bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ogal Mercedes , Johnston Sebastian L. , Klein Peter , Schoop Roland
Published: April 2021

Background

In children, up to 30% of viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) develop into bacterial complications associated with pneumonia, sinusitis or otitis media to trigger a tremendous need for antibiotics. This study investigated the efficacy of Echinacea for the prevention of viral RTIs, for the prevention of secondary bacterial complications and for reducing rates of antibiotic prescriptions in children.

Methods

Echinaforce® Junior tablets [400 mg freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea alcoholic extract] or vitamin C [50 mg] as control were given three times daily for prevention to children 4–12 years. Two × 2 months of prevention were separated by a 1-week treatment break. Parents assessed respiratory symptoms in children via e-diaries and collected nasopharyngeal secretions for screening of respiratory pathogens (Allplex® RT-PCR).

Results

Overall, 429 cold days occurred in NITT = 103 children with Echinacea in comparison to 602 days in NITT = 98 children with vitamin C (p < 0.001, Chi-square test). Echinacea prevented 32.5% of RTI episodes resulting in an odds ratio of OR = 0.52 [95% CI 0.30–0.91, p = 0.021]. Six children (5.8%) with Echinacea and 15 children (15.3%) with vitamin C required 6 and 24 courses of antibiotic treatment, respectively (reduction of 76.3%, p < 0.001). A total of 45 and 216 days of antibiotic therapy were reported in the two groups, respectively (reduction of 80.2% (p < 0.001). Eleven and 30 events of RTI complications (e.g., otitis media, sinusitis or pneumonia) occurred with Echinacea and vitamin C, respectively (p = 0.0030). Echinacea significantly prevented influenza (3 vs. 20 detections, p = 0.012) and enveloped virus infections (29 vs. 47 detections, p = 0.0038). Finally, 76 adverse events occurred with Echinacea and 105 events with vitamin C (p = 0.016), only three events were reported possibly related with Echinacea.

Conclusions

Our results support the use of Echinacea for the prevention of RTIs and reduction of associated antibiotic usage in children.

Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02971384, 23th Nov 2016.
Pre-implantation exogenous progesterone and pregnancy in sheep. II. Effects on fetal-placental development and nutrient transporters in late pregnancy
Authors: Halloran Katherine M. , Hoskins Emily C. , Stenhouse Claire , Moses Robyn M. , Dunlap Kathrin A. , Satterfield M. Carey , Seo Heewon , Johnson Gregory A. , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W.
Published: April 2021

Background

Administration of progesterone (P4) to ewes during the first 9 to 12 days of pregnancy accelerates blastocyst development by day 12 of pregnancy, likely due to P4-induced up-regulation of key genes in uterine epithelia responsible for secretion and transport of components of histotroph into the uterine lumen. This study determined if acceleration of blastocyst development induced by exogenous P4 during the pre-implantation period affects fetal-placental development on day 125 of pregnancy. Suffolk ewes (n = 35) were mated to fertile rams and assigned randomly to receive daily intramuscular injections of either corn oil vehicle (CO, n = 18) or 25 mg progesterone in CO (P4, n = 17) for the first 8 days of pregnancy. All ewes were hysterectomized on day 125 of pregnancy and: 1) fetal and placental weights and measurements were recorded; 2) endometrial and placental tissues were analyzed for the expression of candidate mRNAs involved in nutrient transport and arginine metabolism; and 3) maternal plasma, fetal plasma, allantoic fluid, and amniotic fluid were analyzed for amino acids, agmatine, polyamines, glucose, and fructose.

Results

Treatment of ewes with exogenous P4 did not alter fetal or placental growth, but increased amounts of aspartate and arginine in allantoic fluid and amniotic fluid, respectively. Ewes that received exogenous P4 had greater expression of mRNAs for SLC7A1, SLC7A2, SLC2A1, AGMAT, and ODC1 in endometria, as well as SLC1A4, SLC2A5, SLC2A8 and ODC1 in placentomes. In addition, AZIN2 protein was immunolocalized to uterine luminal and glandular epithelia in P4-treated ewes, whereas AZIN2 localized only to uterine luminal epithelia in CO-treated ewes.

