bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topology preserving stratification of tissue neoplasticity using Deep Neural Maps and microRNA signatures
Authors: Kaczmarek Emily , Nanayakkara Jina , Sedghi Alireza , Pesteie Mehran , Tuschl Thomas , Renwick Neil , Mousavi Parvin
Published: January 2022

Background

Accurate cancer classification is essential for correct treatment selection and better prognostication. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression, and their dyresgulation is a common disease mechanism in many cancers. Through a clearer understanding of miRNA dysregulation in cancer, improved mechanistic knowledge and better treatments can be sought.

Results

We present a topology-preserving deep learning framework to study miRNA dysregulation in cancer. Our study comprises miRNA expression profiles from 3685 cancer and non-cancer tissue samples and hierarchical annotations on organ and neoplasticity status. Using unsupervised learning, a two-dimensional topological map is trained to cluster similar tissue samples. Labelled samples are used after training to identify clustering accuracy in terms of tissue-of-origin and neoplasticity status. In addition, an approach using activation gradients is developed to determine the attention of the networks to miRNAs that drive the clustering. Using this deep learning framework, we classify the neoplasticity status of held-out test samples with an accuracy of 91.07%, the tissue-of-origin with 86.36%, and combined neoplasticity status and tissue-of-origin with an accuracy of 84.28%. The topological maps display the ability of miRNAs to recognize tissue types and neoplasticity status. Importantly, when our approach identifies samples that do not cluster well with their respective classes, activation gradients provide further insight in cancer subtypes or grades.

Conclusions

An unsupervised deep learning approach is developed for cancer classification and interpretation. This work provides an intuitive approach for understanding molecular properties of cancer and has significant potential for cancer classification and treatment selection.
Genome-wide investigation of microRNAs and expression profiles during rhizome development in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
Authors: Xing Haitao , Li Yuan , Ren Yun , Zhao Ying , Wu Xiaoli , Li Hong-Lei
Published: January 2022

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding small functional RNAs that govern the post-transcriptional regulatory system of gene expression and control the growth and development of plants. Ginger is an herb that is well-known for its flavor and medicinal properties. The genes involved in ginger rhizome development and secondary metabolism have been discovered, but the genome-wide identification of miRNAs and their overall expression profiles and targets during ginger rhizome development are largely unknown. In this study, we used BGISEQ-500 technology to perform genome-wide identification of miRNAs from the leaf, stem, root, flower, and rhizome of ginger during three development stages.

Results

In total, 104 novel miRNAs and 160 conserved miRNAs in 28 miRNA families were identified. A total of 181 putative target genes for novel miRNAs and 2772 putative target genes for conserved miRNAs were predicted. Transcriptional factors were the most abundant target genes of miRNAs, and 17, 9, 8, 4, 13, 8, 3 conserved miRNAs and 5, 7, 4, 5, 5, 15, 9 novel miRNAs showed significant tissue-specific expression patterns in leaf, stem, root, flower, and rhizome. Additionally, 53 miRNAs were regarded as rhizome development-associated miRNAs, which mostly participate in metabolism, signal transduction, transport, and catabolism, suggesting that these miRNAs and their target genes play important roles in the rhizome development of ginger. Twelve candidate miRNA target genes were selected, and then, their credibility was confirmed using qRT-PCR. As the result of qRT-PCR analysis, the expression of 12 candidate target genes showed an opposite pattern after comparison with their miRNAs. The rhizome development system of ginger was observed to be governed by miR156, miR319, miR171a_2, miR164, and miR529, which modulated the expression of the SPL, MYB, GRF, SCL, and NAC genes, respectively.

Conclusion

This is a deep genome-wide investigation of miRNA and identification of miRNAs involved in rhizome development in ginger. We identified 52 rhizome-related miRNAs and 392 target genes, and this provides an important basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms of the miRNA target genes that mediate rhizome development in ginger.
Integrated analysis of long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs reveals the regulatory network of maize seedling root responding to salt stress
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Yinchao , Zou Chaoying , Yang Cong , Pan Guangtang , Ma Langlang , Shen Yaou
Published: January 2022

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in response to abiotic stresses in plants, by acting as cis- or trans-acting regulators of protein-coding genes. As a widely cultivated crop worldwide, maize is sensitive to salt stress particularly at the seedling stage. However, it is unclear how the expressions of protein-coding genes are affected by non-coding RNAs in maize responding to salt tolerance.

