bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Recent Earthquake in Zagreb Together Significantly Increased the Disease Severity of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Lugović-Mihić Liborija , Meštrović-Štefekov Jelena , Cvitanović Hrvoje , Bulat Vedrana , Duvančić Tomislav , Pondeljak Nives , Tolušić-Levak Maja , Lazić-Mosler Elvira , Novak-Bilić Gaby
Published: September 2022

Background/Objective: Stress may affect patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the earthquake in Zagreb, Croatia (March 2020), on AD patients and their disease severity, symptoms/itch, and perceived stress. Methods: Our observational cross-sectional study included three groups of AD patients diagnosed by a physician: group 1 (n = 50), who experienced both the pandemic (quarantine) and the earthquake; group 2 (n = 50), who experienced only the pandemic; and group 3 (n = 50), the comparison group, who experienced neither disaster (patients examined 2018–2019). Groups 1 and 2 were examined May–June 2020, immediately after the national lockdown/quarantine. Disease severity (SCORAD), data from the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and information on patients’ confirmed allergies were recorded for all groups, while groups 1 and 2 additionally completed a questionnaire concerning their disease, hand hygiene, and experience during the pandemic and/or earthquake. Results: The patients exposed to both disasters reported more pronounced AD worsening (p < 0.001; r = 0.388) and more frequent itching (p < 0.001; r = 0.350) than those exposed to the pandemic only. Notably, we found certain differences by gender: during the pandemic, women significantly more frequently washed their hands (81% of women washed “very frequently,” while 52% of men washed “quite often”) and had significantly higher PSS levels than men (p < 0.05). Concerning allergies, present or absent, during the pandemic, there was no significant difference in SCORAD between groups 1 and 2, neither when analyzed separately for indoor nor for outdoor allergens. The most commonly reported psychological disturbances during the pandemic were concern (46%), anger (18%), anxiety (16%), depression (9%), and increased alcohol, cigarette, and opioid agent use (6%). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic together with the earthquake significantly increased disease severity and influenced AD worsening, itching, and psychological disturbances. This indicates that stressful events meaningfully affect the course of AD.
Measurement of Horse Allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2: A Comparison among Breeds
Authors: Victor Susanne , Lampa Erik , Rask Andersen Anna , Gafvelin Guro , Grönlund Hans , Elfman Lena
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Horse allergens are less studied than allergens from other furry animals and these allergens must be evaluated to understand the complexity of allergy to horses. The aims of this study were to develop assays for the horse allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 in dander and saliva and to determine their levels in ten horse breeds. The study also included a comparison of these findings with previous results on the levels of Equ c 4 performed on the same study population. Method: The study population included 170 horses from 10 horse breeds including American Curly and Russian Bashkir horse, which have been suggested to be hypoallergenic. Competitive ELISA assays were developed, with polyclonal antibodies as capture antibodies, for the detection of Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 in dander and saliva samples. Results: The horse allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 were found in all dander and saliva samples from the ten horse breeds. The GM level (ng/µg protein) of Equ c 1 in dander was 470 (range 129–2,569) and in saliva samples, 40 (range 6–160). The GM level of Equ c 2 in dander was 138 (range 18–1,650) and in saliva samples, 0.8 (range 0.03–17). In dander, there were no significant differences in Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 GM levels between stallions, mares, and geldings. Conclusion: Our results show high intra- and inter-breed variability. Neither the American Curly horse nor the Russian Bashkir horse, earlier categorized as hypoallergenic breeds, was associated with lower allergen levels of Equ c 1, Equ c 2, or Equ c 4 than the other horse breeds investigated.
Chorea: An Update on Genetics
Authors: Burgunder Jean-Marc
Published: September 2022

Background: Chorea may be present in a number of diseases including hereditary disorders. Major advances have occurred in our understanding of the genetic background of those disorders, and the present short review aims at highlighting the most salient ones. Summary: Chorea is one of the major manifestations of Huntington’s disease. However, there are a number of other diseases, in which chorea is present as well and their list is in constant increase thanks to the availability of advanced molecular genetic diagnostic techniques. Finding of new genes followed by the investigation of further cases with part of the phenotype first described often leads to the recognition of additional aspects of the disorders, thus widening the scope of investigation and management. Likewise, assessment of genetic variations associated with specific aspects of the phenotype, in a way similar to approaches established in nongenetic disorders, has improved our understanding of phenotype variation. Knowledge on genetic background of chorea has ameliorated our diagnostic approaches. Furthermore, it opens new therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying expression both of the genes primarily implicated as the ones involved in further phenotype modification. Key messages: Recent research on the genetic background of disorders with chorea has provided data, which can now better guide differential diagnostic investigations in practical ways. Furthermore, they provide avenues for research on the disease mechanisms opening the door for clinical therapeutic trials.
A new species of Zethus (Zethoides) Fox, 1899 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) from South America
Authors: Lopes Rogério Botion
Published: September 2022