Conclusions

This study revealed that exogenous P4 administered in early pregnancy influenced expression of selected genes for nutrient transporters and the expression of a protein involved in polyamine synthesis on day 125 of pregnancy, suggesting a ‘programming’ effect of P4 on gene expression that affected the composition of nutrients in fetal-placental fluids.
Hsp90 co-chaperones, FKBP52 and Aha1, promote tau pathogenesis in aged wild-type mice
Authors: Criado-Marrero Marangelie , Gebru Niat T. , Blazier Danielle M. , Gould Lauren A. , Baker Jeremy D. , Beaulieu-Abdelahad David , Blair Laura J.
Published: April 2021

The microtubule associated protein tau is an intrinsically disordered phosphoprotein that accumulates under pathological conditions leading to formation of neurofibrillary tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The mechanisms that initiate the accumulation of phospho-tau aggregates and filamentous deposits are largely unknown. In the past, our work and others’ have shown that molecular chaperones play a crucial role in maintaining protein homeostasis and that imbalance in their levels or activity can drive tau pathogenesis. We have found two co-chaperones of the 90 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90), FK506-binding protein 52 (FKBP52) and the activator of Hsp90 ATPase homolog 1 (Aha1), promote tau aggregation in vitro and in the brains of tau transgenic mice. Based on this, we hypothesized that increased levels of these chaperones could promote tau misfolding and accumulation in the brains of aged wild-type mice. We tested this hypothesis by overexpressing Aha1, FKBP52, or mCherry (control) proteins in the hippocampus of 9-month-old wild-type mice. After 7 months of expression, mice were evaluated for cognitive and pathological changes. Our results show that FKBP52 overexpression impaired spatial reversal learning, while Aha1 overexpression impaired associative learning in aged wild-type mice. FKBP52 and Aha1 overexpression promoted phosphorylation of distinct AD-relevant tau species. Furthermore, FKBP52 activated gliosis and promoted neuronal loss leading to a reduction in hippocampal volume. Glial activation and phospho-tau accumulation were also detected in areas adjacent to the hippocampus, including the entorhinal cortex, suggesting that after initiation these pathologies can propagate through other brain regions. Overall, our findings suggest a role for chaperone imbalance in the initiation of tau accumulation in the aging brain.
Correlation-aided method for identification and gradation of periodicities in hydrologic time series
Authors: Xie Ping , Wu Linqian , Sang Yan-Fang , Chan Faith Ka Shun , Chen Jie , Wu Ziyi , Li Yaqing
Published: April 2021

Identification of periodicities in hydrological time series and evaluation of their statistical significance are not only important for water-related studies, but also challenging issues due to the complex variability of hydrological processes. In this article, we develop a “Moving Correlation Coefficient Analysis” (MCCA) method for identifying periodicities of a time series. In the method, the correlation between the original time series and the periodic fluctuation is used as a criterion, aiming to seek out the periodic fluctuation that fits the original time series best, and to evaluate its statistical significance. Consequently, we take periodic components consisting of simple sinusoidal variation as an example, and do statistical experiments to verify the applicability and reliability of the developed method by considering various parameters changing. Three other methods commonly used, harmonic analysis method (HAM), power spectrum method (PSM) and maximum entropy method (MEM) are also applied for comparison. The results indicate that the efficiency of each method is positively connected to the length and amplitude of samples, but negatively correlated with the mean value, variation coefficient and length of periodicity, without relationship with the initial phase of periodicity. For those time series with higher noise component, the developed MCCA method performs best among the four methods. Results from the hydrological case studies in the Yangtze River basin further verify the better performances of the MCCA method compared to other three methods for the identification of periodicities in hydrologic time series.
French Translation and Validation of the Rating-of-Fatigue Scale
Authors: Brownstein Callum G. , Rimaud Diana , Singh Benjamin , Fruleux-Santos Laurie-Anne , Sorg Marine , Micklewright Dominic , Millet Guillaume Y.
Published: April 2021

Background

The Rating of Fatigue (ROF) scale can measure changes in perceived fatigue in a variety of contexts.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to translate and subsequently validate the ROF scale in the French language.

Methods

The study was composed of three phases. Phase 1 involved a comprehensive translation, back-translation, and consolidation process in order to produce the French ROF scale. During phase 2, the face validity of the French ROF scale was assessed. A cohort of 60 native French speaking participants responded to a range of Likert scale items which probed the purposes of the ROF scale and what it is intended to measure. During phase 3, the convergent and divergent validity of the ROF scale was assessed during ramped cycling to exhaustion and 10 min of resting recovery.

Results

The results from phase 1 demonstrated comparability and interpretability between the original and back-translated ROF scale. In phase 2, participants reported a high face validity, with a score of 3.48 ± 0.70 out of 4 when given the item probing whether the scale “measures fatigue”. This score further improved (3.67 ± 0.57, P = 0.01) after participants read the accompanying instructions. Participants were able to distinguish the purposes of the scale for measuring fatigue rather than exertion. In phase 3, strong correlations were found between ROF and heart rate (HR) both during exercise (r = 0.91, P < 0.01) and recovery (r = 0.92, P < 0.01), while discriminant validity between ROF and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was found during recovery.

