bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic comparison of Mendelian randomization studies and randomized controlled trials using electronic databases
Authors: Sobczyk Maria K. , Zheng Jie , Smith George Davey , Gaunt Tom R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMendelian Randomization (MR) uses genetic instrumental variables to make causal inferences. Whilst sometimes referred to as “nature’s randomized trial”, it has distinct assumptions that make comparisons between the results of MR studies with those of actual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) invaluable. To scope the potential for (semi-)-automated triangulation of MR and RCT evidence, we minedClinicalTrials.Gov, PubMed and EpigraphDB databases and carried out a series of 26 manual literature comparisons among 54 MR and 77 RCT publications. We found that only 11% of completed RCTs identified inClinicalTrials.Govsubmitted their results to the database. Similarly low coverage was revealed for Semantic Medline (SemMedDB) semantic triples derived from MR and RCT publications –25% and 12%, respectively. Among intervention types that can be mimicked by MR, only trials of pharmaceutical interventions could be automatically matched to MR results due to insufficient annotation with MeSH ontology. A manual survey of the literature highlighted the potential for triangulation across a number of exposure/outcome pairs if these challenges can be addressed. We conclude that careful triangulation of MR with RCT evidence should involve consideration of similarity of phenotypes across study designs, intervention intensity and duration, study population demography and health status, comparator group, intervention goal and quality of evidence.
Epidural stimulation of the cervical spinal cord improves voluntary motor control in post-stroke upper limb paresis
Authors: Powell Marc P. , Verma Nikhil , Sorensen Erynn , Carranza Erick , Boos Amy , Fields Daryl , Roy Souvik , Ensel Scott , Barra Beatrice , Balzer Jeffery , Goldsmith Jeff , Friedlander Robert M. , Wittenberg George , Fisher Lee E. , Krakauer John W , Gerszten Peter C. , Pirondini Elvira , Weber Douglas J , Capogrosso Marco 
Published: April 2022

SUMMARYA large proportion of cerebral strokes disrupt descending commands from motor cortical areas to the spinal cord which can results in permanent motor deficits of the arm and hand1,2. However, below the lesion, the spinal circuits that control movement5remain intact and could be targeted by neurotechnologies to restore movement6–9. Here we demonstrate that by engaging spinal circuits with targeted electrical stimulation we immediately improved voluntary motor control in two participants with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. We implanted a pair of 8-contact percutaneous epidural leads on the lateral aspect of the cervical spinal cord to selectively target the dorsal roots that provide excitatory inputs to motoneurons controlling the arm and hand10,11. With this strategy, we obtained independent activation of shoulder, elbow and hand muscles. Continuous stimulation through selected contacts at specific frequencies enabled participants to perform movements that they had been unable to perform for many years. Overall, stimulation improved strength, kinematics, and functional performance. Unexpectedly, both participants retained some of these improvements even without stimulation, suggesting that spinal cord stimulation could be a restorative as well as an assistive approach for upper limb recovery after stroke.
Effectiveness of a psychosocial training intervention in reducing psychological distress among caregivers of intellectually disabled children in Malawi – a randomized wait-list trial
Authors: Masulani-Mwale C. , Kauye F. , Gladstone M 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundRates of disability are high in resource-poor settings with eighty-five percent of disabled children living in these settings. Long-term caregiving for disabled children is associated with fatigue, financial difficulties, parenting distress, and other psychological issues. Studies have shown a link between parenting children with intellectual disabilities and psychological distress as well as overall Health-Related Quality of Life (QoL). However, with interventions, these negative impacts may not be as severe as thought before. This study aimed at developing and testing the impact of a contextualized psychological intervention, Titukulane, in reducing psychological distress among caregivers with intellectually disabled children in Malawi.MethodsWe conducted a randomized waitlist trial of a psychosocial training intervention (Titukulane) provided to caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities. Caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities aged 0 to 18 years were recruited, screened, and then enrolled in the trial through two disability organizations operating in Mzuzu (St John of God) and Lilongwe (Children of Blessings). They were then randomized in blocks to the Titukulane intervention or waitlist and provided with the intervention or standard care for 3 months respectively. Assessment of socioeconomic status, age, gender, and maternal psychological distress (through the Self Reported Questionnaire (SRQ) were conducted at baseline and follow-up.ResultsWe found that psychological distress on SRQ was significantly lower in caregivers of children with intellectual disability in the Titukulane intervention in comparison to the waitlist control group even when the confounding variables of age, gender, and social-economical status were taken into account (Cohen d = 0.08; CI = 0.33-0.754; p =0.0005).ConclusionsPyschosocial interventions such as the Titukulane intervention provided over a few months can improve caregiver mental health and quality of life – an important factor for supporting families of children with intellectual disability.