Zethus is the most speciose genus among vespid wasps and has become even larger after the inclusion of closely related taxa as subgenera after a morphological phylogenetic analysis. Despite being taxonomically reviewed in the past, the Neotropical diversity of the group demonstrates potential for even further growth. A new species of Zethus (Zethoides) Fox, 1899 is herein described, being the fifth one to be described in this subgenus after the great taxonomic revision of the genus in the New World.
New genus and new species in American Apomecynini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: Bezark Larry G. , Santos-Silva Antonio
Published: September 2022

Three new species and one new genus are described in Apomecynini: Adetaptera setigera sp. nov., from Mexico; Osckayia obrieni sp. nov., from Mexico; and Capaciphrynidius extensus, gen. nov., sp. nov., from Honduras.
International Negotiation and Information Technology
Authors: Spector Bertram I.
Published: September 2022

Advances in information technology (IT) have not only become the subject of international negotiation, but also an important channel by which the international negotiation process operates. International agreements have been negotiated to regulate and govern e-commerce, technology transfer, cybersecurity, and electronic communications. As well, IT applications using the internet offer a vehicle for real-time cyber diplomacy, especially when parties cannot gather face-to-face. IT-based analytical tools have also been developed to enable negotiators to better analyze the context and their options for upcoming talks, in addition to testing and simulating the possible implications of alternate strategies and tactics. This thematic issue of International Negotiation updates earlier studies, addressing the impact of IT on negotiation from various angles.
Women in the Ethiopian Pentecostal Movement
Authors: Worku Kebede Daniel
Published: September 2022

In the early 1960s a Pentecostal movement broke out in Ethiopia and formed the Mulu Wongel (the Full Gospel) Church throughout the country. During the free spirited revival at the early stage of the movement and when the church was closed during the socialist regime, women enjoyed key ministerial and leadership positions. However, women ministers were sidelined when peace was restored and an organized body was established. This article is mainly interested in uncovering women’s role in the history of Ethiopian Pentecostal revival and its aftermath based on the information gained from main participants of the movement and important secondary documents. It also underlines the eventual achievement of ministerial equality between men and women despite problems that are still hindering women’s involvement in the higher ministerial posts.
A review of the cytotaxonomy of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) with reference to evolutionary trends in the genus
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: September 2022

Over a 60-year period in the mid-20th century (ca. mid-1930s to mid-1990s), chromosome numbers, reflected as either x, n, or 2n, or a combination of these, were published for just more than 80 species, infraspecific taxa, and nothospecies of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), so representing counts for about ⅓ of the taxa at present recognised in the genus. All published chromosome numbers that could be traced for Kalanchoe taxa are here catalogued and discussed in a classificatory framework, as well as from a horticultural breeding perspective, given the persisting—indeed expanding—global popularity of kalanchooid selections, cultivars, and hybrids, especially as indoor plants, as outdoor plants in mild climates, and even as cutflowers. With the exception of very few of the chromosome numbers previously reported for Kalanchoe, they are all divisible by 17, 18, or 20; of these basic numbers (x), 17 is often presented as primary. In this survey, haploid numbers (n) were most often recorded as 17, 18, 20, and 51; and 2n as 34, 36, and 40 (all diploid); or as 68 or 72 (both tetraploid), but with 51 (triploid), 102 (hexaploid), 140 (octoploid), and 176 (decaploid) also documented. The analysis of available cytogenetic information presented here for Kalanchoe provides support for the recognition of K. subg. Alatae and, in the autonymic K. subg. Kalanchoe, for a ‘woody clade’, and in the woody clade, for K. sect. Stellatopilosae.
A remarkable new species of Davilla Vand. (Dilleniaceae, Dolicocarpoideae) from the Brazilian Savanna supported by morphological and anatomical data
Authors: SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ DA , SANTOS IGOR SOARES DOS
Published: September 2022

Davilla pygmaea, a new species endemic to the Brazilian Savanna, is described, illustrated and its systematic position is discussed here. The new species is closely related to D. elliptica and D. grandiflora, from which it differs by characters such as a decumbent habit, the shape of its leaf blades, the inflorescence architecture, the size and numbers of flowers, the size of the internal and external sepals during flowering and fruiting, the androecium with 126-131 stamens, and the presence and type of trichomes on vegetative organs. Anatomical characters such as the number of vascular bundles in the petiole and midrib, shape of the midrib in cross section, the margins of the leaf blades, the presence and arrangement of the fibers associated with small-caliber vascular bundles, and the presence of a fiber sheath extension in studied species also differentiate them. Histochemical tests demonstrated that alkaloids, acidic lipids, and phenolic compounds present in the leaf tissues of the new species and D. grandiflora, its closest congener, may have potential medicinal properties. In addition, the new species has its distribution mapped, its flowering and fruiting seasons delimited, and would likely be considered Critically Endangered (CR), as we have found only two populations. A key to identify Davilla species known to Goiás State, Brazil, is provided.
Genomic surveillance of SARS-COV-2 reveals diverse circulating variant lineages in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, Kenya
Authors: Kuja Josiah O. , Kanoi Bernard N. , Balboa Renzo F. , Shiluli Clement , Maina Michael , Waweru Harrison , Gathii Kimita , Mungai Mary , Masika Moses , Anzala Omu , Mwau Matilu , Clark Taane G. , Waitumbi John , Gitaka Jesse
Published: September 2022