Conclusion

The present study permits the applications of the ROF scale in the French language.
CSR reporting by Chinese and Western MNEs: patterns combining formal homogenization and substantive differences
Authors: Ervits Irina
Published: April 2021

In light of the growing economic might and intensification of global activities of Chinese multinational enterprises (MNE), this paper looks into the nature of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. CSR communications of the largest Chinese companies and their counterparts from advanced economies have been compared based on quantitative and qualitative content analysis of CSR reports. A mixed method approach has been rarely utilized in the analysis of CSR reporting. To analyze CSR reports the paper uses a two-dimensional conceptual framework based on Wood (Acad Manag Rev 16:691–717, 1991); Jamali and Mirshak (J Bus Ethics 72:243–262, 2007) and Lockett, Moon and Visser (J Manag Stud 43:115–136, 2006); Moon and Shen (J Bus Ethics 94:613–629, 2010). The findings indicate that quantitatively Chinese MNEs display patterns of CSR reporting comparable to major MNEs in developed economies. This paper argues that just like MNEs from developed economies Chinese MNEs use a global CSR reporting template as a convenient tool to align and harmonize various isomorphic pressures. However, qualitatively substantive discrepancies in content have been also identified due to national or other contextual characteristics. The analysis reveals a complex picture of national and international isomorphic forces at play. The paper addresses the lack of consensus concerning convergence/divergence of CSR reporting across the globe and, more specifically, between developed economies and emerging markets. In this respect this paper responds to the general call for research looking into various aspects of business operations, including CSR reporting, of MNEs from emerging markets.
Potential role of vitamin D receptor-related polymorphisms in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Abuelhamd Walaa Alsharany , Gomaa Nancy Abdel Salam , Gad Alaa , El-Wakeel Rehab
Published: April 2021

Background

The potential contribution of vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm neonates is still unknown. The objective of the study was to test the relationship between VDR Taq 1 and Fok 1 gene polymorphisms and BPD in preterm neonates. VDR Fok 1 and Taq 1 gene polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis.

Result

No statistically significant differences of genotypic distributions and allele frequencies of Fok 1 and Taq 1 VDR polymorphisms were detected between cases and controls. Moreover, no risk association was detected between both polymorphisms and BPD development in preterm neonates. Homozygous mutant (ff) genotype was the least frequent genotype among BPD and non-BPD groups (2.6%, 13.0% respectively) (p = 0.1). The same was detected for the mutant (CC) genotype frequency in both groups (10.5% and 15.2%, respectively). However, Taq 1 VDR polymorphism was significantly associated with the severity of BPD, as the genotypes with mutant allele C (CC +CT) were more frequent among severe cases (52.2%).

Conclusion

Fok 1and Taq 1 VDR polymorphisms have no role in BPD development in preterm neonates. However, the presence of a mutant allele of Taq 1 VDR polymorphism may be associated with a more severe form of the disease.
Distress Screening Through Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) at an Academic Cancer Center and Network Site: Implementation of a Hybrid Model
Authors: Neal Joel W. , Roy Mohana , Bugos Kelly , Sharp Christopher , Galatin Peter S. , Falconer Patricia , Rosenthal Eben L. , Blayney Douglas W. , Modaressi Shiva , Robinson Ashley , Ramchandran Kavitha
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:

Cancer care guidelines recommend regular distress screening of patients, with approximately one in three patients with cancer experiencing significant distress. However, the implementation of such programs is variable and inconsistent. We sought to assess the feasibility of implementing a hybrid electronic and paper screening tool for distress in all patients coming to a large academic cancer center and an associated integrated network site.

METHODS:

Patients at an academic cancer center (Stanford Cancer Center) and its associated integrated network site received either an electronic or on-paper modified Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Global Health questionnaire, to assess overall health and distress. We used the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance implementation framework to test and report on the feasibility of using this questionnaire. Iterative workflow changes were made to implement the questionnaire throughout the healthcare system, including processes to integrate with existing electronic health records.

RESULTS:

From June 2015 to December 2017, 53,954 questionnaires representing 26,242 patients were collected. Approximately 30% of the questionnaires were completed before the visit on an electronic patient portal. The number of patients meeting the positive screen threshold remained around 40% throughout the study period. Following assessment, there were 3,763 referrals to cancer supportive services. Of note, those with a positive screen were more likely to have a referral to supportive care (odds ratio, 6.4; 95% CI, 5.8 to 6.9; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION:

The hybrid electronic and on-paper use of a commonly available patient-reported outcome tool, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Global Health, as a large-scale distress screening method, is feasible at a large integrated cancer center.
High FGF23 Levels Failed to Predict Cardiac Hypertrophy in Animal Models of Hyperphosphatemia and Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Moench Ian , Aravindhan Karpagam , Kuziw Joanne , Schnackenberg Christine G , Willette Robert N , Toomey John R , Gatto Gregory J
Published: April 2021

Increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels are an independent predictor for adverse cardiac events suggesting a role as a link that drives cardiomyopathic changes in cardiorenal syndrome. The search for the underlying mechanism driving this interaction has led to the hypothesis that FGF23 causes pathogenic changes in the heart. Increased serum FGF23 has been independently shown to cause increased cardiac morbidity, mortality, and hypertrophy by signalling through FGF receptor 4. This mechanistic concept was based on preclinical studies demonstrating inhibition of FGF23 signaling through FGF4, which led to suppression of left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis in a 2-week rat 5/6 nephrectomy study and a 12-week (2%) high-phosphate diet mouse model in which FGF23 levels were markedly elevated. In this report, renal dysfunction was observed in the 5/6 nephrectomy model, and FGF23 levels were significantly elevated, whereas no changes in left ventricular hypertrophy were observed at 2 or 4 weeks postnephrectomy. Mice placed on a high-phosphate diet that did not cause significant renal dysfunction resulted in significantly elevated FGF23 but no changes in left ventricular hypertrophy. The in vivo studies reported here, which were performed to recapitulate the observations of FGF23 as a driver of cardiac hypertrophy, did not lend support to the FGF23-driven cardiac remodelling hypothesis.
The role of community pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: April 2021

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the role of community pharmacies in providing health care as an important adjunct to the NHS, especially during the pandemic
Pulmonary hypertension in dogs: an overview
Authors: Bode Elizabeth , Uljanowska Zuzanna
Published: April 2021

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex syndrome that can be caused by congenital or acquired disease. Congenital conditions include cardiac shunts, such as ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. Acquired diseases that eventually lead to pulmonary hypertension include cardiac, systemic and pulmonary pathologies, for example late stage myxomatous mitral valve disease and interstitial lung disease such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It can be a challenge to identify pulmonary hypertension because the diagnostic process usually requires advanced imaging tools, such as echocardiography, and a good understanding of the animal's history. Pulmonary hypertension can have a profound effect on a dog's quality of life and can lead to severe respiratory distress and damage to the cardiovascular system. Therefore pulmonary hypertension needs to be identified and addressed promptly. Pulmonary hypertension can be reversible in the early stages, but it is generally not reversible when chronic changes to the pulmonary vasculature have occurred. The article reviews the definition of pulmonary hypertension and its pathophysiology, its diagnosis and treatment in canine patients, and discusses the most common congenital and acquired causes.
Poisons affecting the kidney
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: April 2021

The kidney has an essential role in maintaining normal physiological functions but it can be affected by various drugs and chemicals. A common seasonal cause of renal failure in cats is ingestion of antifreeze containing ethylene glycol. It is not the ethylene glycol itself which causes renal failure but toxic metabolites which result in deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the renal tubules. Various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly those used in human medicine such as ibuprofen, flurbiprofen and naproxen, cause renal effects through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis which results in reduced renal blood flow and disruption of normal renal function and homeostatic mechanisms. For some common substances, such as lilies in cats and grapes and their dried fruit in dogs, kidney injury occurs through unknown mechanisms. Management of poison-induced kidney injury is supportive with monitoring and support of renal function. Although haemodialysis and other extracorporeal techniques can be used, they are rarely available in veterinary medicine and therefore preventive measures are used. This includes aggressive intravenous fluid therapy before onset of signs for lily and grape poisoning and early use of the antidote (ethanol) in ethylene glycol poisoning to prevent formation of toxic metabolites, allowing excretion of the parent compound. In most cases, once kidney injury is advanced, prognosis is poor.
Absolute testing method of shift-rotation based on the influence
function
Authors: Hu Xiaochuan , Zhang Shuai , Hou Xi , Wu Gaofeng
Published: April 2021

The absolute testing of an optical surface with the shift-rotation method is an
effective way to obtain an optical surface with high accuracy. The
traditional shift-rotation method based on Zernike polynomials has a
large number of computations and poor fitting accuracy for high
frequency. Additionally, the number of calculations of the pixel-level
spatial frequency method in solving the test and reference error based
on each pixel is too large, which leads to poor practicability in
reality. An optimized absolute testing method of shift-rotation based
on the influence function is presented in this paper. By introducing
the concept of the influence function in adaptive optics instead of a
Zernike polynomial, the calculation accuracy of the mid-and
high-frequency surface is improved, and higher precision of the
absolute surface can be obtained. Relevant theoretical simulation and
experimental verification are carried out. The experimental results
compared with the Zernike and pixel-level methods show that the
reference and test surface can be well reconstructed by using the
proposed shift-rotation method based on the influence function.
Topological photonics in synthetic dimensions
Authors: Lustig Eran , Segev Mordechai
Published: April 2021

