bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Disinsection and Deratization in the Framework of Non-Specific Prophylaxis of Diseases among the Population in Natural Plague Foci in the Territory of the CIS Countries
Authors: Matrosov A. N. , Kuznetsov A. A. , Sludsky A. A. , Ibragimov E. Sh. , Abdikarimov S. T. , Meka-Mechenko V. G. , Berdibekov A. T. , Nikitin A. Ya. , Korzun V. M. , Popov N. V.
Published: October 2020

Natural foci of plague – a particularly dangerous transmissible zoonotic disease – are widely spread across the world, including in the territory of Russia and a number of neighboring countries in Central Asia. Between 2000 and 2019, 28339 cases of plague were registered in 21 states around the world; lethality rates reached 8 %. Active plague manifestations are associated with the increase in the abundance of carriers and vectors of the disease, which increases the risk of human infection. Prophylactic measures against plague are aimed at prevention and eradication of epidemic foci; they incorporate a whole complex (system) of activities. Disinsection and deratization remain the most radical of them. Control of the numbers of carriers and vectors of plague involves decrement up to the levels at which epizooties will not develop, they are suppressed and liquidated. Currently in the Russian Federation and CIS countries, the focus is on the field and community disinsection when planning and performing exterminatory interventions. The decrease in the numbers of fleas – carriers and vectors of plague microbe – results in disruption of epizootic process and, consequently, in provision of epidemiological welfare as regards this dangerous disease. Insecticide treatments in natural biotopes are carried out using powder-like or aerosolized products, the class of pyrethroids, organophosphorous compounds and phenylpyrazoles by means of advanced equipment: knapsack dusters, power operated air blowers, and foggers. Within the boundaries of residential areas wet disinsection is performed with the help of spraying devices. Field deratization is allowed upon epidemiological grounds only, in localized territories of epizooties, within the boundaries of the settlements of plague infected carriers. Zinc phosphide- or anticoagulant-based bait products are used as rodenticides. Therewith, the eradication of valuable animal species, rare species of small mammals and endemic species is prohibited. Community deratization is always accompanied by the community disinsection. When planning and carrying out insecticide and rodenticide treatments the priority is given to the safety of handling the chemical preparations, to the exclusion of the negative effect on target animal species.
Heart Sound Segmentation Based on Personalized Gaussian Mixture Model and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Xu Chun Dong , Zhou Jing , Ying Dong Wen , Hou Lei Jing , Long Qing Hua
Published: October 2020

Background: Heart sound segmentation is a long-standing problem in heart analysis, and it is mainly caused by noise interference and diversification of heart sounds. Faced with the challenging of heart sound segmentation, a more applicable segmentation model was studied. Methods: In this process, the optimal modified Log-spectral amplitude and wavelet were used to suppress the noise in the heart sound, and used the duration-dependent hidden Markov model based on personalized Gaussian mixture model (PGMM-DHMM) to segment the fundamental heart sound (FHS) and the non-fundamental heart sound (non-FHS). Then used the optimized Mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) to realize the classification of S1 and S2 heart sound frames through the Convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier, which can avoid the errors caused by the ambiguity of the time domain features. Results: PGMM-DHMM can segment FHS more effectively, and the accuracy is 94.3%. The CNN classifier obtained the best results in the S1 and S2 classifications, the accuracy is 90.92%, the precision of S1 is 90.76%, the recall is 91.05%, the F-measure is 90.9%, and the precision of S2 is 91.07%, the recall is 90.79%, the F-measure is 90.93%. The final segmentation accuracy is 92.92%. In addition, the experimental results further indicate that CNN has more robust performance when classifying abnormal S1 and abnormal S2. Conclusions: The PGMM-DHMM model can better segment FHS and Non-FHS. The optimization of MFCC improves the classification effect of S1 and S2, and the improvement effect by the CNN classifier is significant, especially for abnormal heart sounds. The proposed algorithm is better than other algorithms at this stage.
Impact of a community-based pilot intervention to tackle childhood obesity: a ‘whole-system approach’ case study
Authors: Gadsby Erica Wirrmann , Hotham Sarah , Eida Tamsyn , Lawrence Christopher , Merritt Rowena
Published: October 2020

