bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Access flow volume (Qa) and survival in a haemodialysis population: an analysis of 5208 Qa measurements over a 9-year period
Authors: Yadav Reshabh , Gerrickens Michael W M , van Kuijk Sander M J , Vaes Roel H D , Snoeijs Maarten G J , Scheltinga Marc R M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to determine associations between characteristics of arteriovenous access (AVA) flow volume (Qa; mL/min) and 4-year freedom from cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in haemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods
HD patients who received a primary AVA between January 2010 and December 2017 in one centre were analysed. Initial Qa was defined as the first Qa value obtained in a well-functioning AVA by a two-needle dilution technique. Actual Qa was defined as access flow at a random point in time. Changes in actual Qa were expressed per 3-month period. CVM was assessed according to the European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association classification. The optimal cut-off point for initial Qa was identified by a receiver operating characteristics curve. A joint modelling statistical technique determined longitudinal associations between Qa characteristics and 4-year CVM.

Results
A total of 5208 Qa measurements (165 patients; 103 male, age 70 ± 12 years, autologous AVA n = 146, graft n = 19) were analysed. During follow-up (December 2010–January 2018, median 36 months), 79 patients (48%) died. An initial Qa &lt;900 mL/min was associated with an increased 4-y CVM risk {hazard ratio [HR] 4.05 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.94–8.43], P &lt; 0.001}. After 4 years, freedom from CVM was 34% lower in patients with a Qa &lt;900 mL/min (53 ± 7%) versus a Qa ≥900 mL/min (87 ± 4%; P &lt; 0.001). An association between increases in actual Qa per 3-month period and mortality was found [HR 4.48/100 mL/min (95% CI 1.44–13.97), P = 0.010], indicating that patients demonstrating increasing Qa were more likely to die. In contrast, actual Qa per se was not related to survival.

Conclusions
Studying novel AVA Qa characteristics may contribute to understanding excess CVM in HD patients.
Importance of the intersection of age and sex to understand variation in incidence and survival for primary malignant gliomas
Authors: Wang Gi-Ming , Cioffi Gino , Patil Nirav , Waite Kristin A , Lanese Robert , Ostrom Quinn T , Kruchko Carol , Berens Michael E , Connor James R , Lathia Justin D , Rubin Joshua B , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Gliomas are the most common type of malignant brain and other CNS tumors, accounting for 80.8% of malignant primary brain and CNS tumors. They cause significant morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the intersection between age and sex to better understand variation of incidence and survival for glioma in the United States.

Methods
Incidence data from 2000 to 2017 were obtained from CBTRUS, which obtains data from the NPCR and SEER, and survival data from the CDC’s NPCR. Age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) per 100 000 were generated to compare male-to-female incidence by age group. Cox proportional hazard models were performed by age group, generating hazard ratios to assess male-to-female survival differences.

Results
Overall, glioma incidence was higher in males. Male-to-female incidence was lowest in ages 0-9 years (IRR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07, P = .003), increasing with age, peaking at 50-59 years (IRR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.53-1.59, P &lt; .001). Females had worse survival for ages 0-9 (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99), though male survival was worse for all other age groups, with the difference highest in those 20-29 years (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.28-1.44). Incidence and survival differences by age and sex also varied by histological subtype of glioma.

Conclusions
To better understand the variation in glioma incidence and survival, investigating the intersection of age and sex is key. The current work shows that the combined impact of these variables is dependent on glioma subtype. These results contribute to the growing understanding of sex and age differences that impact cancer incidence and survival.
Agrobacterium-Mediated Transient Transformation ofMarchantiaLiverworts
Authors: Iwakawa Hidekazu , Melkonian Katharina , Schlüter Titus , Jeon Hyung-Woo , Nishihama Ryuichi , Motose Hiroyasu , Nakagami Hirofumi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAgrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression is a rapid and useful approach for characterizing functions of gene products in planta. However, the practicability of the method in the model liverwort Marchantia polymorpha has not yet been thoroughly described. Here we report a simple and robust method for Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation of Marchantia thalli and its applicability. When thalli of M. polymorpha were co-cultured with Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying β-glucuronidase (GUS) genes, GUS staining was observed primarily in assimilatory filaments and rhizoids. GUS activity was detected 2 days after infection and saturated 3 days after infection. We were able to transiently co-express fluorescently tagged proteins with proper localizations. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our method can be used as a novel pathosystem to study liverwort–bacteria interactions. We also provide evidence that air chambers support bacterial colonization.
Genicular Nerve Anatomy and Its Implication for New Procedural Approaches for Knee Joint Denervation: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Kim Jung H , Shustorovich Alexander , Arel Aaron T , Downie Sherry A , Cohen Steven P , Kim Soo Yeon 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
To verify the articular branch contributions in the human knee, delineate their anatomical variance, and outline the limitations of currently applied procedure protocols for denervation of the knee joint.

