were 23.3-fold and 5.8-fold upregulated in the high yield strain at 48 h, respectively. Over-expression of AoStrR1 and AoLuxR1 in CPCC 200066 resulted in an increase of norvancomycin production, indicating their positive roles in norvancomycin biosynthesis. Furthermore, AoStrR1 can regulate the production of norvancomycin by directly interacting with at least 8 promoters of norvancomycin biosynthetic genes or operons.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the high yield of NCPC 2-48 can be ascribed to increased expression level of norvancomycin biosynthetic genes in its cluster as well as the genes responsible for the supply of its precursors. The norvancomycin biosynthetic genes are presumably regulated by AoStrR1 and AoLuxR1, of them AoStrR1 is possibly the ultimate pathway-specific regulator for the norvancomycin production. These results are helpful for further clarification of the holistic and pathway-specific regulatory mechanism of norvancomycin biosynthesis in the industrial production strain.
Decorating the surface of Escherichia coli with bacterial lipoproteins: a comparative analysis of different display systems
Authors: Nicchi Sonia , Giuliani Maria , Giusti Fabiola , Pancotto Laura , Maione Domenico , Delany Isabel , Galeotti Cesira L. , Brettoni Cecilia
Published: February 2021

Background

The display of recombinant proteins on cell surfaces has a plethora of applications including vaccine development, screening of peptide libraries, whole-cell biocatalysts and biosensor development for diagnostic, industrial or environmental purposes. In the last decades, a wide variety of surface display systems have been developed for the exposure of recombinant proteins on the surface of Escherichia coli, such as autotransporters and outer membrane proteins.

Results

In this study, we assess three approaches for the surface display of a panel of heterologous and homologous mature lipoproteins in E. coli: four from Neisseria meningitidis and four from the host strain that are known to be localised in the inner leaflet of the outer membrane. Constructs were made carrying the sequences coding for eight mature lipoproteins, each fused to the delivery portion of three different systems: the autotransporter adhesin involved in diffuse adherence-I (AIDA-I) from enteropathogenic E. coli, the Lpp’OmpA chimaera and a truncated form of the ice nucleation protein (INP), InaK-NC (N-terminal domain fused with C-terminal one) from Pseudomonas syringae. In contrast to what was observed for the INP constructs, when fused to the AIDA-I or Lpp’OmpA, most of the mature lipoproteins were displayed on the bacterial surface both at 37 and 25 °C as demonstrated by FACS analysis, confocal and transmission electron microscopy.

Conclusions

To our knowledge this is the first study that compares surface display systems using a number of passenger proteins. We have shown that the experimental conditions, including the choice of the carrier protein and the growth temperature, play an important role in the translocation of mature lipoproteins onto the bacterial surface. Despite all the optimization steps performed with the InaK-NC anchor motif, surface exposure of the passenger proteins used in this study was not achieved. For our experimental conditions, Lpp’OmpA chimaera has proved to be an efficient surface display system for the homologous passenger proteins although cell lysis and phenotype heterogeneity were observed. Finally, AIDA-I was found to be the best surface display system for mature lipoproteins (especially heterologous ones) in the E. coli host strain with no inhibition of growth and only limited phenotype heterogeneity.
The influence of psychological and cognitive states on error-related negativity evoked during post-stroke rehabilitation movements
Authors: Kumar Akshay , Fang Qiang , Pirogova Elena
Published: February 2021

Background

Recently, error-related negativity (ERN) signals are proposed to develop an assist-as-needed robotic stroke rehabilitation program. Stroke patients’ state-of-mind, such as motivation to participate and active involvement in the rehabilitation program, affects their rate of recovery from motor disability. If the characteristics of the robotic stroke rehabilitation program can be altered based on the state-of-mind of the patients, such that the patients remain engaged in the program, the rate of recovery from their motor disability can be improved. However, before that, it is imperative to understand how the states-of-mind of a participant affect their ERN signal.