Results

The whole transcriptome sequencing was employed to investigate the differential lncRNAs and target transcripts responding to salt stress between two maize inbred lines with contrasting salt tolerance. We developed a flexible, user-friendly, and modular RNA analysis workflow, which facilitated the identification of lncRNAs and novel mRNAs from whole transcriptome data. Using the workflow, 12,817 lncRNAs and 8,320 novel mRNAs in maize seedling roots were identified and characterized. A total of 742 lncRNAs and 7,835 mRNAs were identified as salt stress-responsive transcripts. Moreover, we obtained 41 cis- and 81 trans-target mRNA for 88 of the lncRNAs. Among these target transcripts, 11 belonged to 7 transcription factor (TF) families including bHLH, C2H2, Hap3/NF-YB, HAS, MYB, WD40, and WRKY. The above 8,577 salt stress-responsive transcripts were further classified into 28 modules by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. In the salt-tolerant module, we constructed an interaction network containing 79 nodes and 3081 edges, which included 5 lncRNAs, 18 TFs and 56 functional transcripts (FTs). As a trans-acting regulator, the lncRNA MSTRG.8888.1 affected the expressions of some salt tolerance-relative FTs, including protein-serine/threonine phosphatase 2C and galactinol synthase 1, by regulating the expression of the bHLH TF.

Conclusions

The contrasting genetic backgrounds of the two inbred lines generated considerable variations in the expression abundance of lncRNAs and protein-coding transcripts. In the co-expression networks responding to salt stress, some TFs were targeted by the lncRNAs, which further regulated the salt tolerance-related functional transcripts. We constructed a regulatory pathway of maize seedlings to salt stress, which was mediated by the hub lncRNA MSTRG.8888.1 and participated by the bHLH TF and its downstream target transcripts. Future work will be focused on the functional revelation of the regulatory pathway.
The antimicrobial activity of zinc against group B Streptococcus is strain-dependent across diverse sequence types, capsular serotypes, and invasive versus colonizing isolates
Authors: Francis Jamisha D. , Guevara Miriam A. , Lu Jacky , Madhi Shabir A. , Kwatra Gaurav , Aronoff David M. , Manning Shannon D. , Gaddy Jennifer A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an encapsulated gram-positive bacterial pathobiont that commonly colonizes the lower gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract of human hosts. This bacterium can infect the gravid reproductive tract and cause invasive infections of pregnant patients and neonates. Upon colonizing the reproductive tract, the bacterial cell is presented with numerous nutritional challenges imposed by the host. One strategy employed by the host innate immune system is intoxication of bacterial invaders with certain transition metals such as zinc.

Methodology

Previous work has demonstrated that GBS must employ elegant strategies to circumnavigate zinc stress in order to survive in the vertebrate host. We assessed 30 strains of GBS from diverse isolation sources, capsular serotypes, and sequence types for susceptibility or resistance to zinc intoxication.

Results

Invasive strains, such as those isolated from early onset disease manifestations of GBS infection were significantly less susceptible to zinc toxicity than colonizing strains isolated from rectovaginal swabs of pregnant patients. Additionally, capsular type III (cpsIII) strains and the ST-17 and ST-19 strains exhibited the greatest resilience to zinc stress, whereas ST-1 and ST-12 strains as well as those possessing capsular type Ib (cpsIb) were more sensitive to zinc intoxication. Thus, this study demonstrates that the transition metal zinc possesses antimicrobial properties against a wide range of GBS strains, with isolation source, capsular serotype, and sequence type contributing to susceptibility or resistance to zinc stress.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potencies of dermcidin-derived peptide DCD-1L against Acinetobacter baumannii: an in vivo wound healing model
Authors: Farshadzadeh Zahra , Pourhajibagher Maryam , Taheri Behrouz , Ekrami Alireza , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein , Azimzadeh Masoud , Bahador Abbas
Published: January 2022

Background

The global emergence of Acinetobacter baumannii resistance to most conventional antibiotics presents a major therapeutic challenge and necessitates the discovery of new antibacterial agents. The purpose of this study was to investigate in vitro and in vivo anti-biofilm potency of dermcidin-1L (DCD-1L) against extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-, pandrug-resistant (PDR)-, and ATCC19606-A. baumannii.

Methods

After determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DCD-1L, in vitro anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm activities of DCD-1L were evaluated. Cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity, and the effect of DCD-1L treatment on the expression of various biofilm-associated genes were determined. The inhibitory effect of DCD-1L on biofilm formation in the model of catheter-associated infection, as well as, histopathological examination of the burn wound sites of mice treated with DCD-1L were assessed.

Results

The bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation in all A. baumannii isolates were inhibited at 2 × , 4 × , and 8 × MIC of DCD-1L, while only 8 × MIC of DCD-1L was able to destroy the pre-formed biofilm in vitro. Also, reduce the expression of genes involved in biofilm formation was observed following DCD-1L treatment. DCD-1L without cytotoxic and hemolytic activities significantly reduced the biofilm formation in the model of catheter-associated infection. In vivo results showed that the count of A. baumannii in infected wounds was significantly decreased and the promotion in wound healing by the acceleration of skin re-epithelialization in mice was observed following treatment with 8 × MIC of DCD-1L.

