Tag: pubmed

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c04683. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Differences in entropies of competing transition states can direct kinetic selectivity. Understanding and modeling such entropy differences at the molecular level is complicated by the fact that entropy is statistical in nature; i.e., it depends on multiple vibrational states of transition structures, the existence of multiple dynamically accessible pathways past these transition structures, and contributions from multiple transition structures differing in conformation/configuration. The difficulties associated with modeling each of these contributors are discussed here, along with possible solutions, all with an eye toward the development of portable qualitative models of use to experimentalists aiming to design reactions that make use of entropy to control kinetic selectivity.

PMID:35895875 | DOI:10.1021/jacs.2c04683

Biometrics. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1111/biom.13727. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

High throughput spatial transcriptomics (HST) is a rapidly emerging class of experimental technologies that allow for profiling gene expression in tissue samples at or near single-cell resolution while retaining the spatial location of each sequencing unit within the tissue sample. Through analyzing HST data, we seek to identify sub-populations of cells within a tissue sample that may inform biological phenomena. Existing computational methods either ignore the spatial heterogeneity in gene expression profiles, fail to account for important statistical features such as skewness, or are heuristic-based network clustering methods that lack the inferential benefits of statistical modeling. To address this gap, we develop SPRUCE: a Bayesian spatial multivariate finite mixture model based on multivariate skew-normal distributions, which is capable of identifying distinct cellular sub-populations in HST data. We further implement a novel combination of Pólya-Gamma data augmentation and spatial random effects to infer spatially correlated mixture component membership probabilities without relying on approximate inference techniques. Via a simulation study, we demonstrate the detrimental inferential effects of ignoring skewness or spatial correlation in HST data. Using publicly available human brain HST data, SPRUCE outperforms existing methods in recovering expertly annotated brain layers. Finally, our application of SPRUCE to human breast cancer HST data indicates that SPRUCE can distinguish distinct cell populations within the tumor microenvironment. An R package spruce for fitting the proposed models is available through The Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35895854 | DOI:10.1111/biom.13727

Psychiatr Serv. 2022 Jul 27:appips202100718. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100718. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study followed up with peer support specialists (PSSs) responding to an earlier survey to assess the pandemic’s continued employment and personal effects.

METHODS: A December 2020 online survey was conducted with respondents to a May 2020 survey. Items on employment status, work tasks, challenges, support, and benefits were included. Responses were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS: A total of 496 PSSs completed both surveys. Unemployment remained at 7%. The proportion with full-time employment increased by December, but financial instability also increased. Tasks involving individual support and group facilitation, which had decreased significantly, rebounded somewhat by December, when nearly all PSSs (86%) reported having some new tasks. Job satisfaction remained stable and high. In both surveys, about 75% reported pandemic-related benefits. Symptoms and housing instability among clients increased.

CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic-related PSS unemployment was relatively stable, and work tasks evolved. Respondents reported increasing needs among clients, as well as pandemic-related work benefits.

PMID:35895840 | DOI:10.1176/appi.ps.202100718

Am J Vet Res. 2022 Jul 13;83(8):ajvr.21.10.0169. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.21.10.0169.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of an equine-origin liquid amnion allograft (ELAA) derived from both amniotic fluid and amniotic membrane on the healing time of experimentally induced distal limb wounds in horses.

ANIMALS: 8 adult horses.

PROCEDURES: On day 0, horses were anesthetized and a 2.5 X 2.5-cm, full-thickness skin wound was created on the dorsal aspect of each metacarpus and bandaged. On day 9, wound margins were injected with ELAA (treatment) or 0.9% NaCl (control). Bandages were changed at specific intervals through day 91 and, on each occasion, wounds were photographed to allow calculation of wound area. Exuberant granulation tissue was resected, if present. Wounds were deemed healed when completely epithelialized. Mean wound area was compared between groups throughout the study period.

RESULTS: Only 1 wound (control) remained unhealed at day 91. No difference was found between the treatment and control groups in either wound area over time (P = 1.0) or time for wounds to reduce in size by 95% (P = .2) Exuberant granulation tissue required resection twice (1 control wound and 1 treatment wound).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this model, a single treatment with ELAA administered locally by SC injection did not accelerate distal limb wound healing in horses. However, it is possible that naturally occurring, chronic, or nonhealing wounds would respond differently.