Topological photonics is a new and rapidly growing field that deals with topological phases and topological insulators for light. Recently, the scope of these systems was expanded dramatically by incorporating non-spatial degrees of freedom. These synthetic dimensions can range from a discrete ladder of cavity modes or Bloch modes of an array of waveguides to a time-bin division (discrete time steps) in a pulsed system or even to parameters such as lattice constants. Combining spatial and synthetic dimensions offers the possibility to observe fundamental and exotic phenomena such as dynamics in four dimensions or higher, long-range interaction with disorder, high-dimensional nonlinear effects, and more. Here, we review the latest developments in using non-spatial dimensions as a means to enhance fundamental features of photonic topological systems, and we attempt to identify the next challenges.
Low noise, self-phase-modulation-enabled femtosecond fiber sources tunable in 740-1236 nm for wide two-photon fluorescence microscopy applications
Authors: Chou Lu-Ting , Liu Yu-Cheng , Zhong Dong-Lin , Lin Wei-Zhong , Hung Hao-Hsuan , Chan Chao-Jin , Chen Zi-Ping , Chia Shih-Hsuan
Published: April 2021

We have demonstrated widely tunable Yb:fiber-based laser sources, aiming to replace Ti:sapphire lasers for the nJ-level ultrafast applications, especially for the uses of nonlinear light microscopy. We investigated the influence of different input parameters to obtain an expansive spectral broadening, enabled by self-phase modulation and further reshaped by self-steepening, in the normal dispersion regime before the fiber damage. We also discussed the compressibility and intensity fluctuations of the demonstrated pulses, to reach the transform-limited duration with a very low intensity noise. Most importantly, we have demonstrated clear two-photon fluorescence images from UV-absorbing fluorophores to deep red dye stains.
Tunable and multifunctional terahertz devices based on one-dimensional anisotropic photonic crystals containing graphene and phase-change material
Authors: Gao Xiangfei , Zhu Zebin , Yuan Jing , Jiang Liyong
Published: April 2021

In the past few years, designing tunable and multifunctional terahertz devices has become a hot research area in terahertz science and technology. In this work, we report a study on one-dimensional anisotropic photonic crystals (1D APCs) containing graphene and phase-change material VO2. We numerically demonstrate the band-pass filtering, perfect absorption, comb-shaped extraordinary optical transmission and Fano-like resonance phenomenon in pure 1D APCs and 1D APCs with a VO2 defect layer under different conditions of a tangential wave vector. The performance of these phenomena in the terahertz region can be modulated by changing the chemical potential of graphene. The band-pass filter and perfect absorber functions of 1D APCs with a VO2 defect layer can be freely switched by changing the phase of VO2. We employ the equivalent-permittivity model and dispersion-relation equation to give reasonable explanations on these behaviors.
Metalens and vortex generator based on a planar optics metasurface
Authors: Wu Bairui , Xu Bijun , Li Zuzhang , Cheng Pan , Xue Xiaoju , Sun Zhitong , Wang Jiaming , Wang Yizheng , Zhi Yanan , Lin Lu , Wang Xiaogang , Hao Ying
Published: April 2021

This study proposes two types of metasurfaces to adjust the phase of wavefront based on geometric phases. Specifically, a meta-atom etched by two different elliptic cylinders possesses more adjusted parameters and satisfies some demanding design conditions. Under the illumination of circularly polarized light, one of them, metalens, can focus the light with a focusing efficiency of 60 %. The other can generate vortex beams with an efficiency of ∼55%. Such metasurfaces can be used as planar optical components in biological, medical, and intelligent wearable fields.
Twistronics for photons: opinion
Authors: Hu Guangwei , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Alù Andrea
Published: April 2021

A pair of stacked two-dimensional heterostructures suitably rotated with respect to each other support exotic electronic properties with interesting implications for nanoelectronics and quantum technologies. A similar paradigm can be extended to light, offering a great promise for emerging low-dimensional nanophotonic heterostructures. In this Opinion article, we discuss emerging photonic responses enabled by twisting and stacking suitably tailored nanostructures. We discuss how the multi-physics interactions of light with matter in twisted bilayers can tailor their photonic response and engineer light dispersion in extreme ways. We conclude by providing an outlook on this emerging field of research and its potential for classical and quantum light manipulation at the nanoscale.
Neurologic manifestations in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Mexico City
Authors: Flores-Silva Fernando Daniel , García-Grimshaw Miguel , Valdés-Ferrer Sergio Iván , Vigueras-Hernández Alma Poema , Domínguez-Moreno Rogelio , Tristán-Samaniego Dioselina Panamá , Michel-Chávez Anaclara , González-Duarte Alejandra , Vega-Boada Felipe A. , Reyes-Melo Isael , Jiménez-Ruiz Amado , Chávez-Martínez Oswaldo Alan , Rebolledo-García Daniel , Marché-Fernández Osvaldo Alexis , Sánchez-Torres Samantha , García-Ramos Guillermo , Cantú-Brito Carlos , Chiquete Erwin
Published: April 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic entity that frequently implies neurologic features at presentation and complications during the disease course. We aimed to describe the characteristics and predictors for developing in-hospital neurologic manifestations in a large cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Mexico City.

