bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term balance training and acute effects on postural sway in balance-deficient older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sörlén Niklas , Hult Andreas , Nordström Peter , Nordström Anna , Johansson Jonas
Published: March 2021

Background

We aimed to determine the effectiveness of 4 weeks of balance exercise compared with no intervention on objectively measured postural sway.

Methods

This was a single-center parallel randomized controlled, open label, trial. A six-sided dice was used for allocation at a 1:1-ratio between exercise and control. The trial was performed at a university hospital clinic in Sweden and recruited community-dwelling older adults with documented postural instability. The intervention consisted of progressively challenging balance exercise three times per week, during 4 weeks, with follow-up at week five. Main outcome measures were objective postural sway length during eyes open and eyes closed conditions.

Results

Sixty-five participants aged 70 years (balance exercise n = 32; no intervention n = 33) were randomized. 14 participants were excluded from analysis because of early dropout before follow-up at week five, leaving 51 (n = 22; n = 29) participants for analysis. No significant differences were detected between the groups in any of the postural sway outcomes. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in hand grip strength for the intervention group, while Timed Up & Go improvements were comparable between groups but only statistically significant in the control group.

Conclusions

Performing balance exercise over a four-week intervention period did not acutely improve postural sway in balance-deficient older adults. The lower limit in duration and frequency to achieve positive effects remains unclear.

Trial registration

Clinical trials NCT03227666, July 24, 2017, retrospectively registered.
The effect of maternity waiting homes on perinatal mortality is inconclusive: a critical appraisal of existing evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kurji Jaameeta , Hackett Kristy , Wild Kayli , Lassi Zohra
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To assess the appropriateness of the statistical methodology used in a recent meta-analysis investigating the effect of maternity waiting homes (MWHs) on perinatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Results

A recent meta-analysis published in BMC Research Notes used a fixed-effect model to generate an unadjusted summary estimate of the effectiveness of MWHs in reducing perinatal mortality in Africa using ten observational studies (pooled odds ratio 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.17). The authors concluded that MWHs reduce perinatal mortality by over 80% and should be incorporated into routine maternal health care services. In the present article, we illustrate that due to the contextual and methodological heterogeneity present in existing studies, the authors’ conclusions about the effectiveness of MWHs in reducing perinatal mortality were likely overstated. Additionally, we argue that because of the selection bias and confounding inherent in observational studies, unadjusted pooled estimates provide little causal evidence for effectiveness. Additional studies with robust designs are required before an appropriately designed meta-analysis can be conducted; until then, the ability to draw causal inferences regarding the effectiveness of MWHs in reducing perinatal mortality is limited.
Distinguishing Adenocarcinomas from Granulomas in the CT scan of the chest: performance degradation evaluation in the automatic segmentation framework
Authors: Tavakoli Mahsa Bank , Orooji Mahdi , Teimouri Mehdi , Shahabifar Ramita
Published: March 2021

Objective

The most common histopathologic malignant and benign nodules are Adenocarcinoma and Granuloma, respectively, which have different standards of care. In this paper, we propose an automatic framework for the diagnosis of the Adenocarcinomas and the Granulomas in the CT scans of the chest from a private dataset. We use the radiomic features of the nodules and the attached vessel tortuosity for the diagnosis. The private dataset includes 22 CTs for each nodule type, i.e., adenocarcinoma and granuloma. The dataset contains the CTs of the non-smoker patients who are between 30 and 60 years old. To automatically segment the delineated nodule area and the attached vessels area, we apply a morphological-based approach. For distinguishing the malignancy of the segmented nodule, two texture features of the nodule, the curvature Mean and the number of the attached vessels are extracted.

Results

We compare our framework with the state-of-the-art feature selection methods for differentiating Adenocarcinomas from Granulomas. These methods employ only the shape features of the nodule, the texture features of the nodule, or the torsion features of the attached vessels along with the radiomic features of the nodule. The accuracy of our framework is improved by considering the four selected features.
Clinical validation of a novel quantitative assay for the detection of MGMT methylation in glioblastoma patients
Authors: Rosas-Alonso Rocio , Colmenarejo-Fernandez Julian , Pernia Olga , Rodriguez-Antolín Carlos , Esteban Isabel , Ghanem Ismael , Sanchez-Cabrero Dario , Losantos-Garcia Itsaso , Palacios-Zambrano Sara , Moreno-Bueno Gema , de Castro Javier , Martinez-Marin Virginia , Ibanez-de-Caceres Inmaculada
Published: March 2021

Background

The promoter hypermethylation of the methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene is a frequently used biomarker in daily clinical practice as it is associated with a favorable prognosis in glioblastoma patients treated with temozolamide. Due to the absence of adequately standardized techniques, international harmonization of the MGMT methylation biomarker is still an unmet clinical need for the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma patients.

Results

In this study we carried out a clinical validation of a quantitative assay for MGMT methylation detection by comparing a novel quantitative MSP using double-probe (dp_qMSP) with the conventional MSP in 100 FFPE glioblastoma samples. We performed both technologies and established the best cutoff for the identification of positive-methylated samples using the quantitative data obtained from dp_qMSP. Kaplan–Meier curves and ROC time dependent curves were employed for the comparison of both methodologies.