Methods

This study aimed to determine the association between the ERN signal and the psychological and cognitive states of the participants. Experiments were conducted on stroke patients, which involved performing a physical rehabilitation exercise and a questionnaire to measure participants' subjective experience on four factors: motivation in participating in the experiment, perceived effort, perceived pressure, awareness of uncompleted exercise trials while performing the rehabilitation exercise. Statistical correlation analysis, EEG time-series and topographical analysis were used to assess the association between the ERN signals and the psychological and cognitive states of the participants.

Results

A strong correlation between the amplitude of the ERN signal and the psychological and cognitive states of the participants was observed, which indicate the possibility of estimating the said states using the amplitudes of the novel ERN signal.

Conclusions

The findings pave the way for the development of an ERN based dynamically adaptive assist-as-needed robotic stroke rehabilitation program of which characteristics can be altered to keep the participants’ motivation, effort, engagement in the rehabilitation program high. In future, the single-trial prediction ability of the novel ERN signals to predict the state-of-mind of stroke patients will be evaluated.
The impact of pain on the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Palestine
Authors: Samoudi Aseel F. , Marzouq Maha K. , Samara Ahmad M. , Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Al-Jabi Samah W.
Published: February 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease is considered as a global health problem. Hemodialysis (HD), following renal transplantation, is the most common form of renal replacement therapy. However, HD may impact the quality of life (QOL). Pain is a frequent complaint among this population that also affects their QOL. The purposes of this study were to assess pain and QOL among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on HD and to examine their association.

Methods

This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study that occurred in Palestine between August and November 2018. Brief Pain Inventory and European Quality of Life scale 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) scale, including its European Quality of Life visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) component, were used to assess pain and QOL, respectively.

Results

A total of 300 participants were included in the final study. The average age of the subjects was 54 ± 16 years. Their median EQ-5D score was 0.68 [0.54–0.88], whereas their median EQ-VAS score was 60 [40–75]. A statistically significant association of pain severity score with EQ-5D score was found (r = − 0.783, p < 0.001). The association between pain interference score and EQ-5D score was also found to be statistically significant (r = − 0.868, p < 0.001). Similarly, pain severity score was significantly assocsiated with EQ-VAS score (r = − 0.590, p < 0.001), the same as was the pain interference score (r = − 0.647, p < 0.001). Moreover, age, gender, BMI, employment, educational level, income level, dialysis vintage, previous kidney transplantation, and chronic medication use were all significantly correlated with QOL. Regression analysis showed that patients aged < 60 years (p < 0.001), those with lower pain severity scores (p = 0.003), and those with lower pain interference scores (p < 0.001) had significantly higher QOL scores.

Conclusions

Pain has a significant negative impact on QOL in ESRD patients undergoing HD. The subgroups that were at higher risk included elderly patients, females, those with higher BMI, those without a formal education, those unemployed, those living with low monthly income, smokers, those who have multiple comorbidities, and patients with longer dialysis vintage. Our findings provide reliable data for educators and clinicians working with HD patients.
The use of denosumab in the setting of acute pathological fracture through giant cell tumour of bone
Authors: Weschenfelder Wolfram , Abrahams John M. , Johnson Luke J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Denosumab (XgevaTM) is a fully human antibody to RANK-Ligand, an important signal mediator in the pathogenesis of giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB). The use of denosumab in the treatment of GCTB has changed the way in which these tumours are managed over the past years.

Case presentation

Described is the case of an acute fracture through a GCTB of the distal radius of a fit and well 32-year-old, non-smoking, female patient following a simple fall onto her outstretched, dominant hand. The aim was to enable joint sparing management for the patient, as opposed to an acute fusion procedure of the carpus. The patient underwent percutaneous k-wire fixation with application of plaster and immediate commencement with denosumab to halt the activity of the GCTB. Bone healing was rapid; plaster and k-wires were removed after 6 weeks. At 6 months denosumab, was ceased and an open curettage and grafting procedure of the tumour bed was undertaken (using MIIG X3, Wright Medical, aqueous calcium sulphate as graft material).