Methods

We analyzed records from consecutive adult patients hospitalized from March 15 to June 30, 2020, with moderate to severe COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR) for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Neurologic syndromes were actively searched by a standardized structured questionnaire and physical examination, confirmed by neuroimaging, neurophysiology of laboratory analyses, as applicable.

Results

We studied 1,072 cases (65% men, mean age 53.2±13 years), 71 patients had pre-existing neurologic diseases (diabetic neuropathy: 17, epilepsy: 15, history of ischemic stroke: eight, migraine: six, multiple sclerosis: one, Parkinson disease: one), and 163 (15.2%) developed a new neurologic complication. Headache (41.7%), myalgia (38.5%), dysgeusia (8%), and anosmia (7%) were the most common neurologic symptoms at hospital presentation. Delirium (13.1%), objective limb weakness (5.1%), and delayed recovery of mental status after sedation withdrawal (2.5%), were the most common new neurologic syndromes. Age, headache at presentation, preexisting neurologic disease, invasive mechanical ventilation, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥9 were independent predictors of new in-hospital neurologic complications.

Conclusions

Even after excluding initial clinical features and pre-existing comorbidities, new neurologic complications in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are frequent and can be predicted from clinical information at hospital admission.
Hooked on virtual social life. Problematic social media use and associations with mental distress and addictive disorders
Authors: Henzel Vincent , Håkansson Anders
Published: April 2021

Background

Social media is an important and growing part of the lives of the vast majority of the global population, especially in the young. Although still a young and scarce subject, research has revealed that social media has addictive potential. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the associations between problematic use of social media and mental distress, problematic gaming and gambling, within the Swedish general population.

Methods

Data from 2,118 respondents was collected through self-report questions on demographics and validated scales measuring addiction-like experiences of social media, problem gaming, problem gambling, and mental distress. Associations were analyzed in unadjusted analyses and–for variables not exceedingly inter-correlated–in adjusted logistic regression analyses.

Results

In adjusted analyses, problematic use of social media demonstrated a relationship with younger age, time using instant messaging services, and mental distress, but not with education level, occupational status, or with treatment needs for alcohol or drug problems. Behavioral addictions (internet, gaming and gambling) were substantially inter-correlated, and all were associated with problematic use of social media in unadjusted analyses.

Conclusions

Social media use is associated with other addictive behaviors and mental distress. While factors of causality remain to be studied, these insights can motivate healthcare professionals to assess social media habits, for example in individuals suffering from issues concerning gambling, gaming or mental health.
Perceived impact of information signals on opinions about gluten-free diets
Authors: Norwood Franklin Bailey
Published: April 2021

Understanding how people assimilate different types of information for food choices is integral to improving knowledge about diet and human health. This study evaluates the impact that 10 information signals have on the perceived healthiness of gluten. Signals include non-social signals such as personal eating experiences, scientific studies, and advice from doctors, but also includes social signals such as recommendations from attractive people, social media, the layout of a grocery store, and celebrities. An online survey of over 1,000 Americans is administered using indirect questioning where subjects are presented with a hypothetical other person and asked how the various signals would impact that person’s opinion of gluten-free diets. Results show that advice from an attractive person is thought to have a slightly larger impact than reading about a new study regarding gluten, and seeing a grocery store develop a new gluten-free section has a larger impact than learning a celebrity consumes a gluten-free diet.
Evidence of the effect of primary care expansion on hospitalizations: Panel analysis of 143 municipalities in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Campelo Barroso Carneiro Vânia Cristina , Ribeiro de Oliveira Paulo de Tarso , Rassy Carneiro Saul , Cardoso Maciel Marinalva , da Silva Pedroso Janari
Published: April 2021

Background

The Family Health Strategy (FHS) became consolidated as a primary care model and gatekeeper for the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) in the Brazil and it is considered one of the largest primary health care programmes in the world. Its rapid expansion allowed the SUS to meet the changing health care needs of the population remote localities of Brazilian municipalities.

Methods

In the present study, exploratory data analysis was performed using modelling to provide a general overview of the study and to delineate possible structural characteristics of the cross-sectional time-series data. Panel regression methods were used to assess the association between FHS coverage and ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations (ACSH rates) in the municipalities of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon, from 2008 to 2017.

