bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bulbostylis litoreamazonicola, a new species of Cyperaceae from the Brazilian Amazonian coast
Authors: MACIEL-SILVA JULIENE DE FÁTIMA , PRATA ANA PAULA DO NASCIMENTO , LÓPEZ MARIA GABRIELA , GIL ANDRÉ DOS SANTOS BRAGANÇA
Published: January 2022

A new species of Bulbostylis (Cyperaceae), only known from the Brazilian Amazonian coast, is here described and illustrated. Bulbostylis litoreamazonicola was found growing over dunes, in seasonally flooded restinga vegetation, and in humid fields near the mangroves from the State of Pará, Northern Brazil. This is the fifth Brazilian-native species of Bulbostylis lacking a persistent stylopodium on the mature fruit. The new species is mainly characterized by its annual habit, simple anthelate inflorescences, densely hispid to hispidulous longitudinally ribbed scapes, pubescent glumes, and cordiform nutlets.
Nomenclator, geographic and stratigraphic distribution of the family Triphoridae (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
Authors: BAKKER PIET A.J. , ALBANO PAOLO G.
Published: January 2022

The microgastropod family Triphoridae is one of the five most diverse marine molluscan families. It likely hosts a few thousand species worldwide, but its taxonomy has long been considered challenging due to the high diversity and subtle morphological characters needed for species delimitation. Consequently, only a small portion of the species appears to be formally described to date. However, further taxonomic work should be based on robust knowledge on the numerous names introduced so far. In this perspective, we have here compiled a list of all published names that can be attributed to the fossil and extant Triphoridae. We list 958 species and 75 genus names, of which 771 are known as extant species and 146 as fossil species, 41 are known from both fossil and extant records. We provide information on type locality and horizon, type material, synonymy and homonymy. Importantly, based on the review of hundreds of publications, we provide a preliminary overview of the geographic and stratigraphic distribution.
An Efficient Watermarking Based Matrix Manipulation and Optimization Based Cryptographic Method for Privacy Preservation in Biomedical Data
Authors: Vairaprakash S. , Shenbagavalli A. , Rajagopal S.
Published: January 2022

The biomedical processing of images is an important aspect of the modern medicine field and has an immense influence on the modern world. Automatic device assisted systems are immensely useful in order to diagnose biomedical images easily, accurately and effectively. Remote health care
systems allow medical professionals and patients to work from different locations. In addition, expert advice on a patient can be received within a prescribed period of time from a specialist in a foreign country or in a remote area. Digital biomedical images must be transmitted over the network
in remote healthcare systems. But the delivery of the biomedical goods entails many security challenges. Patient privacy must be protected by ensuring that images are secure from unwanted access. Furthermore, it must be effectively maintained so that nothing will affect the content of biomedical
images. In certain instances, data manipulation can yield dramatic effects. A biomedical image safety method was suggested in this work. The suggested method will initially be used to construct a binary pixel encoding matrix and then to adjust matrix with the use of decimation mutation DNA
watermarking principle. Afterwards to defend the sub keys couple privacy which was considered over the logical uplift utilization of tent maps and purpose. As acknowledged by chaotic (C-function) development, the security was investigated similar to transmission in addition to uncertainty.
Depending on the preliminary circumstances, various numbers of random were generated intended for every map as of chaotic maps. An algorithm of Multi scale grasshopper optimization resource with correlation coefficient fitness function and PSNR was projected for choosing the optimal public
key and secret key of system over random numbers. For choosing the validation process of optimization is to formulate novel model more relative stable to the conventional approach. In conclusion, the considered suggested findings were contrasted with current approaches protection that was
appear to be successful extremely.
Detection of Structure Characteristics and Its Discontinuity Based Field Programmable Gate Array Processor in Cancer Cell by Wavelet Transform
Authors: Arunachalam P. , Venkatakrishnan P. , Janakiraman N. , Sangeetha S.
Published: January 2022

Digital clinical histopathology is one of the crucial techniques for precise cancer cell diagnosing in modern medicine. The Synovial Sarcoma (SS) cancer cell patterns seem to be a spindle shaped cell (SSC) structure and it is very difficult to identify the exact oval shaped cell
structure through pathologist’s eye perception. Meanwhile, there is necessitating for monitoring and securing the successful and effective image data processing in the the huge network data which is also a complex one. A field programmable Gate Array (FPGA) was regarded as a necessary
one for this. In this work, based on FPGA a Cancer Cell classification is made for the regulation and execution. Hence, mathematically the SSC regularity structures and its discontinuities are measured by the holder exponent (HE) function. In this research work, HE values have been
determined by Wavelet Transform Modulus Maxima (WTMM) and Wavelet Leader (WL) methods with basis function of Haar wavelet based on FPGA Processor. The quantitative parameters such as Mean of Asymptotic Discontinuity (MAD), Mean of Removable Discontinuity (MRD) and Number of Discontinuity Points
(NDPs) have been considered to determine the prediction of discontinuity detection between WTMM and WL methods. With the help of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, the significant difference of discontinuity detection performance between both the methods has been analyzed. From
the experimental results, it is clear that the WL method is more practically feasible and it gives satisfactory performance, in terms of sensitivity and specificity percentage values, which are 80.56% and 59.46%, respectively in the blue color components of the SNR 20 dB noise image.
Gesture Classification of Surface Electromyography Signals Using Machine Learning Algorithms for Hand Prosthetics
Authors: Subhashini N. , Kandaswamy A.
Published: January 2022