Conclusions

We obtained similar results using both assays in the same cohort of patients, in terms of progression free survival and overall survival according to Kaplan–Meier curves. In addition, the results of ROC(t) curves showed that dp_qMSP increases the area under curve time-dependent in comparison with MSP for predicting progression free survival and overall survival over time. We concluded that dp_qMSP is an alternative methodology compatible with the results obtained with the conventional MSP. Our assay will improve the therapeutic management of glioblastoma patients, being a more sensitive and competitive alternative methodology that ensures the standardization of the MGMT-biomarker making it reliable and suitable for clinical use.
Hydroxychloride trace minerals have a positive effect on growth performance, carcass quality and impact ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens
Authors: van Kuijk Sandra J. A. , Han Yanming , Garcia-Ruiz Ana Isabel , Rodiles Ana
Published: March 2021

Background

The objective was to study the effect of hydroxychloride trace minerals (HTM) on growth performance, carcass quality and gut microbiota of broiler chickens in comparison to sulphate trace minerals (STM). In total 1440 male Ross 308 day-old chicks were divided into 12 replicate pens with 30 birds each per treatment. Four different treatments were tested according to a 2 × 2 factorial study design, where the animals received a three phase diet containing either inorganic Zn from sulphates or Zn from HTM in high (80 mg/kg Zn) or low Zn dosage (20 mg/kg Zn). In all treatments 15 mg/kg Cu was added from the same mineral source as the Zn. Body weight and feed intake were measured on day 0, 10, 27 and 34, while carcass and breast meat yields were measured at the end of the study (day 34). In addition, high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed in digesta samples from ileum and cecum to study the gut microbiome (day 34).

Results

The results showed an improved (P < 0.05) body weight of broiler chickens fed HTM, regardless of Zn level, on day 27, while on day 34 this effect remained as a tendency (P = 0.0542). In the overall study period, birds fed HTM had a higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared to birds fed STM. The mineral source did not affect the carcass characteristics, however, feeding 80 mg/kg Zn resulted in a significantly higher (P = 0.0171) breast meat yield, regardless of source. High-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbiota revealed a higher microbial diversity in the ileum and cecum of HTM fed birds compared to STM fed birds. Taxonomical differences were mainly found in the cecum, specifically between the group fed high and low Zn levels from HTM. This correlated with the mineral contents observed in the cecal digesta. Comparing both groups fed 80 mg/kg Zn, the HTM group had more Streptococcaceae, Streptococcus, Clostridia, Weissella and Leuconostocaceae compared to the STM group.

Conclusions

HTM improved growth performance of broiler chickens; and the source and level of Zn modulated the gut microbiota communities in broilers differentially.
Lentinan administration alleviates diarrhea of rotavirus-infected weaned pigs via regulating intestinal immunity
Authors: Fan Xiangqi , Hu Haiyan , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Eckhardt Erik , Luo Yuheng , Wang Jianping , Yan Hui , Mao Xiangbing
Published: March 2021

Background

Lentinan (LNT) may regulate many important physiological functions of human and animals. This study aimed to verify whether LNT administration could relieve diarrhea via improving gut immunity in rotavirus (RV)-challenged weaned pigs.

Methods

Twenty-eight weaned pigs were randomly fed 2 diets containing 0 or 84 mg/kg LNT product for 19 d (n = 14). RV infection was executed on d 15. After extracting polysaccharides from LNT product, its major monosaccharides were analyzed. Then, LNT polysaccharide was used to administrate RV-infected IPEC-J2 cells.

Results

Dietary LNT supplementation supported normal function of piglets even when infected with RV, as reflected by reduced growth performance loss and diarrhea prevalence, and maintained gut immunity (P < 0.05). The polysaccharide was isolated from LNT product, which molecular weight was 5303 Da, and major monosaccharides included glucose, arabinose and galactose. In RV-infected IPEC-J2 cells, this polysaccharide significantly increased cell viability (P < 0.05), and significantly increased anti-virus immunity via regulating pattern recognition receptors and host defense peptides (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Those results suggest that LNT administration increases the piglets’ resistance to RV-induced stress, likely by supporting intestinal immunity.
Prolonged activation of cytomegalovirus early gene e1-promoter exclusively in neurons during infection of the developing cerebrum
Authors: Kosugi Isao , Arai Yoshifumi , Baba Satoshi , Kawasaki Hideya , Iwashita Toshihide , Tsutsui Yoshihiro
Published: March 2021