Conclusions

Results of this study demonstrated that DCD-1L can inhibit bacterial attachment and biofilm formation and prevent the onset of infection. Taking these properties together, DCD-1L appears as a promising candidate for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm drug development.
Spatiotemporal variations in exposure: Chagas disease in Colombia as a case study
Authors: Ledien Julia , Cucunubá Zulma M. , Parra-Henao Gabriel , Rodríguez-Monguí Eliana , Dobson Andrew P. , Basáñez María-Gloria , Nouvellet Pierre
Published: January 2022

Age-stratified serosurvey data are often used to understand spatiotemporal trends in disease incidence and exposure through estimating the Force-of-Infection (FoI). Typically, median or mean FoI estimates are used as the response variable in predictive models, often overlooking the uncertainty in estimated FoI values when fitting models and evaluating their predictive ability. To assess how this uncertainty impact predictions, we compared three approaches with three levels of uncertainty integration. We propose a performance indicator to assess how predictions reflect initial uncertainty.

In Colombia, 76 serosurveys (1980–2014) conducted at municipality level provided age-stratified Chagas disease prevalence data. The yearly FoI was estimated at the serosurvey level using a time-varying catalytic model. Environmental, demographic and entomological predictors were used to fit and predict the FoI at municipality level from 1980 to 2010 across Colombia.

A stratified bootstrap method was used to fit the models without temporal autocorrelation at the serosurvey level. The predictive ability of each model was evaluated to select the best-fit models within urban, rural and (Amerindian) indigenous settings. Model averaging, with the 10 best-fit models identified, was used to generate predictions.

Our analysis shows a risk of overconfidence in model predictions when median estimates of FoI alone are used to fit and evaluate models, failing to account for uncertainty in FoI estimates. Our proposed methodology fully propagates uncertainty in the estimated FoI onto the generated predictions, providing realistic assessments of both central tendency and current uncertainty surrounding exposure to Chagas disease.
A randomized crossover study of functional electrical stimulation during walking in spastic cerebral palsy: the FES on participation (FESPa) trial
Authors: Moll Irene , Marcellis Rik G. J. , Coenen Marcel L. P. , Fleuren Sabine M. , Willems Paul J. B. , Speth Lucianne A. W. M. , Witlox M. Adhiambo , Meijer Kenneth , Vermeulen R. Jeroen
Published: January 2022

Background

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common cause of motor disability in children. It often leads to foot drop or equinus, interfering with walking. Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used in these cases. However, AFOs can be too restrictive for mildly impaired patients. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the ankle-dorsiflexors is an alternative treatment as it could function as a dynamic functional orthosis. Despite previous research, high level evidence on the effects of FES on activities and participation in daily life is missing. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether FES improves the activity and participation level in daily life according to patients, and the secondary aim is to provide evidence of the effect of FES at the level of body functions and activities. Furthermore, we aim to collect relevant information for decisions on its clinical implementation.

Methods

A randomized crossover trial will be performed on 25 children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Patients aged between 4 and 18 years, with Gross Motor Functioning Classification System level I or II and unilateral foot drop of central origin, currently treated with AFO or adapted shoes, will be included. All participants will undergo twelve weeks of conventional treatment (AFO/adapted shoes) and 12 weeks of FES treatment, separated by a six-week washout-phase. FES treatment consists of wearing the WalkAide® device, with surface electrodes stimulating the peroneal nerve during swing phase of gait. For the primary objective, the Goal Attainment Scale is used to test whether FES improves activities and participation in daily life. The secondary objective is to prove whether FES is effective at the level of body functions and structures, and activities, including ankle kinematics and kinetics measured during 3D-gait analysis and questionnaire-based frequency of falling. The tertiary objective is to collect relevant information for clinical implementation, including acceptability using the device log file and side effect registration, cost-effectiveness based on quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and clinical characteristics for patient selection.

Discussion

We anticipate that the results of this study will allow evidence-based use of FES during walking in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03440632.
Daily uplifts during the COVID-19 pandemic: what is considered helpful in everyday life?
Authors: Eklund Rakel , Bondjers Kristina , Hensler Ida , Bragesjö Maria , Johannesson Kerstin Bergh , Arnberg Filip K , Sveen Josefin
Published: January 2022

Background

Knowledge of what is uplifting and helpful during pandemics could inform the design of sustainable pandemic recommendations in the future. We have explored individuals’ views on helpful and uplifting aspects of everyday life during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

Participants answered a brief, daily survey via text messages during 14 consecutive days in July–August, 2020. The survey included the question: “During the past 24 hours, is there anything that has made you feel good or helped you in your life?” We used content analysis to compile responses from 693 participants, who provided 4,490 free-text answers, which resulted in 24 categories subsumed under 7 themes.

Results

Positive aspects during the COVID-19 pandemic primarily related to social interactions, in real life or digitally, with family, friends and others. Other important aspects concerning work, colleagues and maintaining everyday life routines. One theme concerning vacations, going on excursions and being in nature. Leisure and recreation activities, such as hobbies and physical exercise, also emerged as important, as did health-related factors. Bodily sensations, thoughts, feelings and activities that benefited well-being were mentioned frequently. Lastly, people commented on the government strategies for containing COVID-19, and whether to comply with restrictions.

