bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Children and Adolescents With Cancer Infected With SARS-CoV-2 at a Tertiary Care Medical Center in Jordan
Authors: Al-Sweedan Suleimman Ahmad , Samara Dua’ N. , Hamaidi Mo’ath A. , Al-Hamad Maram M. , Alsweedan Dalia , Jaradat Saied
Published: April 2022

Background:

Our knowledge about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is still evolving; its effects on children with cancer need to be studied more. The aim of this study is to present our experience with SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population and to highlight specific complications and outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective and prospective observational study, which involved 21 cancer patients below the age of 18 years in north Jordan. Data regarding their age, sex, cancer type and progression, phase of treatment, and others were collected and reviewed. Patients were classified into confirmed, probable, and suspect according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2021 classification.

Results:

A total of 21 patients with malignancy were included. Ten patients were males (48%). Mean age of 8.8 years (3 mo to 18 y). Two patients (9.5%) had died; one (4.7%) death was coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related and the other one (4.7%) was due to cancer progression. Two patients (9.5%) had multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Both disease progression and new malignancies were documented in 11 (52%) of our patients.

Conclusions:

Diagnosis of COVID-19 should not distract physicians from investigating new malignancy or relapse as they may come together or may be related to COVID-19 infection. More studies are needed to identify the contribution of SARS-CoV-2 in the pathogenesis of cancer.
The Greater Occipital Nerve and Its Dynamic Compression Points: Implications in Migraine Surgery
Authors: Chung Michael , Lu Karen B. , Sanniec Kyle , Amirlak Bardia
Published: April 2022

Background:

The greater occipital nerve is a common compression site for migraine or chronic headache, and variable relationships with the occipital artery have been shown in anatomical studies. Despite surgical decompression, there are still a subset of patients who have an incomplete response. In this article, the authors describe an observed clear and very consistent pattern between the nerve and artery, including both dynamic and static compression points, that must be evaluated for adequate treatment.

Methods:

Seventy-one patients underwent occipital nerve decompression with high-definition videos and photographs, and the dynamic relationship between the greater occipital nerve and the occipital artery was recorded in a retrospective review.

Results:

A consistent pattern existed in 92 percent of patients, as follows: (1) hidden proximal dynamic compression of the bottom surface of the nerve as the occipital artery comes laterally to dive under the greater occipital nerve; (2) more apparent dynamic compression on the upper surface of the nerve as the occipital artery loops back on top of the greater occipital nerve; (3) intertwining compression after the bifurcation of the greater occipital nerve as the artery wraps around the medial branch; and (4) parallel travel of the terminal branch of the greater occipital nerve with the occipital artery in close proximity.

Conclusions:

There is a consistent pattern in the relationship between the greater occipital nerve and the occipital artery after its exit from the trapezius fascia. It is possible that this relationship creates dynamic compression points, including hidden areas, that can only be deactivated by radical excision of the vessel.
Utilization of Leech Therapy after Rhinoplasty
Authors: Shtraks Julie P. , Peng Grace L. , Nassif Paul S.
Published: April 2022

Background:

The use of medicinal leeches in modern reconstructive surgery is well-described. Leech therapy after rhinoplasty has not been previously well-characterized.

Methods:

The medical records of all patients who underwent open rhinoplasty by a single surgeon over a 4-year period were reviewed. Patient demographics, including age, sex, medical comorbidities, number of previous rhinoplasty surgeries, time to utilization of leech therapy, adjunct therapies used, resolution of skin changes, and smoking status, were recorded. Operative reports were reviewed for pertinent information, including number of tip grafts used, graft materials used, and placement of septal extension grafts or “unicorn” grafts.

Results:

Between April of 2016 and March of 2020, 545 patients underwent rhinoplasty performed by the senior author (P.S.N.). Of these patients, 39 (7.2 percent) underwent leech therapy postoperatively. The mean age of included patients was 47.4 years. Of the patients who required leech therapy, 34 (87.2 percent) had undergone revision rhinoplasty. The mean number of previous rhinoplasties was 3.4. The mean number of tip grafts used was 2.6. Thirty-three patients (84.6 percent) had either a traditional septal extension graft or unicorn graft placed. Nine patients (23.1 percent) were former smokers. Complete resolution of skin color changes was seen in 38 patients (97.4 percent). There were no major complications after leech therapy.

