bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Feasibility Study of Exercising Together© During Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: A Dyadic Approach for Patients and Spouses
Authors: Winters-Stone Kerri , Lyons Karen , Beer Tomasz M. , Skiba Meghan B. , Hung Arthur
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Prostate cancer can negatively impact the health of patients and their spouse, particularly early on in the cancer trajectory. Purpose: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of dyadic exercise during radiation therapy and preliminary efficacy on physical, mental and relational outcomes for men and their spouses. Exercising Together©, originally designed as a 6-month dyadic resistance training program for couples post-treatment, was adapted for the radiation setting.Methods: We conducted a single-group pilot feasibility study of Exercising Together© in men scheduled for radiation therapy for prostate cancer and their spouse. Couples attended supervised exercise sessions thrice weekly throughout radiation treatment and were followed-up 8 weeks later. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability with secondary outcomes of changes in physical (physical functioning (short physical performance battery (SPPB)), gait speed (m/sec), functional capacity (400-meter walk (min), physical activity (min/week)), mental (depressive symptoms (CES-D) and anxiety (SCL-90 ANX)), and relationship (Dyadic Coping, Role Overload and Physical Intimacy Behavior Scales) health outcomes for each partner. Participants completed an evaluation post-intervention.Results: Ten couples enrolled and 8 completed the intervention, attending 83% of scheduled sessions. Couple satisfaction with the intervention was high (patients: x̄=9.4±1.9 and spouses: x̄=10.0±0.0, on a 1-10 scale). At post-intervention, gait speed (x̄=0.1; 95%CI: 0.1, 0.2; p=0.003; d=0.94) and functional capacity (x̄=-0.6; 95%CI: -0.9, 0.3; p=0.002; d=-0.42) improved in patients and SPPB in spouses (x̄=1.3; 95%CI: 0.3, 2.2; p=0.02; d=0.71). Total physical activity increased non-significantly for patients and significantly for spouses at post-intervention and decreased at follow-up (x̄=179.6; 95%CI: 55.4, 303.7; p=0.01; d=1.35 and x̄=-139.9; 95%CI: -266.5,13.3; p=0.03; d=1.06). Among patients, anxiety and active engagement significantly improved post-intervention (x̄=-2.3; 95%CI: -3.8, 0.7; p=0.01; d=-0.43 and x̄=2.5; 95%CI: 0.7, 4.3; p=0.01; d=0.98, respectively). There were modest effects on other physical, mental, and relationship health domains in patients and spouses.Conclusion: A modified version of Exercising Together© is a feasible and acceptable program during radiation therapy for prostate cancer and shows preliminary evidence for improvements on physical, mental, and relational health in both patient and spouse. A larger, fully powered randomized controlled trial is warranted and could help shift the landscape toward dyadically-targeted interventions.Trial Registration: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on February 18th, 2018 (NCT03418025; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03418025).
National Cancer Institute Support for Targeted Alpha-Emitter Therapy
Authors: Hong Julie , Brechbiel Martin , Buchsbaum Jeff , Canaria Christie A. , Coleman C. Norman , Escorcia Freddy E. , Espey Michael , Kunos Charles , Lin Frank , Narayanan Deepa , Capala Jacek
Published: June 2021

Radiopharmaceutical targeted therapy (RPT) has been studied for decades, however, recent clinical trials demonstrating efficacy has helped renew interest in the modality. Recognizing the potential, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has co-organized workshops and organized interest groups on RPT and RPT dosimetry to encourage the community and facilitate rigorous preclinical and clinical studies. NCI has been supporting RPT research through various mechanisms. Research has been funded through peer reviewed NCI Research and Program Grants (RPG) and NCI Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center, which funds small business-initiated projects, some of which have led to clinical trials. The NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP)’s Radiopharmaceutical Development Initiative supports RPT in NCI-funded clinical trials, including Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) expertise in imaging QA and dosimetry procedures. Preclinical targeted a-emitter therapy (TAT) research at the NCI’s intramural program is ongoing, building on foundational work dating back to the 1980s. Ongoing “Bench-to-bedside” efforts leverage the unique infrastructure of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Clinical Center. Given the great potential of RPT, our goal is to continue to encourage its development that will generate the high quality evidence needed to bring this multidisciplinary treatment to patients.
Inhibition of Notch1 Signal Promotes Brain Recovery by Modulating Glial Activity
Authors: Hao Xiao zhu , Lin Lu yi , Sun Cheng feng , Li Chan chan , Wang Jing , Jiang Min , Yao Zhen wei , Yang Yan Mei
Published: June 2021