The actions of humans executed by their hands play a remarkable part in controlling and handling variety of objects in their daily life activities. The effect of losing or degradation in the functioning of one hand has a greater influence in bringing down the regular activity. Hence
the design of prosthetic hands which assists the individuals to enhance their regular activity seems a better remedy in this new era. This paper puts forward a classification framework using machine learning algorithms for classifying hand gesture signals. The surface electromyography (sEMG)
dataset acquired for 9 wrist movements of publicly available database are utilized to identify the potential biomarkers for classification and in evaluating the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. The statistical and time domain features of the sEMG signals from 27 intact subjects and 11 trans-radial
amputated subjects are extracted and the optimal features are determined implementing the feature selection approach based on correlation factor. The classifiers performance of machine learning algorithms namely support vector machine (SVM), Naïve bayes (NB) and Ensemble classifier are
evaluated. The experimental results highlight that the SVM classifier can yield the maximum accuracy movement classification of 99.6% for intact and 97.56% for trans-amputee subjects. The proposed approach offers better accuracy and sensitivity compared to other approaches that have used the
sEMG dataset for movement classification.
Wide Band Meandered-Loop Ground Radiation Antenna for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Rajkumar R. , Marichamy P.
Published: January 2022

The concept of wireless implantable medical devices (IMDs) is becoming more popular as the world’s population ages and concerns about public health grow. Implantable antennas have figured prominently in wireless communication among IMDs and external infrastructures, yet they have
subsequently become a major study area. Among the most difficult aspects of building implantable antennas is to varied physical tissues and fluids act as dielectric stress on antenna, affecting its efficiency dramatically. Ground radiation antenna was particularly designed for the antenna
size reduction. The features of the ground have an impact on it. There is variance in the radiation field with similar frequency and antenna length yet varied ground conductance. It has been discovered that when the ground conductance is low, the radiation field is minimal and the orientation
of the radiation field modifies. A meandered-loop ground radiation antenna (MGRA) was designed by coupling the meandered-loop structure to the ground radiating plane using only one electrical element. The proposed antenna was studied for biomedical applications at ISM band in the range between
2.4 to 2.8 GHz. The overall size of antenna is 30×24 mm2 making it suitable for the implantable applications. The bandwidth of the MGRA was further improved by using stub structures. The single layer skin model simulation showed that |S11| parameter as −21.21 dB at the
resounding frequency of 2.40 GHz. Major factors like impedance match gain, radiation effectiveness and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) had also been evaluated in this study.
Useful Servant or Dangerous Master? Technology in Business and Society Debates
Authors: den Hond Frank , Moser Christine
Published: January 2022

This review argues that the role of technology in business and society debates has predominantly been examined from the limited, narrow perspective of technology as instrumental, and that two additional but relatively neglected perspectives are important: technology as value-laden and technology as relationally agentic. Technology has always been part of the relationship between business and society, for better and worse. However, as technological development is frequently advanced as a solution to many pressing societal problems and grand challenges, it is imperative that technology is understood and analyzed in a more nuanced, critical, and comprehensive way. The two additional perspectives invite a broader research agenda, one that includes questions, such as “Which values and whose interests has technology come to emulate?”; “How do these values and interests play out in stabilizing the status quo?”; and, importantly, “How can it be contested, disrupted, and changed?” Any research that endorses green, sustainable, environmental, or climate mitigating technologies potentially contributes to maintaining the very thing that it seeks to change if questions such as these are not being addressed.
PROVE—Phase IV Study of Perampanel in Real-World Clinical Care of Patients with Epilepsy: Interim Analysis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Segal Eric , Moretz Katherine , Wheless James , Penovich Patricia , Lancman Marcelo , Patten Anna , Malhotra Manoj
Published: January 2022