Background: Go-Golborne was a three-year pilot programme to test an innovative, community-based ‘whole system’ approach to preventing overweight in children in Golborne ward, London. Whilst there is a growing interest in local whole systems approaches to obesity, understandings of what they look like in practice are newly emerging. Go-Golborne was designed, implemented and evaluated within this context.Methods: The evaluation used a case-study design and theory of change approach to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Height/weight measurements of children in the six participating primary schools were recorded annually for four years. For behavioural outcomes, children aged six-11 completed four annual on-line surveys (total 4331 responses). Parents were surveyed in year one and year four (177 responses). Three focus group discussions were held with children aged 10-11 (N=21); interviews were conducted with parents (N=11), and school representatives (N=4). Stakeholders were surveyed twice (37 responses), and interviews were conducted with key stakeholders (N=11). An extensive range of programme documents were reviewed and additional process data was collected from the programme team. The RE-AIM framework was used to synthesise findings and examine public health impact.Results: Go-Golborne reached a diverse range of partners across Golborne. Events were attended by over 3360 local children and families and all six primary schools in the ward actively engaged in activities. The proportion of children in the above healthy weight categories remained stable over time. A number of changes in home, school and neighbourhood environments to support healthy behaviour change were evidenced. There was some qualitative evidence of positive changes in children’s behaviours, though significant or sustained changes were not evidenced by the quantitative data.Conclusions: Go-Golborne helped stakeholders and parents to develop a shared commitment to improving healthy weight in children, to identify barriers to a healthy lifestyle, and to start to make changes in their services/behaviours. The campaigns and changes made at micro-level appeared to be insufficient, in the face of counteracting forces and personal factors, to achieve significant behaviour change within three years. This highlights the need for local initiatives to be reinforced by supporting action at regional, national and global levels.
­­Awareness and Outcomes of the Fruits and Veggies (FNV) Campaign to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Targeted Audiences in California and Virginia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Englund Tessa Rhianon , Hedrick Valisa Ellen , Patiño Sofia Rincón-Gallardo , Kennedy Lauren Elaine , Hosig Kathryn Wright , Serrano Elena Lidia , Kraak Vivica Ingrid
Published: October 2020

Background: The Partnership for a Healthier America launched the branded Fruits & Veggies (FNV) Campaign in 2015 to promote fruit and vegetable sales and intake to moms and teens in two United States pilot market areas: Fresno, California and Hampton Roads, Virginia. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to: 1) assess brand awareness and fruit- and vegetable-related outcomes among respondents from the target audiences of the FNV Campaign (i.e., moms and teens) in the Fresno, CA and Hampton Roads, VA market locations; and 2) examine whether reported awareness of the FNV Campaign was associated with differences in cognitive and behavioral outcomes related to fruit and vegetable purchases and intake among the target audiences in the two markets. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using an online survey (February to July 2017) administered to a non-probability convenience sample (n=1604) of youth aged 14–20 years (n=744) and moms aged 21–36 years (n=860) in the two pilot markets. Binary logistic regression was used to examine associations between FNV brand awareness and dichotomous variables, and analysis of covariance was used to assess associations with continuous variables, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Approximately 20% (n=315) of respondents reported awareness of the FNV Campaign. Youth aware of the FNV Campaign (n=167) reported higher intentions to buy (p=0.003) and eat (p=0.009) fruits and vegetables than unaware respondents. Mothers aware of the FNV Campaign (n=148) reported greater encouragement for friends and family to eat fruits and vegetables (p=0.013) and were approximately 1.5 times more likely to report trying a new fruit or vegetable (p=0.04) than mothers unaware of the FNV Campaign. Daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency did not differ by FNV Campaign awareness. Conclusions: Awareness of the FNV Campaign was associated with limited but positive cognitive and behavioral outcomes among target audience respondents. These findings can inform future research to enhance understanding and improve effectiveness of the FNV Campaign as it is expanded to new markets nationwide.
CENPF driven lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma with immune infiltrates
Authors: Li Lei , Zheng Pengchao
Published: October 2020

Background: CENPF (centromere protein F) is a critical gene that associates with the centromere-kinetochore complex and plays an important role in the tumor development. However, the associations of CENPF expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in lung cancer remain unknown. Methods : CENPF expression and prognostic factor was analyzed via the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) site. The correlation between CENPF and cancer immune infiltrates was investigated via and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) site. Further, correlations between CENPF expression and gene marker sets of immune infiltrates were analyzed by TIMER. Results: The TCGA database of Lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD) and Lung squamous cell carcinoma(LUSC) patients showed that high CENPF expression was associated with poorer overall survival (OS HR=1.5,P=0.01) and disease-free survival (DFS HR=1.4,P=0.027) in LUAD. Specifically, high CENPF expression have no correlated with worse OS(OS HR=0.78,P=0.071) and DFS(DFS HR=1,P=0.87) in LUSC. CENPF expression was positively correlated with infiltrating levels of B cells, macrophage in LUAD, B cells, and CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells (DCs) in LUSC. CENPF expression showed strong correlations with diverse immune marker sets in LUAD, and LUSC. After down-regulating the expression of CENPF, the proliferative capacity of Lung adenocarcinoma and Lung squamous cell carcinoma cells was inhibited. Conclusions: This report suggest that CENPF is high expression, correlated with poor prognosis and immune infiltrating levels of, including those of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and DCs in in LUAD and LUSC. In addition, CENPF expression is potentially closely related to the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer cells. These studies suggest that CENPF can be used as a new prognostic target for determining prognosis and immune infiltration in Lung adenocarcinoma and Lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Estimating the under-ascertainment number of COVID-19 cases in Kano, Nigeria in the fourth week of April 2020: a modelling analysis of the early outbreak
Authors: Musa Salihu S , Zhao Shi , Hussaini Nafiu , Zuang Zian , Wu Yushan , Wang Maggie H , He Daihai
Published: October 2020