BackgroundNotch1 signaling inhibiton with N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-1-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butylester] (DAPT) treatment could promote brain recovery and the intervention effect is different between striatum (STR) and cortex (CTX), which might be accounted for changed glial activities but the in-depth mechanism is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify whether DAPT could modulate microglial subtype shifts and astroglial-endfeet aquaporin-4 (AQP4) mediated waste solute drainage.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats (n=10) were subjected to 90min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and were treated with DAPT (n=5) or act as control with no treatment (n=5). Two groups of rats underwent MRI scans at 24h and 4 week following stroke, and sacrificed at 4 week after stroke for immunofluorescence (IF).ResultsCompared with control rats, MRI data showed brain recovery in ipsilateral STR but not CTX. And IF showed decreased pro-inflammatory M1 microglia and increased anti-inflammatory M2 microglia in striatal lesion core and peri-lesions of STR, CTX. Meanwhile, IF showed decreased AQP4 polarity in ischemic brain tissue, however, AQP4 polarity in striatal peri-lesions of DAPT treated rats was higher than that in control rats but shows no difference in cortical peri-lesions between control and treated rats. ConclusionsThe present study indicated that DAPT could promote protective microglia subtype shift and striatal astrocyte mediated waste solute drainage.
Intra- and juxta-articular Osteoid Osteoma in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ni Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhiqiang , Xu Ping , Ning Bo , Wang Dahui
Published: June 2021

BackgroundOsteoid osteoma (OO) is a common benign tumor in children and adolescents, but intra-and juxta-articular OO is rare and difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this study is to investigate the distinctions between intra- and juxta-articular OO, trying to avoid delaying diagnosis and optimize treatment strategies.MethodsThirty patients diagnosed with OO in the intra- and juxta joint at our institution who underwent surgical resection were included. Clinical and epidemiological factors, preoperative radiograph parameters, including CT, MRI, and bone scan, were documented. The outcomes of the involved extremity were evaluated at the final follow-up.ResultsMean age at diagnosis, interval time, and follow-up time was 8.37 ± 3.79 years old, 4.67 ± 5.88 months, 3.57 ± 2.18 years, respectively. Factors identified to be significantly associated with intra- and juxta-articular OO including pain with activity (p=0.004) and abnormal range of motion (p=0.00). The factor of abnormal range of motion (p=0.03) also influenced the existence of complications. Four children had a secondary operation to cure the recurrence.ConclusionIt is essential for clinicians and radiologists to be aware of the atypical clinical and radiographic features of intra- and juxta-articular OO, as the delayed diagnosis can lead to unnecessary pain and further complications after surgeries. The pain with activity and abnormal range of motion is helpful to identify the location of OO. The persistently abnormal range of motion also significantly leads to complications. The open surgeries to resect the nidus in juxta-articular OO were effective.Level of Evidence: Level IV-retrospective case series
Prognostic Value of Prostate Volume in Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ham Won Sik , Park Jee Soo , Jang Won Sik , Choi Young Deuk , Kim Jongchan
Published: June 2021

There is evidence that a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia increases the incidence of bladder cancer, and treatment with 5-alpha reductase inhibitor or androgen deprivation therapy reduces recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. We aimed to evaluate whether prostate volume affects its prognosis. We reviewed medical records of men who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor due to non-muscle invasive bladder cancer from January 2012 to December 2017. Patients were divided into two groups based on prostate volume measured by computed tomography (group 1: 264 patients with ≤30 mL, group 2: 124 patients with >30 mL), and assessed recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival. With a median follow up duration of 52 months, group 1 showed higher 5-year recurrence-free and progression-free survival (69.3% vs 47.0%, p=0.001; 96.7% vs 87.7%, p=0.002). Further, cox-regression analysis showed that tumor size (HR=1.292 p<0.001), multifocal tumor (HR=1.993, p<0.001), adjuvant intravesical therapy (chemotherapy: HR=0.580, p=0.037 and bacillus Calmette-Guérin: HR=0.542, p=0.004) and prostate volume (HR=2.326, p<0.001) were significant predictors of recurrence-free survival. Prostate volume (HR=2.886, p=0.014) was also associated with PFS with age (HR=1.043, p=0.044) and tumor grade (HR=3.822, p=0.013). We conclude higher prostate volume is associated with worse recurrence and progression-free survival in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Study on Gear Contact Stiffness and Backlash of Harmonic Drive Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Zhifeng , Yang Congbin , Wang Yang , Liu Qianqian
Published: June 2021