PROVE is a retrospective, phase IV study assessing retention, dosing, efficacy, and safety of perampanel when administered to patients during routine clinical care. We report an interim analysis of preadolescent (1 to <12 years) and adolescent (12 to <18 years) patients. Data were obtained from medical records of patients with epilepsy initiating perampanel after January 1, 2014; cut-off date for this analysis was October 10, 2018. Overall, 151 preadolescent and 183 adolescent patients were included. Retention rates following 24 months on perampanel were 42.5% (preadolescent subgroup; n = 31/73) and 55.7% (adolescent subgroup; n = 54/97). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 53 (35.1%) preadolescent (most common: aggression, irritability, and somnolence) and 78 (42.6%) adolescent patients (most common: somnolence, aggression, and dizziness). These data indicate that daily oral doses of perampanel are generally well tolerated during routine clinical care, with favorable retention rates for ≤2 years, in patients aged 1 to <18 years.
Brigatinib is a cost-effective treatment in first-line anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutation-positive (ALK + ) advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases
Authors: Giuliani Jacopo
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The aim of this paper was to assess the cost-effectiveness of alectinib and brigatinib in first-line for anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutation-positive (ALK+) advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pivotal phase III RCTs were considered. Four hundred and eighty-two patients were included. Both trials, which compared alectinib and brigatinib versus (vs.) crizotinib (control group), respectively, showed a gain in pharmacological costs, compared to the control group, of 194.80 € for alectinib and 648.48 € for brigatinib for an entire treatment of a single patient. Brigatinib was the less expensive, with a cost of 269.78 € for each month of PFS for both intention-to-treat (ITT) population that patients with baseline brain metastases (BBM). In conclusion, combining pharmacological costs of drugs with the measure of efficacy represented by PFS, both alectinib and brigatinib are cost-effective treatments in first-line for ALK+ NSCLC. In the BBM population brigatinib seems to be the most cost-effectiveness.
L1 mediation in Chinese English learners’ mental lexicon: Evidence from word association tests
Authors: Xiang Li , Nam Hyunjeong
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to explore the evidence of first language (L1) mediation in second language (L2) word associations and the L2 learner-related factors affecting the extent of L1 mediation with the following approaches. First, different from previous research, word association tests (WATs) embraced both receptive and productive word associations in the study. Second, different from word-related variables such as cognates vs. non-cognates in previous research, the study examined learner-related factors. Third, it examined whether the methodological difference (receptive vs. productive test formats) may affect the extent of L1 mediation in L2 access. A total of 108 Chinese English learners varying in proficiency, learning experiences, input and motivation participated in WATs using 24 stimulus words. The results suggested, (1) from the findings of descriptive statistics and ANOVAs, the evidence of L1 mediation was found in all three L2 proficiency groups with different extent of higher L1 mediation in lower proficiency groups. (2) From the findings of Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, significant correlations were found with L1-promoting learning environments, L2 input, integrative motivation and the learners’ awareness of L1 activation. (3) The findings of the paired-samples t-tests confirmed a significant difference between the two test formats. Based on the findings, the study suggested the promotion of L2-rich learning environments, integrative motivation, and receptive and productive word associations in the L2 network.
Communication and the student experience in the time of Covid-19: An autoethnography
Authors: Busteed Sheila
Published: January 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic creates physical barriers and raises issues about online learning and course design. These must be overcome in order to continue teaching three English language support papers in a transnational education programme. This autoethnography explores online communication strategies and their effect on students’ learning experience. Moodle logs, teacher observations and other qualitative data from the first year of emergency online teaching were evaluated. This analysis prompted several improvements to communication strategies. Additional forum activities, scaffolding and feedback have had a positive effect, and increased use of informal communication via WeChat has bolstered learner persistence. These findings can be applied to the design of other online and blended courses, especially those linked to English language teaching in China.
Intellectual Property Ownership in a University Setting
Authors: Davis Lizhu Y. , Forsythe Lynn M. , Mueller John M.
Published: January 2022

Drilling through hard rock to explore for underground oil and gas is especially complicated in geographic areas where the sub-layer is full of dense and impenetrable rock. Charlie Scent, an Engineering Professor working at a university, undertook research to solve this dilemma and developed a solution after approximately 20 years of effort. To commercialize the technology, Scent collaborated with one of his PhD students and formed a company. Through the commercialization process, friction developed among the participants—Scent, the graduate student, and the university. This discord brought to light several important questions regarding intellectual property that is created in a university setting. This case is about who owns intellectual property and decreasing the probability that there will be friction between the individuals who are at the heart of an invention.
Geriatric assessment predicts nonfatal toxicities and survival for intensively treated older adults with AML
Authors: Min Gi-June , Cho Byung-Sik , Park Sung-Soo , Park Silvia , Jeon Young-Woo , Shin Seung-Hwan , Yahng Seung-Ah , Yoon Jae-Ho , Lee Sung-Eun , Eom Ki-Seong , Kim Yoo-Jin , Lee Seok , Min Chang-Ki , Cho Seok-Goo , Kim Dong-Wook , Lee Jong Wook , Hee-Je Kim
Published: January 2022