Conclusions

The use of denosumab in the acute setting of pathological fracture through giant cell tumour of bone allowing joint salvage has not been previously described. The treatment was well tolerated and functional outcomes are excellent, with very promising 4-year follow-up.

This novel approach may allow for more joint sparing strategies in the future for other patients in this difficult situation. Further cases will need to be gathered to establish this technique as a suitable treatment pathway.
Incidence and management of metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate in the ICU: An international observational study
Authors:   for the SODA-BIC investigators, Fujii Tomoko , Udy Andrew A. , Nichol Alistair , Bellomo Rinaldo , Deane Adam M. , El-Khawas Khaled , Thummaporn Naorungroj , Serpa Neto Ary , Bergin Hannah , Short-Burchell Robert , Chen Chin-Ming , Cheng Kuang-Hua , Cheng Kuo-Chen , Chia Clemente , Chiang Feng-Fan , Chou Nai-Kuan , Fazio Timothy , Fu Pin-Kuei , Ge Victor , Hayashi Yoshiro , Holmes Jennifer , Hu Ting-Yu , Huang Shih-Feng , Iguchi Naoya , Jones Sarah L. , Karumai Toshiyuki , Katayama Shinshu , Ku Shih-Chi , Lai Chao-Lun , Lee Bor-Jen , Liaw Wen-Jinn , Ong Chelsea T. W. , Paxton Lisa , Peppin Chloe , Roodenburg Owen , Saito Shinjiro , Santamaria John D. , Shehabi Yahya , Tanaka Aiko , Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Tsai Hsiao-En , Wang An-Yi , Wang Chen-Yu , Yeh Yu-Chang , Yu Chong-Jen , Yuan Kuo-Ching
Published: February 2021

Background

Metabolic acidosis is a major complication of critical illness. However, its current epidemiology and its treatment with sodium bicarbonate given to correct metabolic acidosis in the ICU are poorly understood.

Method

This was an international retrospective observational study in 18 ICUs in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan. Adult patients were consecutively screened, and those with early metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.3 and a Base Excess < –4 mEq/L, within 24-h of ICU admission) were included. Screening continued until 10 patients who received and 10 patients who did not receive sodium bicarbonate in the first 24 h (early bicarbonate therapy) were included at each site. The primary outcome was ICU mortality, and the association between sodium bicarbonate and the clinical outcomes were assessed using regression analysis with generalized linear mixed model.

Results

We screened 9437 patients. Of these, 1292 had early metabolic acidosis (14.0%). Early sodium bicarbonate was given to 18.0% (233/1292) of these patients. Dosing, physiological, and clinical outcome data were assessed in 360 patients. The median dose of sodium bicarbonate in the first 24 h was 110 mmol, which was not correlated with bodyweight or the severity of metabolic acidosis. Patients who received early sodium bicarbonate had higher APACHE III scores, lower pH, lower base excess, lower PaCO2, and a higher lactate and received higher doses of vasopressors. After adjusting for confounders, the early administration of sodium bicarbonate was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.44 to 1.62) for ICU mortality. In patients with vasopressor dependency, early sodium bicarbonate was associated with higher mean arterial pressure at 6 h and an aOR of 0.52 (95% CI, 0.22 to 1.19) for ICU mortality.