Design
A detailed anatomical dissection.

Setting
Cadavers in residence at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Subjects
In total, 24 lower extremity specimens from 14 embalmed cadavers.

Methods
Human cadaveric dissections were performed on 24 lower extremities from 14 embalmed cadavers.

Results
This cadaveric study has demonstrated that the anterior knee receives sensory innervations from SMGN, SLGN, LRN, NVI, NVL, RFN, and IMGN. The courses of SMGN, SLGN, RFN, and IMGN are similar to recent anatomical studies. However, discrepancies exist in their relative anatomy to bony and radiographic landmarks.

Conclusions
Genicular denervation using classical anatomical landmarks may not be sufficient to treat the anterior knee joint pain. Our findings illustrate more accurate anatomic landmarks for the three-target paradigm and support additional targets for more complete genicular denervation. This cadaveric study provides robust anatomical findings that can provide a foundation for new anatomical landmarks and targets to improve genicular denervation outcomes.
Diagnosis of Achilles Insertional Tendinopathies by Algometry
Authors: Barbachan Mansur Nacime Salomão , Pereira Vinícius Felipe , Cunha Henrique Cesar Monteiro , Nunes Carlos Gilberto , Ferreira Danilo Santos , Sato Vitor Neves , Yamada André Fukunishi , Matsunaga Fabio Teruo , Belloti João Carlos , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Diagnosis of Achilles insertional tendinopathies (AIT) is based on pain by tendon palpation. However, there is no consensus or standard with regard to the amount of force to be used during the evaluation. Algometry is a method of measuring the pressure applied in a specific region and can be a method for determining diagnosis values.

Goal
To determine a cutoff value for pain threshold (PT) in the assessment of AIT.

Design
This is a prospective case–control study of diagnostic accuracy, to develop a diagnostic criterion.

Methods
Forty asymptomatic individuals and forty patients with AIT, matched by age and sex, were evaluated and submitted to algometry for PT and for visual analog scale (VAS) levels with 3 kgf at the insertion of the calcaneal tendon by two different evaluators. Inter-observer reproducibility was assessed through the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Sensitivity and specificity calculations of PT and of VAS were calculated and plotted on a receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results
The lowest ICC found was 0.788. With regard to the diagnosis through PT , the 4.08-kgf value showed the best relation between sensitivity and specificity (92.5% and 92.5%, respectively). Algometry values lower than 4.08 were considered positive for disease. For the diagnosis of AIT through VAS with 3 kgf, the value of 2.98 was estabilished (sensitivity of 92.5% and specificity of 97.5%).

Conclusion
Algometry was shown to be a simple and reliable method for diagnosing AIT. Values of PT less than 4.08 kgf were found to be predictors of the disease.
Association between political group participation and depressive symptoms among older adults: an 11-year longitudinal study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yu-Chun , Yan Huang-Ting 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Given the speculation that political participation is causing an epidemic of depression, this study examined how participation in political and non-political groups influenced depressive symptoms among older adults in Taiwan.

Methods
The 11-year follow-up data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Ageing, covering 5334 persons aged 50 years and older, were analysed using random-effects panel logit models.

Results
Engagement in social groups reduced the likelihood of depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.80). However, there was a greater likelihood of depressive symptoms among older adults who were engaged in political groups when compared with those who were engaged in non-political groups (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.31–2.65). For older adults who remained politically engaged, participation in a greater number of non-political group types was associated with a lower likelihood of depression (e.g. at 1: AOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30–0.91; at 2+: AOR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18–0.67); this numbers-based effect was not prevalent among those who were solely engaged in non-political groups.