Contact stiffness and backlash model of harmonic reducer is related to robot’s positioning accuracy and vibration characteristics. Harmonic reducer tooth pair height is typically less than 1 mm. Thus, backlash and contact stiffness measurement and modeling are relatively complex. In this paper, contact stiffness and backlash model is proposed by establishing a relationship between fractal parameters and tooth contact load. Non-contact optical profiler and RMS method are combined to obtain fractal roughness parameters of real machined tooth surface. Finally, the effect of rough tooth surface and contact force fractal parameters on contact stiffness and gear backlash is studied. The results indicate that surface topography parameters and contact force have significant effects on contact stiffness and backlash. By increasing the fractal dimension, a decrease of gear backlash and contact stiffness is observed. However, the opposite is true for the fractal roughness parameter. Lastly, an increase in contact force improves the contact stiffness.
RFA Lowers IDO Activity and Slows Non-Ablated Lesion Growth in Multifocal Hepatic Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Kailin , Mao Jun , Mao Siyue , Wang Xicheng , Tan Wanlin , Dong Jun
Published: June 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) could activate immunity and slow non-ablated lesion growth in multifocal hepatic carcinoma.Methods: We performed a retrospective study on patients with multifocal hepatic carcinoma and assessed the non-ablated lesion growth rate between patients who received RFA and those who did not. In self-controlled study, before and three weeks after RFA, blood samples were collected from patients who received RFA to allow for comparisons of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) concentration as assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IDO activity as assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Results: A total of 66 patients were included in the retrospective analysis: there were 46 (69.7%) patients in the treatment group and 20 (30.3%) patients in the control group. The mean growth rate of non-ablated tumors was 0.0291 ± 0.0965 mm/d in the treatment group and 0.0947 ± 0.0754 mm/d in the control group (P = 0.001). The mean concentrations of IDO before and after RFA were 15.57±4.06 ng/ml and 7.53±1.56 ng/ml in 45 eligible patients, and this difference was significant (P = 0.034). The mean IDO activity values were 29.7±22.03 and 25.25±1.75 before and after RFA, respectively (P = 0.031). AFP decreased significantly after RFA, but there was no significant correlation between the decrease in AFP and the decrease in IDO concentration and activity.Conclusions: RFA may induce abscopal effects in hepatic carcinoma patients, manifested by a decrease in IDO concentration and activity and a slowed growth rate in non-ablated lesions.
Interrelationship Between 2019-nCov Receptor DPP4 and Diabetes Mellitus Targets Based on Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Gao Qian , Zhang Wenjun , Li Tingting , Yang Guojun , Zhu Wei , Chen Naijun , Jin Huawei
Published: June 2021

Objective: Exploring the relationship between diabetes mellitus targets and DPP4 of the receptor of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) through a protein interaction network to provide new perspective for clinical medication. Methods: Diabetes mellitus targets were obtained from GeneCards database. Targets with a relevance score exceeding 20 were included, and DPP4 protein was added manually. The initial protein interaction network was obtained through String. The targets directly related to DPP4 were selected as the final analysis targets. Importing them into String again to obtain the protein interaction network. Module identification, GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were carried out respectively. The impact of DPP4 on the whole network was analyzed by scoring the module where it located. Results: 43 DPP4-related proteins were finally selected from the diabetes mellitus targets and three functional modules were found by the cluster analysis. Module 1 was involved in insulin secretion and glucagon signaling pathway, module 2 and module 3 were involved in signaling receptor binding. The scoring results showed that LEP and apoB in module 1 were the highest, and the scores of INS, IL6 and ALB of cross module associated proteins of module 1 were the highest.Conclusions: DPP4 is widely associated with key proteins in diabetes mellitus. COVID-19 may affect DPP4 in patients with diabetes mellitus, leading to high mortality of diabetes mellitus combined with COVID-19. DPP4 inhibitors and IL-6 antagonists can be considered to reduce the effect of COVID-19 infection on diabetic patients.
Intracycle Power and Ventilation Mode as Potential Contributors to Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Marini John J. , Crooke Philip S. , Tawfik Pierre , Chatburn Robert L. , Dries David J. , Gattinoni Luciano
Published: June 2021