Given that there are only a few prospective studies with conflicting results, we investigated the prognostic value of multiparameter geriatric assessment (GA) domains on tolerance and outcomes after intensive chemotherapy in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In all, 105 newly diagnosed patients with AML who were older than age 60 years and who received intensive chemotherapy consisting of cytarabine and idarubicin were enrolled prospectively. Pretreatment GA included evaluations for social and nutritional support, cognition, depression, distress, and physical function. The median age was 64 years (range, 60-75 years), and 93% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score <2. Between 32.4% and 69.5% of patients met the criteria for impairment for each domain of GA. Physical impairment by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and cognitive dysfunction by the Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) Assessment Packet (MMSE-KC) were significantly associated with nonfatal toxicities, including grade 3 to 4 infections (SPPB, P = .024; MMSE-KC, P = .044), acute renal failure (SPPB, P = .013), and/or prolonged hospitalization (≥40 days) during induction chemotherapy (MMSE-KC, P = .005). Reduced physical function by SPPB and depressive symptoms by the Korean version of the short form of geriatric depression scales (SGDS-K) were significantly associated with inferior survival (SPPB, P = .027; SGDS-K, P = .048). Gait speed and sit-and-stand speed were the most powerful measurements for predicting survival outcomes. Notably, the addition of SPPB and SGDS-K, gait speed and SGDS-K, or sit-and-stand speed and SGDS-K significantly improved the power of existing survival prediction models. In conclusion, GA improved risk stratification for treatment decisions and may inform interventions to improve outcomes for older adults with AML. This study was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service as #KCT0002172.
Effective identification of varieties by nucleotide polymorphisms and its application for essentially derived variety identification in rice
Authors: Yuan Xiong , Li Zirong , Xiong Liwen , Song Sufeng , Zheng Xingfei , Tang Zhonghai , Yuan Zheming , Li Lanzhi
Published: January 2022

Background

Plant variety identification is the one most important of agricultural systems. Development of DNA marker profiles of released varieties to compare with candidate variety or future variety is required. However, strictly speaking, scientists did not use most existing variety identification techniques for “identification” but for “distinction of a limited number of cultivars,” of which generalization ability always not be well estimated. Because many varieties have similar genetic backgrounds, even some essentially derived varieties (EDVs) are involved, which brings difficulties for identification and breeding progress. A fast, accurate variety identification method, which also has good performance on EDV determination, needs to be developed.

Results

In this study, with the strategy of “Divide and Conquer,” a variety identification method Conditional Random Selection (CRS) method based on SNP of the whole genome of 3024 rice varieties was developed and be applied in essentially derived variety (EDV) identification of rice. CRS is a fast, efficient, and automated variety identification method. Meanwhile, in practical, with the optimal threshold of identity score searched in this study, the set of SNP (including 390 SNPs) showed optimal performance on EDV and non-EDV identification in two independent testing datasets.

Conclusion

This approach first selected a minimal set of SNPs to discriminate non-EDVs in the 3000 Rice Genome Project, then united several simplified SNP sets to improve its generalization ability for EDV and non-EDV identification in testing datasets. The results suggested that the CRS method outperformed traditional feature selection methods. Furthermore, it provides a new way to screen out core SNP loci from the whole genome for DNA fingerprinting of crop varieties and be useful for crop breeding.
Comprehensive analysis of expression profile and prognostic significance of interferon regulatory factors in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Ke , Xu Pan-Ling , Li Yu-Jie , Dong Shu , Gao Hui-Feng , Chen Lian-Yu , Chen Hao , Chen Zhen
Published: January 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal disease and an increasing cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) play vital roles in immune response and tumor cellular biological processes. However, the specific functions of IRFs in PC and tumor immune response are far from systematically clarified. This study aimed to explorer the expression profile, prognostic significance, and biological function of IRFs in PC.

Results

We observed that the levels of IRF2, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were elevated in tumor compared to normal tissues in PC. IRF7 expression was significantly associated with patients’ pathology stage in PC. PC patients with high IRF2, low IRF3, and high IRF6 levels had significantly poorer overall survival. High mRNA expression, amplification and, deep deletion were the three most common types of genetic alterations of IRFs in PC. Low expression of IRF2, 4, 5, and 8 was resistant to most of the drugs or small molecules from Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer. Moreover, IRFs were positively correlated with the abundance of tumor infiltrating immune cells in PC, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, Neutrophil, and Dendritic cells. Functional analysis indicated that IRFs were involved in T cell receptor signaling pathway, immune response, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that certain IRFs could serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for PC patients. Further basic and clinical studies are needed to validate our findings and generalize the clinical application of IRFs in PC.
Transcriptome shifts triggered by vitamin A and SCD genotype interaction in Duroc pigs
Authors: Solé Emma , González-Prendes Rayner , Oliinychenko Yelyzaveta , Tor Marc , Ros-Freixedes Roger , Estany Joan , Pena Ramona N.
Published: January 2022

Background

The composition of intramuscular fat depends on genetic and environmental factors, including the diet. In pigs, we identified a haplotype of three SNP mutations in the stearoyl-coA desaturase (SCD) gene promoter associated with higher content of monounsaturated fatty acids in intramuscular fat. The second of these three SNPs (rs80912566, C > T) affected a putative retinol response element in the SCD promoter. The effect of dietary vitamin A restriction over intramuscular fat content is controversial as it depends on the pig genetic line and the duration of the restriction. This study aims to investigate changes in the muscle transcriptome in SCD rs80912566 TT and CC pigs fed with and without a vitamin A supplement during the fattening period.