Conclusions
Political group attendance can result in negative mental health outcomes among older adults. Our findings suggest that reducing the prevalence of depression through social participation is conditional to the engagement type.
PRACTICAL CHALLENGES WITH IMAGING COVID-19 IN BRAZIL: MITIGATION IN AND BEYOND THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Bernardo Mônica O , Homayounieh Fatemeh , Ebrahimian Shadi , de Melo Tapajós Juliana Santana , de Moura Carvalho Luiz Cláudio , Varella Ricardo , Khoury Helen Jamil , Kalra Mannudeep K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) provides useful information in patients with known or suspected COVID-19 infection. However, there are substantial variations and challenges in scanner technologies and scan practices that have negative effect on the image quality and can increase radiation dose associated with CT. Objective: In this article, we present major issues and challenges with use of CT at five Brazilian CT facilities for imaging patients with known or suspected COVID-19 infection and offer specific mitigating strategies. Methods: Observational, retrospective and prospective study of five CT facilities from different states and regions of Brazil, with approval of research and ethics committees. Results: The most important issues include frequent use of CT, lack of up-to-date and efficient scanner technologies, over-scanning and patient off-centring. Mitigating strategies can include updating scanner technology and improving scan practices.
Genetic selection indices for growth traits in Blanco-Orejinegro cattle
Authors: Ramírez Toro Edison J , Mourão Gerson Barreto , Martínez Sarmiento Rodrigo A , Cerón-Muñoz Mario F 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSelection indices are used in genetic improvement programs, with the purpose of selectins simultaneous for several economically important traits. The objective of this study was to construct equations for selection indices in the Blanco-Orejinegro (BON) breed and to determine the index that would generate the greatest genetic progress. The information used included birth weight (BW), body weights adjusted to 120, 240, 480, and 720 days old (W120, W240, W240, 480 and W720, respectively), age at first calving (AFC) and interval between first and second calving (IBC) estimated breeding values. Two Smith and Hazel indices were calculated using variances (I1) and literature (I2), with a part two indices designed using information from experts and breeders (I3 and I4). All the indices favored the reduction of weight at birth. The I1 focused mainly on W120 and I2, I3 and I4 focused on 720. In general, the estimated indices obtained similar reliability and expected genetic differences I1 generated a decrease in direct BW. I2 generated the largest increases in BW and AFC. I3 and I4 generated positive changes in growth and reproductive traits, with I3 generating the greatest genetic gains in the population, especially for W240.
MiSDEED: a synthetic multi-omics engine for microbiome power analysis and study design
Authors: Chlenski Philippe , Hsu Melody , Pe’er Itsik 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSummaryMiSDEED is a command-line tool for generating synthetic longitudinal multi-omics data from simulated microbial environments. It generates relative-abundance timecourses under perturbations for an arbitrary number of samples and patients. All simulation parameters are exposed to the user to facilitate rapid power analysis and aid in study design. Users who want additional flexibility may also use MiSDEED as a Python package.Availability and implementationMiSDEED is written in Python and is freely available at https://github.com/pchlenski/misdeed.Contactpac@cs.columbia.edu
A computational approach for generating smooth estimates of motor unit discharge rates and visualizing population discharge characteristics
Authors: Beauchamp James. A. , Khurram Obaid U , Dewald Julius P.A. , Heckman Charles J. , Pearcey Gregory E P 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveSuccessive improvements in high density surface electromyography and decomposition techniques have facilitated an increasing yield in decomposed motor unit (MU) spike times. Though these advancements enhance the generalizability of findings and promote the application of MU discharge characteristics to inform the neural control of motor output, limitations remain. Specifically, 1) common approaches for generating smooth estimates of MU discharge rates introduce artifacts in quantification, which may bias findings, and 2) discharge characteristics of large MU populations are often difficult to visualize.ApproachIn the present study, we propose support vector regression (SVR) as an improved approach for generating continuous estimates of discharge rate and compare the fit characteristics of SVR to traditionally used methods, including Hanning window filtering and polynomial regression. Furthermore, we introduce ensembles as a method to visualize the discharge characteristics of large MU populations. We define ensembles as the average discharge profile of a subpopulation of MUs, composed of a time normalized ensemble average of all units within this subpopulation. Analysis was conducted with MUs decomposed from the tibialis anterior (N = 2128), medial gastrocnemius (N = 2673), and soleus (N = 1190) during isometric plantarflexion and dorsiflexion contractions.Main ResultCompared to traditional approaches, we found SVR to alleviate commonly observed inaccuracies and produce significantly less absolute fit error in the initial phase of MU discharge and throughout the entire duration of discharge. Additionally, we found the visualization of MU populations as ensembles to intuitively represent population discharge characteristics with appropriate accuracy for visualization.SignificanceThe results and methods outlined here provide an improved method for generating smooth estimates of MU discharge rate with SVR and present a unique approach to visualizing MU populations with ensembles. In combination, the use of SVR and generation of ensembles represent an efficient method for rendering population discharge characteristics.