Universal two-dimensional labelled probe-mediated melting curve analysis based on multiplex PCR for rapid typing of plasmodium in a single closed tube
Authors: Xu Haipo , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNowadays, malaria is still one of the major public health problems which commonly caused by four plasmodium species, especially in the epidemic of COVID-19 harboring similar symptoms of fever or fatigue, which easily result in misdiagnosis. The disadvantages of previous traditional detection methods, such as time-consuming, costly, complicated operation, strong professionalism, indistinguishable typing and so on, lead to the dilemma of difficulty to meet the clinical requirements of rapid, easy and accurate typing of common plasmodiums. Herein, we developed and maximally optimized a universal two-dimensional labelled probe-mediated melting curve analysis (UP-MCA) assay based on multiplex PCR for rapid and accurate typing of five plasmodiums, including novel human plasmodium, Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk), in a single closed tube following genome extraction. The assay showed the limit of detection (LOD) of 10 copies per reaction and can accurately distinguish plasmodium species from intra-plasmodium and other pathogens. In addition, we also proposed and verified different methods of fluorescence-quenching and two dimensional labelled tag for probes that are suitable for UP-MCA assay. Furthermore, its clinical performance was evaluated by 184 samples and showed sensitivity of 100% (164/164) and specificity of 100% (20/20) at 99% confidence interval, respectively, with the microscopy method as gold standard. Taken together, the UP-MCA system showed excellent sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for genotyping of plasmodium, and it meets the requirements of rapidity and convenience for plasmodium detection in clinical routine and has great potential for clinical translation.
Clustering ICU patients with sepsis based on the patterns of their circulating biomarkers: a secondary analysis of the CAPTAIN prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Misset Benoît , Philippart François , Fitting Catherine , Bedos Jean-Pierre , Diehl Jean-Luc , Hamzaoui Olfa , Annane Djillali , Journois Didier , Parlato Marianna , Moucadel Virginie , Cavaillon Jean-Marc , Coste Joël ,   the Captain Study Group
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlthough sepsis is a life-threatening condition, its heterogeneous presentation likely explains the negative results of most trials on adjunctive therapy. This study in patients with sepsis aimed to identify subgroups with similar immune profiles and their clinical and outcome correlates.MethodsA secondary analysis used data of a prospective multicenter cohort that included patients with early assessment of sepsis. They were described using Predisposition, Insult, Response, Organ failure sepsis (PIRO) staging system. Thirty-eight circulating biomarkers (27 proteins, 11 mRNAs) were assessed at sepsis diagnosis, and their patterns were determined through principal component analysis (PCA). Hierarchical clustering was used to group the patients and k-means algorithm was applied to assess the internal validity of the clusters.ResultsTwo hundred and three patients were assessed, of median age 64.5 [52.0-77.0] years and SAPS2 score 55 [49-61] points. Five main patterns of biomarkers and six clusters of patients (including 42%, 21%, 17%, 9%, 5% and 5% of the patients) were evidenced. Clusters were distinguished according to the certainty of the causal infection, inflammation, use of organ support, pro- and anti-inflammatory activity, and adaptive profile markers.ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients with suspected sepsis, we individualized clusters which may be described with criteria used to stage sepsis. As these clusters are based on the patterns of circulating biomarkers, whether they might help to predict treatment responsiveness should be addressed in further studies.Trial registrationThe CAPTAIN study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov on June 22, 2011, # NCT01378169.