Results

Vitamin A did not affect carcass traits or intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition, but we observed an interaction between vitamin A and SCD genotype on the desaturation of fatty acids in muscle. As reported before, the SCD-TT pigs had more monounsaturated fat than the SCD-CC animals. The diet lacking the vitamin A supplement enlarged fatty acid compositional differences between SCD genotypes, partly because vitamin A had a bigger effect on fatty acid desaturation in SCD-CC pigs (positive) than in SCD-TT and SCD-TC animals (negative). The interaction between diet and genotype was also evident at the transcriptome level; the highest number of differentially expressed genes were detected between SCD-TT pigs fed with the two diets. The genes modulated by the diet with the vitamin A supplement belonged to metabolic and signalling pathways related to immunity and inflammation, transport through membrane-bounded vesicles, fat metabolism and transport, reflecting the impact of retinol on a wide range of metabolic processes.

Conclusions

Restricting dietary vitamin A during the fattening period did not improve intramuscular fat content despite relevant changes in muscle gene expression, both in coding and non-coding genes. Vitamin A activated general pathways of retinol response in a SCD genotype-dependant manner, which affected the monounsaturated fatty acid content, particularly in SCD-CC pigs.
Long read sequencing reveals novel isoforms and insights into splicing regulation during cell state changes
Authors: Wright David J. , Hall Nicola A. L. , Irish Naomi , Man Angela L. , Glynn Will , Mould Arne , Angeles Alejandro De Los , Angiolini Emily , Swarbreck David , Gharbi Karim , Tunbridge Elizabeth M. , Haerty Wilfried
Published: January 2022

Background

Alternative splicing is a key mechanism underlying cellular differentiation and a driver of complexity in mammalian neuronal tissues. However, understanding of which isoforms are differentially used or expressed and how this affects cellular differentiation remains unclear. Long read sequencing allows full-length transcript recovery and quantification, enabling transcript-level analysis of alternative splicing processes and how these change with cell state. Here, we utilise Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing to produce a custom annotation of a well-studied human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, and to characterise isoform expression and usage across differentiation.

Results

We identify many previously unannotated features, including a novel transcript of the voltage-gated calcium channel subunit gene, CACNA2D2. We show differential expression and usage of transcripts during differentiation identifying candidates for future research into state change regulation.

Conclusions

Our work highlights the potential of long read sequencing to uncover previously unknown transcript diversity and mechanisms influencing alternative splicing.
Explanatory role of sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and social factors on cognitive decline in older adults with diabetes
Authors: O’Toole Sean M. , Walker Rebekah J. , Garacci Emma , Dawson Aprill Z. , Campbell Jennifer A. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of the study was to examine the explanatory role of sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and social factors on racial/ethnic differences in cognitive decline among adults with diabetes.

Methods

Adults aged 50+ years with diabetes from the Health and Retirement Survey were assessed for cognitive function (normal, mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and dementia). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression models were used to account for repeating measures over time. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic (gender, age, education, household income and assets), behavioral (smoking), clinical (ie. comorbidities, body mass index), and social (social support, loneliness, social participation, perceived constraints and perceived mastery on personal control) factors.

Results

Unadjusted models showed non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and Hispanics were significantly more likely to progress from normal cognition to dementia (NHB OR: 2.99, 95%CI 2.35–3.81; Hispanic OR: 3.55, 95%CI 2.77–4.56), and normal cognition to MCI (NHB OR = 2.45, 95%CI 2.14–2.82; Hispanic OR = 2.49, 95%CI 2.13–2.90) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Unadjusted models for the transition from mild cognitive decline to dementia showed Hispanics were more likely than NHW to progress (OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.11–1.84).

After adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical/behavioral, and social measures, NHB were 3.75 times more likely (95%CI 2.52–5.56) than NHW to reach dementia from normal cognition. NHB were 2.87 times more likely (95%CI 2.37–3.48) than NHW to reach MCI from normal. Hispanics were 1.72 times more likely (95%CI 1.17–2.52) than NHW to reach dementia from MCI.

Conclusion

Clinical/behavioral and social factors did not explain racial/ethnic disparities. Racial/ethnic disparities are less evident from MCI to dementia, emphasizing preventative measures/interventions before cognitive impairment onset are important.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in Lebanon: findings from the first nationwide serosurvey
Authors: Hoballah Abbas , El Haidari Rana , Siblany Ghina , Abdel Sater Fadi , Mansour Samir , Hassan Hamad , Abou-Abbas Linda
Published: January 2022

Background

Lebanon, a small country in the Middle East, remains severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seroprevalence surveys of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies provide accurate estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hence evaluate the extent of the pandemic. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Lebanon and to compare the estimated cumulative number of COVID-19 cases with the officially registered number of laboratory-confirmed cases up to January 15, 2021.