Background: High rates of inflation energy delivery coupled with transpulmonary tidal pressures of sufficient magnitude may augment the risk of damage to vulnerable, stress-focused units within a mechanically heterogeneous lung. Apart from flow amplitude, the clinician-selected flow waveform, a relatively neglected dimension of inflation power, may distribute inflation energy non-uniformly among alveoli with different mechanical properties. Our primary objectives were to develop a mathematical model of intracycle inflation power that allows comparisons among the flow modes commonly encountered in clinical practice: constant, linearly decelerating, exponentially decelerating (pressure control), and spontaneous (sinusoidal).Methods: We first tested the predictions of our mathematical model of passive inflation with the physical performance of a mechanical ventilator-lung system that simulated ventilation to three types of patients: normal, severe ARDS, and severe airflow obstruction. After verification, model predictions were then generated for 5000 ‘virtual ARDS patients’. Holding constant the tidal volume and inflation time between modes, the validated model varied the flow profile and quantitated intensity and timing of potentially damaging ‘elastic’ energy and intracycle power (pressure-flow product) developed in response to random combinations of machine settings and severity levels for ARDS.Results: Our modeling indicates that while the varied flow patterns ultimately deliver similar total amounts of alveolar energy during each breath, they differ profoundly regarding the potentially damaging pattern with which that energy distributes over time during inflation. Pressure control imposed relatively high maximal intracycle power.Conclusions: Flow amplitude and waveform may be relatively neglected and modifiable determinants of VILI risk when ventilating ARDS.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Associated with COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Vasconcelos Thaís de Maria Frota , Nóbrega Paulo Ribeiro , Ferreira Glauber de Menezes , de Souza Moysés Loiola Ponte , Vanderlei Alander Sobreira , de Castro José Daniel Vieira , Braga-Neto Pedro , Neto Manoel Alves Sobreira
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease responsible for a large number of deaths worldwide. Many neurological manifestations have been described. We report a case of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) two months after acute COVID19 infection, in a patient without other risk factors. A 45-year-old male patient presented an 8-month history of progressive gait disorder and cognitive impairment after being hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was compatible with NPH. A spinal tap test was positive and there was progressive improvement after shunting, with complete resolution of symptoms. Other infections such Syphilis, cryptococcosis and Lyme disease have been associated with NPH. Possible mechanisms for NPH after COVID include disruption of choroid plexus cells by direct viral invasion or as a result of neuroinflammation and cytokine release and hypercoagulability leading to venous congestion and abnormalities of CSF flow. Given the significance of NPH as a cause of reversible dementia, it is important to consider the possibility of a causal association with COVID19 and understand the mechanisms behind this association.
Increased in the Prevalence of Plasmodium Falciparum With Kelch13 C580Y Mutations and the Decline in pfcrt and pfmdr1 Mutant Alleles in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Yoshida Naoko , Yamauchi Masato , Morikawa Ryosuke , Hombhanje Francis , Mita Toshihiro
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe C580Y mutation in Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 (pfk13) is the most commonly observed variant in artemisinin-resistant isolates in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Until 2017, it had not been identified outside GMS, except for Guyana. In 2017, we identified three parasites carrying the C580Y mutation in Papua New Guinea (PNG). As the C580Y allele rapidly spread in the GMS, there is concern that this mutant is now spreading in PNG. MethodsIn 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey at two clinics in Wewak, PNG. Symptomatic patients infected with P. falciparum were treated with artemether plus lumefantrine following a national treatment policy. Blood samples were obtained before treatment, and polymorphisms in pfk13, pfcrt, and pfmdr1 were determined. Parasite positivity was examined on day 3. ResultsA total of 94 patients were included in this analysis. The prevalence of C580Y was significantly increased (2.2% in 2017, 5.7% in 2018, and 6.4% in 2020; p = 4.2×10-3). A significant upward trend of wild-type prevalence was found for pfcrt (1.9% in 2016 to 46.7% in 2020; p = 8.9×10-16) and pfmdr1 (59.5% in 2016 to 91.4% in 2020; p = 2.3×10-6). Among 26 patients, including three with C580Y infections successfully followed on day 3, none showed positive parasitemia. ConclusionsUnder the conditions of significant increases in pfcrt K76 and pfmdr1 N86 alleles in PNG, the increase in pfk13 C580Y mutants may be a warning indicator of the emergence of parasites resistant to the currently used first-line treatment regimen of artemether plus lumefantrine. Therefore, nationwide surveillance of molecular markers for drug resistance and assessment of its therapeutic effect, are important.
Evaluation of the Prediction Capability of AHP and F_AHP Methods in Flood Susceptibility Mapping of Ernakulam District (India)
Authors: VILASAN RESHMA , Kapse Vijay S
Published: June 2021