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (known as COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appeared in Wuhan, China has rapidly spread to over 200 countries and territories. In Nigeria, the Kano State Ministry of Health has confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on April 11, 2020, and since then there might have been issues of under-ascertainment that occurred roughly from 22 to 27 April 2020. As of 4 October 2020, there were 1738 reported COVID-19 cases in Kano with 54 associated deaths. In this work, we estimate the number of under-ascertainment cases and the basic reproduction number, B, of COVID-19 in Kano, Nigeria. We also predict the number of COVID-19 cases in the short term.Methods: We employ the exponential growth and modelled the outbreak curve of COVID-19 cases, in Kano, Nigeria from 11 to 30 April 2020. We estimated the number of under-ascertainment cases using the maximum likelihood estimation. We adopted the SI estimated for Hong Kong as approximations of the unknown SI for COVID-19 in Kano to estimate the a. We use ARIMA model to provide a short term (15 days) prediction of the COVID-19 cases in Kano, Nigeria.Results: We revealed that the initial growth phase mimic an exponential growth pattern. We found that the under-ascertainment was likely to have resulted in 213 (95% CI: 106−346) unreported cases from 22 to 27 April 2020. The reporting rate after 27 April 2020 increase up to 10-fold compared to the scenario from 22 to 27 April 2020 on average. We estimated the c of COVID-19 in Kano as 2.74 (95% CI: 2.53−2.96). We forecasted that the total number of COVID-19 cases in Kano to be 1067 (95% CI: 883, 2137) by June 6, 2020.Conclusion: The under-ascertainment likely exists during the fourth week of April, 2020 and should be regarded in the future analysis/investigation.
Drinking Alcohol Raise Chance Pre-Marital Sex by Four Folds Among Secondary School Adolescent Students in Jima Arjo, South Western Ethiopia, 2018.
Authors: Biratu Bayisa , Garoma Silesi , Getachew Motuma , Beyene Markos Desalegn
Published: October 2020

Background: Premarital sexual practice is a sexual intercourse performed before formal marriage. Premarital sexual practice increases adolescents risk for having multiple sexual partner, infection with (Human Immuno Deficiency Virus) HIV, other (sexually transmitted desease) STDs and unintended pregnancy.Objectives: Was to assess the prevalence of premarital sexual practice and associated factors among secondary school (9-12 grade) students in Jimma Arjo district. Methods: Inistitutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted among adolescent students from may 1st to 15th using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. The collected data was cleaned and entered into(statistical package for social science) SPSS version 20. Factors associated with pre marital sexual practice were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis.Resulst: Over all premarital sexual practice was 24.4%. Being alcohol drinker(AOR[95%CI]=3.78[1.49,22.08]),havingboy/girlfriend(AOR[95%CI]=5.07[3.74,26.47]), (beingmale??) (AOR[95%CI]=2.9[1.78,37.8]); urban residence (AOR[95%CI]=6.44 [1.95,25.84]). Conclusion: In this study the premarital sexual practice was high. Being male sex, urban residence,using alcohol use and having boy /girl friend significantly affect premarital sexual practice. Therefore, school and community basedhealth information, education and communication need to be intensified to reduce the premarital sex and further health concequences.
Tuberculosis screening among patients with diabetes mellitus: Is it necessary, and how should it be done? ——A survey of endocrinologists in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Bei Chengli , Deng Ping , Yang Fen , Fu Manjiao , Xie Hebin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus(DM) is known to increase the risk of tuberculosis(TB) and contribute to adverse outcomes. WHO highlighted the necessity of bidirectional screening for the two diseases. However, the limited literature suggests that endocrinologists don't seem to be actively screen TB among DM patients.MethodsStratified sampling was used to select 43 general public hospitals(GPHs) at three different levels in Hunan province of China: 14 3rd-level GPHs, 13 2nd-level GPHs, and 16 1st-level GPHs. 284 endocrinologists working in the enrolled hospitals were invited to participate in the on site questionnaire survey and 277 qualified.ResultsThe allocation of digital X-ray cameras, tuberculin skin tests, sputumAcid fast bacillus smears, sputum cultures for mycobacterium tuberculosis, andinterferon gamma release assays in 43 GPHs were 90.7%, 72.1%, 55.8%, 34.9%, 27.9%, with significant differences between there different leves( P both <0.05). 62.5% (173/277) of the endocrinologists considered it necessary to proactively initiate TB screening for DM patients at first diagnosis and 80.9% (140/173) of them considered it necessary to regularly screen TB among DM patients during follow up. However, when admitting patients, 197 endocrinologists chose TB screening only for DM patients with suspected TB symptoms.The most possible reasons DM patients wouldn’t undergo TB screening were “patients refused(76.5%)”, “patients didn’t complain of the main symptom(46.9%)”, and “TB screening related tests haven’t been conducted in the hospital(35.7%)”.ConclusionsAlthough endocrinologists displayed some TB related knowledge and awareness of the need for proactive screening, the actual screening rate in the clinical setting was low. This may be related to multiple factors, such as the lack of relevant guidelines, patient communication, or mobilization, or the corresponding tests have not yet been conducted in the hospitals..
Serum Metabolome Analysis by Liquid Chromatography–mass Spectrometry Reveals Differences between Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia and Gout
Authors: Ma Yiwen , Guo Kaifeng , Wu Mian , Chen Xiaoting , Qu Shen , Chen Haibing
Published: October 2020