Assessment of magnitude and spectrum of cardiovascular disease admissions and outcomes in Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa: A retrospective study
Authors: Mengistu Mekoya D. , Benti Henok 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the world and approximately 80% of all cardiovascular-related deaths occur in low and middle income countries including Ethiopia.MethodsThe aim of the study was to assess the magnitude and spectrum of cardiovascular admissions and its outcomes among medical patients admitted to both Medical Ward and ICU of St. Paul Teaching Hospital from 1st of Jan 2020 to 1st of Jan 2021.ResultsOut of 1,165 annual medical admissions, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases(CVD) was 30.3%. About 60%(212) of patients had advanced congestive heart failure of diverse causes. Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) was the next predominant diagnosis (41%), and also the leading cause of cardiac diseases followed by rheumatic valvular heart disease(RVHD) (18%) and Ischemic heart disease (IHD) (12.2%), respectively. Yong age, rural residence and female sex were associated with RVHD(p=0.001). Stroke also accounted for 20% of CVD admission (hemorrhagic stroke-17% Vs Ischemic stroke-83%). Hypertension was the predominate risk factor for CVD and present in 46.7%(168) of patients. The mean hospital stay was 12days and in hospital mortality rate was 24.3%, septic shock being the commonest immediate cause of death followed by fatal arrhythmia, brain herniation, and massive PTE.ConclusionCardiovascular diseases were highly prevalent in the study area causing significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, Comprehensive approach is needed to timely screen for risk reduction, delay or prevent diseases development and subsequent complications.
Attention Samples Items in Visual Working Memory Rhythmically
Authors: Chota Samson , Leto Carlo , van Zantwijk Laura , van der Stigchel Stefan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAttention allows us to selectively enhance the processing of specific locations or features in our external environment while simultaneously filtering out momentarily irrelevant information. It is currently hypothesized that this is achieved through the boosting of relevant sensory signals which biases the competition between competing neural representations. Recent neurophysiological and behavioral studies have revealed that attention is a fundamentally rhythmic process, tightly linked to neural oscillations in fronto-parietal networks. Instead of continuously highlighting a single object or location, attention rhythmically alternates between multiple relevant representations at a frequency of 3 – 6 Hz. However attention can not only be directed towards the external world but also towards internal visual working memory (VWM) representations, e.g. when selecting one of several search templates to find corresponding objects in the external world. Two recent studies have revealed that objects in VWM are attended in a similarly rhythmic fashion as perceived objects. We add to the current literature by showing that retro-cues towards multi-feature gratings in VWM initiate a similar theta-rhythmic competition, modulating reaction times in an anti-phasic manner. Our findings add to the converging body of evidence that external and internal visual representations are accessed by highly similar, rhythmic attentional mechanisms.