Floods are one of the frequent natural hazards occurring in Kerala because of the remarkably high annual rate of rainfall. The objective of this study is to prepare the flood susceptibility maps of the Ernakulam district by integrating remote sensing data, GIS, and analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process methods. Factors such as slope angle, soil types (texture), land use/land cover, stream density, water ratio index, normalized difference built-up index, topographic wetness index, stream power index, aspect, sediment transport index have been selected. The area of the final maps is grouped into five flood susceptible zones, ranging from very low to very high. The major reasons for flood occurrence in Ernakulam district are the combined effect of multiple factors such as excess silting, reduction of stream width due to human intervention, and changes in land cover and land use pattern, lower slope, higher soil moisture content, lower stream capacity, and poor infiltration capacity of soils. The prepared map was validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve method. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of 0.75 and 0.81 estimated by the ROC curve method for the AHP and F-AHP methods is considered acceptable and excellent, which confirms the prediction capability of the prepared maps. The very high susceptible zone constitutes around 19% of the district. This map is useful for land-use planners and policymakers to adopt strategies which will reduce the impact of flood hazard and damage in the future.
Human Identification with their VOC Distribution Through CMS – SEN Model
Authors: Kanakam Prathyusha , Chakravarthy ASN
Published: June 2021

Smell printing or odor printing is a novel morphological characteristic that an object can be defined by its odor. Human body odor is one such biological trait that yields less error rate of 15% among other biometrics. The human odor printing or smell printing possesses significance against the world towards screening of security checkpoint, searching for survivals under rubbles, investigating criminals, and many more. Cogno-monitoring system (CMS) is a specific prototype to furnish two essential processes -odor analysis and odor encoding through the Sensing-Encoding-Notifying (SEN) model to give the sensitivity and specificity score among the individuals. Human body odor can be interpreted as the alliance of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and they are recognized, classified in the encoding process. This article exhibits a detailed analysis of the traditional detection methods including bioanalysis concerning the human body human body odor experimented with 6 people. By applying principal component analysis along with random forest classifier, the VOCs distribution of the individuals is measured. This work calculates that 18.7% of VOCs are having a match with all the individuals which become the plinth for the identification of humans.
Psychometric Comparison of the Performance of Quality of Life Assessment Instruments in Dermatology—the DLQI, Skindex-16, and Skindex-17—in a Brazilian Population.
Authors: Jorge Marilia Formentini Scotton , Mourão Ioana Bittencourt , Sousa Ticiane Dionisio , Pollo Camila Fernandes , Meneguin Silmara , Miot Hélio Amante
Published: June 2021

Background: The DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) is the most commonly used instrument for evaluating the quality of life in dermatology. Skindex was developed as a multidimensional instrument with successive versions published, the most recent being Skindex-16 and Skindex-17, both derived from Skindex-29 through different techniques. This study aimed to compare the three instruments—the DLQI, Skindex-16, and Skindex-17—according to their psychometric performance to refine the assessment of the quality of life among dermatological patients.Methods: A methodological study compared the psychometric performance of the DLQI, Skindex-16 (Sk-16), and Skindex-17 (Sk-17) instruments among adults with dermatoses that were classified according to characteristic physical symptoms and psychological or social domains. Analyses were performed to assess internal consistency, correlation, test-retest reproducibility, and responsiveness according to classical psychometry and to test discrimination and difficulty according to the item response theory.Results: The sample consisted of 229 patients predominantly women (71%) of adult age (average 45 years) and intermediate phototypes (III and IV = 73%). The analyses of internal consistency for the instruments resulted in Cronbach-α coefficients >0.80. There was adequate test-retest reproducibility and responsiveness for all dimensions of the instruments. The IRT (Iten Response Theory) analysis indicated adequate ordering and discrimination (a >1.0) for all items of the DLQI, Sk-16, and Sk-17; four items of Sk-16 did not adequately adhere to the TRI model (p <0.01 ). The items with the greatest discrimination were q3 (domestic activities) and q5 (leisure activities) in the DLQI; F2 (desire to be with people) and E6 (annoyance) in Sk-16; and S4 (irritated skin), P5 (relationship), and P6 (autonomy of tasks) in Sk-17. The Sk-16 and Sk-17 instruments presented more items that registered mild impacts on the quality of life (b <-0.5).Conclusions: The DLQI, Sk-16, and Sk-17 presented adequate psychometric performance for the assessment of health-related quality of life in a Brazilian sample. The multidimensional instruments (Sk-16 and Sk-17) were more sensitive to mild impacts on quality of life.
Follow-Up Study of Echocardiography in 38 Children With Kawasaki Disease Complicated by Heart Lesion
Authors: Liu Tingting , Hou Weina , Xu Liandi , Li Tianhua , Qiu Baihong
Published: June 2021