Genomic surveillance and identification of COVID-19 outbreaks are important in understanding the genetic diversity, phylogeny, and lineages of SARS-CoV-2. Genomic surveillance provides insights into circulating infections, and the robustness and design of vaccines and other infection control approaches. We sequenced 57 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from a Kenyan clinical population, of which 55 passed quality checks using the Ultrafast Sample placement on the Existing tRee (UShER) workflow. Phylo-genome-temporal analyses across two regions in Kenya (Nairobi and Kiambu County) revealed that B.1.1.7 (Alpha; n = 32, 56.1%) and B.1 (n = 9, 15.8%) were the predominant lineages, exhibiting low Ct values (5–31) suggesting high infectivity, and variant mutations across the two regions. Lineages B.1.617.2, B.1.1, A.23.1, A.2.5.1, B.1.596, A, and B.1.405 were also detected across sampling sites within target populations. The lineages and genetic isolates were traced back to China (A), Costa Rica (A.2.5.1), Europe (B.1, B.1.1, A.23.1), the USA (B.1.405, B.1.596), South Africa (B.1.617.2), and the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7), indicating multiple introduction events. This study represents one of the genomic SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology studies in the Nairobi metropolitan area, and describes the importance of continued surveillance for pandemic control.
A cadaveric study of ulnar nerve strain at the elbow associated with cubitus valgus/varus deformity
Authors: Nagashima Mitsuyuki , Omokawa Shohei , Nakanishi Yasuaki , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk , Hasegawa Hideo , Shimizu Takamasa , Kawamura Kenji , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: September 2022

Background

Cubital tunnel syndrome can be caused by overtraction and dynamic compression in elbow deformities. The extent to which elbow deformities contribute to ulnar nerve strain is unknown. Here, we investigated ulnar nerve strain caused by cubitus valgus/varus deformity using fresh-frozen cadavers.

Methods

We used six fresh-frozen cadaver upper extremities. A strain gauge was placed on the ulnar nerve 2 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. For the elbow deformity model, osteotomy was performed at the distal humerus, and plate fixation was performed to create cubitus valgus/varus deformities (10°, 20°, and 30°). Ulnar nerve strain caused by elbow flexion (0–125°) was measured in both the normal and deformity models. The strains at different elbow flexion angles within each model were compared, and the strains at elbow extension and at maximum elbow flexion were compared between the normal model and each elbow deformity model. However, in the cubitus varus model, the ulnar nerve deflected more than the measurable range of the strain gauge; elbow flexion of 60° or more were considered effective values. Statistical analysis of the strain values was performed with Friedman test, followed by the Williams’ test (the Shirley‒Williams’ test for non-parametric analysis).

Results

In all models, ulnar nerve strain increased significantly from elbow extension to maximal flexion (control: 13.2%; cubitus valgus 10°: 13.6%; cubitus valgus 20°: 13.5%; cubitus valgus 30°: 12.2%; cubitus varus 10°: 8.3%; cubitus varus 20°: 8.2%; cubitus varus 30°: 6.3%, P < 0.001). The control and cubitus valgus models had similar values, but the cubitus varus models revealed that this deformity caused ulnar nerve relaxation.

Conclusions

Ulnar nerve strain significantly increased during elbow flexion. No significant increase in strain 2 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle was observed in the cubitus valgus model. Major changes may have been observed in the measurement behind the medial epicondyle. In the cubitus varus model, the ulnar nerve was relaxed during elbow extension, but this effect was reduced by elbow flexion.
Automated extraction of information of lung cancer staging from unstructured reports of PET-CT interpretation: natural language processing with deep-learning
Authors: Park Hyung Jun , Park Namu , Lee Jang Ho , Choi Myeong Geun , Ryu Jin-Sook , Song Min , Choi Chang-Min
Published: September 2022

Background

Extracting metastatic information from previous radiologic-text reports is important, however, laborious annotations have limited the usability of these texts. We developed a deep-learning model for extracting primary lung cancer sites and metastatic lymph nodes and distant metastasis information from PET-CT reports for determining lung cancer stages.

Methods

PET-CT reports, fully written in English, were acquired from two cohorts of patients with lung cancer who were diagnosed at a tertiary hospital between January 2004 and March 2020. One cohort of 20,466 PET-CT reports was used for training and the validation set, and the other cohort of 4190 PET-CT reports was used for an additional-test set. A pre-processing model (Lung Cancer Spell Checker) was applied to correct the typographical errors, and pseudo-labelling was used for training the model. The deep-learning model was constructed using the Convolutional-Recurrent Neural Network. The performance metrics for the prediction model were accuracy, precision, sensitivity, micro-AUROC, and AUPRC.