The brain is the major target of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. It is possible that neuron disorder in the developing brain is a critical factor in the development of neuropsychiatric diseases in later life. Previous studies using mouse model of murine CMV (MCMV) infection demonstrated that the viral early antigen (E1 as a product ofe1gene) persists in the postnatal neurons of the hippocampus (HP) and cerebral cortex (CX) after the disappearance of lytic infection from non-neuronal cells in the periventricular (PV) region. Furthermore, neuron-specific activation of the MCMV-e1-promoter (e1-pro) was found in the cerebrum of transgenic mice carrying thee1-pro-lacZreporter construct. In this study, in order to elucidate the mechanisms ofe1-proactivation in cerebral neurons during actual MCMV infection, we have generated the recombinant MCMV (rMCMV) carrying longe1-pro1373- or shorte1-pro448-EGFP reporter constructs. The length of the former, 1373 nucleotides (nt), is similar to that of transgenic mice. rMCMVs and wild type MCMV did not significantly differed in terms of viral replication or E1 expression. rMCMV-infected mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed lytic infection and activation of both promoters, while virus-infected cerebral neurons in primary neuronal cultures demonstrated the non-lytic and persistent infection as well as the activation ofe1-pro-1373, but not -448. In the rMCMV-infected postnatal cerebrum, lytic infection and the activation of both promoters were found in non-neuronal cells of the PV region until postnatal 8 days (P8), but these disappeared at P12, while the activation ofe1-pro-1373, but not -448 appeared in HP and CX neurons at P8 and were prolonged exclusively in these neurons at P12, with preservation of the neuronal morphology. Therefore,e1-pro-448 is sufficient to activate E1 expression in non-neuronal cells, however, the upstream sequence from nt -449 to -1373 ine1-pro-1373 is supposed to work as an enhancer necessary for the neuron-specific activation ofe1-pro, particularly around the second postnatal week. This unique activation ofe1-proin developing cerebral neurons may be an important factor in the neurodevelopmental disorders induced by congenital CMV infection.
CMIP6 model-based analog forecasting for the seasonal prediction of sea surface temperature in the offshore area of China
Authors: Peng Weiying , Chen Quanliang , Zhou Shijie , Huang Ping
Published: March 2021

Seasonal forecasts at lead times of 1–12 months for sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (SSTAs) in the offshore area of China are a considerable challenge for climate prediction in China. Previous research suggests that a model-based analog forecasting (MAF) method based on the simulations of coupled global climate models provide skillful climate forecasts of tropical Indo-Pacific SSTAs. This MAF method selects the model-simulated cases close to the observed initial state as a model-analog ensemble, and then uses the subsequent evolution of the SSTA to generate the forecasts. In this study, the MAF method is applied to the offshore area of China (0°–45°N, 105°–135°E) based on the simulations of 23 models from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) for the period 1981–2010. By optimizing the key factors in the MAF method, we suggest that the optimal initial field for the analog criteria should be concentrated in the western North Pacific. The multi-model ensemble of the optimized MAF prediction using these 23 CMIP6 models shows anomaly correlation coefficients exceeding 0.6 at the 3-month lead time, which is much improved relative to previous SST-initialized hindcasts and appears practical for operational forecasting.
Nano-structural effects on Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticle radiofrequency heating
Authors: Powell Camilah D. , Lounsbury Amanda W. , Fishman Zachary S. , Coonrod Christian L. , Gallagher Miranda J. , Villagran Dino , Zimmerman Julie B. , Pfefferle Lisa D. , Wong Michael S.
Published: March 2021

Nano-sized hematite (α-Fe2O3) is not well suited for magnetic heating via an alternating magnetic field (AMF) because it is not superparamagnetic—at its best, it is weakly ferromagnetic. However, manipulating the magnetic properties of nano-sized hematite (i.e., magnetic saturation (Ms), magnetic remanence (Mr), and coercivity (Hc)) can make them useful for nanomedicine (i.e., magnetic hyperthermia) and nanoelectronics (i.e., data storage). Herein we study the effects of size, shape, and crystallinity on hematite nanoparticles to experimentally determine the most crucial variable leading to enhancing the radio frequency (RF) heating properties. We present the synthesis, characterization, and magnetic behavior to determine the structure–property relationship between hematite nano-magnetism and RF heating. Increasing particle shape anisotropy had the largest effect on the specific adsorption rate (SAR) producing SAR values more than 6 × greater than the nanospheres (i.e., 45.6 ± 3 W/g of α-Fe2O3 nanorods vs. 6.89 W/g of α-Fe2O3 nanospheres), indicating α-Fe2O3 nanorods can be useful for magnetic hyperthermia.
Engineering students’ attitudinal beliefs by gender and student division: a methodological comparison of changes over time
Authors: Andrews Madison E. , Patrick Anita D. , Borrego Maura
Published: March 2021

Background

Students’ attitudinal beliefs related to how they see themselves in STEM have been a focal point of recent research, given their well-documented links to retention and persistence. These beliefs are most often assessed cross-sectionally, and as such, we lack a thorough understanding of how they may fluctuate over time. Using matched survey responses from undergraduate engineering students (n= 278), we evaluate if, and to what extent, students’ engineering attitudinal beliefs (attainment value, utility value, self-efficacy, interest, and identity) change over a 1-year period. Further, we examine whether there are differences based on gender and student division, and then compare results between cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to illustrate weaknesses in our current understanding of these constructs.