Background: Hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout are highly prevalent metabolic diseases caused by a high level of urate. This study aimed to investigate changes in the serum metabolic profile alterations and identify potential biomarkers of gout in patients with HUA by Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‑MS)-based metabolomics approach.Methods: To this end, we conducted a study in two parts. Firstly, serum samples were collected from 50 subjects, including 20 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH), 20 patients with gout and 10 healthy controls (HCs). Secondly, 10 newly diagnosed HUA subjects were recruited as a febuxostat treatment group. They were treated with 40 mg/d febuxostat, and the plasma samples were required in the 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks during the treatment. LC−MS combined with partial least squares–discriminant analysis was used to distinguish between samples from patients and HCs. Clinical measurements and pathway analysis were performed to help elucidate metabolic changes.Results: Through serum metabolic profiling, 60 metabolites, including lipids and amino acids, were found to be significantly altered in patients with AH or gout. The biomarker and clinical data showed differences between patients with HUA or gout and healthy individuals. According to pathway analysis, the metabolism of taurine and hypotaurine; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate; and D‑arginine and D‑ornithine were significantly perturbed in patients with HUA. Moreover, 27 differential metabolites were identified between the AH and gout subgroups. Additionally, we found changes in the expression level of some metabolites during febuxostat treatment through a 24-week follow-up study.Clonclutions: Taken together, we identified the biomarker signature for HUA (AH and gout). Metabolomics signatures could be used as new strategies for the prevention and early diagnosis of gout.
The Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation on Physiological and Molecular Characterization on the Capsicum Plants (Solanales: Solanaceae)
Authors: Rajashekara S. , Khanum Shahwar Shareen , Shanthala M. , Mallika K. R , Adaki Sunita
Published: October 2020

Background: Chilli or Pepper (Capsicum species) is an essential and critical plant shown as vegetable cum spice crop that grown for the ornamental, medicinal and pharmaceutical applications. An enormous source of vitamins A and C constituted in the Capsicum species which is an essential and critical plant shown as vegetable and spice crops that grown worldwide for the ornamental, medicinal and pharmaceutical applications. The present paper deals with the relative changes in biochemical composition of the plants because of impacts of the induced mutation and assessment of the changes in the molecular characterization using AFLP innovation. Furthermore, AFLP investigation can be utilized to assess how the mutagenic specialists alter the structure of DNA in living beings and furthermore with the changes in the quantification of physiological and biochemical amounts.Results: Minimum amount of proteins (799.997 µg/ml), carbohydrates (39.13 µg/ml) and free fatty acids (673.2 µg/ml) were found in very high intervening mutated plants. Maximum percentage of inhibition by the peroxidase activity (0.1685 μg/ml), catalase activity (0.078 μg/ml), Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (68.57 μg/ml) activity and 2, 2’- azino-bis (3-ethylbenzoithioazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (97.88 μg/ml) activities were found in profoundly exposed mutated plants compared to the normal Capsicum plant species. A dendrogram representing the similarity in DNA bands of Capsicum plants in different time intervals of UV-C radiations showed significant negative affinities.Conclusions: This paper encourages us in understanding an induced mutation by UV-radiation on the Chilli plant leaves and its impact on plant cell creation and DNA structure, and acquiring sound and safe plants for mutagenesis. Therefore, this study brings mutation prompts diverse sorts of basic variations from the norm in cell organelles and its structure of the plant sources.
Long-Term Follow-Up of A Patient with Juvenile Dermatomyositis and Degos-Like Disease
Authors: Antonio Yamazaki-Nakashimada Marco , Melissa Espinosa-Navarro , Selma Scheffler-Mendoza , Francisco Rivas-Larrauri , Luz Orozco-Covarrubias , Cecilia Ridaura-Sanz , Saez-de-Ocariz Marimar
Published: October 2020