Conclusions:

Leech therapy is a useful tool for the rhinoplasty surgeon, particularly in the setting of complex revision rhinoplasty, in patients who have undergone multiple previous nasal surgical procedures, or in patients who require significant cartilage grafting to reconstruct the nasal tip or lengthen the nose.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Primary Intraosseous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Shuai , Fang Na , Zhang Jing , Wang Yan-Li
Published: April 2022

Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma is a highly malignant but rare tumor within jaws. We reported the 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible in a 42-year-old man. 18F-FDG PET/CT identified a cystic lesion in the mandible with irregular annular uptake of 18F-FDG, which has been confirmed as primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma pathologically.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Invasion of Main Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Chen Li-Yu , Chen Yen-Kung , Fang Yu-Wei
Published: April 2022

Infectious causes of pulmonary artery invasion are extremely rare. A 71-year-old man had history of progressive dyspnea with abnormal salty taste. Contrast CT showed a filling defect mass in the main pulmonary artery with extraluminal extension to the heart and mediastinum. FDG PET/CT revealed a mass lesion with intense FDG uptake in the main pulmonary artery and peripheral. There were lesions with intense FDG uptake in the middle mediastinum besides the ascending aorta. Malignant tumor was suspected. Later, he received tumor debulking excision. Pathology reports showed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, positive interferon-gamma release assays, and positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture.
Lymphoscintigraphic Findings of Scrotal Lymphangioma
Authors: Shen Guohua , Kuang Anren
Published: April 2022

As congenital lymphatic malformations, lymphangiomas commonly occur in the neck, tongue, and extremities, whereas scrotum is one of the least frequent sites. For this lymphatic flow disease, lymphoscintigraphy is regarded as a useful imaging method. Herein, in a child with scrotal cysts, scrotal region activity was detected in lymphoscintigraphy, consistent with likely lymphatic disorder. The postsurgical pathology confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangioma.
Hemodynamic Effects of High-dose Levothyroxine and Methylprednisolone in Brain-dead Potential Organ Donors
Authors: Van Bakel Adrian B. , Hino Sheryl A. , Welker Darla , Morella Kristen , Gregoski Mathew J. , Craig Michael L. , Crumbley Arthur J. , Sade Robert M.
Published: April 2022

Background.

Hormonal replacement therapy is administered to many brain-dead organ donors to improve hemodynamic stability. Previous clinical studies present conflicting results with several randomized studies reporting no benefit.

Methods.

Consecutive adult donors (N = 199) were randomized to receive high-dose levothyroxine, high-dose methylprednisolone, both (Combo), or no hormonal therapy (Control). Vasopressor requirements using the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) were assessed at baseline, 4 h, and at procurement. Crossover to the Combo group was sufficient to require separate intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.

Results.

In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean (±SD) reduction in VIS from baseline to procurement was 1.6 ± 2.6, 14.9 ± 2.6, 10.9 ± 2.6, and 7.1 ± 2.6 for the levothyroxine, methylprednisolone, Combo, and Control groups, respectively. While controlling for the baseline score, the reduction in VIS was significantly greater in the methylprednisolone and Combo groups and significantly less in the levothyroxine group compared with controls. Results were similar in the per-protocol analysis.

Conclusions.

High-dose methylprednisolone alone or in combination with levothyroxine allowed for significant reduction in vasopressor support in organ donors. Levothyroxine alone offered no advantage in reducing vasopressor support. Organ yield, transplantation rates, and recipient outcomes were not adversely affected.
Role of Fibrinogen in Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy
Authors: Meizoso Jonathan P , Moore Ernest E , Pieracci Fredric M , Saberi Rebecca A , Ghasabyan Arsen , Chandler James , Namias Nicholas , Sauaia Angela
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Fibrinogen is the first coagulation factor to decrease after massive hemorrhage. European massive transfusion guidelines recommend early repletion of fibrinogen; however, this practice has not been widely adopted in the US. We hypothesize that hypofibrinogenemia is common at hospital arrival and is an integral component of trauma-induced coagulopathy.

STUDY DESIGN:

This study entailed review of a prospective observational database of adults meeting the highest-level activation criteria at an urban level 1 trauma center from 2014 through 2020. Resuscitation was initiated with 2:1 red blood cell (RBC) to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) ratios and continued subsequently with goal-directed thrombelastography. Hypofibrinogenemia was defined as fibrinogen below 150 mg/dL. Massive transfusion (MT) was defined as more than 10 units RBC or death after receiving at least 1 unit RBC over the first 6 hours of admission.

RESULTS:

Of 476 trauma activation patients, 70 (15%) were hypofibrinogenemic on admission, median age was 34 years, 78% were male, median New Injury Severity Score (NISS) was 25, and 72 patients died (15%). Admission fibrinogen level was an independent risk factor for MT (odds ratio [OR] 0.991, 95% CI 0.987–0.996]. After controlling for confounders, NISS (OR 1.034, 95% CI 1.017–1.052), systolic blood pressure (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.983–0.998), thrombelastography angle (OR 0.925, 95% CI 0.896–0.954), and hyperfibrinolysis (OR 2.530, 95% CI 1.160–5.517) were associated with hypofibrinogenemia. Early cryoprecipitate administration resulted in the fastest correction of hypofibrinogenemia.