Results

Our study revealed inconsistencies between cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the same dataset. Cross-sectional analyses indicated a significant difference by student division for engineering utility value and engineering interest, but no significant differences by gender for any variable. However, longitudinal analyses revealed statistically significant decreases in engineering utility value, engineering self-efficacy, and engineering interest for lower division students and significant decreases in engineering attainment value for upper division students over a one-year period. Further, longitudinal analyses revealed a gender gap in engineering self-efficacy for upper division students, where men reported higher means than women.

Conclusions

Our analyses make several contributions. First, we explore attitudinal differences by student division not previously documented. Second, by comparing across methodologies, we illustrate that different conclusions can be drawn from the same data. Since the literature around these variables is largely cross-sectional, our understanding of students’ engineering attitudes is limited. Our longitudinal analyses show variation in engineering attitudinal beliefs that are obscured when data is only examined cross-sectionally. These analyses revealed an overall downward trend within students for all beliefs that changed significantly—losses which may foreshadow attrition out of engineering. These findings provide an opportunity to introduce targeted interventions to build engineering utility value, engineering self-efficacy, and engineering interest for student groups whose means were lower than average.
VLBI and GPS inter- and intra-technique combinations on the observation level for evaluation of TRF and EOP
Authors: Diamantidis Periklis-Konstantinos , Kłopotek Grzegorz , Haas Rüdiger
Published: March 2021

We study the effects of combination on the observation level (COL) of different space-geodetic techniques and of networks of the same technique and present the corresponding improvement for the determination of station positions and earth orientation parameters. Data from the continuous geodetic very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) campaign CONT17 are used in a batch least-squares (LSQ) estimator. This campaign includes 15 days of observations with two legacy S/X networks, namely Legacy-1 (L1) and Legacy-2 (L2). For this study the VLBI L1 network is used as the base and reference solution. Data from the L1 network are combined first with data from co-located Global Positioning System (GPS) stations by estimating common tropospheric parameters. The derived station positions repeatabilities of the VLBI and GPS networks are evaluated with respect to single-technique solutions. In terms of precision, we find a 25% improvement for the vertical repeatability of the L1 network, and a 10% improvement for the horizontal one. The GPS network also benefits by 20% and 10% in the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. Furthermore, a combined solution using data of the L1 and L2 network is performed by estimating common earth orientation parameters. The combined L1&GPS and L1&L2 solutions are compared to the reference solution by investigating UT1 and polar motion estimates. UT1 is evaluated in terms of mean bias and formal errors with respect to the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) C04 products which were used as a priori values. The L1&GPS solution has the lowest formal error and mean bias for UT1 with a 30% improvement. The weighted root mean square (WRMS) and weighted mean offset (WMO) differences between the obtained polar motion estimates and the ones derived by the International GNSS Service (IGS) are also compared. We find that the L1&GPS solution gives the lowest WRMS and WMO, exhibiting an average 40% improvement with respect to the reference solution. The presented results highlight the potential of COL for ongoing transition to multi-space geodetic analysis, e.g., Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) with the next-generation VLBI system.

Graphic Abstract
A review of the SCOSTEP’s 5-year scientific program VarSITI—Variability of the Sun and Its Terrestrial Impact
Authors: Shiokawa Kazuo , Georgieva Katya
Published: March 2021

The Sun is a variable active-dynamo star, emitting radiation in all wavelengths and solar-wind plasma to the interplanetary space. The Earth is immersed in this radiation and solar wind, showing various responses in geospace and atmosphere. This Sun–Earth connection variates in time scales from milli-seconds to millennia and beyond. The solar activity, which has a ~11-year periodicity, is gradually declining in recent three solar cycles, suggesting a possibility of a grand minimum in near future. VarSITI—variability of the Sun and its terrestrial impact—was the 5-year program of the scientific committee on solar-terrestrial physics (SCOSTEP) in 2014–2018, focusing on this variability of the Sun and its consequences on the Earth. This paper reviews some background of SCOSTEP and its past programs, achievements of the 5-year VarSITI program, and remaining outstanding questions after VarSITI.
Artificial intelligence for reduced dose 18F-FDG PET examinations: a real-world deployment through a standardized framework and business case assessment
Authors: Katsari Katia , Penna Daniele , Arena Vincenzo , Polverari Giulia , Ianniello Annarita , Italiano Domenico , Milani Rolando , Roncacci Alessandro , Illing Rowland O. , Pelosi Ettore
Published: March 2021

Background

To determine whether artificial intelligence (AI) processed PET/CT images of reduced by one-third of 18-F-FDG activity compared to the standard injected dose, were non-inferior to native scans and if so to assess the potential impact of commercialization.

Materials and methods

SubtlePET™ AI was introduced in a PET/CT center in Italy. Eligible patients referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT were prospectively enrolled. Administered 18F-FDG was reduced to two-thirds of standard dose. Patients underwent one low-dose CT and two sequential PET scans; “PET-processed” with reduced dose and standard acquisition time, and “PET-native” with an elapsed time to simulate standard acquisition time and dose. PET-processed images were reconstructed using SubtlePET™. PET-native images were defined as the standard of reference. The datasets were anonymized and independently evaluated in random order by four blinded readers. The evaluation included subjective image quality (IQ) assessment, lesion detectability, and assessment of business benefits.