Conclusions

Early metabolic acidosis is common in critically ill patients. Early sodium bicarbonate is administered by clinicians to more severely ill patients but without correction for weight or acidosis severity. Bicarbonate therapy in acidotic vasopressor-dependent patients may be beneficial and warrants further investigation.
GeneWalk identifies relevant gene functions for a biological context using network representation learning
Authors: Ietswaart Robert , Gyori Benjamin M. , Bachman John A. , Sorger Peter K. , Churchman L. Stirling
Published: February 2021

A bottleneck in high-throughput functional genomics experiments is identifying the most important genes and their relevant functions from a list of gene hits. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment methods provide insight at the gene set level. Here, we introduce GeneWalk (github.com/churchmanlab/genewalk) that identifies individual genes and their relevant functions critical for the experimental setting under examination. After the automatic assembly of an experiment-specific gene regulatory network, GeneWalk uses representation learning to quantify the similarity between vector representations of each gene and its GO annotations, yielding annotation significance scores that reflect the experimental context. By performing gene- and condition-specific functional analysis, GeneWalk converts a list of genes into data-driven hypotheses.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella species and Escherichia coli isolates from poultry feeds in Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Ngai Dorica Gakii , Nyamache Anthony Kebira , Ombori Omwoyo
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Contaminated poultry feeds can be a major source of E. coli and Salmonella infections in poultry. This study aimed at determining microbial load, prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella sp. and E. coli and associated resistance genes among isolates from poultry feeds.

Results

A total of 150 samples of different poultry feed types were randomly collected from selected sites within Ruiru Sub-County. The microbial load was determined, Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli were isolated and antimicrobial susceptibility test carried out. Antimicrobial resistance genes were also screened among the resistant isolates. Out of analyzed samples, 58% and 28% contained Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. respectively. Bacterial load ranged between 3.1 × 105 and 3.0 × 106 cfu/g. Highest resistance was against ampicillin (41%) for Salmonella sp. and (62%) for E. coli isolates. Ampicillin resistant isolates carried TEM and SHV genes. In addition, strB and Dfr resistance genes associated with streptomycin and cotri-moxazole were detected. All the isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. The study reveals high bacterial contamination, presence of beta-lactamase, aminoglycoside and sulphonamide resistance genes across isolates from poultry feeds. Therefore, contaminated poultry feeds with bacteria are likely to lead to increase in antimicrobial resistant strains across the community.
Effects of short-term methionine and cysteine restriction and enrichment with polyunsaturated fatty acids on oral glucose tolerance, plasma amino acids, fatty acids, lactate and pyruvate: results from a pilot study
Authors: Olsen Thomas , Øvrebø Bente , Turner Cheryl , Bastani Nasser E. , Refsum Helga , Vinknes Kathrine J.
Published: February 2021

Objective

In this 7-day pilot study we randomized healthy, normal-weight men and women to either a dietary intervention with methionine and cysteine restriction enriched in PUFA (Met/Cyslow + PUFA, n = 7) or with high contents of methionine, cysteine and SFA (Met/Cyshigh + SFA, n = 7). The objective was to describe the short-term responses in oral glucose tolerance, amino acid profile, total fatty acid profile, pyruvate and lactate following a Met/Cyslow + PUFA diet vs. Met/Cyshigh + SFA.

Results

The diet groups consisted of five women and two men, aged 20–38 years. After the 7-d intervention median pre- and post-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose concentrations were 5 mmol/L and 4 mmol/L respectively in the Met/Cyslow + PUFA group. In the Met/Cyshigh + SFA group, median pre- and post-OGTT glucose concentrations were 4.8 mmol/L and 4.65 mmol/L after the 7-d intervention. The responses in the amino acid profiles were similar in both groups during the intervention with the exception of serine. Fatty acids decreased from baseline to day 7 in both groups. Plasma lactate and pyruvate were similar for both groups with an increase to day 3 before approaching baseline values at day 7.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02647970, registration date: January 6th 2016.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as the first manifestation of mixed connective tissue disorder: a case report
Authors: Machiraju Phani Krishna , Alex Neetu Mariam , Safinaaz  , Sankaran Sriram
Published: February 2021

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological syndrome characterised by a range of neurological symptoms and signs, and distinctive neuroimaging findings reflecting vasogenic oedema. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has been described in association with many autoimmune diseases, but its association with mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is very rare. After an extensive review of the literature, we found only three cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in association with mixed connective tissue disorder. But unlike other cases, in our patient, PRES is the presenting manifestation of mixed connective tissue disorder which is first of its kind.