Background: Degos-like disease has been associated with several rheumatologic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Case presentation: Seven-year-old girl with low weight, height and body mass index who presented with swollen eyelids with ptosis, suggestive cutaneous features of juvenile dermatomyositis along with the presence of scarce papules with hematic crusts and white atrophic scars with an erythematous rim (Degos-like), dysphagia, flaccid paralysis and proximal and distal weakness. With the use of several immunosuppressants the disease was controlled; and after 7 years of follow-up the patient’s condition remains stable.Conclusion: Herein we describe a unique case of juvenile dermatomyositis associated with Degos-like disease responsive to treatment and a long follow-up.
Changes in the incidence of seasonal influenza in response to COVID-19 social distancing measures: an observational study based on Canada’s national influenza surveillance system
Authors: Pierce Andrew , Haworth-Brockman Margaret , Marin Diana , Rueda Zulma V , Keynan Yoav
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection that presents a significant annual burden to Canadians and the Canadian health care system. Social distancing measures that were implemented to control the novel coronavirus outbreak were also investigated for their ability to lessen the incidence of seasonal influenza.Methods: We conducted an ecological study using data from Canada’s national influenza surveillance system to investigate whether social distancing measures to control COVID-19 reduced the incidence of seasonal influenza. Data taken from three separate time frames facilitated analysis of the 2019-20 influenza season prior to, during, and following the implementation of COVID-19 related measures and enabled comparisons to the same time periods during three preceding flu seasons. The incidence of specific influenza strains was of primary focus. Further analysis was performed to determine the number of new laboratory-confirmed influenza or influenza like illness outbreaks.Results: Our results indicate a premature end to the 2019-20 influenza season, with a significantly fewer number of cases and outbreaks being recorded following the enactment of many COVID-19 social distancing polices. The incidence of influenza strains A (H3N2), A (unsubtyped), and B were all significantly lower at the tail-end of the 2019-20 influenza season, compared with preceding seasons.Conclusion: Specific social distancing measures and behaviours may serve as effective tools to limit the spread of influenza transmission moving forward, as they become more familiar.
L-Plastin Ser5 Phosphorylation is Modulated by the PI3K/SGK Pathway and Promotes Breast Cancer Cell Invasiveness
Authors: Machado Raquel A.C. , Stojevski Dunja , de Landtsheer Sébastien , Lucarelli Philippe , Baron Alexandre , Sauter Thomas , Schaffner-Reckinger Elisabeth
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMetastasis is the predominant cause for cancer morbidity and mortality accounting for approximatively 90% of cancer deaths. The actin-bundling protein L-plastin has been proposed as a metastatic marker and phosphorylation on its residue Ser5 is known to increase its actin-bundling activity. We recently showed that activation of the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway leads to L-plastin Ser5 phosphorylation and that the downstream kinases RSK1 and RSK2 are able to directly phosphorylate Ser5. Here we investigate the involvement of the PI3K pathway in L-plastin Ser5 phosphorylation and the functional effect of this phosphorylation event in breast cancer cells. MethodsTo unravel the signal transduction network upstream of L-plastin Ser5 phosphorylation, we performed computational modelling based on immunoblot analysis data, followed by experimental validation through inhibition/overexpression studies and in vitro kinase assays. To assess the functional impact of L-plastin expression/Ser5 phosphorylation in breast cancer cells, we either silenced L-plastin in cell lines initially expressing endogenous L-plastin or neoexpressed L-plastin wild type and phosphovariants in cell lines devoid of endogenous L-plastin. The established cell lines were used for cell biology experiments and confocal microscopy analysis.ResultsOur modelling approach revealed that, in addition to the ERK/MAPK pathway and depending on the cellular context, the PI3K pathway contributes to L-plastin Ser5 phosphorylation through its downstream kinase SGK3. The results of the transwell invasion/migration assays showed that shRNA-mediated knockdown of L-plastin in BT-20 or HCC38 cells significantly reduced cell invasion, whereas stable expression of the phosphomimetic L-plastin Ser5Glu variant led to increased migration and invasion of BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, confocal image analysis combined with zymography experiments and gelatin degradation assays provided evidence that L-plastin Ser5 phosphorylation promotes L-plastin recruitment to invadopodia, MMP-9 activity and concomitant extracellular matrix degradation. ConclusionAltogether, our results demonstrate that L-plastin Ser5 phosphorylation increases breast cancer cell invasiveness. Being a downstream molecule of both ERK/MAPK and PI3K/SGK pathways, L-plastin is proposed here as a potential target for therapeutic approaches that are aimed at blocking dysregulated signalling outcome of both pathways and, thus, at impairing cancer cell invasion and metastasis formation.
Rhabdomyolysis in a Patient with Severe Hypothyroidism: A Case Report
Authors: Welch Mikayla , Gharaibeh Naser
Published: October 2020