Results

From February to April 2020, 61 patients were prospectively enrolled. Subjective IQ was not significantly different between datasets (4.62±0.23, p=0.237) for all scanner models, with “almost perfect” inter-reader agreement. There was no significant difference between datasets in lesions’ detectability, target lesion mean SUVmax value, and liver mean SUVmean value (182.75/181.75 [SD:0.71], 9.8/11.4 [SD:1.13], 2.1/1.9 [SD:0.14] respectively). No false-positive lesions were reported in PET-processed examinations. Agreed SubtlePET™ price per examination was 15-20% of FDG savings.

Conclusion

This is the first real-world study to demonstrate the non-inferiority of AI processed 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations obtained with 66% standard dose and a methodology to define the AI solution price.
Correction to: The relationship between comorbidity medication adherence and health related quality of life among patients with cancer
Authors: Antol Dana Drzayich , Casebeer Adrianne Waldman , Khoury Raya , Michael Todd , Renda Andrew , Hopson Sari , Parikh Aparna , Stein Alisha , Costantino Mary , Stemkowski Stephen , Bunce Mikele
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Clinical experience with a shape memory polymer peripheral vascular embolisation plug: a case series
Authors: Morgan Robert A. , Loftus Ian , Ratnam Lakshmi , Das Raj , Mailli Leto , Hamady Mohamad S. , Lobotesis Kyriakos
Published: March 2021

Background

Shape memory polymers are materials that are manufactured in a certain shape, can be stored in a temporary deformed shape, and then return to – or remember – their original shape upon exposure to external stimuli such as temperature and moisture. This property lends itself to application in endovascular medical devices. Peripheral vasculature embolisation devices incorporating this novel technology have become commercially available and this case series, where the data were collected as part of a post market registry, outlines initial clinical experience with these novel devices.

Results

Eight cases are described in this series. The disease state/conditions for which embolisation was indicated were right common iliac artery aneurysms (n = 3), a type II endoleak into the thoracic aorta following thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 1), a left inferior gluteal artery aneurysm (n = 1), left internal iliac artery aneurysms (n = 2), and a case of splenomegaly, where splenectomy was planned after the embolisation procedure (n = 1). Target arteries were 5–10 mm in diameter. In each case, at least one IMPEDE Embolization Plug (IMP-Device) of an appropriate diameter was used. All procedures were technically successful and target vessel thrombosis was achieved in all cases. Follow-up imaging available during the 45–90-day data collection timeframe showed sustained vessel occlusion. This case series includes examples of situations commonly encountered when embolising the peripheral vasculature, namely, the use of one or multiple devices in a single vessel and in combination with the use of other embolic devices (e.g., microcoils, gelatin sponge, and PVA particles) in the same case. There were no adverse events related to the specific use of the device.

Conclusions

This small series illustrates the safety and efficacy of this novel sponge-based embolic device for the embolisation of small and medium sized arteries and further experience will demonstrate the utility of the shape memory polymer devices.
Ultraselective transcatheter arterial embolization with small-sized microcoils for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Kinoshita Mitsuhiro , Kondo Hiroshi , Hitomi Suguru , Hara Takuya , Zako Ryusei , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Hiraoka Junichiro , Takaoka Yukiko , Enomoto Hideaki , Matsunaga Naoki , Takechi Katsuya , Shirono Ryozo , Akagawa Yoko , Osaki Kyosuke , Ohnishi Norio , Tani Hayato
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcome of ultraselective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with small-sized microcoils for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).

Materials and methods

The subjects were 17 consecutive patients (mean age, 69 years) with LGIB who were treated with ultraselective TAE using small-sized microcoils between December 2013 and December 2019. Ultraselective TAE was defined as embolization of one or both of the long or short branches of the vasa recta. The etiologies of bleeding were colonic diverticulosis in 16 patients (94%) and malignancy in one patient (6%). The bleeding foci were in the ascending colon in 11 patients (65%), transverse colon in 2 patients (12%), and sigmoid colon in 4 patients (23%). A total of 18 branches (diameter: range 0.5–1.5 mm, mean 1.1 mm) of the vasa recta in 17 patients were embolized with small-sized microcoils (size range 1–3 mm, mean combined lengths of all microcoils 7.6 cm). The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range 1–80 months). The technical and clinical success rate, recurrent bleeding rate, major complications and long-term clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Technical and clinical success was achieved in all patients (17/17). The rates of early recurrent bleeding (within 30 days of TAE) and major complications were 0% (0/17). Recurrent bleeding occurred in one patient at 2 months after TAE, but was stopped with conservative treatment. There were no other bleeding episodes or complications in the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Ultraselective TAE with small-sized microcoils is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for LGIB.
The danger of denialism: lessons from the Brazilian pandemic
Authors: Silva Heslley Machado
Published: March 2021

Background

Scientific denialism has always had harmful consequences for humanity, but with the advent of the pandemic these effects seem to have been accentuated.