Results

For the extraction of primary lung cancer location, the model showed a micro-AUROC of 0.913 and 0.946 in the validation set and the additional-test set, respectively. For metastatic lymph nodes, the model showed a sensitivity of 0.827 and a specificity of 0.960. In predicting distant metastasis, the model showed a micro-AUROC of 0.944 and 0.950 in the validation and the additional-test set, respectively.

Conclusion

Our deep-learning method could be used for extracting lung cancer stage information from PET-CT reports and may facilitate lung cancer studies by alleviating laborious annotation by clinicians.
The application of 3D printing in preoperative planning for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review
Authors: Xenofontos Paris , Zamani Reza , Akrami Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Background

Recently, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been suggested as a less invasive treatment compared to surgical aortic valve replacement, for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Despite the attention, persisting evidence suggests that several procedural complications are more prevalent with the transcatheter approach. Consequently, a systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing in preoperative planning for TAVR, as a means of predicting and subsequently, reducing the incidence of adverse events.

Methods

MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase were searched to identify studies that utilised patient-specific 3D printed models to predict or mitigate the risk of procedural complications.

Results

13 of 219 papers met the inclusion criteria of this review. The eligible studies have shown that 3D printing has most commonly been used to predict the occurrence and severity of paravalvular regurgitation, with relatively high accuracy. Studies have also explored the usefulness of 3D printed anatomical models in reducing the incidence of coronary artery obstruction, new-onset conduction disturbance and aortic annular rapture.

Conclusion

Patient-specific 3D models can be used in pre-procedural planning for challenging cases, to help deliver personalised treatment. However, the application of 3D printing is not recommended for routine clinical practice, due to practicality issues.
Effect of the free healthcare policy on socioeconomic inequalities in care seeking for fever in children under five years in Burkina Faso: a population-based surveys analysis
Authors: Samadoulougou Sekou , Negatou Mariamawit , Ngawisiri Calypse , Ridde Valery , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati
Published: September 2022

Background

In 2016, Burkina Faso implemented a free healthcare policy as an initiative to remove user fees for women and under-5 children to improve access to healthcare. Socioeconomic inequalities create disparities in the use of health services which can be reduced by removing user fees. This study aimed to assess the effect of the free healthcare policy (FHCP) on the reduction of socioeconomic inequalities in the use of health services in Burkina Faso.

Methods

Data were obtained from three nationally representative population based surveys of 2958, 2617, and 1220 under-5 children with febrile illness in 2010, 2014, and 2017–18 respectively. Concentration curves were constructed for the periods before and after policy implementation to assess socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare seeking. In addition, Erreyger’s corrected concentration indices were computed to determine the magnitude of these inequalities.

Results

Prior to the implementation of the FHCP, inequalities in healthcare seeking for febrile illnesses in under-5 children favoured wealthier households [Erreyger’s concentration index = 0.196 (SE = 0.039, p = 0.039) and 0.178 (SE = 0.039, p < 0.001) in 2010 and 2014, respectively]. These inequalities decreased after policy implementation in 2017–18 [Concentration Index (CI) = 0.091, SE = 0.041; p = 0.026]. Furthermore, existing pro-rich disparities in healthcare seeking between regions before the implementation of the FHCP diminished after its implementation, with five regions having a high CI in 2010 (0.093–0.208), four regions in 2014, and no region in 2017 with such high CI. In 2017–18, pro-rich inequalities were observed in ten regions (CI:0.007–0.091),whereas in three regions (Plateau Central, Centre, and Cascades), the CI was negative indicating that healthcare seeking was in favour of poorest households.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that socioeconomic inequalities for under-5 children with febrile illness seeking healthcare in Burkina Faso reduced considerably following the implementation of the free healthcare policy. To reinforce the reduction of these disparities, policymakers should maintain the policy and focus on tackling geographical, cultural, and social barriers, especially in regions where healthcare seeking still favours rich households.
Supporting syringe services programs in the initiation and scale-up of vaccine administration: findings from in-depth interviews
Authors: Carry Monique , Bixler Danae , Weng Mark K. , Doshani Mona , Roberts Emma , Montgomery Martha P.
Published: September 2022

Background

Vaccine-hesitant persons who inject drugs are at increased risk for several vaccine-preventable diseases. However, vaccination rates among this population remain low. While syringe services programs (SSPs) are places where persons who inject drugs feel comfortable accessing services, few offer vaccination services. This study describes facilitators and barriers to vaccination at SSPs.

Methods

We used convenience sampling to conduct semi-structured, qualitative in-depth interviews with 21 SSPs in the USA from June to August 2021. Interview questions asked SSPs about their perceptions, priorities, barriers, facilitators, and the effects of partnerships and policies on vaccine administration. We used deductive thematic analysis to identify the main themes.