BackgroundHashimoto’s thyroiditis is typically diagnosed incidentally from elevated TSH or after evaluation of suggestive symptoms, including weight gain and fatigue. Rarely, patients present with an initial hyperthyroid state, Hashitoxicosis, that lasts weeks to months. Through a review of the current literature, it became apparent that this case is unique in several ways: the patient’s age, lack of comorbid conditions, the unique presentation of her thyroid disease, as well as the development of acute kidney injury while hospitalized.Case PresentationHere we present the case of a 26-year-old female who was referred to the Endocrinology office in July 2019 with symptoms of hyperthyroidism. She has a positive family history of Graves’ disease (GD) in her mother and thyroid malignancy in her maternal aunt. On her initial visit, TSH was suppressed, free thyroid hormones were increased, and both TPO and TSI antibodies were elevated. It was determined that this was likely a presentation of GD, and the patient was started on methimazole. She was instructed to follow-up every four weeks for monitoring of symptoms and labs. Three months following the initial visit, the patient failed to follow-up in office. During this time, she was seen by her primary care physician, diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, and started on statin therapy. One month later, on a subsequent follow-up with endocrinology, the patient complained of new onset back pain, muscle cramps, weight gain, and cold intolerance. She was sent to the emergency department for work-up. Evaluation revealed rhabdomyolysis in the setting of severe hypothyroidism, complicated by acute kidney injury. Her final diagnosis was found to be Hashitoxicosis with subsequent hypothyroidism.ConclusionsHyper- and hypothyroidism are two extremes on the spectrum of autoimmune thyroid disease, and the presentation can vary from patient-to-patient. Rarely, severe hypothyroidism can present with rhabdomyolysis with increased risk in patients on statin therapy. Thus, it is important to ensure patients are clinically and biochemically euthyroid prior to initiation of statin therapy. This case emphasizes the need for communication among physicians and the importance of patient adherence to treatment plans.
Identification of Risk Factors For Mortality and Delayed Oral Dietary Intake In Patients With Open Drainage Due To Deep Neck Infections: A Nationwide Study Using A Japanese Inpatient Database
Authors: Hidaka Hiroshi , Tarasawa Kunio , Fujimori Kenji , Obara Taku , Fushimi Kiyohide , Sakagami Masafumi , Yagi Masao , Iwai Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Backgrounds: Data on risk factors for deep neck infection (DNI) including descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) have been limited. Using a nationwide database, the aim was to identify the factors related to patient death and delay in recovering oral intake.Methods: We retrospective reviewed a Japanese inpatient database between 2012 and 2017, and data of 4,949 patients with DNM and DNI were extracted. The main outcome was survival at discharge. In a subgroup analysis of the 4,791 patients with survival at discharge, the second outcome was delay in the interval between admission and full recovery of oral intake. In both of the setting, logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors.Results: Regarding survival at discharge, logistic regression analysis showed that age (≥75 years), comorbid diabetes mellitus, sepsis, receiving mechanical ventilation, and duration of empirical antibiotic therapy were significantly associated with mortality [adjusted-odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)] as follows: 5.57 (2.80-11.1), 2.47 (1.69-3.62), 3.32 (2.29-4.82), 3.96 (2.51-6.23), and 1.00 (1.00-1.02), respectively. In a subgroup analysis of the 4,791 patients with survival at discharge, logistic regression analysis showed the following factors to be significantly associated with delayed oral dietary intake (>9 days), as follows [adjusted OR (95% CIs)]: age ≥75 years 1.89 (1.48-2.41); body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 1.39 (1.13-1.71); DNM 1.41 (1.04-1.92); repeated surgical interventions 1.70 (1.16-2.48); tracheotomy 1.70 (1.44-2.00); mechanical ventilation 1.92 (1.53-2.41); intensive care unit (ICU) admission 1.54 (1.22-1.93); rehabilitation for oral dietary intake 2.05 (1.44-2.92); and duration of empirical antibiotic therapy 1.18 (1.17-1.20).Conclusions: In this study, a few factors (advanced age, ventilation) were associated with both mortality and delayed oral dietary intake. Conversely, several factors including DNM and repeated surgery were significantly related only to delayed oral dietary intake. Although DNM was not necessarily related to mortality, patients with DNM should receive postoperative care with careful attention to avoid delayed oral dietary intake.
Mortality and Morbidity of Curative and Palliative Anticancer Treatments during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Population-Based Retrospective Study
Authors: Tashkandi Emad , Basulaiman Bassam , Alsharm Abdullah , Al-Hajeili Marwan , Alshadadi Faisal , Halawani Lamis , Al-Mansour Mubarak , AlQuzi Bushra , Barnawi Samar , Alghamdi Mohammed , Abdelaziz Nashwa , Azher Ruqayya , Alabdulwahab Amal
Published: October 2020