Results

The results showed strong evidence for the association between FHS coverage and ACSH rates, including reductions of 22% in preventable hospitalizations and 15% in hospital expenses that were directly linked to the 40% increase in FHS population coverage during the evaluated period. This expansion of primary care has mainly benefitted areas that are difficult to access and populations that were previously deprived of health care in the vast Amazon territory.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show that the increase of the expansion of primary care reduces the preventable hospitalization and the hospital expenses. This reinforces the need for public protection of the health of populations at risk and the positive impacts of primary care in the Brazilian Amazon.
Sex differences in coronary artery calcium progression: The Korea Initiatives on Coronary Artery Calcification (KOICA) registry
Authors: Lee Wonjae , Yoon Yeonyee E. , Cho Sang-Young , Hwang In-Chang , Kim Sun-Hwa , Lee Heesun , Park Hyo Eun , Chun Eun Ju , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Choi Su-Yeon , Park Sung Hak , Han Hae-Won , Sung Jidong , Jung Hae Ok , Cho Goo-Yeong , Chang Hyuk-Jae
Published: April 2021

Even with increasing awareness of sex-related differences in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), it remains unclear whether the progression of coronary atherosclerosis differs between women and men. We sought to compare coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression between women and men. From a retrospective, multicentre registry of consecutive asymptomatic individuals who underwent CAC scoring, we identified 9,675 men and 1,709 women with follow-up CAC scoring. At baseline, men were more likely to have a CAC score >0 than were women (47.8% vs. 28.6%). The probability of CAC progression at 5 years, defined as [√CAC score (follow-up)—√CAC score (baseline)] ≥2.5, was 47.4% in men and 29.7% in women (p<0.001). When we stratified subjects according to the 10-year ASCVD risk (<5%, ≥5% and <7.5%, and ≥7.5%), a sex difference was observed in the low risk group (CAC progression at 5 years, 37.6% versus 17.9%; p<0.001). However, it became weaker as the 10-year ASCVD risk increased (64.2% versus 46.2%; p<0.001, and 74.8% versus 68.7%; p = 0.090). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that male sex was independently associated with CAC progression rate among the entire group (p<0.001). Subgroup analyses showed an independent association between male sex and CAC progression rate only in the low-risk group. The CAC progression rate is higher in men than in women. However, the difference between women and men diminishes as the 10-year ASCVD risk increases.
Societal context-dependent multi-modal transportation network augmentation in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Moyo Thembani , Kibangou Alain Y. , Musakwa Walter
Published: April 2021

In most developing countries, formal and informal transportation schemes coexist without effective and smart integration. In this paper, the authors show how to leverage opportunities offered by formal and informal transportation schemes to build an integrated multi-modal network. Precisely, the authors consider integration of rickshaws to a bus-train network, by taking into account accessibility and societal constraints. By modelling the respective networks with weighted graphs, a graph augmentation problem is solved with respect to a composite cost taking into account constraints on the use of rickshaws. The solution, is based on finding a minimum cost spanning tree of a merged graph. The method is applied in the South African context, in the city of Johannesburg where rickshaws are not yet a significant part of the transportation system. The implications of the study reveal that using non-motorised transportation services is a viable option of improving mobility in the city. The composite cost introduced herein could be used for new routing algorithm including societal, environmental, architectural contexts and commuter experiences through rating.
Movement performance and movement difficulties in typical school-aged children
Authors: Jaikaew Rujira , Satiansukpong Nuntanee
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is an impairment of executive motor skills. Children aged 7–10 years gradually develop effective movement that enables smooth performance in various daily self-care, academic and sport activities. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition-Age Band 2, (MABC2-AB2), which is a western standardized test, could be used in Thai children for differentiating between movement performance and movement difficulties.

Method

Three hundred and sixty typical Thai children aged 7–10 years old were recruited from three primary schools in Chiang Mai district, Thailand. The participants were divided into four age groups and tested using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition-Age Band 2-Thai version (MABC2-AB2-T).

Results

Manual Dexterity, Aiming and Catching, and Balance rose with age increment. Older participants had better movement performance than younger ones. The results showed that 91.11 percent of the participants had typical movement, while 3.61 and 5.28 percent of them had movement difficulty and movement at risk, respectively. In addition, three test items: Drawing Trail, Walking Heel to Toe Forward, and Hopping on Mats had a ceiling effect when used for Thai children.

Conclusion

The MABC2-AB2-T could be used to assess movement performance and movement difficulties in Thai children. About 9 percent of typical Thai children aged 7–10 years old needed early intervention. Administration of the three test items may need to be revised.
Establishing how social capital is studied in relation to cardiovascular disease and identifying gaps for future research—A scoping review protocol
Authors: Parker Marie , Fang Xiangming , Self-Brown Shannon Renee , Rahimi Ali
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Though the relationship between social capital and health has been widely studied, the evidence of this relationship in cardiovascular disease is limited, with varied and inconsistent measures. This scoping review seeks to address this gap by answering the following questions: (1) How has social capital been characterized and measured in the literature related to cardiovascular disease? and (2) What gaps exist in the evaluation of the relationship between social capital and cardiovascular disease?

Materials and methods

A scoping review will be used to answer the research questions. The scoping review will apply established methods described by Arksey and O’Malley, Levac and colleagues, and the Joanne Briggs Institute: (1) identifying the research question(s); (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) selecting the studies; (4) charting the data; and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results.