Methods

A nationwide population-based serosurvey study was conducted in Lebanon between December 7, 2020, and January 15, 2021, before the initiation of the national vaccination program. The nCOVID-19 IgG & IgM point-of-care (POCT) rapid test was used to detect the presence of anti-SARS-COV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the blood. Seroprevalence was estimated after weighting for sex, age, and area of residence and adjusting for the test performance.

Results

Of the 2058 participants, 329 were positive for IgG SARS-COV-2, resulting in a crude seroprevalence of 16.0% (95% CI 14.4–17.6). The weighed seroprevalence was 15.9% (95% CI of 14.4 and 17.4). After adjusting for test performance, the population weight-adjusted seroprevalence was 18.5% (95% CI 16.8–20.2). This estimate implies that 895,770 individuals of the general population were previously infected by COVID-19 up to January 15, 2021 in Lebanon. The overall estimated number of subjects with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was three times higher than the officially reported cumulative number of confirmed cases. Seroprevalence was similar across age groups and sexes (p-value > 0.05). However, significant differences were revealed across governorates.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the Lebanese population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and far from achieving herd immunity. These findings represent an important contribution to the surveillance of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon and to the understanding of how this virus spreads. Continued surveillance for COVID-19 cases and maintaining effective preventive measures are recommended to control the epidemic spread in conjunction with a national vaccination campaign to achieve the desired level of herd immunity against COVID-19.
A study of brain functional network and alertness changes in temporal lobe epilepsy with and without focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Nie Liluo , Jiang Yanchun , Lv Zongxia , Pang Xiaomin , Liang Xiulin , Chang Weiwei , Zheng Jinou
Published: January 2022

Background

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is commonly refractory. Epilepsy surgery is an effective treatment strategy for refractory epilepsy, but patients with a history of focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS) have poor outcomes. Previous network studies on epilepsy have found that TLE and idiopathic generalized epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (IGE-GTCS) showed altered global and nodal topological properties. Alertness deficits also were found in TLE. However, FBTCS is a common type of seizure in TLE, and the implications for alertness as well as the topological rearrangements associated with this seizure type are not well understood.

Methods

We obtained rs-fMRI data and collected the neuropsychological assessment data from 21 TLE patients with FBTCS (TLE- FBTCS), 18 TLE patients without FBTCS (TLE-non- FBTCS) and 22 controls, and constructed their respective functional brain networks. The topological properties were analyzed using the graph theoretical approach and correlations between altered topological properties and alertness were analyzed.

Results

We found that TLE-FBTCS patients showed more serious impairment in alertness effect, intrinsic alertness and phasic alertness than the patients with TLE-non-FBTCS. They also showed significantly higher small-worldness, normalized clustering coefficient (γ) and a trend of higher global network efficiency (gE) compared to TLE-non-FBTCS patients. The gE showed a significant negative correlation with intrinsic alertness for TLE-non-FBTCS patients.

Conclusion

Our findings show different impairments in brain network information integration, segregation and alertness between the patients with TLE-FBTCS and TLE-non-FBTCS, demonstrating that impairments of the brain network may underlie the disruptions in alertness functions.
Diagnosis of SLC25A46-related pontocerebellar hypoplasia in two siblings with fulminant neonatal course: role of postmortem CT and whole genomic analysis: a case report
Authors: Yamada Mamiko , Suzuki Hisato , Adachi Hiroyuki , Noguchi Atsuko , Miya Fuyuki , Takahashi Tsutomu , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: January 2022

Background

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) is increasingly known as a degenerative disease rather than simple “hypoplasia”. At least 21 disease-causing genes have been identified for PCH so far. Because PCH is very heterogenous, prognostic prediction based solely on clinical or radiologic findings is not feasible.

Case presentation

Here, we report two siblings who had a fulminant neonatal course. The documentation of pontocerebellar hypoplasia by postmortem brain CT imaging in one of the siblings and a subsequent complex and comprehensive whole genome analysis established that both siblings had bi-allelic compound heterozygous variants (a splicing variant and a deletion) in the SLC25A46 gene which encodes a solute carrier protein essential for mitochondrial function. Long-read whole genome sequencing was required to confirm the presence of the deletion. The fulminant courses suggest that SLC25A46-related PCH is an acutely progressive degenerative condition starting in utero, rather than a simple static hypoplasia.