PMID:35895786 | DOI:10.2460/ajvr.21.10.0169

Am J Vet Res. 2022 Jul 25;83(9):ajvr.22.03.0054. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0054.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare metabolomic profiles of dogs eating grain-free (GF) versus grain-inclusive (GI) diets (1) for healthy dogs at baseline and (2) for dogs with subclinical cardiac abnormalities at 12 months after a diet change.

SAMPLE: Serum samples from 23 dogs eating GF diets and 79 dogs eating GI diets, of which 17 (8 eating a GF diet and 9 eating a GI diet) were reevaluated 12 months after a diet change.

PROCEDURES: Metabolomic profiles were developed by means of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy of serum samples. Baseline results for the GF group were compared with those for the GI group. Dogs from both groups with subclinical cardiac abnormalities were transitioned to a GI, pulse-free, intervention diet, and samples collected 12 months later were compared between diet groups. Statistical significance for biochemical group differences was defined as P < .05 with a false discovery rate (q) < .10.

RESULTS: Baseline differences in lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism were found between the GF and GI diet groups. There were 46 metabolites that were higher and 82 metabolites that were lower in the GF group (n = 23), compared with the GI group (79). Comparison of the GF (n = 8) and GI (9) groups 12 months after the diet change showed only 6 metabolites that were higher and 11 metabolites that were lower in the GF group, compared with the GI group.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Metabolomic pathway differences between dogs eating GF versus GI diets highlight the important effect of diet in metabolomics analyses. The clinical importance of these differences and how they might relate to cardiac disease in dogs remains undetermined.

PMID:35895762 | DOI:10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0054

Am J Vet Res. 2022 Jul 18;83(9):ajvr.21.10.0171. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.21.10.0171.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the attenuation of the medial coronoid process (MCP) in dogs with and without arthroscopically confirmed evidence of medial coronoid disease (MCD).

ANIMALS: The database at our institution was searched for cases with thoracic limb lameness, diagnosed with MCD by arthroscopic examination that had CT as part of their investigation and compared with a control group of elbow joints from cadavers euthanized for reasons unrelated to MCD. A total of 84 elbow joints were included that met these criteria.

PROCEDURES: Following CT, a standardized measurement of the MCP was obtained from apex to base and the mean attenuation, SD, and total area were recorded. A comparative measurement was obtained from the proximal radial cortex at the level of the nutrient foramen. Elbow joint arthroscopy was carried out using standard portals, and the modified Outerbridge score was (MOS) used to score elbow joint cartilage. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out using MLwiN and R.

RESULTS: Attenuation of the MCP was reduced in dogs with MCD compared with those with no MCD (P < .002). No significant differences were observed in the attenuation between categories of severity (MOS). There was good inter- and intraobserver agreement between measurements (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.89 and 0.95, respectively).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MCP attenuation is reduced in dogs with MCD compared with dogs with no evidence of MCD. This finding may be a useful tool for early detection of MCD, but there is no relationship with arthroscopic lesion severity.

PMID:35895761 | DOI:10.2460/ajvr.21.10.0171

Am J Vet Res. 2022 Jul 30;83(10):ajvr.22.03.0040. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0040.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether muscle-sparing laryngoplasty results in fewer changes in swallowing function compared to standard surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis.

ANIMALS: 12 clinically normal sexually intact male Beagles.

PROCEDURES: Group A dogs (n = 4) had a standard approach to the larynx, with left arytenoid cartilage lateralization. Group B dogs (n = 4) had a muscle-sparing laryngoplasty performed with the thyropharyngeus muscle fibers bluntly separated, and the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle spared. Pre- and 24-hour postoperative fluoroscopic swallowing studies were performed and graded. Larynges were harvested after humane euthanasia, and glottic area was measured. Group C dogs (n = 4) acted as controls, with surgical dissection ending lateral to the thyropharyngeus muscle, arytenoid lateralization not performed, and the dogs not euthanized. The study was performed between October 15, 2011 and May 15, 2021.