Case presentation

We present a 30-year-old female from Southern India who had initially reported with complaints of fever, multiple episodes of vomiting and cough with expectoration. She had accelerated hypertension and moderate thrombocytopenia. Two days later, she developed sudden onset of visual disturbances and had a drop in sensorium. Neuroimaging done was suggestive of atypical posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and autoimmune workup was positive for mixed connective tissue disorder. With prompt blood pressure control and anti-seizure medications, she recovered completely.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and prompt control of blood pressure, along with anti-seizure measures, play a crucial role in management. Awareness about this rare association is essential for early diagnosis and treatment, and therefore reducing the risk of permanent neurologic deficits. This case is being reported because of its rarity.
Global transcriptomic analysis reveals Lnc-ADAMTS9 exerting an essential role in myogenesis through modulating the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Liqi , He Ting , Zhang Xin , Wang Yubo , Qiu Kai , Jiao Ning , He Linjuan , Yin Jingdong
Published: February 2021

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging key regulators involved in a variety of biological processes such as cell differentiation and development. The balance between myogenesis and adipogenesis is crucial for skeletal muscle homeostasis in humans and meat quality in farm animals. The present study aimed to reveal the global transcriptomic profiles of adipogenic (Adi-) and myogenic (Myo-) precursors derived from porcine skeletal muscle and identify lncRNAs involved in the modulation of myogenesis homeostasis in porcine skeletal muscle.

Results

In this study, a total of 655 novel individual lncRNAs including differentially expressed 24 lncRNAs, and 755 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified (fold change ≥2 or ≤ 0.5 and adjustedP < 0.05). Integrated results of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis accompanied by the variation of intracellular Ca2+concentration highlighted Lnc-ADAMTS9 involved in the modulation of myogenesis homeostasis in porcine skeletal muscle. Although Lnc-ADAMTS9 knock-down did not alter the mRNA expression ofADAMTS9,we demonstrated that Lnc-ADAMTS9 can promote myogenic proliferation and myogenic differentiation of myogenic precursors through inhibiting the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.

Conclusion

We deciphered a comprehensive catalog of mRNAs and lncRNAs that might be involved in the regulation of myogenesis and adipogenesis homeostasis in the skeletal muscle of pigs. The Lnc-ADAMTS9 exerts an essential role in myogenesis through the ERK signaling pathway.
Testing an evidence-based drug abuse and violence preventive approach adapted for youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings
Authors: Williams Christopher , Griffin Kenneth W. , Mehta Ruchi K. , Botvin Gilbert J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Universal school-based prevention programs for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use are typically designed for all students within a particular school setting. However, it is unclear whether such broad-based programs are effective for youth at risk for substance use and violence in juvenile justice settings.

Method

The present study tested the feasibility, appropriateness, and efficacy of a preventive intervention to reduce risk factors for substance use and delinquency among youth in juvenile justice diversionary settings by promoting positive youth development and building personal strengths and prosocial relationships. Participants in the study (N = 288) were predominantly male (69%) and in the 9th grade (14 years old) or higher (91%), received the preventive intervention, and completed confidential questionnaires at the pre-test and post-test.

Results

The majority of youth who participated in the intervention rated the program topics (77.9%) and activities (72%) as appropriate for their age, would recommend it to their peers (73.6%), and would use the skills learned in the future (85.4%). Comparison of post-test adjusted means revealed that the prevention program had a significant positive impact on key knowledge, attitudes, and skills including goal-setting, stress-management, and communication skills.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that an evidence-based prevention approach adapted for youth diversionary settings can be effectively implemented and well-received by participating youth, and can produce positive changes in psychosocial skills and protective factors known to prevent multiple risk behaviors among youth. Future efforts to implement substance use prevention in community juvenile justice settings may benefit from highlighting a positive youth development, skills-based approach.
Psychometric qualities of the English Coping Scales of the Stress and Coping Inventory in a representative UK sample
Authors: O’Rourke Teresa , Budimir Sanja , Pieh Christoph , Probst Thomas
Published: February 2021