Genomic analysis of population structure, antimicrobial resistance, and virulent factors of methicillin-resistant Macrococcus caseolyticus in global lineages
Authors: Zhang Yu , Min Shengyi , Sun Yuxuan , Ye Jiaquan , Zhou Zhemin , Li Heng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMacrococcus caseolyticus is an opportunistic pathogen frequently detected in dairy products as well as veterinary infections. The present study examined the population structure, antimicrobial resistance, and virulent factors of methicillin-resistant M. caseolyticus isolates in retail meat from Shanghai (n=10) and global isolates from GenBank (n=87). All strains were divided into five lineages that distributed in Europe (82.4%, n = 80), Asia (11.3%, n = 11), North America (4.1%, n = 4), Oceania (1%, n = 1) and Africa (1%, n = 1). MLST typing revealed novel alleles in Chinese M. caseolyticus strains. Furthermore, a total of 24 AMR genes associated with 10 classes of antimicrobial agents were identified in the isolates from global lineages, carried by dominant plasmids such as rep7a, rep22 and repUS56. Comparing to other lineages, genomes from the Chinese lineage carried significantly more AMR genes (p<0.005) and less virulent factors (p<0.001), which may be explained by the local evolution of M. caseolyticus in China. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were enrolled for morphology comparison between M. caseolyticus and S. aureus, showing that M. caseolyticus has a larger diameter and thicker cell wall. The present study showed geographical variation with regards to MLST profiles, antimicrobial resistance, and virulent factors in global M. caseolyticus lineages. This study suggests that such local evolution of foodborne or livestock origin M. caseolyticus may serve as vehicles for domestic transmission of methicillin resistance in retail meat in China.HighlightsGlobal M. caseolyticus strains were divided into five lineages from A to E.MLST typing revealed novel alleles in Chinese M. caseolyticus strains.Chinese lineage carried significantly more AMR genes and less virulent factors.Macrococcus caseolyticus has a larger diameter and thicker cell wall compared with S.aureus.Macrococcus caseolyticus may enhance the domestic transmission of methicillin resistance in China.
Acute myeloid leukemia expresses a specific group of olfactory receptors
Authors: Guardia Gabriela D. A. , Gonçalves Rafaella N. , Buzzato Vanessa C. , da Costa Juliana B. , Zalcberg Ilana , Ramires Jordana , Malnic Bettina , Gutiyama Luciana M. , Galante Pedro A. F. 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults. Although new drugs for specific molecular subsets of AML have recently emerged, the 5-year overall survival rate is still approximately 25%. The treatment options for AML have remained stagnant for decades, and novel molecular targets for this disease are needed. Olfactory receptors (ORs) are seven transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors preferentially expressed in sensory neurons, in which they play a critical role in recognizing odorant molecules. Recent studies have revealed ectopic expression and putative function of ORs in nonolfactory tissues and pathologies, including AML. Here, we comprehensively investigated OR expression in 151 AML samples, 51 healthy tissues (approximately 11,200 samples), and 15 other cancer types (6,400 samples). Our analyses identified a group of 19 ORs with a distinct and major expression pattern in AML. The expression of these ORs was experimentally validated in an independent set of AML samples and cell lines. We also identified an OR signature with prognostic value for AML patients. Finally, we identified cancer-related genes that were coexpressed with the ORs in the AML samples. In summary, we conducted a high-throughput computational study to identify ORs that can be used as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of AML and as potential drug targets. The same approach may be used to investigate OR expression in other types of cancer.
The effect of biohanin A isolated from the callus culture of meadow clover (Trifolium pratense L.) on the life expectancy and survival of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Milentyeva Irina Sergeevna , Drozdova Margarita Yuryevna , Le Violeta Mironovna 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOxidative stress, in which healthy aging is limited, is a problem, since in the process there is an uncontrolled production of reactive radicals that negatively affect cells. Heat stress is closely related to oxidative stress, as it stimulates the production of radicals. Meadow clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a promising source of isoflavonoids that have various positive effects on the body. The aim of the work is to study the effect of biohanin A, isolated from Trifolium pratense L. callus cultures, on the life expectancy of the C. elegans model organism, as well as its survival under oxidative and thermal stress.It was found that biohanin A increased the lifespan of C. elegans worms. The best concentration was determined - 100 microns, at which the survival rate of nematodes after 61 days of incubation was 16.0%. After 48 hours, the survival rate of worms was the highest (87.1%) at a concentration of biohanin A of 200 microns. Other concentrations 10, 50, 100 (81,2, 83,0, 82,4 %) they also showed a higher survival rate compared to the control (74.0%). In addition, the survival rate under heat stress of C. elegans was higher by 12.0; 8.4; 4.0% compared with the control. Thus, the results show the antioxidant potential of biohanin A from plant material under oxidative and thermal stress. The substance also had a positive effect on the lifespan of C. elegans.
