bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven FDG-PET subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease-related neurodegeneration
Authors: Levin Fedor , Ferreira Daniel , Lange Catharina , Dyrba Martin , Westman Eric , Buchert Ralph , Teipel Stefan J. , Grothe Michel J. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous research has described distinct subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) based on the differences in regional patterns of brain atrophy on MRI. We conducted a data-driven exploration of distinct AD neurodegeneration subtypes using FDG-PET as a sensitive molecular imaging marker of neurodegenerative processes.

Methods

Hierarchical clustering of voxel-wise FDG-PET data from 177 amyloid-positive patients with AD dementia enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) was used to identify distinct hypometabolic subtypes of AD, which were then further characterized with respect to clinical and biomarker characteristics. We then classified FDG-PET scans of 217 amyloid-positive patients with mild cognitive impairment (“prodromal AD”) according to the identified subtypes and studied their domain-specific cognitive trajectories and progression to dementia over a follow-up interval of up to 72 months.

Results

Three main hypometabolic subtypes were identified: (i) “typical” (48.6%), showing a classic posterior temporo-parietal hypometabolic pattern; (ii) “limbic-predominant” (44.6%), characterized by old age and a memory-predominant cognitive profile; and (iii) a relatively rare “cortical-predominant” subtype (6.8%) characterized by younger age and more severe executive dysfunction. Subtypes classified in the prodromal AD sample demonstrated similar subtype characteristics as in the AD dementia sample and further showed differential courses of cognitive decline.

Conclusions

These findings complement recent research efforts on MRI-based identification of distinct AD atrophy subtypes and may provide a potentially more sensitive molecular imaging tool for early detection and characterization of AD-related neurodegeneration variants at prodromal disease stages.
Introduction of an assessment toolkit associated with increased rate of DLB diagnosis
Authors: Surendranathan A. , Kane J. , Bentley A. , Barker S. , McNally R. , Bamford C. , Taylor J.-P. , Thomas A. , McKeith I. , Burn D. , O’Brien J. T.
Published: February 2021

Background

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and dementia in Parkinson’s disease (PDD) are recognised to be under-recognised in clinical practice in the UK, with only one third to a half of expected cases diagnosed. We aimed to assess whether clinical diagnostic rates could be increased by the introduction of a structured assessment toolkit for clinicians.

Methods

We established baseline diagnostic rates for DLB and PDD in four memory clinics and three movement disorder/Parkinson’s disease (PD) clinics in two separate geographical regions in the UK. An assessment toolkit specifically developed to assist with the recognition and diagnosis of DLB and PDD was then introduced to the same clinical teams and diagnostic rates for DLB and PDD were reassessed.

For assessing DLB diagnosis, a total of 3820 case notes were reviewed before the introduction of the toolkit, and 2061 case notes reviewed after its introduction. For PDD diagnosis, a total of 1797 case notes were reviewed before the introduction of the toolkit and 3405 case notes after it. Mean values and proportions were analysed using Student’s t test for independent samples and χ2 test, respectively.

Results

DLB was diagnosed in 4.6% of dementia cases prior to the introduction of the toolkit, and 6.2% of dementia cases afterwards, an absolute rise of 1.6%, equal to a 35% increase in the number of DLB cases diagnosed when using the toolkit (χ2 = 4.2, P = 0.041).

The number of PD patients diagnosed with PDD was not found overall to be significantly different when using the toolkit: 9.6% of PD cases before and 8.2% of cases after its introduction (χ2 = 1.8, P = 0.18), though the ages of PD patients assessed after the toolkit’s introduction were lower (73.9 years vs 80.0 years, t = 19.2, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Introduction of the assessment toolkit was associated with a significant increase in the rate of DLB diagnosis, suggesting that a structured means of assessing symptoms and clinical features associated with DLB can assist clinicians in recognising cases. The assessment toolkit did not alter the overall rate of PDD diagnosis, suggesting that alternate means may be required to improve the rate of diagnosis of dementia in Parkinson’s disease.
Urethral cancer managed with phallus preserving surgery: a case report
Authors: Walsh Emily , Kelly Niall , Daly Padraig , Shah Nigam , Cullen Ivor
Published: February 2021

Background

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is rare and accounts for < 1% of all genito-urinary cancers. There is a male predominance of 3:1 and a peak incidence in the 7th and 8th decades. The aetiology of this cancer is similar to penile cancer, and the human papilloma virus (HPV) is thought to be an essential factor in tumorigenesis. Urethral cancer should be diagnosed and staged with a combination of tumour biopsy, MRI, and CT with treatment involving a multimodal approach. Contemporary management emphasises phallus-preserving surgery where feasible.

Case presentation

Here, we describe a case of distal urethral carcinoma, which presented as a metastatic groin mass and identifying the primary lesion proved challenging. Diagnostic flexible cystoscopy identified a tiny lesion in the navicular fossa, which was biopsied and confirmed to be a squamous cell carcinoma. The patient then underwent phallus preserving surgery, including distal urethrectomy with bilateral inguinal lymph node dissections. The final stage was pT1N1M0, and adjuvant chemotherapy was started. The distal urethrectomy involved the surgical creation of a hypospadic meatus in the midshaft of the penis. Normal voiding and sexual function were preserved.