Results

Eight (n = 8) SSPs offered vaccinations, and thirteen (n = 13) did not offer vaccinations. Most SSPs believed offering vaccination services was important, although addressing SSP participants’ immediate needs often took precedence. Staffing, physical space, and logistical issues were the most common barriers to vaccine administration reported by SSPs, followed by SSP participant-related barriers. Facilitators of vaccine administration included access to a tracking system, partnering with agencies or other organizations providing vaccines, and having a licensed vaccination provider on-site. Partnerships provided SSPs opportunities to expand capacity but could also restrict how SSPs operate. Recommended policy changes to facilitate vaccine administration included subsidizing the cost of vaccinations and addressing restrictions around who could administer vaccinations.

Conclusions

Increasing the availability of vaccination services at SSPs requires addressing the varying capacity needs of SSPs, such as tracking systems, licensed vaccinators, and free or low-cost vaccination supplies. While these needs can be met through partnerships and supportive policies, both must consider and reflect cultural competence around the lived experiences of persons who inject drugs.
Assessment of galectins -1, -3, -4, -8, and -9 expression in ovarian carcinoma patients with clinical implications
Authors: Mohamed Radwa Mansour , Emam Athar , Abdelfattah Mahmoud M. , Abdel-Mageed Abdel-Mageed Ismail , Abdelhafeez Mohamed A. , Helwa Reham
Published: September 2022

Background and aim

Galectins have been recently tackled by many researchers in the field of cancer due to their role in tumorigenesis, disease progression, and metastasis. Thus, they are currently involved in biomarkers research on several types of cancer. In ovarian cancers, few studies were carried out to evaluate galectins expression profiling. Hence, our present study was executed to evaluate the mRNA expression of galectins -1, -3, -4, -8, and -9 in epithelial ovarian cancers.

Methods

Fifty-six tumor samples of ovarian carcinomas were analyzed for mRNA expression using qRT-PCR, and fold-changes were calculated in comparison to tissue samples of 26 women with normal ovaries.

Results

The results of the present paper emphasize the importance of galectins as predictors for targeted therapy.LGALS1,LGALS3,LGALS4,LGALS8, andLGALS9were found to be mostly overexpressed in ovarian carcinoma patients with the following percentage: 78.6%, 92.9%, 66.1%, 87.5%, and 85.7% respectively. Moreover, galectins -3 and -9 were found to be significantly elevated with lymph node metastasis (p= 0.044 andp= 0.011). Also, upregulation of galectin-1 and -9 were statistically significant in stages IIB, IIC, and IIIB (p= 0.002) in FIGO staging. CA19.9 is positively correlated to galectin-4 expression (p= 0.039).

Conclusion

Our findings strengthen the role of galectins in carcinogenesis, disease progression, and lymphnode metastasis in ovarian carcinomas. And since these galectins are mostly overexpressed, they could be promising markers for targeted therapy to reduce disease progression and metastasis process.
The relationships of kinesiophobia and physical function and physical activity level in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Woolnough Leandra U. , Lentini Logan , Sharififar Sharareh , Chen Cong , Vincent Heather K.
Published: September 2022

Background

Kinesiophobia may hinder physical performance measures and functional quality of life in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This study aims to quantify differences in physical function in patients with JIA compared to healthy controls, and determine the effects of kinesiophobia on physical function and physical activity.

Methods

This was a comparative study of participants with JIA and healthy controls (JIAn = 26, controln = 17). All children with JIA had lower extremity joint involvement. Performance-based measures included gait speed, chair and stair navigation performance. Self-reported measures included Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Physical Function Mobility, and Pain Interference and the Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS). The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) assessed patient fear of movement due to pain. Linear regression models were used to determine the contribution of TSK-11 scores on performance test and Pedi-FABS scores.

Results

Gait speeds were 11–15% slower, chair rise repetitions were 28% fewer, and stair ascent and descent times were 26–31% slower in JIA than controls (p < .05). PROMIS® Physical Function Mobility scores were 10% lower and Pain Interference scores were 2.6 times higher in JIA than healthy controls (p = .003). TSK-11 scores were higher in JIA than controls (p < .0001). After controlling for covariates, TSK-11 scores explained 11.7–26.5% of the variance of regression models for stair climb time, chair rise performance and Pedi-FABS scores (p < .05).

Conclusions

Children with JIA experience difficulty with tasks related to body transfers. Kinesiophobia is a significant contributor to the functional task performance and may impact clinical outcomes.
Distinct volumetric features of cerebrospinal fluid distribution in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Han Jaehwan , Kim Myoung Nam , Lee Ho-Won , Jeong Shin Young , Lee Sang-Woo , Yoon Uicheul , Kang Kyunghun
Published: September 2022

Objective

The aims of the study were to measure the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes in the lateral ventricle, high-convexity subarachnoid space, and Sylvian fissure region in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and to evaluate differences in these volumes between INPH and AD groups and healthy controls.

Methods

Forty-nine INPH patients, 59 AD patients, and 26 healthy controls were imaged with automated three-dimensional volumetric MRI.