CONCLUSION:

Hypofibrinogenemia is common after severe injury and predicts MT. Cryoprecipitate transfusion results in the most expeditious correction. Earlier administration of cryoprecipitate should be considered in MT protocols.
Machine Learning Approach to Stratifying Prognosis Relative to Tumor Burden after Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases: An International Cohort Analysis
Authors: Paro Alessandro , Hyer Madison J , Tsilimigras Diamantis I , Guglielmi Alfredo , Ruzzenente Andrea , Alexandrescu Sorin , Poultsides George , Aucejo Federico , Cloyd Jordan M , Pawlik Timothy M
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Assessing overall tumor burden on the basis of tumor number and size may assist in prognostic stratification of patients after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). We sought to define the prognostic accuracy of tumor burden by using machine learning (ML) algorithms compared with other commonly used prognostic scoring systems.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM between 2001 and 2018 were identified from a multi-institutional database and split into training and validation cohorts. ML was used to define tumor burden (ML-TB) based on CRLM tumor number and size thresholds associated with 5-year overall survival. Prognostic ability of ML-TB was compared with the Fong and Genetic and Morphological Evaluation scores using Cohen’s d.

RESULTS:

Among 1,344 patients who underwent resection of CRLM, median tumor number (2, interquartile range 1 to 3) and size (3 cm, interquartile range 2.0 to 5.0) were comparable in the training (n = 672) vs validation (n = 672) cohorts; patient age (training 60.8 vs validation 61.0) and preoperative CEA (training 10.2 ng/mL vs validation 8.3 ng/mL) was also similar (p > 0.05). ML empirically derived optimal cutoff thresholds for number of lesions (3) and size of the largest lesion (1.3 cm) in the training cohort, which were then used to categorize patients in the validation cohort into 3 prognostic groups. Patients with low, average, or high ML-TB had markedly different 5-year overall survival (51.6%, 40.9%, and 23.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). ML-TB was more effective at stratifying patients relative to 5-year overall survival (low vs high ML-TB, d = 2.73) vs the Fong clinical (d = 1.61) or Genetic and Morphological Evaluation (d = 0.84) scores.

CONCLUSIONS:

Using a large international cohort, ML was able to stratify patients into 3 distinct prognostic categories based on overall tumor burden. ML-TB was noted to be superior to other CRLM prognostic scoring systems.
Preoperative Opioid Dose and Surgical Outcomes in Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Lo Brian D , Zhang George Q , Canner Joseph K , Stem Miloslawa , Taylor James P , Atallah Chady , Efron Jonathan E , Safar Bashar
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

The worsening opioid epidemic has led to an increased number of surgical patients with chronic preoperative opioid use. However, the impact of opioids on perioperative outcomes has yet to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between preoperative opioid dose and surgical outcomes among colectomy patients.

METHODS:

Adult colectomy patients in the IBM MarketScan database (2010–2017) were stratified based on preoperative opioid dose, calculated as the average opioid dose in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) in the 90 days prior to surgery: 0 MME, 1 to 49 MME, and 50 or more MME. The association between preoperative opioid dose and anastomotic leak, the primary outcome of interest, as well as other postoperative complications, was assessed using multivariable regression.

RESULTS:

Among 45,515 adult colectomy patients, 71.4% did not use opioids (0 MME), 27.4% had an opioid dose between 1 and 49 MME, and 1.2% had an opioid dose at or above 50 MME. Patients with preoperative opioid use exhibited a higher incidence of anastomotic leak (0 MME: 4.8%, 1–49 MME: 5.5%, ≥50 MME: 8.3%; p trend = 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated a dose–response relationship between preoperative opioids and surgical outcomes, as the odds of anastomotic leak worsened with increasing opioid dose (1–49 MME: OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08–1.31, p < 0.001; ≥50 MME: OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.20–2.24, p = 0.002). Similar dose–response relationships were seen after risk-adjustment for lung complications, pneumonia, delirium, and 30-day readmission (p < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS:

Providers should exercise caution when prescribing opioids preoperatively, as increasing doses of preoperative opioids were associated with worse surgical outcomes and higher 30-day readmission among adult colectomy patients.
Deep learning applied to 4-electrode EEG resting-state data detects depression in an untrained external population
Authors: Jan Damian , de Vega Manuel , López-Pigüi Joana , Padrón Iván
Published: April 2022