Pre-procedural testing improves estimated COVID-19 prevalence and trends
Authors: Pang Genevieve C. , Hou Amy T. , Bayudan Krizhna L. , Frank Ethan A. , Pastiglione Jennifer , Pang Lorrin W. 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundCOVID-19 positivity rates reported to the public may provide a distorted view of community trends because they tend to be inflated by high-risk groups, such as symptomatic patients and individuals with known exposures to COVID-19. This positive bias within high-risk groups has also varied over time, depending on testing capability and indications for being tested. In contrast, throughout the pandemic, routine COVID-19 screening tests for elective procedures and operations unrelated to COVID-19 risk have been administered by medical facilities to reduce transmission to medical staffing and other patients. We propose the use of these pre-procedural COVID-19 patient datasets to reduce biases in community trends and better understand local prevalence.MethodsUsing patient data from the Maui Medical Group clinic, we analyzed 12,640 COVID-19 test results from May 1, 2020 to March 16, 2021, divided into two time periods corresponding with Maui’s outbreak.ResultsMean positivity rates were 0.1% for the pre-procedural group, 3.9% for the symptomatic group, 4.2% for the exposed group, and 2.0% for the total study population. Post-outbreak, the mean positivity rate of the pre-procedural group was significantly lower than the aggregate group (all other clinic groups combined). The positivity rates of both pre-procedural and aggregate groups increased over the study period, although the pre-procedural group showed a smaller rise in rate.ConclusionsPre-procedural groups may produce different trends compared to high-risk groups and are sufficiently robust to detect small changes in positivity rates. Considered in conjunction with high-risk groups, pre-procedural marker groups used to monitor understudied, low-risk subsets of a community may improve our understanding of community COVID-19 prevalence and trends.
Understanding and comparing the globe-trotting cancer patient with the locally managed patient: A case control study
Authors: Wangai Mary W , Wangai Frederick K , Njiiri Francis , Kinuthia John , Wangai Enan N. , Nyongesa Catherine , Wangai Paul 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMedical tourism is characterized by people seeking treatment abroad for various medical conditions due to varied reasons, many of whom benefit from specialized care for non-communicable diseases. Conversely, there are associated negative effects such as medical complications and weakened health systems. Currently, there is paucity of scientific evidence on factors influencing seeking treatment benefits abroad. This study sought to compare patient-related factors associated with choice of cancer treatment center locally or abroad, to understand reasons for seeking treatment outside Kenya.Materials and MethodsAs a case-control study, 254 cancer patients were randomly sampled to compare responses from those who chose to receive treatment abroad or in Kenya. The cases were recruited from Ministry of Health while the controls from Kenyatta National Hospital and Texas Cancer Center. Data was analyzed using SPSS Software Version 21. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out. Level of significance was set at 5%.ResultsOut of 254 respondents, 174 (69.5%) were treated for cancer in Kenya and 80 (31.5%) in India. We found that cost effectiveness was a significant factor for over 73% of all respondents. The study revealed independent predictors for seeking treatment in India were: monthly income higher than US$ 250; every additional month from diagnosis increased likelihood by 1.16 times; physician advice (Odds Ratio(OR) 66; 95% Confidence Interval(CI) 7.9 −552.9); friends and family (OR 42; 95% CI 7.07-248.6); and perception of better quality of care (OR 22.5; 95% CI 2.2-230.6).ConclusionReasons patients with cancer sought treatment in India are multifactorial. Several of these can be addressed to reverse out-ward bound medical tourism and position Kenya to be a regional hub as per the country’s development blueprint. It will require strengthening the health system accordingly and sensitizing the medical fraternity and general public on the same.