Conclusion

The genomic analysis was instrumental and essential to solving the enigma of the unexplained neonatal deaths of these two siblings and to provide accurate genetic counseling.
Effects of estimated glomerular filtration rate on clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Li Zhaoxia , Li Zixiao , Zhou Qi , Gu Hongqiu , Wang Yongjun , Zhao Xingquan ,   on behalf of Chinese Stroke Center Alliance investigators, Wang Kai , Ji Xunming , Qin Xinyue , Wang Ning , Ge Zhaoming , Zeng Jinsheng , Li Lvli , Chu Lan , Chen Zhibin , Guo Li , Li Guozhong , Xu Yuming , Hu Bo , Tang Beisha , Liu Guorong , Wang Xiaoshan , Wu Xiaomu , Yang Yi , He Zhiyi , Wang Zhenhai , Wu Shizheng , Zhao Gang , Zhu Meijia , Dong Qiang , Niu Xiaoyuan , Zhou Dong , An Zhongping , Zhao Yuhua , Zhang Xiaoning , Ding Li , Lou Min
Published: January 2022

Background

The influence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the severity and prognosis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been scarcely investigated. We aimed to explore the association of admission estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels with hemorrhagic stroke severity and outcomes in ICH patients.

Materials and methods

The patients enrolled in this study were from the China Stroke Center Alliance study (CSCA). Patients were divided into four groups according to differences in eGFR at admission (≥90; 60–89; 45–59; < 45). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of the eGFR at admission with hemorrhagic stroke severity, in-hospital complications, discharge disposition, and in-hospital mortality after ICH.

Results

A total of 85,167 patients with acute ICH were included in the analysis. Among them, 9493 (11.1%) had a baseline eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2. A low eGFR was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality [eGFR 60–89 ml/min/1.73 m2, odds ratio (OR) 1.36 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.53); eGFR 45–59, 2.35 (1.97–2.82); eGFR<45, 4.18 (3.7–4.72); P for trend < 0.0001], non-routine discharge [eGFR 60–89, 1.11 (1.03–1.2); eGFR 45–59, 1.16 (1–1.35); eGFR<45, 1.37 (1.23–1.53); P for trend < 0.0001], hemorrhagic stroke severity [eGFR 60–89, 1 (0.95–1.05); eGFR 45–59, 1.39 (1.26–1.53); eGFR<45, 1.81 (1.67–1.96); P for trend < 0.0001], in-hospital complications of pneumonia [eGFR 60–89, 1.1 (1.05–1.14); eGFR 45–59, 1.3 (1.2–1.4); eGFR<45, 1.66 (1.57–1.76); P for trend < 0.0001] and hydrocephalus [eGFR 60–89, 0.99 (0.87–1.12); eGFR 45–59, 1.37 (1.1–1.7); eGFR<45, 1.54 (1.32–1.8); P for trend = 0.0139] after adjusting for confounding factors. With the decline in eGFR, the risk of hematoma evacuation increased in patients with an eGFR 45 to 59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.37–1.61). No significant association between differences in eGFR at baseline and in-hospital complication of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage was observed.

Conclusions

Low eGFR at baseline was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, non-routine discharge, hemorrhagic stroke severity and in-hospital complications such as pneumonia, hydrocephalus and hematoma evacuation in acute ICH patients.
Which chart and which cut-point: deciding on the INTERGROWTH, World Health Organization, or Hadlock fetal growth chart
Authors: Liauw Jessica , Mayer Chantal , Albert Arianne , Fernandez Ariadna , Hutcheon Jennifer A.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine how various centile cut points on the INTERGROWTH-21st (INTERGROWTH), World Health Organization (WHO), and Hadlock fetal growth charts predict perinatal morbidity/mortality, and how this relates to choosing a fetal growth chart for clinical use.

Methods

We linked antenatal ultrasound measurements for fetuses > 28 weeks’ gestation from the British Columbia Women’s hospital ultrasound unit with the provincial perinatal database. We estimated the risk of perinatal morbidity/mortality (decreased cord pH, neonatal seizures, hypoglycemia, and perinatal death) associated with select centiles on each fetal growth chart (the 3rd, 10th, the centile identifying 10% of the population, and the optimal cut-point by Youden’s Index), and determined how well each centile predicted perinatal morbidity/mortality.

Results

Among 10,366 pregnancies, the 10th centile cut-point had a sensitivity of 11% (95% CI 8, 14), 13% (95% CI 10, 16), and 12% (95% CI 10, 16), to detect fetuses with perinatal morbidity/mortality on the INTERGROWTH, WHO, and Hadlock charts, respectively. All charts performed similarly in predicting perinatal morbidity/mortality (area under the curve [AUC] =0.54 for all three charts). The statistically optimal cut-points were the 39th, 31st, and 32nd centiles on the INTERGROWTH, WHO, and Hadlock charts respectively.