Conclusions

To summarize, daily uplifts and helpful aspects of everyday life centered around social relationships. To comply with recommendations on physical distancing, people found creative ways to maintain social connections both digitally and face-to-face. Social interaction, maintenance of everyday life routines, hobbies and physical activity appeared to be important for well-being.
Healthcare professionals’ perceptions on barriers and facilitators to DMARD use in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Voshaar M. J. H. , van den Bemt B. J. F. , van de Laar M. A. F. J. , van Dulmen A. M. , Vriezekolk J. E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. However, the full benefits of DMARDs are often not realized because many patients are sub-optimally adherent to their medication. In order to optimize adherence, it is essential that healthcare professionals (HCPs) understand patients’ barriers and facilitators for medication use. Insight in these barriers and facilitators may foster the dialogue about adequate medication use between HCPs and patients. What HCPs perceive as barriers and facilitators has, so far, scarcely been investigated. This study aimed to identify the perceptions of HCPs on patients’ barriers and facilitators that might influence their adherence.

Methods

This qualitative study was performed using semi structured in-depth interviews with HCPs. An interview guide was used, based on an adjusted version of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify factors that influence barriers and facilitators to DMARD use according to HCPs.

Results

Fifteen HCPs (5 rheumatologists, 5 nurses and 5 pharmacists) were interviewed. They mentioned a variety of factors that, according to their perceptions, influence DMARD adherence in patients with RA. Besides therapy-related factors, such as (onset of) medication effectiveness and side-effects, most variation was found within patient-related factors and reflected patients’ beliefs, ways of coping, and (self-management) skills toward medication and their condition. In addition, factors related to the condition (e.g., level of disease activity), healthcare team and system (e.g., trust in HCP), and social and economic context (e.g. support, work shifts) were reported.

Conclusions

This study provided insights in HCPs’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to DMARD use patients with RA. Most factors that were mentioned were patient-related and potentially modifiable. When physicians understand patients’ perceptions on medication use, adherence to DMARDs can probably be optimized in patients with RA leading to more effectiveness of treatment outcomes.
Sex-specific contribution of lipid accumulation product and cardiometabolic index in the identification of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Yiting , Wang Wei
Published: January 2022

Background

Lipid accumulation product (LAP) and cardiometabolic index (CMI) are two novel obesity-related indexes associated with enhancing metabolic disease (MD) risk. Current evidences suggest that the differences in sex hormones and regional fat distribution in both sexes are directly correlated with MD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk. Hence, NAFLD incidences reflect sex differences. Herein, we examined the accuracy of LAP and CMI in diagnosing NAFLD in both sexes.

Methods

Overall, 14,407 subjects, who underwent health check-up in the northeastern China, were enrolled in this study, and their corresponding LAP and CMI were calculated. Abdominal ultrasonography was employed for NAFLD diagnosis. Multivariate analyses were analyzed potential correlations between LAP and/or CMI and NAFLD. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses was executed for the exploration of the diagnostic accuracies. Areas under the curves (AUCs) with 95%CIs were calculated.

Results

NAFLD prevalence increased with elevated quartiles of LAP and CMI in both sexes. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, LAP and CM expressed as continuous variables or quartiles, significantly correlated with NAFLD. The ORs for the top versus bottom quartile of LAP and CMI for NAFLD were 13.183 (95%CI = 8.512–20.417) and 8.662 (95%CI = 6.371–11.778) in women and 7.544 (95%CI = 5.748–9.902) and 5.400 (95%CI = 4.297–6.786) in men. LAP and CMI exhibited larger AUCs, compared to other obesity-related indexes in terms of discriminating NAFLD. The AUCs of LAP and CMI were 0.860 (95%CI = 0.852–0.867) and 0.833 (95%CI = 0.825–0.842) in women and 0.816 (95%CI = 0.806–0.825) and 0.779 (95%CI = 0.769–0.789) in men.

Conclusions

LAP and CMI are convenient indexes for the screening and quantification of NAFLD within a Chinese adult population. Their associations with NAFLD are substantially greater in women than men.
Time-to-antibiotics and clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis and septic shock: a prospective nationwide multicenter cohort study
Authors: Im Yunjoo , Kang Danbee , Ko Ryoung-Eun , Lee Yeon Joo , Lim Sung Yoon , Park Sunghoon , Na Soo Jin , Chung Chi Ryang , Park Mi Hyeon , Oh Dong Kyu , Lim Chae-Man , Suh Gee Young ,   the Korean Sepsis Alliance (KSA) investigators, Lim Chae-Man , Hong Sang-Bum , Oh Dong Kyu , Suh Gee Young , Jeon Kyeongman , Ko Ryoung-Eun , Cho Young-Jae , Lee Yeon Joo , Lim Sung Yoon , Park Sunghoon , Heo Jeongwon , Lee Jae-myeong , Kim Kyung Chan , Lee Yeon Joo , Chang Youjin , Jeon Kyeongman , Lee Sang-Min , Lim Chae-Man , Hong Suk-Kyung , Cho Woo Hyun , Kwak Sang Hyun , Lee Heung Bum , Ahn Jong-Joon , Seong Gil Myeong , Lee Song-I. , Park Sunghoon , Park Tai Sun , Lee Su Hwan , Choi Eun Young , Moon Jae Young
Published: January 2022

Background

Timely administration of antibiotics is one of the most important interventions in reducing mortality in sepsis. However, administering antibiotics within a strict time threshold in all patients suspected with sepsis will require huge amount of effort and resources and may increase the risk of unintentional exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics in patients without infection with its consequences. Thus, controversy still exists on whether clinicians should target different time-to-antibiotics thresholds for patients with sepsis versus septic shock.