Conclusions

Urethral cancer is a rare malignancy and clinicians should bear in mind that early diagnosis of this disease can be very difficult depending on the anatomical location of the tumour. Treatment currently favours penis-preserving surgery.
Low-frequency electromagnetic fields combined with tissue engineering techniques accelerate intervertebral fusion
Authors: Li Weigang , Huang Chunwei , Ma Tian , Wang Jiachen , Liu Wenbin , Yan Jiyuan , Sheng Gaohong , Zhang Ruizhuo , Wu Hua , Liu Chaoxu
Published: February 2021

Background

Intervertebral fusion is the most common surgery to treat lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). And the graft material used in the operation is derived from the iliac crest to promote fusion. However, autografts possess the fatal disadvantage of lack of source. Therefore, economical and practical bone substitutes are urgently needed to be developed. Sinusoidal electromagnetic fields (EMF) combined with tissue engineering techniques may be an appropriate way to promote intervertebral fusion.

Methods

In this research, porous scaffolds made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) were used as cell carriers. Then, the scaffolds loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were treated with sinusoidal electromagnetic field and the osteogenic capability of BMSCs was tested later. In addition, an intervertebral disc of the tail vertebra of the rat was removed to construct a spinal intervertebral fusion model with a cell-scaffold implanted. The intervertebral fusion was observed and analyzed by X-ray, micro-CT, and histological methods.

Results

BMSCs stimulated by EMF possess splendid osteogenic capability under an osteogenic medium (OM) in vitro. And the conditioned medium of BMSCs treated with EMF can further promote osteogenic differentiation of the primitive BMSCs. Mechanistically, EMF regulates BMSCs via BMP/Smad and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-associated p38 signaling pathways. In vivo experiments revealed that the scaffold loaded with BMSCs stimulated by EMF accelerated intervertebral fusion successfully.

Conclusion

In summary, EMF accelerated intervertebral fusion by improving the osteogenic capacity of BMSCs seeded on scaffolds and might boost the paracrine function of BMSCs to promote osteogenic differentiation of the homing BMSCs at the injured site. EMF combined with tissue engineering techniques may become a new clinical treatment for LDD.
Correction to: The immunomodulatory functions and molecular mechanism of a new bursal heptapeptide (BP7) in immune responses and immature B cells
Authors: Feng Xiu Li , Zheng Yang , Zong Man Man , Hao Shan Shan , Zhou Guang Fang , Cao Rui Bing , Chen Pu Yan , Liu Qing Tao
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Rhomboid protein 2 of Eimeria maxima provided partial protection against infection by homologous species
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Tian Di , Xu Lixin , Yan Ruofeng , Li Xiangrui , Shah Muhammad Ali A. , Song Xiaokai
Published: February 2021

Rhomboid-like proteases (ROMs) are considered as new candidate antigens for developing new-generation vaccines due to their important role involved in the invasion of apicomplexan protozoa. In prior works, we obtained a ROM2 sequence ofEimeria maxima(EmROM2). This study was conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of EmROM2 recombinant protein (rEmROM2) and EmROM2 DNA (pVAX1-EmROM2) against infection byEimeria maxima(E. maxima). Firstly, Western blot assay was conducted to analyze the immunogenicity of rEmROM2. The result showed that rEmROM2 was recognized by chicken anti-E. maximaserum. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assay revealed apparent transcription and expression of EmROM2 at the injection site. qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR), flow cytometry and indirect ELISA indicated that vaccination with rEmROM2 or EmROM2 DNA significantly upregulated the transcription level of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, TGF-β and TNF SF15), the proportion of CD8+and CD4+T lymphocytes and serum IgG antibody response. Ultimately, a vaccination-challenge trial was performed to evaluate the protective efficacy of rEmROM2 and pVAX1-EmROM2 againstE. maxima. The result revealed that vaccination with rEmROM2 or pVAX1-EmROM2 significantly alleviated enteric lesions, weight loss, and reduced oocyst output caused by challenge infection ofE. maxima, and provided anticoccidial index (ACI) of more than 160, indicating partial protection againstE. maxima. In summary, vaccination with rEmROM2 or pVAX1-EmROM2 activated notable humoral and cell-mediated immunity and provided partial protection againstE. maxima. These results demonstrated that EmROM2 protein and DNA are promising vaccine candidates againstE. maximainfection.
Improving the quality of care in health systems: towards better strategies
Authors: Dixon Jennifer
Published: February 2021