Main body

Unwillingness to accept the facts about the COVID-19 pandemic ascertained by scientists and public health authorities has led to widespread scientific denialism, including the emergence of conspiracy theories of all sorts. Examples are diverse, reaching both developed and developing countries, arriving through populist leaders and the spread of conspiracy theories through social media.

Short conclusion

It is important to pay attention to the risk of the extremes of this denialism and the possible repercussions, especially in countries that have leaders who agree with these conceptions, such as Brazil and the USA.
Phenomic characterization of Crotalaria germplasm for crop improvement
Authors: Muli Joshua Kiilu , Neondo Johnstone O. , Kamau Peter K. , Odari Eddy , Budambula Nancy L. M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Diversification of global food systems through exploration of traditional varieties and wild edible plant species is a focal mitigation strategy for food security worldwide. The present study determined the phenomic diversity of locally available, affordable and climate-resilient cultivated and wild Crotalaria species for breeding purposes.

Methods

Seed samples were collected from different administrative counties in Kenya spanning different climatic zones. Other seeds were provided by the Genetic Resources Research Institute of Kenya. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used for agro-morphological evaluation of the 83 accessions used in this study. Data on quantitative and qualitative traits was collected. Cluster analysis on R and R-studio was used to generate a dendrogram by the Euclidian genetic distance and dissimilarity indices while the non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) method was used to determine the spatial interrelationship between the accessions. The Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationships between qualitative and quantitative traits while the principal component analysis was used to discriminate the accessions.

Results

Three edible species (C. brevidens Benth., C. ochroleuca G.Don, C. trichotoma Bojer.) were found to be cultivated by Kenyan farmers and a significant variation (p < 0.0001) for all parameters under study was recorded. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering grouped the accessions into 8 major clusters. The NMDS ordination formed 15 and 6 groups based on counties and regions respectively.

Conclusions

This study forms the basis for exploring novel breeding strategies among cultivated species, between wild and cultivated Crotalaria species as well as determining molecular markers linked to phenomic traits.
Multilevel Factors Associated With More Intensive Use of Radioactive Iodine for Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Wallner Lauren P , Banerjee Mousumi , Reyes-Gastelum David , Hamilton Ann S , Ward Kevin C , Lubitz Carrie , Hawley Sarah T , Haymart Megan R
Published: March 2021

Context

The use of radioactive iodine (RAI) for low-risk thyroid cancer is common, and variation in its use exists, despite the lack of benefit for low-risk disease and potential harms and costs.

Objective

To simultaneously assess patient- and physician-level factors associated with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer.

Methods

This population-based survey study of patients with newly diagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer identified via the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County included 989 patients with low-risk thyroid cancer, linked to 345 of their treating general surgeons, otolaryngologists, and endocrinologists. We assessed the association of physician- and patient-level factors with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer.

Results

Among this sample, 48% of patients reported receiving RAI, and 23% of their physicians reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. Patients were more likely to report receiving RAI if they were treated by a physician who reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer compared with those whose physician reported they would not use RAI (adjusted OR: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.29-2.61). The odds of patients reporting they received RAI was 55% lower among patients whose physicians reported they saw a higher volume of patients with thyroid cancer (40+ vs 0-20) (adjusted OR: 0.45; 0.30-0.67).

Conclusions

Physician perspectives and attitudes about using RAI, as well as patient volume, influence RAI use for low-risk thyroid cancer. Efforts to reduce overuse of RAI in low-risk thyroid cancer should include interventions targeted toward physicians, in addition to patients.
Changes in Management Strategy and Impact of Neoadjuvant Therapy on Extent of Surgery in Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast: Analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB)
Authors: Mukhtar Rita A. , Hoskin Tanya L. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Day Courtney N. , Boughey Judy C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Given reports of low response rates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), we evaluated whether use of alternative strategies such as neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) is increasing. Additionally, we investigated whether NET is associated with more breast conservation surgery (BCS) and less extensive axillary surgery in those with ILC.

Patients and Methods

We queried the NCDB from 2010 to 2016 and identified all women with stage I–III hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HR+/HER2−) ILC who underwent surgery. We used Cochrane–Armitage tests to evaluate trends in utilization of the following treatment strategies: NAC, short-course NET, long-course NET, and primary surgery. We compared rates of BCS and extent of axillary surgery stratified by clinical stage and tumor receptor subtype for each treatment strategy.

Results

Among 69,312 cases of HR+/HER2− ILC, NAC use decreased slightly (from 4.7 to 4.2%,p= 0.007), while there was a small but significant increase in long-course NET (from 1.6 to 2.7%,p< 0.001). Long-course NET was significantly associated with increased BCS in patients with cT2–cT4 disease and less extensive axillary surgery in clinically node positive patients with HR+/HER2− tumors.