Methods

This study analyzed prospectively collected data from an ongoing multicenter cohort of patients with sepsis identified in the emergency department. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were compared for in-hospital mortality of patients who had received antibiotics within 1 h to that of those who did not. Spline regression models were used to assess the association of time-to-antibiotics as continuous variables and increasing risk of in-hospital mortality. The differences in the association between time-to-antibiotics and in-hospital mortality were assessed according to the presence of septic shock.

Results

Overall, 3035 patients were included in the analysis. Among them, 601 (19.8%) presented with septic shock, and 774 (25.5%) died. The adjusted OR for in-hospital mortality of patients whose time-to-antibiotics was within 1 h was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.99; p = 0.046). The adjusted OR for in-hospital mortality was 0.66 (95% CI 0.44–0.99; p = 0.049) and statistically significant in patients with septic shock, whereas it was 0.85 (95% CI 0.64–1.15; p = 0.300) in patients with sepsis but without shock. Among patients who received antibiotics within 3 h, those with septic shock showed 35% (p = 0.042) increased risk of mortality for every 1-h delay in antibiotics, but no such trend was observed in patients without shock.

Conclusion

Timely administration of antibiotics improved outcomes in patients with septic shock; however, the association between early antibiotic administration and outcome was not as clear in patients with sepsis without shock.
Polygenic transcriptome risk scores (PTRS) can improve portability of polygenic risk scores across ancestries
Authors: Liang Yanyu , Pividori Milton , Manichaikul Ani , Palmer Abraham A. , Cox Nancy J. , Wheeler Heather E. , Im Hae Kyung
Published: January 2022

Background

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are valuable to translate the results of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) into clinical practice. To date, most GWAS have been based on individuals of European-ancestry leading to poor performance in populations of non-European ancestry.

Results

We introduce the polygenic transcriptome risk score (PTRS), which is based on predicted transcript levels (rather than SNPs), and explore the portability of PTRS across populations using UK Biobank data.

Conclusions

We show that PTRS has a significantly higher portability (Wilcoxon p=0.013) in the African-descent samples where the loss of performance is most acute with better performance than PRS when used in combination.
Duration of invasive mechanical ventilation prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is not associated with survival in acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Hermann Martina , Laxar Daniel , Krall Christoph , Hafner Christina , Herzog Oliver , Kimberger Oliver , Koenig Sebastian , Kraft Felix , Maleczek Mathias , Markstaller Klaus , Robak Oliver , Rössler Bernhard , Schaden Eva , Schellongowski Peter , Schneeweiss-Gleixner Mathias , Staudinger Thomas , Ullrich Roman , Wiegele Marion , Willschke Harald , Zauner Christian , Hermann Alexander
Published: January 2022

Background

Duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) affects outcome in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related ARDS, the role of pre-ECMO IMV duration is unclear. This single-centre, retrospective study included critically ill adults treated with ECMO due to severe COVID-19-related ARDS between 01/2020 and 05/2021. The primary objective was to determine whether duration of IMV prior to ECMO cannulation influenced ICU mortality.

Results

During the study period, 101 patients (mean age 56 [SD ± 10] years; 70 [69%] men; median RESP score 2 [IQR 1–4]) were treated with ECMO for COVID-19. Sixty patients (59%) survived to ICU discharge. Median ICU length of stay was 31 [IQR 20.7–51] days, median ECMO duration was 16.4 [IQR 8.7–27.7] days, and median time from intubation to ECMO start was 7.7 [IQR 3.6–12.5] days. Fifty-three (52%) patients had a pre-ECMO IMV duration of > 7 days. Pre-ECMO IMV duration had no effect on survival (p = 0.95). No significant difference in survival was found when patients with a pre-ECMO IMV duration of < 7 days (< 10 days) were compared to ≥ 7 days (≥ 10 days) (p = 0.59 and p = 1.0).

Conclusions

The role of prolonged pre-ECMO IMV duration as a contraindication for ECMO in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS should be scrutinised. Evaluation for ECMO should be assessed on an individual and patient-centred basis.
The value of community technology workers for LPG use: A pilot in Shirati, Tanzania
Authors: Gill-Wiehl Annelise , Sievers Sara , Kammen Daniel M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 calls for the adoption and continued use of clean-burning stoves by the 2.9 billion people relying on unclean fuels (both solid biomass and kerosene). However, to date, the clean cooking literature has found low rates of efficient stove adoption and continued use. This paper presents the application of a public health community engagement model to the use of clean cooking fuels. We implemented a pilot study with Community Technology Workers (CTWs) as a means to overcome maintenance, education, and behavioral barriers to clean fuel use in rural Tanzania.