Background: The most common and most serious complication of Kawasaki disease (KD)is heart lesion(HL), which is the main cause of childhood acquired HL.Objective: Use echocardiography to study the HL recovery of children with KD complicated by HL, and provide an important theoretical basis for the prognosis of KD complicated by HL.Methods: Using prospective research methods, 38 children with KD complicated by HL were followed up for echocardiographic examination, and the longest examination time was one year. And carry on statistical analysis to the inspection data.Results: In 38 children with KD complicated by HL, 36 cases of coronary artery lesion (CAL), including 29 cases of coronary artery dilation(CAD), 7 cases of coronary artery stenosis(CAS), and 2 cases of simple pericardial effusion without CAL. CAL complicated with valve regurgitation in 4 cases, pericardial effusion in 3 cases, and left ventricular enlargement in 4 cases. In about 3 weeks, most of the pericardial effusion and mild CAD recovered. At 3 months, except for a few severe CAL, heart valve regurgitation and left ventricular enlargement all recovered. The recovery of moderate CAD was slow. One case still failed to return to normal after 1 year, but the coronary artery diameter gradually decreased.Conclusion: Kawasaki disease complicated by heart lesion mainly affects the coronary arteries, and the main manifestation is expansion. The more the expansion, the slower the recovery.
Correspondence of the Boston Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury-Lifetime and In-Theater Department of Defense Medical Records
Authors: Kim Sahra , Currao Alyssa , Fonda Jennifer R. , Beck Brigitta , Kenna Alexandra , Fortier Catherine B.
Published: June 2021

Background: Since 2006, efforts have been made to increase the identification of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in post-9/11 military personnel. The BAT-L is the first validated instrument to diagnose TBIs throughout the lifespan in post-9/11 Veterans. The objective is to investigate the correspondence of the Boston Assessment of TBI-Lifetime (BAT-L) diagnostic prevalence and injury severity of traumatic brain injury with in-theater medical records from Department of Defense (DoD). Methods: A convenience sample of 153 Veterans deployed in 2011 enrolled in the TRACTS longitudinal cohort study was examined. Retrospective review of DoD online medical records to determine diagnostic prevalence and injury severity for all head injury cases during deployment were compared with diagnostic prevalence and injury severity from the BAT-L clinical interview using Chi-square analyses.Results: There was moderate correspondence for TBI diagnosis between the BAT-L and DoD records (κ = 0.42). Sensitivity was 72.7% and specificity was 82.8%. Comparison of injury severity also had moderate correspondence (κ = 0.41). Missing TBI diagnostic data from DoD records was frequent; 43% percent of TBIs reported on the BAT-L did not have any documentation of mTBI assessment or diagnosis in DoD records while 83% did not have in-theater documentation.Conclusions: Diagnosis of TBI via the BAT-L retrospective interview was both sensitive and specific when compared to DoD medical records. However, diagnostic correspondence was only moderate. This lack of diagnostic agreement was related to multiple factors including lack of documentation of injury, differences in assessment tools and goals, and other combat-related motivational factors associated with failure to report injuries while deployed. Several policies were implemented to address underreporting and under-documentation of TBI, yet challenges remain. Findings suggest changes at both individual-level (e.g. service members) and system-level (e.g. DoD/military branches) are needed to adequately diagnose and document all TBI during deployment.
The Impact Factor of Colon Polyp
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Wang Guangming
Published: June 2021