Improving the quality of health care across a nation is complex and hard. Countries often rely on multiple single national level programmes to make progress. But the key is to use a framework to develop a balanced overall strategy, and evaluate the main elements continuously and over time. Achieving that requires having a critical mass of leaders who collectively can see the bigger picture now, envision a roadmap for the future to chart an intelligent course, and course correct regularly. This is a long-term agenda requiring commitment, careful stewardship, different perspectives, trust, and the building of knowledge and experience over time. It is also almost completely at odds with much current policymaking which is short term, reactive and demands hard results. Many countries are making progress. But the rapid introduction of new types of care during the COVID 19 pandemic, such as online and digital, the use of new technologies which could soon revolutionalise the way care is delivered, experienced and evaluated, and the huge pressures on spending on health care in future mean we will have to do better. Achieving system-wide quality of care requires having a critical mass of leaders who collectively can see the bigger picture now, envision a roadmap for the future to chart a balanced intelligent course. For the Israeli health system, the recent IJHPR article by Dreiher et al. will help, but it will be important, in the future, to analyse how Israel measures up on the framework outlined above. This ideally would be supplemented with a survey of key leaders for their assessment, and both would be a regular (say 5 yearly) exercise and would help inform future strategies.
Stable routing and energy-conserved data transmission over wireless sensor networks
Authors: Shukry Suzan
Published: February 2021

Stable routing and energy conservation over a wireless sensor network (WSN) is a major issue in Internet of Things applications. The network lifetime can be increased when studying this issue with interest. Data transmission is a dominant factor in IoT networks for communication overhead and energy consumption. A proposed efficient node stable routing ($$ENSR$$

ENSR

) protocol is introduced to guarantee the stability of transmission data between the source and destination nodes, in a dynamic WSN conditions. $$ENSR$$

ENSR

minimizes energy consumption and selects more stable nodes for packets forwarding. Stability becomes the most important factor that qualifies the node's centrality. A node’s stability is characterized by residual energy, link quality, and number of hops needed to reach the destination from the node. To calculate node's stability, an enhanced centrality concept, known as stable betweenness centrality ($$SBC$$

SBC

) is introduced. In $$ENSR$$

ENSR

, at first, some nodes will be selected as the stable forwarding nodes, usually with maximum $$SBC$$

SBC

between their neighbors within a limited communication radio range of a particular region. Furthermore, each stable forwarding node then broadcasts its identity, including $$SBC$$

SBC

, to the source node separately. The source node can compute a stable path to forward packets to the corresponding stable forwarding node, based on a proper designed stable path routing metric ($$SPRM$$

SPRM

). Then, the stable forwarding node will behave as a new source node and start another stable path routing process until the packets are forwarded and reached to the destination node. In addition, the change of stable nodes over time balances and conserves node energy consumption, thereby mitigating “hot spots”. The proposed routing protocol is validated through simulation. The numerical results show that the proposed protocol outperforms the existing algorithms, global and local reliability-based routing ($$GLRR$$

GLRR

) and reliable energy-aware routing protocol $$(RER)$$

(
R
E
R
)

, in terms of network efficiency and reliability.
Retraction Note: Fractional-order scheme for bovine babesiosis disease and tick populations
Authors: Zafar Zain Ul Abadin , Rehan Kashif , Mushtaq M.
Published: February 2021

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: 10.1186/s13662-021-03279-y
Creation of an algorithm for clinical decision support for treatment of opioid use disorder with buprenorphine in primary care
Authors: dela Cruz Adriane M. , Walker Robrina , Pipes Ronny , Wakhlu Sidarth , Trivedi Madhukar H.
Published: February 2021

Background

The treatment capacity for opioid use disorder (OUD) lags far behind the number of patients in need of treatment. Capacity is limited, in part, by the limited number of physicians who offer office based OUD treatment with buprenorphine. Measurement based care (MBC) has been proposed as a means to support primary care physicians in treating OUD. Here, we propose a set of measures and a clinical decision support algorithm to provide MBC for the treatment of OUD.

Methods

We utilized literature search and expert consensus to identify measures for universal screening and symptom tracking. We used expert consensus to create the clinical decision support algorithm.

Results

The Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use (TAPS) tool was selected as the best published measure for universal screening in primary care. No published measure was identified as appropriate for symptom tracking or medication adherence; therefore, we created the OUD Symptom Checklist from the DSM-5 criteria for OUD and the Patient Adherence Questionnaire for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (PAQ-OUD) to assess medication adherence. We developed and present a clinical decision support algorithm to provide direct guidance regarding treatment interventions during the first 12 weeks of buprenorphine treatment.

Conclusion

Creation of these tools is the necessary first step for implementation of MBC for the treatment of OUD with buprenorphine in primary care. Further work is needed to test the feasibility and acceptability of these tools.

Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04059016; 16 August 2019; retrospectively registered; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04059016
Vaginal colonization with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among women in labor in central Uganda: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Tumuhamye Josephine , Steinsland Hans , Bwanga Freddie , Tumwine James K. , Ndeezi Grace , Mukunya David , Namugga Olive , Kasede Agnes Napyo , Sommerfelt Halvor , Nankabirwa Victoria
Published: February 2021

Background

According to WHO ( CISMAC. Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child health), the antimicrobial resistant bacteria considered to be clinically most important for human health and earmarked for surveillance include extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producingEnterobacteriaceae,carbapenem-resistant bacteria, methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B -resistant vancomycin-resistant (VRSA)Staphylococcus aureusand vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus(VRE). If these bacteria are carried in the female genital tract, they may be transmitted to the neonate causing local or systemic neonatal infections that can be difficult to treat with conventionally available antimicrobials. In order to develop effective treatment strategies, there is need for updated information about the prevalence of colonization with important antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

Objective

We sought to estimate the prevalence of vaginal colonization with potentially pathogenic and clinically important AMR bacteria among women in labour in Uganda and to identify factors associated with colonization.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV-1 and HIV-2 negative women in labour at three primary health care facilities in Uganda. Drug susceptibility testing was done using the disk diffusion method on bacterial isolates cultured from vaginal swabs. We calculated the prevalence of colonization with potentially pathogenic and clinically important AMR bacteria, in addition to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, defined as bacteria resistant to antibiotics from ≥ 3 antibiotic classes.