Results

Our findings will be reported in accordance with the guidance provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement.

Discussion

The synthesis of this evidence base is intended to provide a framework for how social capital has been defined and measured in the cardiovascular literature, with additional guidance for future research and evaluation. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and presentations at relevant seminars.
Exploring online search behavior for COVID-19 preventive measures: The Philippine case
Authors: Galido Adrian , Ecleo Jerina Jean , Husnayain Atina , Chia-Yu Su Emily
Published: April 2021

Public health agencies have suggested nonpharmaceutical interventions to curb the spread of the COVID-19 infections. The study intended to explore the information-seeking behavior and information needs on preventive measures for COVID-19 in the Philippine context. The search interests and related queries for COVID-19 terms and each of the preventive measures for the period from December 31, 2019 to April 6, 2020 were generated from Google Trends. The search terms employed for COVID-19 were coronavirus, ncov, covid-19, covid19 and “covid 19.” The search terms of the preventive measures considered for this study included “community quarantine”, “cough etiquette”, “face mask” or facemask, “hand sanitizer”, handwashing or “hand washing” and “social distancing.” Spearman’s correlation was employed between the new daily COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 terms and the different preventive measures. The relative search volume for the coronavirus disease showed an increase up to the pronouncement of the country’s first case of COVID-19. An uptrend was also evident after the country’s first local transmission was confirmed. A strong positive correlation (rs = .788, p < .001) was observed between the new daily cases and search interests for COVID-19. The search interests for the different measures and the new daily cases were also positively correlated. Similarly, the search interests for the different measures and the COVID-19 terms were all positively correlated. The search interests for “face mask” or facemask, “hand sanitizer” and handwashing or “hand washing” were more correlated with the search interest for COVID-19 than with the number of new daily COVID-19 cases. The search interests for “cough etiquette”, “social distancing” and “community quarantine” were more correlated with the number of new daily COVID-19 cases than with the search interest for COVID-19. The public sought for additional details such as type, directions for proper use, and where to purchase as well as do-it-yourself alternatives for personal protective items. Personal protective or community measures were expected to be accompanied with definitions and guidelines as well as be available in translated versions. Google Trends could be a viable option to monitor and address the information needs of the public during a disease outbreak. Capturing and analyzing the search interests of the public could support the design and timely delivery of appropriate information essential to drive preventive measures during a disease outbreak.
A targeted e-learning approach for keeping universities open during the COVID-19 pandemic while reducing student physical interactions
Authors: Yeo Sing Chen , Lai Clin K. Y. , Tan Jacinda , Gooley Joshua J.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread closure of universities. Many universities turned to e-learning to provide educational continuity, but they now face the challenge of how to reopen safely and resume in-class learning. This is difficult to achieve without methods for measuring the impact of school policies on student physical interactions. Here, we show that selectively deploying e-learning for larger classes is highly effective at decreasing campus-wide opportunities for student-to-student contact, while allowing most in-class learning to continue uninterrupted. We conducted a natural experiment at a large university that implemented a series of e-learning interventions during the COVID-19 outbreak. The numbers and locations of 24,000 students on campus were measured over a 17-week period by analysing >24 million student connections to the university Wi-Fi network. We show that daily population size can be manipulated by e-learning in a targeted manner according to class size characteristics. Student mixing showed accelerated growth with population size according to a power law distribution. Therefore, a small e-learning dependent decrease in population size resulted in a large reduction in student clustering behaviour. Our results suggest that converting a small number of classes to e-learning can decrease potential for disease transmission while minimising disruption to university operations. Universities should consider targeted e-learning a viable strategy for providing educational continuity during periods of low community disease transmission.
Determining respiratory rate from photoplethysmogram and electrocardiogram signals using respiratory quality indices and neural networks
Authors: Baker Stephanie , Xiang Wei , Atkinson Ian
Published: April 2021

Continuous and non-invasive respiratory rate (RR) monitoring would significantly improve patient outcomes. Currently, RR is under-recorded in clinical environments and is often measured by manually counting breaths. In this work, we investigate the use of respiratory signal quality quantification and several neural network (NN) structures for improved RR estimation. We extract respiratory modulation signals from the electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals, and calculate a possible RR from each extracted signal. We develop a straightforward and efficient respiratory quality index (RQI) scheme that determines the quality of each moonddulation-extracted respiration signal. We then develop NNs for the estimation of RR, using estimated RRs and their corresponding quality index as input features. We determine that calculating RQIs for modulation-extracted RRs decreased the mean absolute error (MAE) of our NNs by up to 38.17%. When trained and tested using 60-sec waveform segments, the proposed scheme achieved an MAE of 0.638 breaths per minute. Based on these results, our scheme could be readily implemented into non-invasive wearable devices for continuous RR measurement in many healthcare applications.