Raising awareness of potential biases in medical machine learning: Experience from a Datathon.

Objective: To challenge clinicians and informaticians to learn about potential sources of bias in medical machine learning models through investigation of data and predictions from an open-source severity of illness score.

Methods: Over a two-day period (total elapsed time approximately 28 hours), we conducted a datathon that challenged interdisciplinary teams to investigate potential sources of bias in the Global Open Source Severity of Illness Score. Teams were invited to develop hypotheses, to use tools of their choosing to identify potential sources of bias, and to provide a final report.

Changes in walking speed following resistance training in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Reduced walking ability, especially decreased gait speed, is one of the most common and disabling impairments reported by people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Considering the impact of muscle strength on walking ability, resistance training may have the potential to improve walking speed in MS. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of lower limb resistance training on walking speed in people with MS.

AePUb promoter length modulates gene expression in Aedes aegypti.

Molecular tools for modulating transgene expression in Aedes aegypti are few. Here we demonstrate that adjustments to the AePUb promoter length can alter expression levels of two reporter proteins in Ae. aegypti cell culture and in mosquitoes.

Forecasting algorithms in the ICU.

Despite significant advances in modeling methods and access to large datasets, there are very few real-time forecasting systems deployed in highly monitored environment such as the intensive care unit. Forecasting models may be developed as classification, regression or time-to-event tasks; each could be using a variety of machine learning algorithms. An accurate and useful forecasting systems include several components beyond a forecasting model, and its performance is assessed using end-user-centered metrics.

Optimizing CRE and PhiC31 mediated recombination in .

Genetic manipulation of is key to developing a deeper understanding of this insects' biology, vector-virus interactions and makes future genetic control strategies possible. Despite some advances, this process remains laborious and requires highly skilled researchers and specialist equipment. Here we present two improved methods for genetic manipulation in this species.

Discovery of (BMS-986172) as a Highly Potent MGAT2 Inhibitor that Achieved Targeted Efficacious Exposures at a Low Human Dose for the Treatment of Metabolic Disorders.

A series of dihydropyridinone (DHP) compounds was prepared and evaluated for MGAT2 activity. The efforts led to the identification of novel tetrazolones with potent MGAT2 inhibitory activity and favorable profiles. Further tests of select analogues in mouse models revealed significant reduction in food intake and body weight.

Forecasting imminent atrial fibrillation in long-term electrocardiogram recordings.

Background: Despite the morbidity associated with acute atrial fibrillation (AF), no models currently exist to forecast its imminent onset. We sought to evaluate the ability of deep learning to forecast the imminent onset of AF with sufficient lead time, which has important implications for inpatient care.

Methods: We utilized the Physiobank Long-Term AF Database, which contains 24-h, labeled ECG recordings from patients with a history of AF.

Mimicking superinfection exclusion disrupts alphavirus infection and transmission in the yellow fever mosquito .

Multiple viruses, including pathogenic viruses, bacteriophages, and even plant viruses, cause a phenomenon termed superinfection exclusion whereby a currently infected cell is resistant to secondary infection by the same or a closely related virus. In alphaviruses, this process is thought to be mediated, at least in part, by the viral protease (nsP2) which is responsible for processing the nonstructural polyproteins (P123 and P1234) into individual proteins (nsP1-nsP4), forming the viral replication complex. Taking a synthetic biology approach, we mimicked this naturally occurring phenomenon by generating a superinfection exclusion-like state in mosquitoes, rendering them refractory to alphavirus infection.

Patent foramen ovale in carcinoid heart disease: The potential role for and risks of percutaneous closure prior to cardiothoracic surgery.

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare but once metastasised, can lead to the release of vasoactive substances into the systemic circulation, and the classical features of carcinoid syndrome (CS) such as flushing and diarrhoea. A consequence of CS is carcinoid heart disease (CHD) which primarily affects the right-sided heart valves and can eventually lead to right heart failure. In this cohort, tricuspid and/or pulmonary valve replacement provides symptomatic relief.