Results

We found that 57 of the 1472 enrolled women (3.9% prevalence; 95% Confidence interval [CI] 3.0%, 5.1%) were colonized with ESBL-producingEnterobacteriaceace,27 (1.8%; 95% CI 1.2%, 2.6%) were colonized with carbapenem-resistantEnterobacteriaceae, and 85 (5.8%; 95% CI 4.6%, 7.1%) were colonized with MRSA. The prevalence of colonization with MDR bacteria was high (750/1472; 50.9%; 95% CI 48.4%, 53.5%). Women who were ≥ 30 years of age had higher odds of being colonized with MDR bacteria compared to women aged 20–24 years (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1, 2.2).

Conclusion

Most of the women included in our study were vaginally colonized with potentially pathogenic MDR and other clinically important AMR bacteria. The high prevalence of colonization with these bacteria is likely to further increase the incidence of difficult-to-treat neonatal sepsis.
Visual biofeedback for paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM)
Authors: LeBlanc Rachelle Alyce , Aalto Daniel , Jeffery Caroline C.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is a common condition where the vocal folds inappropriately adduct during inspiration. This results in dyspnea and occasionally significant distress. The condition is thought to be primarily functional, with behavioural therapy considered mainstay in the non-acute setting. However, practice variations and limited access to speech language pathology (SLP) services can pose management challenges. We aimed to examine the efficacy of surgeon performed visual biofeedback as first-line treatment for PVFM.

Study design

Prospective, non-randomized, non-comparative clinical study.

Methods

Adult patients referred for possible PVFM and congruent laryngoscopy findings over a two-year period were included. Patients were excluded if they presented in acute distress, had alternate diagnosis to explain symptomology and/or coexisting untreated lower respiratory pathology. Patients underwent immediate surgeon-performed visual biofeedback on the same visit day. The primary outcome of interest was change in Dyspnea Index (DI) scores pre- and post-intervention 3 months follow-up. The secondary outcome measured was change in asthma medication use from baseline to follow-up.

Results

Of 34 patients presenting, 25 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 72% were female with an average age of 36.9 ± 14.1. Approximately 48% of patients had a diagnosis of well-controlled asthma at presentation and co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses were common (52%). Pre- and post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in DI scores ( p < 0.001) and reduction in bronchodilator use ( p = 0.003).

Conclusion

This is a prospective study that evaluates the role of visual biofeedback in PVFM patients. Our data suggests that visual biofeedback effectively reduces short-term subjective symptoms and asthma medication use.

Level of evidence

3

Graphical abstract
Development and validation of an online model to predict critical COVID-19 with immune-inflammatory parameters
Authors: Gao Yue , Chen Lingxi , Chi Jianhua , Zeng Shaoqing , Feng Xikang , Li Huayi , Liu Dan , Feng Xinxia , Wang Siyuan , Wang Ya , Yu Ruidi , Yuan Yuan , Xu Sen , Li Chunrui , Zhang Wei , Li Shuaicheng , Gao Qinglei
Published: February 2021

Background

Immune and inflammatory dysfunction was reported to underpin critical COVID-19(coronavirus disease 2019). We aim to develop a machine learning model that enables accurate prediction of critical COVID-19 using immune-inflammatory features at admission.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 2076 consecutive COVID-19 patients with definite outcomes (discharge or death) between January 27, 2020 and March 30, 2020 from two hospitals in China. Critical illness was defined as admission to intensive care unit, receiving invasive ventilation, or death. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was applied for feature selection. Five machine learning algorithms, including Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosted Decision Tree (GBDT), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Neural Network (NN) were built in a training dataset, and assessed in an internal validation dataset and an external validation dataset.

Results

Six features (procalcitonin, [T + B + NK cell] count, interleukin 6, C reactive protein, interleukin 2 receptor, T-helper lymphocyte/T-suppressor lymphocyte) were finally used for model development. Five models displayed varying but all promising predictive performance. Notably, the ensemble model, SPMCIIP (severity prediction model for COVID-19 by immune-inflammatory parameters), derived from three contributive algorithms (SVM, GBDT, and NN) achieved the best performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.991 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.979–1.000) in internal validation cohort and 0.999 (95% CI 0.998–1.000) in external validation cohort to identify patients with critical COVID-19. SPMCIIP could accurately and expeditiously predict the occurrence of critical COVID-19 approximately 20 days in advance.