Background: Administration of effective anticancer treatments should continue during pandemics. However, the outcomes of curative and palliative anticancer treatments during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the 30-day mortality and morbidity of curative and palliative anticancer treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. We included all adults with solid and hematological malignancies irrespective of cancer stage and type of anticancer treatments in five large comprehensive cancer centers in Saudi Arabia.Results: From March 1 to June 30, 2020, we included 2504 patients for analysis. The 30-day mortality was 5.1% (n=127) for all patients receiving anticancer treatment, 1.8% (n=24) for curative intent, 8.6% (n=103) for palliative intent, and 13.4% (n=12) for COVID-19 cases. The 30-day morbidity was 28.2% (n=705) for all patients, 17.9% (n=234) for curative intent, 39.3% (n=470) for palliative intent, and 75% (n=77) for COVID-19 cases. The 30-day mortality significantly increased with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.011, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.141-3.546; p=0.016), body mass index (BMI)<25 (OR 1.997, 95% CI 1.292-3.087; p=0.002), hormone therapy (OR 6.315, 95% CI 0.074-2.068; p=0.001), and number of cycles (OR 2.110, CI 0.830-0.948; p=0.001), but decreased with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) of 0-1 (OR 0.157, 95% CI 0.098-0.256; p=0.001), stage I-II cancer (OR 0.254, 95% CI 0.069-0.934; p=0.039), and curative intent (OR 0.217, CI 0.106-0.443; p=0.001). Meanwhile, the 30-day morbidity significantly increased with age>65 years (OR 1.420, 95% CI 1.075-1.877; p=0.014), BMI<25 (OR 1.484, 95% CI 1.194-1.845; p=0.001), chemotherapy (OR 1.397, 1.089-5.438; p=0.032), hormone therapy (OR 1.527, 95% CI 0.211-1.322; p=0.038), and immunotherapy (OR 1.859, 95% CI 0.648-4.287; p=0.038), but decreased with ECOG-PS of 0-1 (OR 0.502, 95% CI 0.399-0.632; p=0.001), breast cancer (OR 0.569, 95% CI 0.387-0.836; p=0.004), urologic cancer (OR 0.505, 95% CI 0.255-0.999; p=0.050), and curative intent (OR 0.410, 95% CI 0.296-0.586; p=0.001).Conclusions: The mortality risk was lowest with curative treatments, and hence, such treatments should not be delayed. The morbidity risk doubled with palliative treatments and was highest among COVID-19 cases. Mortality appeared to be driven by male sex, BMI<25, hormonal therapy, and number of cycles, while morbidity increased with age>65 years, BMI<25, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy. Thus, oncologists need to select the most effective anticancer treatments based on the above factors.
Evaluation of Hybrid PET/MRI for Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) Delineation in Liver Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yan-Nan , Lu Xin , Lu Zhen-Guo , Fu Li-Ping , Zhao Jun , Xiang Zuo-Lin
Published: October 2020

Background: Hybrid 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) has been increasingly incorporated into the practice of radiation oncologists since it contains both anatomical and biological data and may bring about personalized radiation plans for each patient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation from hybrid PET/MRI compared with that from current-practice MRI during radiotherapy planning in patients with liver cancer. Methods: Twelve patients (eighteen lesions) with liver cancer were enrolled in this study. We chose one of the most popular delineating methods—the visual method—in this study, and three physicians delineated the target volume of each lesion from MRI, PET, and hybrid PET/MRI images. The difference and correlation of GTV values obtained by MRI, PET and hybrid PET/MRI were subjected to statistical analysis. In addition, the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was calculated to assess the spatial overlap. GTV-MRI was set as a reference. Results: Most GTV-PET/MRI (83%) and 50% of GTV-PET were larger than the reference GTV-MRI. Statistical analysis revealed that GTV-PET/MRI (p=0.021) diverged statistically significantly from the reference GTV-MRI. In contrast, GTV-PET (p=0.266) was not significantly different from GTV-MRI. GTV-PET (r=0.991, p<0.001) and GTV-PET/MRI (r=0.997, p<0.001) were significantly related to GTV-MRI. The average DSC value between GTV-MRI and GTV-PET was 0.45 (range 0–0.90) and that between GTV-MRI and GTV-PET/MRI was 0.76 (range 0.43–0.90). Conclusions: With the database used, PET/MRI-based target volume delineation for liver cancer is feasible. The larger GTV-PET/MRI may allow adequate irradiation of the diseased tissue and improved treatment effect.
The Deviation between the Field Measurement and ENVI-met Outputs in Winter- A Cases Study in a Traditional Dwelling Settlement of China
Authors: Ma Xuan , Zhao Jingyuan , Zhang Lei , Wang Mengying , Cheng Zhi
Published: October 2020

Background: Numerical simulation has been used for assessing the process of outer environment performance calculations accurately. The ENVI-met has been used in studies in simulating the microclimate and energy cost in hot summer. On 27th November,2019, the latest ENVI-met v4.4.4 has been published, which is the first edition for forecasting the outdoor microclimate in winter, therefore, its accuracy is still needed to be discussed.Methods: This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of the latest edition on the prediction of the thermal environment of courtyard and outdoor space in a traditional dwelling settlement in cold climate zone of northern China by means of validating the measured results against simulated results. Results: The final result shows a small deviation between simulated and measured results for assessing the microclimate in the research site. Conclusions: For this reason, the new ENVI-met v4.4.4 can be a reliable tool for forecasting the winter microclimate in northern China, and also this study also provides a basic database for improving resident’s thermal comfort in cold climate zone of China in future studies.
Experiences of Community-Dwelling Older People With Dementia Participating In A Person-Centered Multidimensional Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Program 
Authors: Sondell Anna , Lampinen Josefine , Conradsson Mia , Littbrand Håkan , Englund Undis , Nilsson Ingeborg , Lindelöf Nina
Published: October 2020