In this study we trained and tested several deep learning algorithms to classify depressive individuals and controls based on their electroencephalography data. Traditionally, classification methods based on electroencephalography resting-state are based primarily on linear features or a combination of linear and non-linear features. Based on different theoretical grounds, some authors claim that the more electrodes, the more accurate the classifiers, while others consider that working on a selection of electrodes is a better approach□. In this study, a data-driven approach was initially applied on a selection of electrodes to classify 25 depressive and 24 control participants. Using a classifier with just four electrodes, based on non-linear features with high temporo-spatial complexity, proved accurate enough to classify depressive and control participants. After the classifier was internally trained and tested, it was applied to electroencephalography resting-state data of control and depressive individuals available from a public database, obtaining a classifier accuracy of 93% in the depressive and 100% in the control group. This validates the generalizability of the classifier to untrained data from different teams, populations and settings. We conclude that time-window span analysis is a promising approach to understand the neural dynamics of depression and to develop an independent biomarker.
Cerebrovascular risk factors impact brain phenotypes and cognitive function in healthy population
Authors: Li Bingli , Wei Yiran , Zhang Kaijia , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane , Rudd James , Li Chao
Published: April 2022

Cognitive decline is a major characteristic of ageing. Studies show that cardiovascular risk factors (CVR) are associated with cognitive declines and brain phenotypes, but the causality between CVR and cognitive function needs further understanding. In this study, we seek to investigate the causalities between CVR, brain phenotypes and cognitive function. We first generate a general factor (gCVR) representing common CVR and a score representing the polygenic risk (PRS). We then identify phenotypes of brain and cognitive functions associated with gCVR and PRS. Moreover, we conduct causal mediation analysis to evaluate the indirect effect of PRS through CVR, which infers the causality of gCVR on brain phenotypes and cognition. Further, we test the mediation effect of gCVR on the total effect of brain phenotypes on cognitive function. Finally, the causality between CVR and brain phenotypes is cross validated using Mendelian randomization (MR) with genetic instruments. The results show that CVR mediates the effect of PRS on brain phenotypes and cognitive function, and CVR also mediates the effect of brain phenotypes on cognitive changes. Additionally, we validate that the variation in a few brain phenotypes., e.g., volume of grey matter, are caused by CVR.
Stochastic analysis of frequency bandwidth and noise attenuation in neurotransmission
Authors: Vahdat Zahra , Singh Abhyudai
Published: April 2022

Action potential (AP)-triggered neurotransmitter release forms the key basis of inter-neuronal communication. We present a stochastic hybrid system model that captures the release of neurotransmitter-filled vesicles from a presynaptic neuron. More specifically, vesicles arrive as a Poisson process to attach at a given number of docking sites, and each docked vesicle has a certain probability of release when an AP is generated in the presynaptic neuron. The released neurotransmitters enhance the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron, and this increase is coupled to the continuous exponential decay of the membrane potential. The buildup of potential to a critical threshold level results in an AP firing in the postsynaptic neuron, with the potential subsequently resetting back to its resting level. Our model analysis develops formulas that quantify the fluctuations in the number of released vesicles and mechanistically connects them to fluctuations in both the postsynaptic membrane potential and the AP firing times. Increasing the frequency of APs in the presynaptic neuron leads to saturation effects on the postsynaptic side, resulting in a limiting frequency range of neurotransmission. Interestingly, AP firing in the postsynaptic neuron becomes more precise with increasing AP frequency in the presynaptic neuron. We also investigate how noise in AP timing varies with different parameters, such as the probability of releases, the number of docking sites, the voltage threshold for AP firing, and the timescale of voltage decay. In summary, our results provide a systematic understanding of how stochastic mechanisms in neurotransmission enhance or impinge the precision of AP fringing times.
Thirteen-fold variation between states in clozapine prescriptions to United States Medicaid patients
Authors: Benito Rizelyn A. , Gatusky Michael H. , Panoussi Mariah W. , McCall Kenneth L. , Suparmanian Anisa S. , Piper Brian J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Clozapine was the first atypical antipsychotic for treating schizophrenia, with a long history of controversy over its usage. Guidelines currently recommend clozapine for patients diagnosed with refractory schizophrenia. However, this agent may be underutilized because of the costs associated with close monitoring of its adverse effects, particularly agranulocytosis. This is unfortunate because clozapine has demonstrated greater effectiveness compared with other antipsychotics. It is essential to examine clozapine usage to determine if it is being adequately utilized among United States (US) Medicaid patients.

Methods

Medicaid data, including the number of quarterly clozapine prescriptions and the number of Medicaid enrollees in each state from 2015-2019, was collected and used to evaluate clozapine use over time. Data-analysis and figures were prepared with Excel and GraphPad Prism. Exploratory correlations were completed between prescriptions per enrollee and other factors.

Results

The number of prescriptions, corrected for the number of enrollees in Medicaid, was generally consistent over time. However, average prescriptions per quarter were markedly lower in 2017 compared with other years, decreasing by 44.4% from 2016 average prescriptions per quarter. From 2015 to 2019, states from the upper Midwest and Northeast regions of the country had the highest average clozapine prescriptions per 10,000 Medicaid enrollees (ND: 190.0, SD: 176.6, CT: 166.2). States from the Southeast and Southwest had much lower average rates (NV: 17.9, KY: 19.3, MS: 19.7). There was an over ten-fold difference in clozapine prescriptions between states from 2015-2019 (2015 = 19.9-fold, 2016=11.4 fold, 2017=11.6 fold, 2018=13.3 fold, and 2019=13.0 fold). There was a moderate correlation of (r(48) = 0.49,p< .05) between prescriptions per 10,000 enrollees and the Medicaid spending per enrollee in each state in 2019. There was a small, but significant, correlation between prescriptions per enrollee and percent white (r(48) = 0.30,p< .05).