Conclusions

Primary surgery remains the most common treatment strategy in patients with ILC. However, NAC use decreased slightly over the study period, while the use of long-course NET had a small increase and was associated with more BCS and less extensive axillary surgery.
Reducing contrast medium dose with low photon energy images in renal dual-energy spectral CT angiography and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR)
Authors: Zhang Xirong , Chen Jing , Yu Nan , Ren Zhanli , Tian Qian , Tian Xin , Jia Yongjun , He Taiping , Guo Changyi
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the value of using low energy (keV) images in renal dual-energy spectral CT angiography (CTA) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) to reduce contrast medium dose.

Methods:

40 patients with renal CTA on a Discovery CT750HD were randomly divided into two groups: 20 cases (Group A) with 600 mgI kg−1 and 20 cases (Group B) with 300 mgI kg−1. The scan protocol for both groups was: dual-energy mode with mA selection for noise index of 10 HU, pitch 1.375:1, rotating speed 0.6 s/r. Images were reconstructed at 0.625 mm thickness with 40%ASIR, Group A used the conventional 70keV monochromatic images, and Group B used monochromatic images from 40 to 70 keV at 5 keV interval for analysis. The CT values and standard deviation (SD) values of the renal artery and erector spine in the plain and arterial phases were measured with the erector spine SD value representing image noise. The enhancement degree of the renal artery (ΔCT = CT(arterial) -CT(plain)), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR=CTrenal-artery/SDrenal-artery) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR=(CTrenal-artery-CTerector spine)/SDerector-spine) were calculated. The single factor analysis of variance was used to analyze the difference of ΔCT, SNR and CNR among image groups with p < 0.05 being statistically significant. The subjective image scores of the groups were assessed blindly by two experienced physicians using a 5-point system and the score consistency was compared by the κ test.

Results:

Contrast medium dose in the 300 mgI kg−1 group was reduced by 50% compared with the 600 mgI kg−1 group, while radiation dose was similar between the two groups. The subjective scores were 4.00 ± 0.65, 4.50 ± 0.60 and 3.70 ± 0.80 for images at 70 keV (600 mgI kg−1 group), 40 keV (300 mgI kg−1 group) and 45 keV (300 mgI kg−1 group), respectively with good consistency between the two reviewers (p > 0.05). The 40 keV images in the 300 mgI kg−1 group had similar ΔCT (469.77 ± 86.95 HU vs 398.54 ± 73.68 HU) and CNR (15.52 ± 3.32 vs 18.78 ± 6.71) values as the 70 keV images in the 600 mgI kg−1) group but higher SNR values (30.19 ± 4.41 vs 16.91 ± 11.12, p < 0,05)

Conclusion:

Contrast dose may be reduced by 50% while maintaining image quality by using lower energy images combined with ASIR in renal dual-energy CTA.

Advances in knowledge:

Combined with ASIR and energy spectrum, can reduce the amount of contrast dose in renal CTA.
Differentiating uterine sarcoma from leiomyoma: BET1T2ER Check!
Authors: Smith Janette , Zawaideh Jeries Paolo , Sahin Hilal , Freeman Susan , Bolton Helen , Addley Helen Clare
Published: March 2021

Although rare, uterine sarcoma is a diagnosis that no one wants to miss. Often benign leiomyomas (fibroids) and uterine sarcomas can be differentiated due to the typical low T2 signal intensity contents and well-defined appearances of benign leiomyomas compared to the suspicious appearances of sarcomas presenting as large uterine masses with irregular outlines and intermediate T2 signal intensity together with possible features of secondary spread. The problem is when these benign lesions are atypical causing suspicious imaging features. This article provides a review of the current literature on imaging features of atypical fibroids and uterine sarcomas with an aide-memoire BET1T2ER Check! to help identify key features more suggestive of a uterine sarcoma.
Prenatal lead exposure: associations with growth and anthropometry in early childhood in a UK observational birth cohort study
Authors: Taylor Caroline M. , Golding Jean , Kordas Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

Background:Lead is a neurotoxic metal that crosses the placenta freely. It has adverse effects on a range of birth outcomes. The few studies reporting on the associations of prenatal exposure to lead and child growth have had conflicting results. This study aimed to examine the effect of prenatal exposure to lead on children’s growth from 4 to 61 months of age.

Methods:Pregnant women were enrolled in the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples for pregnancies with a live birth were analysed for lead (n=4140). A 10% subsample of the offspring cohort (Children in Focus) were invited to clinics at 10 time points (4–61 months) at which anthropometric measurements were carried out; z-scores for height, weight and BMI were calculated using the 1990 British Growth Reference Standards. Associations between prenatal log10-lead concentrations and z-scores and other anthropometric measures were modelled using adjusted linear regression models in an imputed dataset for children who attended at least one clinic (n=574).

Results:The median prenatal blood lead concentration was 3.60 (IQR 2.61–4.16) µg/dl. There was no evidence for any associations of prenatal lead exposure with z-scores for BMI, height or weight in adjusted models from age 4 to 61 months. There were no associations for other anthropometric measures including mid-upper arm circumference, head circumference and waist circumference. There was some evidence for a weakly positive effect of prenatal lead exposure on head circumference in girls at age 43 and 61 months (at 61 months unstandardised B coefficient 1.59 (95% CI 0.12, 3.16) cm, p=0.048) but not at other ages.