Methods

The intervention was a free 6 kg Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder and stove coupled with education from a local technically trained CTW on LPG use. We evaluated the training, work, and impact of a CTW on LPG use on 30 randomly selected households from two villages in a rural district of Tanzania over a 1-year period. After an initial baseline survey, technically trained local CTWs educated the households on safe LPG use and conducted 34 follow up surveys over the next year on their cooking fuel use. Additionally, we conducted qualitative interviews with all households and a focus group with six of the households.

Results

The results from the mixed methods approach show that 80% of families (n = 24) consistently refilled their LPG cylinders and ~ 40% of households exclusively used LPG. Households reported appreciating the CTWs’ visits for providing education and maintenance support, giving them confidence to use LPG safely, reminding them to save for their cylinder, and providing a community driven effort to use clean fuel.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate the feasibility of this type of community infrastructure model to promote and facilitate consistent LPG use, but suggest the need to couple this local support with financial mechanisms (e.g., a microsavings program). This model could be a mechanism to increase LPG use, particularly in rural, low-income areas.
Prices of conventional and renewable energy as determinants of sustainable and secure energy development: regression model analysis
Authors: Knez Sandi , Šimić Goran , Milovanović Anica , Starikova Sofia , Županič Franc Željko
Published: January 2022

Background

The prices of energy resources are important determinants of sustainable energy development, yet associated with significant unknowns. The estimates of the impact of prices of energy products in the domestic market (for domestic consumers) are rare—hence the importance and novelty of this research. Therefore, the main goal of the paper is to assess the impact of domestic prices of gasoline, gas, coal, and solar energy on sustainable and secure energy future.

Methods

The research includes 14 countries (of which 7 are developed and 7 are developing countries) and a period of 5 years (2014–2018). The model also includes discrete variables: level of development (developing or developed), and the fact as to whether the country is an energy exporter or not. For the purposes of analysis, the following elements were used: Panel Data Analysis, Linear regression (with random and fixed effects), Durbin–Wu–Hausman test, and Honda test, with the use of R-studio software for statistical computing.

Results

The research showed that the biggest negative impact on energy sustainability was recorded by an increase in the price of coal and the smallest one by an increase in the price of solar energy. An increase in the price of gasoline has a positive impact, while an increase in the price of gas has no impact. The basic methodological result showed that the fixed effects linear model is more accurate than the random effect model.

Conclusions

The results of the paper, important as a sustainable energy policy recommendation, showed that the impact of changes in energy product prices is significantly greater in developing countries, but that the status of the country as an energy exporter has no significance. In addition, the paper points to the need to intensify the research on the assessment of the impact of energy product prices for domestic consumers on their ability to pay that price, because with a certain (so far undefined) increase in energy product prices, a certain group of domestic consumers moves into a category that is not in line with sustainable energy development and is extremely undesirable in every respect—energy poverty.
Impact on grafted kidney function of rocuronium-sugammadex vs cisatracurium-neostigmine strategy for neuromuscular block management. An Italian single-center, 2014-2017 retrospective cohort case-control study
Authors: Carron M. , Andreatta G. , Pesenti E. , De Cassai A. , Feltracco P. , Linassi F. , Sergi M. , Di Bella C. , Di Bello M. , Neri F. , Silvestre C. , Furian L. , Navalesi P.
Published: January 2022

Background

The impact of sugammadex in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing kidney transplantation is still far from being defined. The aim of the study is to compare sugammadex to neostigmine for reversal of rocuronium- and cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block (NMB), respectively, in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.

Methods

A single-center, 2014-2017 retrospective cohort case-control study was performed. A total of 350 patients undergoing kidney transplantation, equally divided between a sugammadex group (175 patients) and a neostigmine group (175 patients), were considered. Postoperative kidney function, evaluated by monitoring of serum creatinine and urea and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), was the endpoint. Other endpoints were anesthetic and surgical times, post-anesthesia care unit length of stay, postoperative intensive care unit admission, and recurrent NMB or complications.

Results

No significant differences in patient or, with the exception of drugs involved in NMB management, anesthetic, and surgical characteristics, were observed between the two groups. Serum creatinine (median [interquartile range]: 596.0 [478.0-749.0] vs 639.0 [527.7-870.0] μmol/L, p = 0.0128) and serum urea (14.9 [10.8-21.6] vs 17.1 [13.1-22.0] mmol/L, p = 0.0486) were lower, while eGFR (8.0 [6.0-11.0] vs 8.0 [6.0-10.0], p = 0.0473) was higher in the sugammadex group than in the neostigmine group after surgery. The sugammadex group showed significantly lower incidence of postoperative severe hypoxemia (0.6% vs 6.3%, p = 0.006), shorter PACU stay (70 [60-90] min vs 90 [60-105] min, p < 0.001), and reduced ICU admissions (0.6% vs 8.0%, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared to cisatracurium-neostigmine, the rocuronium-sugammadex strategy for reversal of NMB showed a better recovery profile in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
Potential therapeutic options for COVID-19: an update on current evidence
Authors: Niknam Zahra , Jafari Ameneh , Golchin Ali , Danesh Pouya Fahima , Nemati Mohadeseh , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Rasmi Yousef
Published: January 2022

SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, is the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic and is a major public health concern nowadays. The rapid and global spread of this coronavirus leads to an increase in hospitalizations and thousands of deaths in many countries. To date, great efforts have been made worldwide for the efficient management of this crisis, but there is still no effective and specific treatment for COVID-19. The primary therapies to treat the disease are antivirals, anti-inflammatories and respiratory therapy. In addition, antibody therapies currently have been a many active and essential part of SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment. Ongoing trials are proposed different therapeutic options including various drugs, convalescent plasma therapy, monoclonal antibodies, immunoglobulin therapy, and cell therapy. The present study summarized current evidence of these therapeutic approaches to assess their efficacy and safety for COVID-19 treatment. We tried to provide comprehensive information about the available potential therapeutic approaches against COVID-19 to support researchers and physicians in any current and future progress in treating COVID-19 patients.
An extract of Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Zingiberaceae increases health span and mobility in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Hughes Samantha , Kolsters Nikki , van de Klashorst David , Kreuter Emanuel , Berger Büter Karin
Published: January 2022

Background

Members of the Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Zingiberaceae families which include fruits such as cherries, tomatoes and ginger are known to have health promoting effects. There is growing interest in consuming these “functional foods” as a means to increase health and healthy ageing. However, many studies explore the effect of these foods in isolation, not as a blend of multiple functional foods.

Methods

In this study, an extract containing the dried berries, fruits, and roots of members of these families was prepared, which we called Bioact®180. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate the effects of Bioact®180 on lifespan and health endpoints, including muscle and mitochondria structure and locomotion.

Results

Exposure to the 1000 µg/mL of Bioact®180 extract, containing 4% total phenols, were healthier, as observed by an increase in mean lifespan with and small but significant increase in maximal lifespan. Nematodes exposed to Bioact®180 displayed better mobility in mid-life stages as well as enhanced mitochondrial morphology, which was more comparable to younger animals, suggesting that these worms are protected to some degree from sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Together, our findings reveal that Bioact®180, a blend of fruits and roots from Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Zingiberaceae family members has anti-aging effects. Bioact®180 promotes health and lifespan extension in C. elegans, corresponding to functional improvements in mobility.
#ColonCancer: Social Media Discussions About Colorectal Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Patel Vishal R. , Gereta Sofia , Blanton Christopher J. , Chu Alexander L. , Reddy Neha K. , Mackert Michael , Nortjé Nico , Pignone Michael P.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Social media platforms such as Twitter are extensively used to communicate about cancer care, yet little is known about the role of these online platforms in promoting early detection or sharing the lived experiences of patients with CRC. This study tracked Twitter discussions about CRC and characterized participating users to better understand public communication and perceptions of CRC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Tweets containing references to CRC were collected from January 2020 to April 2021 using Twitter's Application Programming Interface. Account metadata was used to predict user demographic information and classify users as either organizations, individuals, clinicians, or influencers. We compared the number of impressions across users and analyzed the content of tweets using natural language processing models to identify prominent topics of discussion.

RESULTS

There were 72,229 unique CRC-related tweets by 31,170 users. Most users were male (66%) and older than 40 years (57%). Individuals accounted for most users (44%); organizations (35%); clinicians (19%); and influencers (2%). Influencers made the most median impressions (35,853). Organizations made the most overall impressions (1,067,189,613). Tweets contained the following topics: bereavement (20%), appeals for early detection (20%), research (17%), National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (15%), screening access (14%), and risk factors (14%).

CONCLUSION

Discussions about CRC largely focused on bereavement and early detection. Online coverage of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and personal experiences with CRC effectively stimulated goal-oriented tweets about early detection. Our findings suggest that although Twitter is commonly used for communicating about CRC, partnering with influencers may be an effective strategy for improving communication of future public health recommendations related to CRC.
Eradicating Racism: An Endocrine Society Policy Perspective
Authors: Dhaliwal Ruban , Pereira Rocio I , Diaz-Thomas Alicia M , Powe Camille E , Yanes Cardozo Licy L , Joseph Joshua J
Published: January 2022