Conclusion

Clozapine is an important pharmacotherapy for refractory schizophrenia. Overall, clozapine use tends to be highest among the upper Midwest and Northeast states. Further research is ongoing to better understand the origins of the thirteen-fold regional disparities in clozapine use in 2019 and the state level variation in Medicaid spending.
SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune globulin for severely immunocompromised patients with COVID-19: a randomised, controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trial
Authors: Huygens Sammy , Hofsink Quincy , Nijhof Inger S , Goorhuis Abraham , Kater Arnon P , te Boekhorst Peter AW , Swaneveld Francis , Novotný Věra MJ , Bogers Susanne , Welkers Matthijs RA , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Rijnders Bart J , Heijmans Jarom
Published: April 2022

Background

Severely immunocompromised patients are at risk for severe COVID-19. Benefit from convalescent plasma in these patients is suggested but data from randomised trials are lacking. The aim of this study is to determine efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune globulin (“COVIG”) in treatment of severely immunocompromised, hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Methods

In this randomised, controlled, double-blind, multicentre, phase 3 trial, severely immunocompromised patients who were hospitalised with symptomatic COVID-19 were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 15 grams of COVIG or 15 grams of intravenous immunoglobulin without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IVIG, control). Patients included were solid organ transplant patients with three drugs from different immunosuppressive classes or patient with disease or treatment severely affecting B-cell function. Patients that required mechanical ventilation or high flow nasal oxygen were excluded. All investigators, research staff, and participants were masked to group allocation. The primary endpoint was occurrence of severe COVID-19 evaluated up until day 28 after treatment, defined as the need for mechanical ventilation, high-flow nasal oxygen, readmission for COVID-19 after hospital discharge or lack of clinical improvement on day seven or later. This trial is registered with Netherlands Trial Register (NL9436).

Findings

From April, 2021, to July, 2021, 18 participants were enrolled at three sites in the Netherlands; 18 patients were analysed. Recruitment was halted prematurely when casirivimab/imdevimab became the recommended therapy in the Dutch COVID-19 treatment guideline for seronegative, hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Median age was 58 years and all but two were negative for SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG at baseline. Severe COVID-19 was observed in two out of ten (20%) patients treated with COVIG compared to seven of eight (88%) in the IVIG control group (p= 0·015, Fisher’s exact test).

Interpretation

COVIG reduced the incidence of severe COVID-19 in severely immunocompromised patients, hospitalised with COVID-19. COVIG may be a valuable treatment in this patient group and can be used when no monoclonal antibody therapies are available.

Funding

The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation.
Priorities setting in mental health research: a scoping review
Authors: Benito-Amat C. , Güell E. , Molas-Gallart J.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Research processes are opening to stakeholders beyond the scientific community. We analyse the user involvement in the definition of research priorities in the field of mental health. Mental disorders represent a significant disease burden at a global scale and their identification and treatment involves caregivers, patients and related social groups such as family and friends. Therefore it is an area conducive to the application of participatory methods in priority setting. We present a scoping review of participatory methods in mental health priority setting for the period 2010-2020 to shed light on their spread and characteristics, the types of groups involved and the link with the priorities identified.

Methods

First we describe the eligibility criteria for the scoping review. We selected peer-reviewed documents published between 2010 and 2020 using MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, the Core Collection of the Web of Science and Scopus, applying controlled terms of search. We initially identified 330 documents from which we selected seventy-four after further discarding studies that were not specifically addressing priority setting in mental disorders research. We noted and classified the interest groups participating in every study.

Results

Priority setting partnerships are becoming the most frequent participatory instruments for priority setting in mental health. We identify regional differences in the extent to which such methods are being applied. When research beneficiaries participate in priority setting, prioritised research focuses on therapy, standards, education and psychology of mental disorders. When participation is limited to scientists, therapy, diagnosis, methods and standards, receive more attention.
DeepToA: An Ensemble Deep-Learning Approach to Predicting the Theater of Activity of a Microbiome
Authors: Zeng Wenhuan , Gautam Anupam , Huson Daniel H.
Published: April 2022

Motivation

Metagenomics is the study of microbiomes using DNA sequencing. A microbiome consists of an assemblage of microbes that is associated with a “theater of activity” (ToA). To what degree does the taxonomic and functional content of the former depend on the (details of the) latter? More technically, given a taxonomic and/or functional profile estimated from metagenomic sequencing data, how to predict the associated ToA? Here we present a deep learning approach to this question. We use both taxonomic and functional profiles as input. We apply node2vec to embed hierarchical taxonomic profiles into numerical vectors. We then perform dimension reduction using clustering, to address the sparseness of the taxonomic data and thus make it more amenable to deep learning algorithms. Functional features are combined with textual descriptions of protein families or domains. We present an ensemble deep-learning framework DeepToA for predicting the ‘theater of activity” of microbial community, based on taxonomic and functional profiles. We use SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values to determine which taxonomic and functional features are important for the prediction.