RESULTS: Changes in pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter function were not detected in any group. There was no difference in glottic area between treatment groups. Aspiration of liquid was not a consistent finding. Two dogs in each treatment group developed moderate to severe cervical esophageal paresis. This did not occur in control dogs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We found no evidence to support our hypothesis that muscle-sparing laryngoplasty results in less severe changes in swallowing function compared to a standard technique. The cervical esophageal paresis identified in both treatment groups could increase the risk of postoperative aspiration pneumonia in dogs treated for laryngeal paralysis via a lateral approach to the larynx. Further study to determine the frequency, cause, and duration of esophageal dysfunction is warranted.

PMID:35895756 | DOI:10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0040

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 27;17(7):e0270276. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270276. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 is one of three recognized coronaviruses (CoVs) that have caused epidemics or pandemics in the 21st century and that likely emerged from animal reservoirs. Differences in nucleotide and protein sequence composition within related β-coronaviruses are often used to better understand CoV evolution, host adaptation, and their emergence as human pathogens. Here we report the comprehensive analysis of amino acid residue changes that have occurred in lineage B β-coronaviruses that show covariance with each other. This analysis revealed patterns of covariance within conserved viral proteins that potentially define conserved interactions within and between core proteins encoded by SARS-CoV-2 related β-coronaviruses. We identified not only individual pairs but also networks of amino acid residues that exhibited statistically high frequencies of covariance with each other using an independent pair model followed by a tandem model approach. Using 149 different CoV genomes that vary in their relatedness, we identified networks of unique combinations of alleles that can be incrementally traced genome by genome within different phylogenic lineages. Remarkably, covariant residues and their respective regions most abundantly represented are implicated in the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and are also enriched in dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants.

PMID:35895734 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0270276

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 27;17(7):e0270750. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270750. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

In this paper two prediction methods are used to predict the non-observed (censored) units under progressive Type-II censored samples. The lifetimes of the units follow Marshall-Olkin Pareto distribution. We observe the posterior predictive density of the non-observed units and construct predictive intervals as well. Furthermore, we provide inference on the unknown parameters of the Marshall-Olkin model, so we observe point and interval estimation by using maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation methods. Bayes estimation methods are obtained under quadratic loss function. EM algorithm is used to obtain numerical values of the Maximum likelihood method and Gibbs and the Monte Carlo Markov chain techniques are utilized for Bayesian calculations. A simulation study is performed to evaluate the performance of the estimators with respect to the mean square errors and the biases. Finally, we find the best prediction method by implementing a real data example under progressive Type-II censoring schemes.

PMID:35895723 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0270750

Indian J Pediatr. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1007/s12098-022-04132-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To translate Quality of Life of the Infant (QUALIN), cross-culturally adapt the Hindi version of QUALIN (Hi-QUALIN), and evaluate its psychometric properties in children.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at the tertiary-care center in North India over 21 mo (April 2019 to January 2021). Healthy children (aged 3 to 36 mo) visiting the hospital for vaccination, minor ailments, routine health checkup, and accompanying an ill sibling were included. Children with infantile spasms in same age group were also included. Hindi translations were carried out by bilingual translators who could fluently communicate and write in Hindi and English. Standard Hindi was used to avoid the misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Discriminant and Construct validity was determined utilizing the known-groups method and factor analysis. Reliability was analysed as internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-four children were recruited through opportunity sample selection method with statistically significant difference between healthy and unhealthy children in total score of Hi-QUALIN (3-12 mo) and (13-36 mo). Finally, Hi-QUALIN (3-12 mo and 13-36 mo) consisted of 29 and 30 items constituting the five extracted factors respectively. Overall internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.92 and 0.88, respectively). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.89; p <0.0001) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93-0.96; p <0.0001) indicating excellent test-retest reliability.

CONCLUSIONS: Hi-QUALIN has good psychometric properties and can be used for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement in young children.

PMID:35895280 | DOI:10.1007/s12098-022-04132-0