Conclusions

The developed online prediction model SPMCIIP is hopeful to facilitate intensive monitoring and early intervention of high risk of critical illness in COVID-19 patients.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000032161).

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Imaging features of fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinomas: a retrospective study
Authors: Nikolovski Ines , Carlo Maria I. , Chen Ying-Bei , Vargas Hebert Alberto
Published: February 2021

Backgound

Fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (FH-RCC) is a subtype of RCC that is increasingly recognized pathologically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging features of FH-RCC on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET), and to determine the pre-operative diagnostic potential of imaging.

Methods

This single-site retrospective study included patients with histologically confirmed FH-RCC or with a renal cancer and known germline FH mutation; imaging of the renal mass before treatment with contrast-enhanced CT, contrast-enhanced MRI, or FDG PET/CT between October 2007 and May 2019. Clinical information, pathological data, and imaging features were analyzed and reported descriptively.

Results

Sixteen patients with sixteen tumors were included (median age 46 years, interquartile range 38–53 years; 31 % female). Almost all tumors were unifocal (15/16, 94 %). Most tumors had infiltrative margins (14/16, 88 %); few were circumscribed (2/16, 12 %). A large cystic tumor component (> 75 % of tumor volume) was seen in 8/16 (50 %) of tumors. Involvement of renal sinus fat was seen in 13/16 (81 %) of tumors, involvement of the hilar collecting system in 8/16 (50 %), and renal vein tumor thrombus in 6/16 (38 %). All 12 tumors (100 %) imaged with MRI had heterogenous tumor enhancement and heterogenous T2 signal. Of those patients that had diffusion-weighted imaging, 11/11 (100 %) of tumors had diffusion restriction in the solid portions of the tumor. Of the patients who had PET, 3/3 (100 %) tumors showed high metabolic activity with mean maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 16.4 (range 9.6–21.9). Patients presented with retroperitoneal nodal metastases in 69 % of cases and distant metastases in 75 %. Of those four patients without metastatic disease at presentation, three (75 %) developed metastases within 4 years of diagnosis.

Conclusions

In our study, the majority of tumors (≥ 75 %) were unifocal, had an infiltrative margin, invaded the renal sinus fat, and presented with distant metastases. On MRI, most tumors had heterogenous T2 signal and diffusion restriction in their solid components. The small number of cases that had PET imaging showed high metabolic activity.
Using GEDI lidar data and airborne laser scanning to assess height growth dynamics in fast-growing species: a showcase in Spain
Authors: Guerra-Hernández Juan , Pascual Adrián
Published: February 2021

Background

The NASA’s Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) satellite mission aims at scanning forest ecosystems on a multi-temporal short-rotation basis. The GEDI data can validate and update statistics from nationwide airborne laser scanning (ALS). We present a case in the Northwest of Spain using GEDI statistics and nationwide ALS surveys to estimate forest dynamics in three fast-growing forest ecosystems comprising 211,346 ha. The objectives were: i) to analyze the potential of GEDI to detect disturbances, ii) to investigate uncertainty source regarding non-positive height increments from the 2015–2017 ALS data to the 2019 GEDI laser shots and iii) to estimate height growth using polygons from the Forest Map of Spain (FMS). A set of 258 National Forest Inventory plots were used to validate the observed height dynamics.

Results

The spatio-temporal assessment from ALS surveying to GEDI scanning allowed the large-scale detection of harvests. The mean annual height growths were 0.79 (SD = 0.63), 0.60 (SD = 0.42) and 0.94 (SD = 0.75) m for Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus spp., respectively. The median annual values from the ALS-GEDI positive increments were close to NFI-based growth values computed for Pinus pinaster and Pinus radiata, respectively. The effect of edge border, spatial co-registration of GEDI shots and the influence of forest cover in the observed dynamics were important factors to considering when processing ALS data and GEDI shots.

Discussion

The use of GEDI laser data provides valuable insights for forest industry operations especially when accounting for fast changes. However, errors derived from positioning, ground finder and canopy structure can introduce uncertainty to understand the detected growth patterns as documented in this study. The analysis of forest growth using ALS and GEDI would benefit from the generalization of common rules and data processing schemes as the GEDI mission is increasingly being utilized in the forest remote sensing community.
Searching in CCTV: effects of organisation in the multiplex
Authors: Tatler Benjamin W.
Published: February 2021

CCTV plays a prominent role in public security, health and safety. Monitoring large arrays of CCTV camera feeds is a visually and cognitively demanding task. Arranging the scenes by geographical proximity in the surveilled environment has been recommended to reduce this demand, but empirical tests of this method have failed to find any benefit. The present study tests an alternative method for arranging scenes, based on psychological principles from literature on visual search and scene perception: grouping scenes by semantic similarity. Searching for a particular scene in the array—a common task in reactive and proactive surveillance—was faster when scenes were arranged by semantic category. This effect was found only when scenes were separated by gaps for participants who were not made aware that scenes in the multiplex were grouped by semantics (Experiment 1), but irrespective of whether scenes were separated by gaps or not for participants who were made aware of this grouping (Experiment 2). When target frequency varied between scene categories—mirroring unequal distributions of crime over space—the benefit of organising scenes by semantic category was enhanced for scenes in the most frequently searched-for category, without any statistical evidence for a cost when searching for rarely searched-for categories (Experiment 3). The findings extend current understanding of the role of within-scene semantics in visual search, to encompass between-scene semantic relationships. Furthermore, the findings suggest that arranging scenes in the CCTV control room by semantic category is likely to assist operators in finding specific scenes during surveillance.
Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmermann) Zare & Gams, as an efficient biocontrol agent of tea thrips, Scirtothrips bispinosus Bagnall (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Subramaniam Mariappan Sankara Rama , Babu Azariah , Deka Bhabesh
Published: February 2021