Results

Based on 7,560 metagenomic profiles downloaded from MGnify, classified into ten different theaters of activity, we demonstrate that DeepToA has an accuracy of 98.61%. We show that adding textual information to functional features increases the accuracy.

Availability

Our approach is available at http://ab.inf.uni-tuebingen.de/software/deeptoa.

Contact

daniel.huson@uni-tuebingen.de

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Small silencing RNAs expressed from W-linked retrocopies of Masculinizer target the male-determining gene PxyMasc during female sex determination in the Diamondback moth Plutella xylostella
Authors: Harvey-Samuel T. , Xu X. , Anderson M. A. E. , Carabajal Paladino L. , Kumar Purusothaman D. , Norman V.C. , Reitmayer C.M. , You M. , Alphey L.
Published: April 2022

The Lepidoptera are an insect order of cultural, economic and environmental importance, representing c. 10% of all described living species. Yet, for all but one of these species (silkmoth, Bombyx mori) the molecular genetics of how sexual fate is determined remains unknown. We investigated this in the diamondback moth (DBM - Plutella xylostella), a globally important, highly invasive and economically damaging pest of cruciferous crops. Our previous work uncovered a regulator of male sex determination in DBM – PxyMasc, a homologue of B. mori Masculinizer - which although initially expressed in embryos of both sexes, is then reduced in female embryos, leading to female-specific splicing of doublesex. Here, through sequencing small RNA libraries generated from early embryos and sexed larval pools, we identified a variety of small silencing RNAs (predominantly piRNAs) complementary to PxyMasc, whose temporal expression correlated with the reduction in PxyMasc transcript observed previously in females. Analysis of these small RNAs showed that they are expressed from tandemly-arranged, multi-copy arrays found exclusively on the W (female-specific) chromosome, which we term ‘Pxyfem’. Analysis of the Pxyfem sequences showed that they are partial cDNAs of PxyMasc mRNA transcripts, likely integrated into transposable element graveyards by the non-canonical action of retrotransposons (retrocopies), and that their apparent similarity to B. mori feminizer more probably represents convergent evolution. Our study helps elucidate the sex determination cascade in this globally important pest and highlights the ‘shortcuts’ which retrotransposition events can facilitate in the evolution of complex molecular cascades, including sex determination.

Significance statement

Uncovering the mechanisms which species have evolved to determine sex is of fundamental interest and provides avenues for pest management through genetic manipulation of these pathways. In insects, much of what is known regarding sex determination is concentrated within the Diptera and Hymenoptera, despite other orders (e.g. Lepidoptera) being of great ecological and economic importance. Here, using small RNA sequencing of embryonic and early larval samples, we uncover an RNAi-based sex determination system which silences the male determining gene PxyMasc in the Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) – a global pest of cruciferous crops. We track production of these silencing RNAs back to the W-chromosome where they are expressed from partial cDNA copies of PxyMasc. Our analysis suggests these are PxyMasc ‘retrocopies’, integrated via the non-canonical action of LTR retrotransposons and that similarities between this system and the feminizer system in Bombyx mori likely represent convergent evolution.
Increased adipose tissue indices of androgen catabolism and aromatization in women with metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Ostinelli Giada , Laforest Sofia , Scott.G Denham , Gauthier Marie-Frederique , Drolet-Labelle Virginie , Scott Emma , Hould Frédéric-Simon , Marceau Simon , Homer Natalie.Z.M. , Bégin Catherine , Andrew Ruth , Tchernof André
Published: April 2022

Background

Body fat distribution is a risk factor for obesity-associated comorbidities, and adipose tissue dysfunction plays a role in this association. In humans, there is a sex difference in body fat distribution, and steroid hormones are known to regulate several cellular processes within adipose tissue. Our aim was to investigate if intra-adipose steroid concentration and expression or activity of steroidogenic enzymes were associated with features of adipose tissue dysfunction in individuals with severe obesity.

Methods

Samples from 40 bariatric candidates (31 women, 9 men) were included in the study. Visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were collected during surgery. Adipose tissue morphology was measured by a combination of histological staining and semi-automated quantification. Following extraction, intra-adipose and plasma steroid concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Aromatase activity was estimated using product-over-substrate ratio, while AKR1C2 activity was measured directly by fluorogenic probe. Gene expression was measured by quantitative PCR.