Background

The Coping Scales of the Stress and Coping Inventory (SCI; Satow in Stress- und Coping-Inventar (SCI): Test- und Skalendokumentation. Stress and coping inventory. http://www.drsatow.de, 2012) are well-established German self-report scales measuring five coping styles: Positive Thinking, Active Coping, Social Support, Support in Faith, and Alcohol and Cigarette Consumption. The purpose of this study was to translate the scales into English and to psychometrically evaluate this English version of the SCI coping scales with a representative sample of the UK population.

Methods

The coping scales of the SCI were forward–backward translated into English and administered to a representative sample according to age, gender, education, and region for the UK (N = 1006). Internal consistencies, factorial validity, and construct validity were assessed for both the original factor structure of the SCI, as well as a newly identified factor structure.

Results

The results for the original factor structure indicated good internal consistency and construct validity. The adaptive coping styles of this version were positively correlated with resilience and negatively with perceived stress. The maladaptive coping strategy, alcohol and cigarette consumption, showed the opposite correlations. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the English version resulted in a five-factor structure, but some items loaded on different factors than in the German version. These new factors were Religious Coping, Social Support, Various Coping, Alcohol and Cigarette Consumption, and Reflective Coping. The novel factors showed similar correlations to resilience and perceived stress as the original factor structure. Only religious coping did not significantly correlate to perceived stress. Confirmatory factor analysis with the original factor structure of the German SCI coping scales revealed poor model fit for the English SCI coping scales.

Conclusion

The English SCI coping scales consistently and accurately measure five different coping styles. Nevertheless, the original factor structure of the SCI coping scales, when applied to an English-speaking sample, did not fit the data well. The new factor structure established by EFA is only preliminary and needs further validation in future large samples using the English version of the SCI coping scales.
Array databases: concepts, standards, implementations
Authors: Baumann Peter , Misev Dimitar , Merticariu Vlad , Huu Bang Pham
Published: February 2021

Multi-dimensional arrays (also known as raster data or gridded data) play a key role in many, if not all science and engineering domains where they typically represent spatio-temporal sensor, image, simulation output, or statistics “datacubes”. As classic database technology does not support arrays adequately, such data today are maintained mostly in silo solutions, with architectures that tend to erode and not keep up with the increasing requirements on performance and service quality. Array Database systems attempt to close this gap by providing declarative query support for flexible ad-hoc analytics on large n-D arrays, similar to what SQL offers on set-oriented data, XQuery on hierarchical data, and SPARQL and CIPHER on graph data. Today, Petascale Array Database installations exist, employing massive parallelism and distributed processing. Hence, questions arise about technology and standards available, usability, and overall maturity. Several papers have compared models and formalisms, and benchmarks have been undertaken as well, typically comparing two systems against each other. While each of these represent valuable research to the best of our knowledge there is no comprehensive survey combining model, query language, architecture, and practical usability, and performance aspects. The size of this comparison differentiates our study as well with 19 systems compared, four benchmarked to an extent and depth clearly exceeding previous papers in the field; for example, subsetting tests were designed in a way that systems cannot be tuned to specifically these queries. It is hoped that this gives a representative overview to all who want to immerse into the field as well as a clear guidance to those who need to choose the best suited datacube tool for their application. This article presents results of the Research Data Alliance (RDA) Array Database Assessment Working Group (ADA:WG), a subgroup of the Big Data Interest Group. It has elicited the state of the art in Array Databases, technically supported by IEEE GRSS and CODATA Germany, to answer the question: how can data scientists and engineers benefit from Array Database technology? As it turns out, Array Databases can offer significant advantages in terms of flexibility, functionality, extensibility, as well as performance and scalability—in total, the database approach of offering “datacubes” analysis-ready heralds a new level of service quality. Investigation shows that there is a lively ecosystem of technology with increasing uptake, and proven array analytics standards are in place. Consequently, such approaches have to be considered a serious option for datacube services in science, engineering and beyond. Tools, though, vary greatly in functionality and performance as it turns out.
Noni fruit’s water spot appearance on the second day of harvest: a trade-off between resistance and energy
Authors: Wu Tian , Hu Danyan , Wang Qingfen
Published: February 2021