Background

Continuous and non-judicial application of synthetic insecticides to control the tea thrips, Scirtothrips bispinosus (Bagnall), one of the major tea pests in South India has led to certain undesirable issues in the ecosystem besides the presence of the pesticide residues in manufactured tea. Biological control agents are of immense importance in tea cultivation. The present study was designed to isolate Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmermann) Zare & Gama from the field-collected cadavers of the insects/mites infected by fungi of tea growing areas of Anamallais (Tamil Nadu, South India), and to evaluate their field bio-efficacy against the tea thrips.

Results

Lecanicillium lecanii isolated from the tea ecosystem had been formulated into a wettable powder (WP) formulation and evaluated against tea thrips under both laboratory and field conditions. Among the several media evaluated, the PDAY (Potato Dextrose Agar + 1% Yeast powder) was found to be the best suitable medium for the growth and germination of spores. Optimum conditions for the growth of L. lecanii were found in PDAY medium at the pH 6-7, temperature 25-30°C and 90-95% RH. Exposure to UV light for more than 30 min significantly inhibited the growth of the fungus. Lecanicillium lecanii at (1 × 107 spore/ha) was found significantly effective against thrips. Fungal development index (FDI) of L. lecanii + jaggery significantly differed than other treatments. Lecanicillium lecanii at 1500g (1×107 conidia/ml) mixed in 400 l of water was effective against the tea thrips. Addition of equal amount of jaggery with L. lecanii wettable powder in the tank mixture could increase the efficacy of the mycopesticide against tea thrips.

Conclusion

The powder formulation of L. lecanii was found safer to natural enemies present in the tea ecosystem. After fulfilling the requirements for its registration and label claim on tea, this strain of L. lecanii could be commercialized for the benefit of the tea industry for the management of tea thrips in an eco-friendly manner.
Successfully managed bilateral pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema after emergency open surgical tracheotomy
Authors: Yilmaz Fulya
Published: February 2021

Background

The most common complications we encountered in tracheotomies are hemorrhage, pneumothorax, and tube displacement. In this case report, we describe bilateral pneumothorax following an emergency tracheotomy.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma, was developed sudden respiratory distress in the ear nose throat (ENT) ward before surgery. The patient was taken to the operating room for emergency tracheotomy. After surgery, at the 5th minute of the mechanical ventilator follow-up in ICU, she developed subcutaneous emphysema on her eyes, face, neck, and chest. She was taken to re-operation. On the postoperative follow-up, bilateral pneumothorax was detected on chest X-ray and bilateral thorax tube was applied by thoracic surgeon. She was externed to ENT ward on the 3rd postoperative day. The left thorax tube was removed on the 2nd and right thorax tube was removed on the 6th postoperative day.

Conclusion

Here, we presented a successfully managed bilateral pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema after emergency open surgical tracheotomy. If persistence reduction of SPO2 levels after tracheotomy, pneumothorax should be kept in the mind.
Revitalized Karuk and Yurok cultural burning to enhance California hazelnut for basketweaving in northwestern California, USA
Authors: Marks-Block Tony , Lake Frank K. , Bliege Bird Rebecca , Curran Lisa M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Karuk and Yurok tribes in northwestern California, USA, are revitalizing the practice of cultural burning, which is the use of prescribed burns to enhance culturally important species. These cultural burns are critical to the livelihoods of indigenous peoples, and were widespread prior to the establishment of fire exclusion policies. One of the major objectives of cultural burning is to enhance California hazelnut (Corylus cornutaMarsh var.californica) basketry stem production for Karuk and Yurok basketweavers. To evaluate cultural burning as a form of human ecosystem engineering, we monitored hazelnut basketry stem production, qualities, and shrub density in 48 plots (400 m2) within two prescribed and 19 cultural burn sites. Socio-ecological variables that were analyzed included burn frequency, burn season, overstory tree (≥10 cm diameter at breast height) basal area, ungulate browse, and aspect. We also observed basketry stem gathering to compare travel distances, gathering rates, and basketweaver preferences across sites with different fire histories and land tenure.