Results

VAT aromatase activity was positively associated with VAT adipocyte hypertrophy (p-valueadj < 0.01) and negatively with plasma HDL-cholesterol (p-valueadj < 0.01), while SAT aromatase activity predicted dyslipidemia in women even after adjustment for waist circumference, age and hormonal contraceptive use. We additionally compared women with high and low visceral adiposity index (VAI) and found that VAT excess is characterized by adipose tissue dysfunction, increased androgen catabolism mirrored by increased AKR1C2 activity and higher aromatase expression and activity indices.

Conclusion

In women, increased androgen catabolism or aromatization is associated with visceral adiposity and adipose tissue dysfunction.

DISCLOSURE SUMMARY

AT obtained consulting fees form Bausch Health, Novo Nordisk and research funding from Johnson & Johnson Medical Companies as well as Medtronic and GI Windows for studies unrelated to this manuscript. The other authors have nothing to disclose.
A one-step CRISPR-based strategy for endogenous gene tagging in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Xiao Yangbo , Yuan Ye , Yadlapalli Swathi
Published: April 2022

The ability to tag endogenous genes to create fluorescent fusion proteins has revolutionized the studies of protein subcellular localization and dynamics and regulation in live cells. Here, we report a precise, rapid, and one-step endogenous gene tagging system in Drosophila melanogaster, which allows us to screen for engineered lines without the visible eye marker. Specifically, we developed an efficient screening strategy for the identification of the homologous integration events by employing a PCR-based method to characterize individual flies using only a small segment of their middle leg. Here, we detail design and construction of gRNA plasmids and donor plasmid, and methods for screening, and confirmation of engineered lines. Together, these protocols make tagging any endogenous protein in Drosophila more efficient and faster, enabling studies of a wide range of cellular processes in live cells within intact organisms.
Estimation of lift characteristics of a subscale fighter using low-cost experimental methods
Authors: Nepomuceno Leonardo Murilo , Silva Roberto Gil Annes da , Sobron Alejandro , Krus Petter , Lundström David
Published: April 2022

Purpose

While computational methods are prevalent in aircraft conceptual design, recent advances in mechatronics and manufacturing are lowering the cost of practical experiments. Focussing on a relatively simple property, the lift curve, this study aims to increase understanding of how basic aerodynamic characteristics of a complex stealth configuration can be estimated experimentally using low-cost equipment, rapid prototyping methods and remotely piloted aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

Lift curve estimates are obtained from a wind tunnel test of a three-dimensional-printed, 3.8%-scale model of a generic fighter and from flight testing a 14%-scale demonstrator using both a simple and a more advanced identification technique based on neural networks. These results are compared to a computational fluid dynamics study, a panel method and a straightforward, theoretical approach based on radical geometry simplifications.

Findings

Besides a good agreement in the linear region, discrepancies at high angles of attack reveal the shortcomings of each method. The remotely piloted model manages to provide consistent results beyond the physical limitations of the wind tunnel although it seems limited by instrumentation capabilities and unmodelled thrust effects.

Practical implications

Physical models can, even though low-cost experiments, expand the capabilities of other aerodynamic tools and contribute to reducing uncertainty when other estimations diverge.

Originality/value

This study highlights the limitations of commonly used aerodynamic methods and shows how low-cost prototyping and testing can complement or validate other estimations in the early study of a complex configuration.
The invisible crisis: the determinants of local food insecurity in Gauteng municipalities, South Africa
Authors: Mazenda Adrino , Molepo Nonkosazana , Mushayanyama Tinashe , Ngarava Saul
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to estimate the determinants of household food insecurity in the Gauteng City-Region, South Africa. This is motivated by the fact that food insecurity remains a key challenge at the household level in South Africa. Furthermore, the Gauteng Province has been rapidly urbanising due to a migrant influx, both locally and internationally. The findings will assist the country in achieving its mandate on the local economic development policy, Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative cross-section design, utilising the binary logistic regression technique, drawing on the Gauteng City-Region Observatory Quality of Life 2020/2021 data, consisting of 13,616 observations, randomly drawn from nine municipalities in Gauteng City-Region.

Findings

The main findings of the study highlight unemployment, health status, education, household size, indigency and income as the main determinants of food insecurity in Gauteng City-Region. Policies towards sustainable urban agriculture, improving access to education, increasing employment and income, and health for all can help improve the food insecurity status of households in the Gauteng City-Region.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies would require an in-depth assessment of household coping mechanisms, as well as the influence of household income (notably government social grants) and access to credit on household food security status, to better understand the dynamics of food security in the Gauteng City-Region.

Practical implications

Determinants of food insecurity should be considered when developing and implementing policies to reduce food insecurity in urban municipalities.

Social implications

The study is of interest as it interdicts food insecurity issues, which have an effect on socio-economic well-being.