Conclusion

The INTERGROWTH, WHO, and Hadlock fetal growth charts performed similarly in predicting perinatal morbidity/mortality, even when evaluating multiple cut points. Deciding which cut-point and chart to use may be guided by other considerations such as impact on workflow and how the chart was derived.
Psychosocial health in pregnancy and postpartum among women living with - and without HIV and non-pregnant women living with HIV living in Nordic countries – Results from a longitudinal survey study
Authors: Moseholm Ellen , Aho Inka , Mellgren Åsa , Pedersen Gitte , Katzenstein Terese L. , Johansen Isik S. , Bach Diana , Storgaard Merete , Weis Nina
Published: January 2022

Background

The success of antiretroviral therapy has normalized pregnancy among women living with HIV (WWH) with a very low risk of perinatal transmission of HIV. Despite these advances, WWH still face complex medical and psychosocial issues during pregnancy and postpartum. The aim of this study was to assess differences in psychosocial health outcomes between pregnant WWH, non-pregnant WWH, and pregnant women without HIV, and further identify factors associated with probable depression in the third trimester and postpartum.

Methods

In a longitudinal survey study, participants were included from sites in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden during 2019–2020. Data was collected in the 3rd trimester, 3 and 6 months postpartum using standardized questionnaires assessing depression, perceived stress, loneliness, and social support. Mixed regression models were used to assess changes over time within and between groups. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with depression in pregnancy and postpartum.

Results

A total of 47 pregnant WWH, 75 non-pregnant WWH, and 147 pregnant women without HIV were included. The prevalence of depression was high among both pregnant and non-pregnant WWH. There was no significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant WWH in depression scores, perceived stress scores, or social support scores at any time point. Compared to pregnant women without HIV, pregnant WWH reported worse outcomes on all psychosocial scales. Social support and loneliness were associated with an increased odds of depressive symptoms in the adjusted analysis.

Conclusions

A high burden of adverse psychosocial outcomes was observed in both pregnant and non-pregnant women living with HIV compared to pregnant women without HIV. Loneliness and inadequate social support were associated with increased odds of depression in pregnancy and should be a focus in future support interventions.
Meta-analysis of health state utility values measured by EuroQol 5-dimensions (EQ5D) questionnaire in Chinese women with breast cancer
Authors: Rautenberg Tamlyn , Hodgkinson Brent , Zerwes Ute , Downes Martin
Published: January 2022

Background

To synthesise EQ5D health state utility values in Chinese women with breast cancer for parameterising a cost utility model.

Methods

Eligible studies had to report health state utility values measured by EQ-5D in Chinese women diagnosed with breast cancer. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data from single arm studies was pooled using meta-analysis of single proportions to provide overall point estimates and 95% confidence intervals for fixed and random effects models using the inverse variance and Der Simonian-Laird methods respectively. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2statistic and sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were conducted.

Results

Five papers were included, when all studies were combined (n = 4,100) the mean utility (95% confidence interval) for random effects model was 0.83 (0.78, 0.89); for TNM 0-1 0.85 (0.75, 0.95); for TNM II 0.85 (0.78, 0.93); for TNM III 0.83 (0.77, 0.90) and for TNM IV 0.73 (0.63, 0.82).The utility of patients in State P (first year after primary breast cancer) 0.84 (0.80, 0.88); in State R (first year after recurrence) 0.73 (0.69, 0.76), in State S (second and following years after primary breast cancer or recurrence) 0.88 (0.83, 0.92); and in State M (metastatic disease) 0.78 (0.74, 0.82). Mean utility for duration since diagnosis 13 to 36 months was 0.88 (0.80, 0.96, I2=95%); for 37 to 60 months 0.89 (0.82, 0.96, I2=90%); for more than 60 months 0.86 (0.76, 0.96, I2=90%). Mean utility for chemotherapy was 0.86 (0.79, 0.92, I2=97%); for radiotherapy 0.83 (0.69, 0.96, I2=97%); surgery 0.80 (0.69, 0.91, I2=98%); concurrent chemo-radiation 0.70 (0.60, 0.81, I2=86%) and endocrine therapy 0.90 (0.83, 0.97, I2=91%). Conclusion: This study synthesises the evidence for health state utility values for Chinese women with breast cancer which is useful to inform cost utility models.
Ophthalmic manifestations are associated with reduced tear lymphotoxin-α levels in chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Ma Jiao , Li Chendi , Zhao Yinghan , Shen Zhan , Hu Bohao , Peng Rongmei , Hong Jing
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To determine the role tear lymphotoxin-α (LT-α) in chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD).

Methods

Twenty-two chronic oGVHD and 17 control tear samples were collected, and commercial test strips were used to detect LT-α concentrations. Concentration differences between patients with and without oGVHD were determined via Mann-WhitneyUtest. The correlation between LT-α levels and ophthalmic parameters was analyzed using Spearman’s test.

Results

The concentration of LT-α was significantly lower in oGVHD patients than in controls. LT-α levels were significantly correlated with OSDI, NIH eye score, T-BUT, and CFS among all participants. ROC analysis revealed that the area under the curve of LT-α was 0.847, and the cutoff value for chronic oGVHD diagnosis was 0.203 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Our study revealed the significant decrease of tear LT-α in oGVHD, and suggested LT-α as a promising marker for chronic oGVHD diagnosis.