Results

INPH patients had larger lateral ventricles and CSF spaces of the Sylvian fissure region and smaller high-convexity subarachnoid spaces than other groups, and AD patients had larger lateral ventricles and CSF spaces of the Sylvian fissure region than the control group. The INPH group showed a negative correlation between lateral ventricle and high-convexity subarachnoid space volumes, while the AD group showed a positive correlation between lateral ventricle volume and volume for CSF spaces of the Sylvian fissure region. The ratio of lateral ventricle to high-convexity subarachnoid space volumes yielded an area under the curve of 0.990, differentiating INPH from AD.

Conclusions

Associations between CSF volumes suggest that there might be different mechanisms between INPH and AD to explain their respective lateral ventricular dilations. The ratio of lateral ventricle to high-convexity subarachnoid space volumes distinguishes INPH from AD with good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. We propose to refer to this ratio as the VOSS (ventricle over subarachnoid space) index.
The role of maternal ideations on breastfeeding practices in northwestern Nigeria: a cross-section study
Authors: Anaba Udochisom C. , Johansson Emily White , Abegunde Dele , Adoyi Gloria , Umar-Farouk Olayinka , Abdu-Aguye Shittu , Hewett Paul C. , Hutchinson Paul L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life are beneficial for child survival and long-term health. Yet breastfeeding rates remain sub-optimal in Northwestern Nigeria, and such practices are often influenced by complex psychosocial factors at cognitive, social and emotional levels. To understand these influences, we developed a set of breastfeeding-related ideational factors and quantitatively examined their relationship with early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF practices.

Methods

A cross‐sectional population‐based survey was conducted in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states from September–October 2019. A random sample of 3039 women with a child under-2 years was obtained. Respondents were asked about the two main outcomes, early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF, as well as breastfeeding-related ideations according to the Ideation Model of Strategic Communication and Behavior Change. Average marginal effects were estimated from mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusted for ideational and socio-demographic variables.

Results

Among 3039 women with a child under 2 years of age, 42.1% (95% CI 35.1%, 49.4%) practiced early initiation of breastfeeding, while 37.5% (95% CI 29.8%, 46.0%) out of 721 infants aged 0–5 months were exclusively breastfed. Women who knew early initiation of breastfeeding was protective of newborn health had 7.9 percentage points (pp) [95% CI 3.9, 11.9] higher likelihood of early initiation of breastfeeding practice than those who did not know. Women who believed colostrum was harmful had 8.4 pp lower likelihood of early initiation of breastfeeding (95% CI -12.4, -4.3) and EBF (95% CI -15.7%, -1.0%) than those without that belief. We found higher likelihood of early initiation of breastfeeding (5.1 pp, 95% CI 0.8%, 9.4%) and EBF (13.3 pp, 95% CI 5.0%, 22.0%) among women who knew at least one benefit of breastfeeding compared to those who did not know. Knowing the timing for introducing complementary foods andself-efficacy to practice EBF were also significantly associated with EBF practices.

Conclusion

Ideational metrics provide significant insights for SBC programs aiming to change and improve health behaviors, including breastfeeding practices, Various cognitive, emotional and social domains played a significant role in women’s breastfeeding decisions. Maternal knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding to the mother (cognitive), knowledge of the appropriate time to introduce complementary foods (cognitive), beliefs on colostrum (cognitive), self-efficacy to breastfeed (emotional) and perceived social norms (social) are among the most important ideations for SBC programs to target to increase early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF rates in northwestern Nigeria.
Neonatal breast-suckling skills in the context of lactation and peripartum hormonal changes and additional factors—a pilot study
Authors: Wszołek Katarzyna Maria , Chmaj-Wierzchowska Karolina , Pięt Małgorzata , Tarka Agata , Chuchracki Marek , Męczekalski Błażej , Wilczak Maciej
Published: September 2022

Background

Childbirth and lactation are intricate processes, involving several hormones, the most important of which are prolactin (a protein hormone) and cortisol (one of the glucocorticoids). The early postpartum period is crucial for both mother and newborn and has an impact on the lactation and breastfeeding process.

Methods

The study included 78 patients who were admitted to the Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital in Poznań for labor induction and/or in the active phase of the first labor stage. The levels of cortisol and prolactin in serum were assessed in these women during admission in labor, during the third labor stage, and on the second day postpartum. The levels of cortisol and prolactin in the umbilical cord serum were assessed immediately after cord clamping. The “Protocol for the assessment of breast-suckling skills” was used to assess the neonatal breast-suckling skills on the second day postpartum. Some additional parameters were evaluated in mothers via a telephone interview at three and six months postpartum. The study was conducted from January to August 2020, however the study was suspended during April–July 2020 due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which led to restrictions in the hospital limiting access to the hospital wards unless necessary.