Originality/value

The study adds value by providing evidence on the determinants of food insecurity in an urban setting in a developing country. Gauteng is the richest of all provinces in South Africa and is also at the receiving end of internal and international migration. Factors affecting food insecurity have changed in the nine cities. This compromises nutrition safety and calls for targeted policy interventions.
Invoking blockchain technology in e-government services: a cybernetic perspective
Authors: Saxena Stuti , Shao Deo , Nikiforova Anastasija , Thapliyal Richa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights into the integration of blockchain technology in e-government services.

Design/methodology/approach

The article invokes an exploratory approach to emphasize the possibilities of integrating blockchain technology in e-government services. A cybernetic model is detailed in the paper for bridging the gulf between blockchain and e-government.

Findings

The integration of blockchain technology in e-government services is capable of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Furthermore, this integration would facilitate in maintaining the privacy of the online transactions.

Originality/value

Hitherto, studies have focused on the blockchain technology in many sectors; however, the integration and utility of blockchain technology for the government sector have remained unexplored. The current study seeks to fill this gap.
Akshayakalpa farms – a case of rural innovation
Authors: Guruprasad Leena S. , T.K. Ashwini , Bhat Prathima K.
Published: April 2022

Learning outcomes

1. Analyze the factors influencing the creation of a social enterprise, while appreciating the theoretical perspectives on social entrepreneurship and social innovations. 2. Analyze the impact of social enterprises on sustainable development. 3. Recognize the need for different types of strategies in the varied situation. 4. Analyze the business model.

Case overview/synopsis

Shashi Kumar, the CEO of Akshayakalpa Farms & Foods Pvt Ltd (Akshayakalpa), is determined to take the business to the next growth level. He has integrated technology to measure and monitor the quality of milk and to reach out to tech-savvy customers. Owing to the preservative-free and short life of milk, he believes that redesigning the marketing and distribution strategies is the only way to ensure the massive expansion and growth that will enable Akshayakalpa to reach out to customers directly and quickly. Another issue he was facing was a lag in receivables. Their receivables from vendors were delayed and held up because of issues related to product spoilage and returns. This has posed a liquidity challenge to Akshayakalpa. Amidst all these challenges, he wants to develop the best strategy to take the business forward to the next level.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used in undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Management, Social Entrepreneurship and Business Sustainability with special relevance to social enterprise creation, enterprise growth strategies, sustainable development, sustainable business models, etc.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Fingertips: how women entrepreneurs are reshaping the beauty and wellness business in India
Authors: Chakraborti Jayanta , Dasgupta Meeta , Jana Bhaswati
Published: April 2022

Learning outcomes

To understand how beauty and wellness business is run by women entrepreneurs in India and to understand the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India.

Case overview/synopsis

Nikita Patel is an women entrepreneur from a small town called Indore in India. She wanted to run a spa business and started a mobile spa venture called “Atheeva” to offer spa services. However, her venture ran into trouble because of objections from male members in the family and due to feeling of insecurity among her female staff members. She had to close down Atheeva after running the business unit for eight months. Undaunted by the failure, she again started a new venture called “Fingertips” to offer Nail Spa services. This time she took the help of digital marketing to promote her business and started spreading her business into different cities through franchisee route. However, she again faced headwinds in business due to rising attrition rates and challenges of maintaining work-life balance. This case covers the journey of a women entrepreneur as she faces multiple challenges and overcomes them and seeks answers to the path she should take to take her business to the next trajectory of growth.

Complexity academic level

Gives strategic insight of challenges faced by Women Entrepreneurs in India.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
What’s in it for you? Examining the roles of consumption values and Thaler’s acquisition–transaction utility theory in Chinese consumers’ green purchase intentions
Authors: Yuan Ruizhi , Liu Martin J. , Blut Markus
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of five consumption values (i.e. ecological, functional, symbolic, experiential and epistemic) on consumers’ intentions to adopt green products. Using Thaler’s utility theory, the authors investigate the indirect effect of values on purchase intention through acquisition utility and transaction utility. Two moderators (materialism orientation and value consciousness) further influence the strength of the effect of consumption values on transaction utility.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a survey design (N = 437 Chinese customers recruited through a Chinese online panel provider) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test six hypothesized relationships in the proposed model. Moderated SEM was used for moderation analysis.

Findings

Most hypothesized relationships in the model were confirmed, with the exception of the functional value–transaction utility link and the moderating effect of materialism on the experiential value–transaction utility relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Larger-scale research may help to determine whether there are more significant differences in consumer evaluations of different types of green products.

Practical implications

As the concept of green marketing in China evolves, firms should continue to stress the importance and value of green products regarding individuals’ care for the environment, status and self-image. Further, firms should conduct systematic utility analyses and address acquisition and price equity in a strategic process.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to adapt utility theory to green consumption and proposes a clearly defined and well-substantiated set of utility types by merging economic and green consumption literature.