Background: There is a great need for the development of feasible rehabilitation interventions for older people with dementia. An increased understanding of this population’s experiences of rehabilitation program participation is therefore important. The purpose of this study was to explore how community-dwelling older people with dementia experienced their participation in a person-centered multidimensional interdisciplinary rehabilitation program.Methods: Sixteen older people with dementia were interviewed about their experiences of participation in a person-centred multidimensional interdisciplinary rehabilitation program. The program comprised assessments by a comprehensive team followed by a rehabilitation period of 16 weeks among people with dementia and their informal primary caregivers. The interviews were conducted in close conjunction with the rehabilitation visits and analysed with qualitative content analysis.Results: The analysis resulted in one overarching theme: Empowered through participation and togetherness and four sub-themes: Being strengthened through challenges; Gaining insights, motives, and raising concerns about the future; Being seen makes participation worthwhile; and Feelings of togetherness in prosperity and adversity. The participants increased their self-esteem by daring and coping in the rehabilitation. The insights about themselves and their condition motivated them to continue with their prioritized activities, but also raised concerns about how the future would play out. Collaboration in the group and being seen and acknowledged by staff strengthened their own motivation and self-efficacy. Conclusion: A person-centered multidimensional interdisciplinary rehabilitation program seems feasible among community-dwelling older people with dementia according to reported experiences. The participants seemed empowered through the rehabilitation and reported mostly positive experiences and perceived improvements, which seemed to affect their wellbeing and daily life. Providers of interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs for this group should consider aspects raised by the participants e.g. the positive experience of being challenged in both exercise and daily activities; the importance of being seen and feeling secure; the benefits and challenges of collaboration with others in the same situation; and the generation of new perspectives of current and future situation. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN59155421.http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN59155421. Registered November 3 2015.
“A Good Death But There Was All This Tension Around” - Perspectives of Residential Managers on the Experiences and Challenges of Delivering end of Life Care for People Living with Dementia.
Authors: Borbasi Jessica , Tong Allison , Ritchie Alison , Poulos Christopher J , Clayton Josephine M
Published: October 2020

Background End of life care for residents with advanced dementia in the aged care setting is complex because there is prolonged and progressive cognitive decline, uncertain disease trajectory, significant symptom burden and infrequent access to specialist palliative care. Residential aged care managers offer a unique perspective in understanding the experience of providing end of life care for residents with advanced dementia from the coalface to the broader policy context. Methods Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 residential managers from 11 aged care homes in Australia. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Six themes were identified: laying the ground work to establish what families understand about dementia, playing the peacemaker in the face of unrealistic family demands and expectations, chipping away at denial and cultivating a path towards acceptance of death, recruiting general practitioners as allies, supporting and strengthening the front line, and dedication to optimal care is relentless but rewarding.
Forest Allocation, Benefit Sharing, and Management Practice in the KOBO Community Forest Among the Sheka People
Authors: Shoddo Getaneh Haile
Published: October 2020

Background: Sheka people have the right to forest allocation, benefit sharing, and management practice that they possess due to traditional ownership or other traditional occupation. Locally, these forests are known as KOBO. There is a scarcity of documented information on the KOBO culture of forest allocation, benefit sharing, and management practice among Sheka people. A study was conducted in Sheka zone southwestern Ethiopia.Methods: A framework based on ethnographic information is proposed in this paper; accordingly, qualitative indicators are suggested for different variables relating to indigenous forest allocation, benefit sharing, and management practice. A representative sample of 20 volunteered research participants were chosen. Observational and interview surveys were done by the first author through personal visits. Results: The analysis of data shows the KOBO culture is productive and efficient for forest management, and this useful culture has demonstrated its significance in the protection of various forest types and tree species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. These results lend support to the idea that the KOBO forest conservation culture is illustrated in the Sheka people forest utilization, protection, and management provide important insights into the protection of various forest types and tree species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.Conclusions: Understanding, the current KOBO culture of forest allocation, benefit sharing, and management practices could substantially enhance sustainable forest management and social and economic development of the Sheka people.
The Treatment of Wrist Ganglion Cyst by the Chinese Acupotomy and Crisscross Thread
Authors: Zhang Shuliang , Xu Bin , Lao Yangjun , Lu Di
Published: October 2020

Background: The current treatments of wrist ganglion have considerable recurrence rate, we developed a new treatment for ganglion cysts in our clinical practice, which combined acupotomy with crisscross thread method, so we now to compare the clinical effectiveness of Chinese acupotomy and crisscross thread with aspiration followed by injection of steroid and open excision for ganglion cysts treatment. Methods: Recruited patients with wrist ganglion were divided into three groups according to the treatments. Among them, 27 patients who were treated by a new combined treatment of Chinese acupotomy and crisscross thread method in group A, 30 patients who were treated by aspiration followed by steroid injection in group B, and 28 patients who were treated by open excision in group C. The data of age, gender, weight, size of ganglion cysts, visual analogue scale (VAS) , cost were recorded and compared by One-way analysis of variance, followed by an LSD (Least Significant Difference)test. The recurrence rates were recorded were analysed by chi-square test.Results: At the first day and one week after treatment, VAS score of group A was similar to group B with no statistic difference. VAS score of group C was higher than group A and B with statistic difference. Six months later, there was no statistic difference among the three groups about VAS. The recurrence rate was 3.7% in group A and 36.7% in group B and 10.7% in group C. No patient infected in three groups. The cost of group A was more than group B with no statistic difference. The cost of group A was much less than group C with statistic difference.Conclusions: The combination of Chinese acupotomy and crisscross thread method was a simple, economical and effective procedure for wrist ganglion cysts.