Results

Early breastfeeding with skin-to-skin contact was associated with low levels of hormones, cortisol levels were lower in serum (p = 0.0108) and umbilical vein (p = 0.0273) in mothers who breastfed immediately after childbirth. At three months postpartum, 88% of the mothers who did not offer a pacifier to the child during the first few days of life breastfed the child naturally (p = 0.037), and at six months, 96% of those who did not offer a pacifier continued to breastfeed (p = 0.0008). Multiple, statistically significant correlations were observed between the variables assessed according to the “Protocol for the assessment of breast-suckling skills” and breastfeeding after three months.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding immediately after childbirth, appropriate assessment of the breast-suckling skills of newborns, avoiding pacifiers and infant formula feeding, and offering support to new mothers in the early days after childbirth seem to be important factors for sustaining breastfeeding after three and six months of childbirth.
Data-driven approach to implementation mapping for the selection of implementation strategies: a case example for risk-aligned bladder cancer surveillance
Authors: Schroeck Florian R. , Ould Ismail A. Aziz , Haggstrom David A. , Sanchez Steven L. , Walker DeRon R. , Zubkoff Lisa
Published: September 2022

Background

Implementation Mapping is an organized method to select implementation strategies. However, there are 73 Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) strategies. Thus, it is difficult for implementation scientists to map all potential strategies to the determinants of their chosen implementation science framework. Prior work using Implementation Mapping employed advisory panels to select implementation strategies. This article presents a data-driven approach to implementation mapping, in which we systematically evaluated all 73 ERIC strategies using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases (TICD) framework. We illustrate our approach using implementation of risk-aligned bladder cancer surveillance as a case example.

Methods

We developed objectives based on previously collected qualitative data organized by TICD determinants, i.e., what needs to be changed to achieve more risk-aligned surveillance. Next, we evaluated all 73 ERIC strategies, excluding those that were not applicable to our clinical setting. The remaining strategies were mapped to the objectives using data visualization techniques to make sense of the large matrices. Finally, we selected strategies with high impact, based on (1) broad scope, defined as a strategy addressing more than the median number of objectives, (2) requiring low or moderate time commitment from clinical teams, and (3) evidence of effectiveness from the literature.

Results

We identified 63 unique objectives. Of the 73 ERIC strategies, 45 were excluded because they were not applicable to our clinical setting (e.g., not feasible within the confines of the setting, not appropriate for the context). Thus, 28 ERIC strategies were mapped to the 63 objectives. Strategies addressed 0 to 26 objectives (median 10.5). Of the 28 ERIC strategies, 10 required low and 8 moderate time commitments from clinical teams. We selected 9 strategies based on high impact, each with a clearly documented rationale for selection.

Conclusions

We enhanced Implementation Mapping via a data-driven approach to the selection of implementation strategies. Our approach provides a practical method for other implementation scientists to use when selecting implementation strategies and has the advantage of favoring data-driven strategy selection over expert opinion.
Rationale and design of the “NEurodegeneration: Traumatic brain injury as Origin of the Neuropathology (NEwTON)” study: a prospective cohort study of individuals at risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Authors: van Amerongen Suzan , Caton Dewi K. , Ossenkoppele Rik , Barkhof Frederik , Pouwels Petra J. W. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , Hoozemans Jeroen J. M. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , Scheltens Philip , Vijverberg Everard G. B.
Published: September 2022

Background

Repetitive head injury in contact sports is associated with cognitive, neurobehavioral, and motor impairments and linked to a unique neurodegenerative disorder: chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). As the clinical presentation is variable, risk factors are heterogeneous, and diagnostic biomarkers are not yet established, the diagnostic process of CTE remains a challenge. The general objective of the NEwTON study is to establish a prospective cohort of individuals with high risk for CTE, to phenotype the study population, to identify potential fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers, and to measure clinical progression of the disease. The present paper explains the protocol and design of this case-finding study.

Methods

NEwTON is a prospective study that aims to recruit participants at risk for CTE, with features of the traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (exposed participants), and healthy unexposed control individuals. Subjects are invited to participate after diagnostic screening at our memory clinic or recruited by advertisement. Exposed participants receive a comprehensive baseline screening, including neurological examination, neuropsychological tests, questionnaires and brain MRI for anatomical imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI), and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Questionnaires include topics on life-time head injury, subjective cognitive change, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Optionally, blood and cerebrospinal fluid are obtained for storage in the NEwTON biobank. Patients are informed about our brain donation program in collaboration with the Netherlands Brain Brank. Follow-up takes place annually and includes neuropsychological assessment, questionnaires, and optional blood draw. Testing of control subjects is limited to baseline neuropsychological tests, MRI scan, and also noncompulsory blood draw.

Results

To date, 27 exposed participants have finished their baseline assessments. First baseline results are expected in 2023.

Conclusions

The NEwTON study will assemble a unique cohort with prospective observational data of male and female individuals with high risk for CTE. This study is expected to be a primary explorative base and designed to share data with international CTE-related cohorts. Sub-studies may be added in the future with this cohort as backbone.
Good maternal and fetal outcomes of three consecutive pregnancies in a Mediterranean woman with Alport syndrome: a case report
Authors: Rawashdeh Hasan , Alchalabi Haifaa A. , Oweis Ashraf O. , Al Jalodi Haneen
Published: September 2022

Background

Alport syndrome is a rare inherited disorder affecting the glomerular basement membrane, manifested by hematuria and proteinuria that is commonly associated with ocular and hearing defects. There is limited information about the maternal and fetal outcomes of Alport syndrome in pregnancy.