Role of Efferocytosis in Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Rooban Thavarajah , Ranganathan Kannan 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundOral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, immune mediated interface mucositis of oral mucosa. Though the apoptosis of keratinocytes is a feature of OLP, not much is known about the clearance of cell debris (efferocytosis) resulting from apoptosis. We postulate that there is a defective or delayed efferocytosis in OLP, which may have a role in modulating the immune response in OLP.MethodsPublished mRNA expression of tissue of 14 patients with OLP and 14 cases of normal tissues were subjected to differential analysis (DE) and a list of DE genes identified. From this list, the genes that involved in efferocytosis were collated, compared and their interactions are typed.ResultIn all, two studies fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. On combining the data, 1486 genes were significantly different between OLP and normal tissues. 28 of these 1486 genes are were associated with efferocytosis of which the suppression of LRP1, LDLR, ANAX2, C2, PBX1, PDCD4, S1PR5, CX3CL1, STAT6 and Wnt3A is indicative of defective or delayed efferocytosis in OLP. The role of pathways and associations were analyzed and is presented here.Discussion and ConclusionThe study revealed that certain key genes mRNAs that are associated with efferocytosis are altered in OLP. They could delay or lead to defective efferocytosis. Studying such genes in detail could provide deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and the discovery of therapeutic targets.
Information theory-based approach towards studying anti-coincidence detection via graded amplitude dendritic action potentials
Authors: Sinha Vidhi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn contrast to typical all or none action potential, recent discovery of graded amplitude action potentials in cortical neurons enabled the dendrites to perform XOR computation, previously thought to be performed only at network level. Thus, these special neurons can perform anti-coincidence detection at the dendritic level, but a lot is unanswered about this phenomenon. Can such experimentally observed dendritic action potential generating system transmit information about stimuli having varying degrees of temporal overlap? Can the system add to the repertoire of computations performed at dendritic level by enhancing the information transmission about varying amplitude stimuli? In this information theory-based study done in single compartment and two-compartment dendritic models, it is shown that such a system can indeed transmit information about the temporal overlap of stimuli as well as amplitudes of stimuli even at high input noise levels. First, the calculation of mutual information between single stimulus and response i.e. I(S;R) with varying noise showed that the information about temporally overlapping nature of stimuli is precisely transmitted by such a system. Secondly, the time evolution of mutual information was simulated through data from the system and it positively reinforced the above-mentioned result. Next, varying amplitude input stimuli was provided to the system and calculation of mutual information between two stimuli and one response i.e. I(S1,S2;R) with varying noise levels revealed that such a system optimally transmits the information about stimuli even at high noise levels. Finally, calculation of this information measurement with respect to time in an experiment with constant overlap but varying input amplitude again positively reinforced the result.Key PointsInformation theory-based measurements were employed to assess the role of graded amplitude dendritic action potentials.Action potentials (APs) with maximal amplitudes for threshold level stimuli and lower amplitudes for stronger stimuli were modelled with high voltage Ca2+ (HVA like) channels, Ca2+ dependent (BK-like) channel, leak channel and calcium pump in a single compartment model and two compartment dendritic model.Analysis done here, on comparison with control compartment generating constant amplitude AP via standard Hodgkin-Huxley sodium potassium channel revealed that such a compartment shows optimal information transmission about both varying amplitudes input current stimuli as well as varying time overlap stimuli.
A Comparative Study on the knowledge and attitude of COVID-19 among Urban and Rural populations of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Ripon Md. Kamal , Khan Noor Muhammad , Khan A E M Adnan , Ahmed Rana , Afrin Safia , Sayed Md. Abu , Rahman Moghal Md. Mizanur 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThis study is aimed to identify the awareness and behavioral perspective on COVID-19 between urban and rural people of Bangladesh during the period of outbreak.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 districts of Bangladesh, where 322 participants from urban and 312 from rural area. Participants were selected through convenience sampling.ResultsRural people are found to be much more inter connected to receive information from neighbor. Regarding the incubation periods and the general symptoms, knowledge differs significantly from urban to rural. Even their precautionary and transmission knowledge is found to associate in most of the cases. During this outbreak, urban people significantly increase their religious habits and also believe that there will some major change of life after outbreak.DiscussionThe study reflected that health education program needed to aware about COVID-19 in both urban and rural in Bangladesh that helps in formulating and executing communication and outbreak management.