Results

Hazelnut shrubs, one growing season post burn, produced a 13-fold increase in basketry stems compared with shrubs growing at least three seasons post burn (P< 0.0001). Basketry stem production and stem length displayed negative relationships with overstory tree basal area (P< 0.01) and ungulate browse (P< 0.0001). Plots burned at high frequency (at least three burn events from 1989 to 2019) had 1.86-fold greater hazelnut shrubs than plots experiencing less than three burn events (P< 0.0001), and were all located on the Yurok Reservation where land tenure of indigenous people is comparatively stronger. Basketweavers travelled 3.8-fold greater distance to reach gathering sites burned by wildfires compared with those that were culturally burned (P< 0.01). At cultural burn sites, wildfire sites, and fire-excluded sites, mean gathering rates were 4.9, 1.6, and 0.5 stems per minute per individual, respectively.

Conclusions

Karuk and Yurok cultural fire regimes with high burn frequencies (e.g.,three to five years) promote high densities of hazelnut shrubs and increase hazelnut basketry stem production. This improves gathering efficiency and lowers travel costs to support the revitalization of a vital cultural practice. Our findings provide evidence of positive human ecosystem engineering, and show that increasing tribal sovereignty over fire management improves socio-economic well-being while at the same time supports measures of ecosystem structure and function.
Identification and optimization of triphenylmethane dyes removal by Streptomyces sp. from forest soil
Authors: Adenan Nurul Hidayah , Lim Yau Yan , Ting Adeline Su Yien
Published: February 2021

This study identified a common Streptomyces sp. (MN262194) from forest soil as an efficient decolorizer of triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes. Partial 16S rRNA sequencing identified the isolate as possibly Streptomyces bacillaris (similarity 99.32%). Live and dead cells of Streptomyces sp. were applied to decolorize Malachite Green (MG), Methyl Violet (MV), Crystal Violet (CV), and Cotton Blue (CB). The decolorization efficacy for both cell types was further optimized based on One-Factor-At-A-Time (OFAT) method to determine the influence of pH, agitation speed (rpm), biomass (g), initial dye concentration (mg L− 1), and oxygen. Removal of TPM dyes was repeated for both live and dead cells using combined optimal conditions determined for each biomass type. Results revealed that optimum conditions for live cells were pH 7, 100 rpm agitation, 0.5 g cell biomass, initial dye concentration of 100 mg L− 1 (50 mg L− 1 for CB), and with the presence of oxygen. In contrast, pH 9 (MG, MV, CV) and pH 3 (CB), with 100 rpm agitation, 0.75 g cell biomass, and initial dye concentrations of 100 mg L− 1 (50 mg L− 1 for CB), were the optimum conditions for dead cells. At optimal conditions, live cells showed significantly higher decolorization activities for all dyes (MG 95%, MV 92%, CV 87%, CB 68%). Removal of TPM dyes was via biosorption and biodegradation, detected with changes of ultraviolet-visible spectra between the untreated dye and treated dye. Sorption by Streptomyces sp. conforms to the Langmuir isotherm model. Streptomyces sp. was established as an effective decolorizer for most TPM dyes with > 85% decolorization (with the exception for CB).
The role of dynamic and diffusion MR imaging in therapeutic response assessment after microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma using LI-RADS v2018 treatment response algorithm
Authors: Mahmoud Bahaa Eldin , Gadalla Amr Abd Elfattah Hassan , Elkholy Shaima Fattouh
Published: February 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Microwave ablation (MWA) is a widely used treatment option having less morbidity and complications as compared with surgery and liver transplantation. MRI is the most widely used modality in the assessment of treatment response after MWA. Currently, LI-RADS v2018 algorithm is considered the cornerstone in daily clinical practice for assessment of the treatment response after locoregional therapy. The aim of the study was to assess the role of dynamic MRI and diffusion imaging in the assessment of treatment response and detection of tumor viability following microwave ablation therapy of HCC according to LI-RADS v2018 treatment response algorithm.

Results

This retrospective study was performed over 45 HCC lesions underwent MWA as the only therapeutic procedure and followed up by dynamic MRI with diffusion images and then classified according to the LI-RADS treatment response criteria into LR-TR viable and LR-TR nonviable groups. All the malignant lesions found in this study showed arterial phase hyperenhancment (APHE), whether in the early or late arterial phases. Delayed washout was found in all malignant lesions as well. In the diffusion analysis, the mean ADC value for the malignant lesions was 0.900 ± 0.126 × 10-3 mm2/s, while the mean ADC of the treatment-related specific benign parenchymal enhancement was 1.284 ± 0.129 × 10-3 mm2/s with a significant statistical difference in between (P = 0.0001) and a cutoff value of 1.11 × 10-3 mm2/s. Our findings showed that the dynamic MRI has 100% sensitivity, 93.5% specificity, 87.5% PPV, and 100% NPV in the detection of tumoral activity compared with 71.43% sensitivity, 93.55% specificity, 83.33% PPV, and 87.88% NPV for diffusion images.

Conclusion

LI-RADS 2018 provides a treatment response algorithm superior to the previously used assessment criteria. MRI with dynamic contrast-enhanced technique and diffusion imaging provide a powerful tool in the evaluation of treatment response after microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma using the LI-RADS treatment response criteria and is considered a reliable method in differentiating between the recurrent or residual malignant lesions and the posttreatment benign liver changes.
Functional disability and health-related quality of life in juvenile idiopathic arthritis children from Beni-Suef
Authors: Abdelaleem Enas A. , Ezzat Dina A. , Mostafa Gehad R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common childhood disease which causes significant impairment in quality of life. The aim of the study is to assess the health-related quality of life and its relation to functional disability in JIA patients.