Conclusions:There was no consistent evidence of associations between prenatal exposure to lead and measures of growth and anthropometry from age 4 to 61 months in this cohort of children in the UK.
Performance Evaluation of the Use of Filter Bank Multi-carrier waveform in Different mmwave Frequency Bands
Authors:   Department of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Khudhair Saif A. , Singh Mandeep Jit
Published: March 2021

The meet of high demand of wireless communication is the topic of research in future wireless networks. This high demand comes from the increase use of mobile devices and sensors in the real environment. Internet of Things (IoT) and machine communication are types of technologies that increase the wireless communication demand. Because of this, there is a need of producing some techniques and technologies that are able to meet this requirement. Fifth Generation (5G) network is the futre promising wireless network that can be used to enhance a lot of performance metrics such as spectral and energy efficiencies, high capacity and low latency. Some technologies are used with 5G network; one of them is the use of short range communication using Millimeter waves (mmwave) frequency bands which gives high data rate and high bandwidth to be used in communication by using small cells of coverage. Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (M-MIMO) is the technology used to meet the high capacity users in the network, It suffers from the high Inter-Carrier-Interference (ICI) due to the use of high number of antennas at the Base Station (BS). To mitigate this, the use of multicarrier waveforms is one of the techniques used in this paper. The use of Filter Bank Multi-Carrier (FBMC) is introduced here in terms of Bit Error Rate (BER) and throughput. The paper simulates the use of FBMC with high order basband QAM modulation (M-QAM) for two different mmwave frequency bands such as 28 GHz and 60 GHz with comparison with 2.6 GHz which is widely used nowadays. The simulation results show that there is less than 0.5 dB and 3 dB SNR difference between 2.6 GHz and 28 GHz and 60 GHz respectively. This indicates that 28 GHz can be used in outdoor communication instead of 2.6 GHz with high bandwidth, and 60 GHz can be used in indoor communication with extremely high bandwidth offering.
Electromagnetic-Based Wireless Nano-Sensors Network: Architectures and Applications
Authors:   Laboratory of Informatics and Applications, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco, Oukhatar Ayoub , Bakhouya Mohamed , Ouadghiri Driss El
Published: March 2021

Recent advances in nano-materials and nanotechnology have paved the way for building integrated devices with a nanometric size, named nano-nodes. These nano-nodes are composed of nano-processor, nano-memory, nano-batteries, nano-transceiver, nano-antenna and nano-sensors, which operate at nano-scale level. They are able to perform simple tasks, such as sensing, computing and actuation. The interconnection between microdevices and nanonodes/nanosensors has enabled the development of a new network standard, called Wireless Nano-Sensors Network (WNSN). This paper provides an in-depth review of WNSN, its architectures, application areas, and challenges, which need to be addressed, while identifying opportunities for their implementation in various application domains.
An FPGA Scalable Software-Defined Radio Platform for UAS Communications Research
Authors:   CIRA Italian Aerospace Research Centre, Italy, Manco Angelo , Castrillo Vittorio U.
Published: March 2021

In the framework of modern Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) ground-board communications, a data-link system should provide with the following features [1]: multiband and adaptive modulations for responding to channel conditions changes and multi-standard interoperability, interferences resilience with a secure physical layer, incorporation of an air-to-air link complementary to the classical air-to-ground links. Varying the available communication functions to provide the above features without the need to substitute on-board components is a desired target. For this purpose, a Field Programmable Gate Aray (FPGA) scalable Software Defined Radio hardware Platform (SDRP) and its control and baseband signal processing architecture have been developed. The platform is composed by means of three boards which provide respectively the power supply, an FPGA based processing core and the radio frequency front-end. The control and baseband signal processing architecture, implemented on the FPGA, is designed with an application-independent section, working as a base reference design, and a reconfigurable section that implements communication functions and algorithms. The overall platform, at the board and FPGA architecture level, has been designed considering scalability and modularity as key features. Thanks to this platform a data-link which responds to the above target can be easily implemented. As a case study a reconfigurable data-link between a UAS and a Ground Control Station (GCS), designed to establish reliable communication in all the phases of a flight (parking, taxiing, taking off, cruising and landing), is presented.
On Golden Code Performances in Impulsive Noise MIMO Channels
Authors:   “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, Galati, 800008, Romania, Andrei Mihaela , Petrea George , Nicolau Viorel
Published: March 2021

Wireless technologies are the ones who provide fast communications on long distances. MIMO (Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output) Systems become an important factor in communication standards. At the beginning, this technology involved several antennas for both transmission and reception. Nowadays, in order to improve the performance of wireless transmissions, in addition to multi-channel propagation, error correction codes are used. Golden Code has some advantages, such as: maximum rate and diversity or coding gain. In this paper it is proposed an approach of using this code to mitigate the impulsive noise effects in a MIMO communication system. The Middleton Class-A noise was considered. The simulation was done for different values of the impulsive noise model parameters and showed that the probability density function depends on index impulse and on gaussian factor and the number of noise sources has no influence.