Background

Noni (Morinda citrifoliaLinn.) is a tropical tree that bears climacteric fruit. Previous observations and research have shown that the second day (2 d) after harvest is the most important demarcation point when the fruit has the same appearance as the freshly picked fruit (0 d); however, they are beginning to become water spot appearance. We performed a conjoint analysis of metabolome and transcriptome data for noni fruit of 0 d and 2 d to reveal what happened to the fruit at the molecular level. Genes and metabolites were annotated to KEGG pathways and the co-annotated KEGG pathways were used as a statistical analysis.

Results

We found 25 pathways that were significantly altered at both metabolic and transcriptional levels, including a total of 285 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 11 differential metabolites through an integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. The energy metabolism and pathways originating from phenylalanine were disturbed the most. The upregulated resistance metabolites and genes implied the increase of resistance and energy consumption in the postharvest noni fruit. Most genes involved in glycolysis were downregulated, further limiting the available energy. This lack of energy led noni fruit to water spot appearance, a prelude to softening. The metabolites and genes related to the resistance and energy interacted and restricted each other to keep noni fruit seemingly hard within two days after harvest, but actually the softening was already unstoppable.

Conclusions

This study provides a new insight into the relationship between the metabolites and genes of noni fruit, as well as a foundation for further clarification of the post-ripening mechanism in noni fruit.
Forest land use discontinuity and northern red oak Quercus rubra introduction change biomass allocation and life strategy of lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Authors: Woziwoda Beata , Dyderski Marcin K. , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Multi-purpose use of forests in a sustainable way forces a recognition of how introduction of alien woody species in forests with different land use histories affect native plants other than trees. Lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea is an important understory component of temperate and boreal forests and provider of valuable non-wood forest products. Here we studied effects of land use changes and introduction of Northern red oak Quercus rubra on lingonberry in mesic Scots pine forests (in central Poland). We measured lingonberry cover, height of shoots, biomass of stems and leaves, and fruit productivity. Shoots were collected within 200 research plots located in recent and ancient Scots pine forests, with and without Q. rubra.

Results

We found that V. vitis-idaea reached lower cover, aboveground biomass and fruit production in recent than ancient forests and in forests with than without Q. rubra. The fruit production in recent pine forest was only 2% of that reported in ancient pine forest, and V. vitis-idaea did not reproduce generatively in forests with Q. rubra. Biomass and carbon sequestration of V. vitis-idaea in forests with alien (invasive) trees decreased by 75% compared to ancient pine forest. Effects were also clear at the individual shoot level – in less suitable conditions we found taller heights and higher biomass allocation into stems than foliage. Biomass allocation in fruiting and non-fruiting shoots in pine forests was also different – less of the dry biomass of fruiting shoots was allocated to leaves than to stems.

Conclusions

In the age of high interest in ecosystem services and discussions about usage of alien tree species as alternatives in forest management, our results clearly indicate disruption of ecosystem services provided by V. vitis-idaea in the presence of Q. rubra. Lingonberry benefited from the continuity of forest land use, however, regardless of land-use legacy, alien tree introduction led to decline in abundance of species crucial for ecosystem functioning. Therefore, to maintain valuable native species and for conservation of ecosystem services delivery, we suggest limiting the introduction of Q. rubra in areas with abundant V. vitis-idaea, especially in forests with continuous forest land-use history.
Factors affecting serum phenobarbital concentration changes in pediatric patients receiving elixir and powder formulations
Authors: Shiraishi Chihiro , Matsuda Hiroko , Ogura Toru , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: February 2021