Child health assessment questionnaire (CHAQ) and pediatrics quality of life 4 generic core questionnaire (PedsQL) were used to evaluate functional disability and health-related quality of life.

Results

CHAQ (VAS) of JIA patients ranged from 0 to 9 with a mean of 3.64 ± 2.9 (SD), and of controls ranged from 0 to 4 with a mean of 1.32 ± 1.3 (SD) with a statistically significant difference and a p value of 0.001. CHAQ-disability index (DI) of the cases ranged from 0 to 3 with a mean of 1.06 ± 0.9 (SD) and of controls was consistent = 0. Pediatric quality of life (PedsQL) among cases ranged from 26.08 to 91.3 with a mean of 67.95 ± 19.2 (SD) and among controls ranged from 78.27 to 100 with a mean of 90.73 ± 7.7 (SD) showing statistically significant difference with a p value < 0.001.

Childhood health assessment questionnaire (CHAQ) scores were significantly higher among studied females with JIA as compared with males. The mean CHAQ-DI scores were 4.56 ± 2.7 vs. 1.29 ± 2.6 in females and males respectively with a significant p value of 0.002. The mean CHAQ-(VAS) scores were 1.38 ± 0.8 vs. 0.23 ± 0.3 in females and males respectively with a significant p value of 0.016. Pediatric quality of life (PedsQL) scores were significantly higher among studied males with JIA as compared with studied females. The childhood health assessment questionnaire (CHAQ) was negatively correlated with all (physical, emotional, social, and school) items of the pediatric quality of life (PedsQL) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We found a significant impairment in the functional ability and health-related quality of life in patients with JIA compared to healthy children, with more impairment in females than males. CHAQ was negatively correlated with all items of PedsQL.
Seismic fragility analysis for tall pier bridges with rocking foundations
Authors: Chen Xu , Li Jianzhong
Published: February 2021

Costal bridge systems usually contain tall piers with heights over 40 m, due to the engineering site exposed to deep water circumstances. Note that the conventional seismic isolation devices (e.g., isolation bearings) are not that effective for tall piers, since their dynamic performance is significantly affected by the distributed mass and vibration modes of columns; therefore, base isolation design philosophy could be a promising alternative for mitigating seismic demands of this type of bridges. This paper mainly investigates the efficiency of rocking foundations in improving seismic performance of tall pier bridges, with the results presented in the format of fragility curves. Finite element model of the prototype tall pier bridge is developed, and the responses subjected to near-fault motions are obtained using nonlinear time history analysis. Probability seismic demand models and fragility curves are then developed accordingly, based on which the performance of tall pier bridges are assessed. The results show that employment of rocking foundations could significantly reduce the demands of tall piers and the probability of being damaged. Before the initiation of uplifting at pier base, the behavior of rocking piers resembles that of conventional ones with integrated foundation. While rocking initiates under strong excitations, the demands of rocking piers reduce drastically compared with integrated ones and tend to be similar under different motions, which benefits the post-earthquake performance assessment of these bridges.
The efficacy of antidepressant medication and interpersonal psychotherapy for adult acute-phase depression: study protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data
Authors: Driessen Ellen , Cohen Zachary D. , Weissman Myrna M. , Markowitz John C. , Weitz Erica S. , Hollon Steven D. , Browne Dillon T. , Rucci Paola , Corda Carolina , Menchetti Marco , Bagby R. Michael , Quilty Lena C. , O'Hara Michael W. , Zlotnick Caron , Pearlstein Teri , Blom Marc B. J. , Altamura Mario , Gois Carlos , Schneider Lon S. , Twisk Jos W. R. , Cuijpers Pim
Published: February 2021

Background

Antidepressant medication and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are both recommended interventions in depression treatment guidelines based on literature reviews and meta-analyses. However, ‘conventional’ meta-analyses comparing their efficacy are limited by their reliance on reported study-level information and a narrow focus on depression outcome measures assessed at treatment completion. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis, considered the gold standard in evidence synthesis, can improve the quality of the analyses when compared with conventional meta-analysis.

Aims

We describe the protocol for a systematic review and IPD meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of antidepressants and IPT for adult acute-phase depression across a range of outcome measures, including depressive symptom severity as well as functioning and well-being, at both post-treatment and follow-up (PROSPERO: CRD42020219891).

Method

We will conduct a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and the Cochrane Library to identify randomised clinical trials comparing antidepressants and IPT in the acute-phase treatment of adults with depression. We will invite the authors of these studies to share the participant-level data of their trials. One-stage IPD meta-analyses will be conducted using mixed-effects models to assess treatment effects at post-treatment and follow-up for all outcome measures that are assessed in at least two studies.

Conclusions

This will be the first IPD meta-analysis examining antidepressants versus IPT efficacy. This study has the potential to enhance our knowledge of depression treatment by comparing the short- and long-term effects of two widely used interventions across a range of outcome measures using state-of-the-art statistical techniques.