Case presentation

We describe a smooth course of pregnancy, a good maternal outcome, and a good fetal outcome in three consecutive pregnancies for a 35-year-old Mediterranean woman with Alport syndrome over a 10-year duration. Although there was a nephrotic range of progressive proteinuria in all her pregnancies, there was a prompt drop in proteinuria within 2 weeks of her deliveries. She has constantly shown a normal serum creatinine level and a normal serum protein level in all her pregnancies. Apart from a single episode of asymptomatic hypertension in her second pregnancy at 34 weeks of gestation that returned to a normal range immediately after delivery, she was normotensive antenatally and postnatally. She gave birth by cesarean section to three healthy newborns.

Conclusions

A normal prepregnancy creatinine level and a mild range of proteinuria in a patient with normotension, who is not on any medication, are associated with good maternal and fetal outcomes. Furthermore, successful pregnancy that is followed by a normal renal function test might suggest a favorable outcome for any future pregnancy.
Intestinal cellular heterogeneity and disease development revealed by single-cell technology
Authors: Wang Yalong , Song Wanlu , Yu Shicheng , Liu Yuan , Chen Ye-Guang
Published: September 2022

The intestinal epithelium is responsible for food digestion and nutrient absorption and plays a critical role in hormone secretion, microorganism defense, and immune response. These functions depend on the integral single-layered intestinal epithelium, which shows diversified cell constitution and rapid self-renewal and presents powerful regeneration plasticity after injury. Derailment of homeostasis of the intestine epithelium leads to the development of diseases, most commonly including enteritis and colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the cellular characterization of the intestinal epithelium at the molecular level and the mechanisms underlying its homeostatic maintenance. Single-cell technologies allow us to gain molecular insights at the single-cell level. In this review, we summarize the single-cell RNA sequencing applications to understand intestinal cell characteristics, spatiotemporal evolution, and intestinal disease development.
BTP: automatic identification and prediction of tasks in data center networks
Authors: Zou Shaojun , Ji Wei , Huang Jiawei
Published: September 2022

Modern data centers have widely deployed lots of cluster computing applications such as MapReduce and Spark. Since the coflow/task abstraction can exactly express the requirements of cluster computing applications, various task-based solutions have been proposed to improve application-level performance. However, most of solutions require modification of the applications to obtain task information, making them impractical in many scenarios. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian decision-based Task Prediction mechanism named BTP to identify task and predict the task-size category. First, we design an automatic identification mechanism to identify tasks without manually modifying the applications. Then we leverage bayesian decision to predict the task-size category. Through a series of large-scale NS2 simulations, we demonstrate that BTP can accurately identify task and predict the task-size category. More specifically, BTP achieves 96% precision and 92% recall while obtaining accuracy by up to 98%.
Citation analysis of the 100 top-cited articles on discectomy via endoscopy since 2011 using alluvial diagrams: bibliometric analysis
Authors: Yeh Chao-Hung , Chien Tsair-Wei , Chou Po-Hsin
Published: September 2022

Background

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is synonymous with percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID). PEID has gained increasing recognition for its small incision, quick recovery, short hospital stay, and equivalent clinical outcome to open surgery. Numerous articles related to PEID have been published in the literature. However, which countries, journals, subject categories, and articles have ultimate influence remains unknown. The study aimed to (1) display influential entities in 100 top-cited PEID-related articles (T100PEID) on the alluvial diagram and (2) investigate whether medical subject headings (i.e., MeSH terms) can be used to predict article citations.

Methods

T100PEID data can be found since 2011 in the PubMed and Web of Science (WOS) databases. Using alluvial diagrams, citation analysis was conducted to compare the dominant entities. We used social network analysis (SNA) to classify MeSH terms and research areas extracted from PubMed and WOS. The difference in article citations across subject categories and the predictive power of MeSH terms on article citations in T100 PEID were examined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis.

Results

A total of 81% of T100PEID is occupied by the top three countries (the US, China, and South Korea). There was an overall T100PEID impact factor of 41.3 (IF = citations/100). Articles were published in Spine (Phila Pa 1976) (23%; IF = 41.3). Six subject categories were classified using the SNA. The most cited article authored by D Scott Kreiner from Ahwatukee Sports and Spine in the US state of Phoenix had 123 citations in PubMed. The network characteristics of T100PEID are displayed on the alluvial diagram. No difference was found in article citations among subject categories (F = 0.813, p = 0.543). The most frequently occurring MeSH term was surgery. MeSH terms were evident in the prediction power of the number of article citations (F = 15.21; p < 0 .001).

Conclusion

We achieved a breakthrough by displaying the T100PEID network characteristics on the alluvial plateau. The MeSH terms can be used to classify article subject categories and predict T100PEID citations. The alluvial diagram can be applied to bibliometrics on 100 top-cited articles in future studies.