The Endocrine Society recognizes racism as a root cause of the health disparities that affect racial/ethnic minority communities in the United States and throughout the world. In this policy perspective, we review the sources and impact of racism on endocrine health disparities and propose interventions aimed at promoting an equitable, diverse, and just healthcare system. Racism in the healthcare system perpetuates health disparities through unequal access and quality of health services, inadequate representation of health professionals from racial/ethnic minority groups, and the propagation of the erroneous belief that socially constructed racial/ethnic groups constitute genetically and biologically distinct populations. Unequal care, particularly for common endocrine diseases such as diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and thyroid disease, results in high morbidity and mortality for individuals from racial/ethnic minority groups, leading to a high socioeconomic burden on minority communities and all members of our society. As health professionals, researchers, educators, and leaders, we have a responsibility to take action to eradicate racism from the healthcare system. Achieving this goal would result in high-quality health care services that are accessible to all, diverse workforces that are representative of the communities we serve, inclusive and equitable workplaces and educational settings that foster collaborative teamwork, and research systems that ensure that scientific advancements benefit all members of our society. The Endocrine Society will continue to prioritize and invest resources in a multifaceted approach to eradicate racism, focused on educating and engaging current and future health professionals, teachers, researchers, policy makers, and leaders.
Circulating MicroRNA Profiles as Potential Biomarkers for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Jankovic Miljus Jelena , Guillén-Sacoto María Augusta , Makiadi-Alvarado Jennifer , Wert-Lamas León , Ramirez-Moya Julia , Robledo Mercedes , Santisteban Pilar , Riesco-Eizaguirre Garcilaso
Published: January 2022

Context

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging biomarkers of thyroid cancer.

Objective

This study sought to identify the profile of circulating miRNAs and its response to human recombinant TSH (rhTSH) in thyroid cancer patients with recurrent/persistent disease.

Methods

We obtained serum samples from 30 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, 14 with recurrent/persistent disease and 16 with complete remission. We used next-generation sequencing to define the miRnomes along with a comprehensive quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation using 2 different platforms. We made a transversal study by comparing serum miRNA profiles of patients with or without recurrent/persistent disease and a longitudinal study looking at differences before and after rhTSH stimulation. Selected miRNAs were then studied in human thyroid cancer cell lines TPC-1, FTC-133, and OCUT-2 in response to TSH stimulation.

Results

We could not demonstrate any consistent differences in serum profiles of known miRNAs between patients with and without recurrent/persistent disease or before and after rhTSH stimulation. However, our sequencing data revealed 2 putative novel miRNAs that rise with rhTSH stimulation in the serums of patients with recurrent/persistent disease. We further confirmed by qPCR the upregulation of these putative miRNAs both in serums and in TSH-stimulated cells. We also show miRNAs that are good candidates for housekeeping genes in the serum of patients independently of the levels of TSH.

Conclusions

The present study does not provide evidence that known miRNAs can be used as circulating markers for recurrence of thyroid cancer. However, we suggest that novel miRNA molecules may be related to thyroid cancer pathogenesis.
Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure and Aldosterone: Interaction Between the Lysine-specific Demethylase 1 Gene, Sex, and Age
Authors: Parksook Wasita W , Heydarpour Mahyar , Gholami Shadi K , Luther James M , Hopkins Paul N , Pojoga Luminita H , Williams Jonathan S
Published: January 2022

Context

Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, especially in individuals of African descent, although the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a salt-sensitive epigenetic regulator associated with SSBP and aldosterone dysfunction. An LSD1 risk allele in humans is associated with SSBP and lower aldosterone levels in hypertensive individuals of African but not European descent. Heterozygous knockout LSD1 mice display SSBP and aldosterone dysregulation, but this effect is modified by age and biological sex. This might explain differences in cardiovascular risk with aging and biological sex in humans.

Objective

This work aims to determine if LSD1 risk allele (rs587618) carriers of African descent display a sex-by-age interaction with SSBP and aldosterone regulation.

Methods

We analyzed 297 individuals of African and European descent from the HyperPATH cohort. We performed multiple regression analyses for outcome variables related to SSBP and aldosterone.

Results

LSD1 risk allele carriers of African (but not European) descent had greater SSBP than nonrisk homozygotes. Female LSD1 risk allele carriers of African descent had greater SSBP, mainly relationship-driven by women with low estrogen (postmenopausal). There was a statistically significant LSD1 genotype-sex interaction in aldosterone response to angiotensin II stimulation in individuals aged 50 years or younger, with female carriers displaying decreased aldosterone responsiveness.

Conclusion

SSBP associated with LSD1 risk allele status is driven by women with a depleted estrogen state. Mechanisms related to a resistance to develop SSBP in females are uncertain but may relate to an estrogen-modulating effect on mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation and/or LSD1 epigenetic regulation of the MR.
Intimate Eating
Authors: Mannur Anita
Published: January 2022

In Intimate Eating Anita Mannur examines how notions of the culinary can create new forms of kinship, intimacy, and social and political belonging. Drawing on critical ethnic studies and queer studies, Mannur traces the ways in which people of color, queer people, and other marginalized subjects create and sustain this belonging through the formation of “intimate eating publics.” These spaces—whether established in online communities or through eating along in a restaurant—blur the line between public and private. In analyses of Julie Powell’s Julie and Julia, Nani Power’s Ginger and Ganesh, Ritesh Batra’s film The Lunchbox, Michael Rakowitz’s performance art installation Enemy Kitchen, and The Great British Bake Off, Mannur focuses on how racialized South Asian and Arab brown bodies become visible in various intimate eating publics. In this way, the culinary becomes central to discourses of race and other social categories of difference. By illuminating how cooking, eating, and distributing food shapes and sustains social worlds, Mannur reconfigures how we think about networks of intimacy beyond the family, heteronormativity, and nation.