Background

Phenobarbital (PB) is commonly used as elixir and powder formulations in pediatric care. Its dose adjustment is performed based on individual drug concentration monitoring. Few studies have comprehensively analyzed the variation factors for serum PB concentration. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the factors that influence serum PB concentration and assessed the impacts of dosage formulation and administration route.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study covered clinical data from January 2007 to September 2019 at Mie University Hospital. The present study included 60 pediatric patients administered the elixir and powder of PB through oral route and enteral tube. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors that affect the weight-corrected PB serum concentration/dose (C/D) ratio in pediatric patients. Six subgroups were also established according to the concomitant use of drugs that potentially inhibit PB metabolism, dosage formulation, and administration route to investigate the difference in the PB C/D ratio among the subgroups.

Results

A significant regression equation to predict the PB C/D ratio was found through simple and multiple linear regression analyses, with an adjusted coefficient of determination of 0.53 (p < 0.001). Further, the concomitant uses of valproic acid (VPA) or amiodarone, which were the only two drugs seen in this study as potential inhibitors of PB, was found to have the greatest effect on the PB C/D ratio (standardized partial regression coefficient (β) = 0.543, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference in the PB C/D ratio was found between the subgroups classified by the concomitant use of VPA or amiodarone (p = 0.002). However, there were no significant correlations between the PB C/D ratio, dosage formulation, and administration route.

Conclusions

The most influential factor on the PB C/D ratio was the concomitant use of VPA or amiodarone with PB. This result could provide an important perspective in pediatric drug therapy where elixir and powder formulations are administered via the oral route and enteral tube.
“No weight for height” case detection strategies for therapeutic feeding programs: sensitivity to acute malnutrition and target composition based on representative surveys in humanitarian settings
Authors: Guesdon Benjamin , Couture Alexia , Lesieur Elise , Bilukha Oleg
Published: February 2021

Background

One newly proposed approach to determining eligibility of children aged 6–59 months for therapeutic feeding programs (TFPs) is to use mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 115 mm, bilateral oedema or Weight-for-Age Z-score (WAZ) < − 3 as admission criteria (MUAC+SWAZ). We explored potential consequences of this approach on the eligibility for treatment, as compared with the existing WHO normative guidance. We also compared sensitivity and specificity parameters of this approach for detecting wasted children to the previously described “Expanded MUAC” approach.

Methods

We analyzed data from 558 population representative cross-sectional cluster surveys conducted since 2007. We retrieved all children classified as severe acute malnutrition (SAM), moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), and those who are both wasted and stunted (WA + ST), and calculated proportions of previously eligible children who would now be excluded from treatment, as well as proportions of non-malnourished children among those who would become eligible. We also analyzed the expected changes in the number and demographics (sex, age) of the selected populations of children according to the different admission approaches.

Results

Both MUAC+SWAZ and Expanded MUAC case detection approaches substantially increase the sensitivity in detecting SAM, as compared to an approach which restricts detection of SAM cases to MUAC< 115 mm and oedema. Improved sensitivity however is attained at the expense of specificity and would require a very large increase of the size of TFPs, while still missing a non-negligible proportion (20–25%) of the SAM caseload. While our results confirm the sensitivity of the MUAC+SWAZ case detection approach in detecting WA + ST (over 80%), they show, on the other hand, that about half of the additional target detected by using SWAZ criterion will be neither SAM nor WA + ST.

Conclusions

These results suggest that recently promoted approaches to case detection inflate TFPs’ targets through the allocation of treatment to large numbers of children who have not been shown to require this type of support, including a significant proportion of non-acutely malnourished children in the MUAC+SWAZ approach. Considering the scarcity of resources for the implementation of TFPs, the rationale of abandoning the use of WHZ and of these alternative case detection strategies need to be critically reviewed.