The Role of Transthoracic Echocardiography for Assessment of Mortality in Patients with Carcinoid Heart Disease Undergoing Valve Replacement.

Patients with carcinoid heart disease (CHD) are referred for valve replacement if they have severe symptomatic disease or evidence of right ventricular (RV) failure and an anticipated survival of at least 12 months. Data are lacking, however, on the role of transthoracic echocardiography in predicting outcomes. We carried out a retrospective, single-centre cohort study of patients with a biopsy-confirmed neuroendocrine tumour (NET) and CHD undergoing valve replacement for severe valve disease and symptoms of right heart failure.

Protecting Sleep Hygiene in the PICU: A Quality Improvement Project.

Objectives: To increase the number of nights without sleep interruptions for routine tasks in recovering PICU patients.

Design: Prospective quality improvement project.

Setting: Single-center, free-standing, tertiary children's hospital.

When months matter; modelling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnostic pathway of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Background: A diagnosis of MND takes an average 10-16 months from symptom onset. Early diagnosis is important to access supportive measures to maximise quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant delays in NHS pathways; the majority of GP appointments now occur online with subsequent delays in secondary care assessment.

Measuring Critical Care Unit Performance Using a Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation Quality Metric.

Background: Safely minimizing postoperative mechanical ventilation duration after congenital heart surgery could be a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) quality measure. We aimed to measure CICU performance using duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation and identify organizational factors associated with this metric.

Methods: Observational analysis of 16,848 surgical hospitalizations of patients invasively ventilated on admission from the operating room from 26 Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium CICUs.

Enriched Environment Attenuates Enhanced Trait Anxiety in Association with Normalization of Aberrant Neuro-Inflammatory Events.

Neuroinflammation is discussed to play a role in specific subgroups of different psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders. We have previously shown that a mouse model of trait anxiety (HAB) displays enhanced microglial density and phagocytic activity in key regions of anxiety circuits compared to normal-anxiety controls (NAB). Using minocycline, we provided causal evidence that reducing microglial activation within the dentate gyrus (DG) attenuated enhanced anxiety in HABs.

The Role of Preoperative Imaging in the Detection of Lateral Lymph Node Metastases in Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Diagnostic Test Meta-analysis.

Background: Different techniques exist for the imaging of lateral lymph nodes in rectal cancer.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of pelvic MRI, 18 F-FDG-PET/CT, and 18 F-FDG-PET/MRI for the identification of lateral lymph node metastases in rectal cancer.

Data Sources: Data sources include PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.

The Acquisition and Retention of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus by Blood-Feeding Insects Is Influenced by the Source of Virus, the Insect Body Part, and the Time since Feeding.

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a poxvirus that causes severe systemic disease in cattle and is spread by mechanical arthropod-borne transmission. This study quantified the acquisition and retention of LSDV by four species of Diptera (Stomoxys calcitrans, Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Culicoides nubeculosus) from cutaneous lesions, normal skin, and blood from a clinically affected animal. The acquisition and retention of LSDV by Ae.

Surgical Correction of Carcinoid Heart Disease Improves Liver Function and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid Levels.

Introduction: Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a consequence of neuroendocrine tumors releasing 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) into the systemic circulation, affecting right heart valves, causing fibrosis, and eventually right heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of valve-replacement on kidney function, liver function, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels.

Methods: A Retrospective study of 17 patients with CHD who had undergone heart-valve replacement surgery between 2010 and 2019, from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Oxygen Cost of Walking in People With Multiple Sclerosis and Its Association With Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the oxygen cost of walking in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls and to assess the relationship between oxygen cost of walking and fatigue in individuals with MS.

Methods: Four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Web of Science) were searched up to September 2020. Studies were included if they recruited adults with MS and either compared oxygen cost of walking in those with MS and a control population or determined the relationship between oxygen cost of walking and fatigue.