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and colonic polyp.Methods: The clinical data of 850 patients who underwent both colonoscopy and Helicobacter pylori check were collected in our hospital from January 2018 year to January 2019 year. Patients were divided into polyp group and control group. To analyze the helicobacter pylori infection of two groups, and the relationship among helicobacter pylori infection, eradication treatment and recurrence of colonic polyp. Further to analyze the impact factor of the recurrence of colonic polyp.Results: There were no significant difference in sex and age aspects of two groups. Through SPSS software analysis, the infection rate of helicobater pylori was higher in polyp group than in control group. The recurrence rate of helicobacter pylori positive patients were more higher than helicobacter pylori negative patients. The recurrence rate of helicobacter pylori eradication group was lower than helicobacter pylori no eradication group. the impact factor of the recurrence of colonic polyp include helicobacter pylori infection, pathological type of polyp and the number of polyps.Conclusion: The helicobacter pylori infection rate of colonic polyp group were more higher. The impact factor of colonic polyp recurrence include helicobacter pylori infection, pathological types of polyp and polyp number.
An Unusual Breast Mass in a 13-year-old Girl: a Case Report
Authors: Long Tianzhu , Yao Yuzhi , Shi Quan , Cai Yuanxuan , Li Quan , Fu Benjie , Ma Hongmin
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn puberty breast intraductal papilloma was rare, but the pathological changes of intraductal papilloma combined with intraductal fibroadenoma in the duct lumen were even less reported. Herein we reported a case of adolescent benign breast disease that contained the two features of neoplasm in the same duct and discussed its clinical course.Case presentationA 13-year-old adolescent female presented to our hospital with spontaneous bloody discharge of the left nipple. On clinical examination, a 2.5cmx1.5cm mass could be palpable under the left nipple, and a single-hole bloody discharge could be seen by squeezing the mass. Surgical resection of the mass and part of the breast duct was confirmed by postoperative pathology as intraductal papilloma and intracanalicular type fibroadenoma, with cystic changes of ductal epithelium hyperplasia. After 15 months of follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence.ConclusionsIntraductal fibroadenomatosis may be a new pathological subtype in which multiple histologic characteristics can be seen in the same duct. Surgical resection is the only effective treatment. Its etiology is still unknown, and it remains to be accumulated more cases for further exploration.
The Insurance Coverage Paradox- Characterizing Outcomes Among Dual-Eligible Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients
Authors: Pierre-Louis Youry S , Perla Krissia M. Rivera , Perez Giancarlo Medina , Jean-Charles Skenda , Tang Oliver Y. , Nwaiwu Chibueze A. , Weil Robert J. , Shah Nish , Heffernan Daithi S. , Moreira Carla C
Published: June 2021

Background: Socioeconomic factors, such as insurance status, have been shown to affect outcomes following emergency injuries. Dual-eligible beneficiaries, receiving both Medicare and Medicaid, constitute a vulnerable population. There is a lack of data on the impact of dual-eligible status on hemorrhagic stroke outcomes. The aim of our study was to compare hemorrhagic stroke outcomes among dual-eligible patients compared to Medicare, Medicaid, privately insured, and no charge (free or charity) patients.Study Design: We conducted a 10-year span retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample. Adult patients who were emergently hospitalized for intracranial hemorrhage were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. Primary clinical outcomes of interest included mortality (in-hospital), complications (any), and favorable discharge (home/home with services).Results: A total of 410,621 patients met inclusion of which 6.8% were dual-eligible. Dual-eligibles had higher odds of in-hospital mortality compared to no-charge (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.61, 95% CI= [1.04 – 2.49]) and increased odds of complications compared to Medicaid (aOR=1.23 [1.11 – 1.37]) and privately insured patients (aOR=1.19 [1.11 – 1.28]), both p<0.001. Dual-eligibles had lower odds of favorable discharge compared to all other groups (all p<0.001), and underwent shorter lengths of stay, an 18% decrease, compared to Medicaid patients (p<0.001). Inflation adjusted admission costs among dual-eligibles were 24% lower compared to Medicaid patients (p<0.001), amounting to a $3,684 decrease in cost.Conclusions: Dual-eligible beneficiaries experience unique health disparities from lower odds of favorable discharge to increased odds of complications and in-hospital mortality compared to other insured and uninsured groups. There is a need to uncover and address unknown sources of disparities to improve emergency treatment of hemorrhagic stroke among dual-eligibles.
Quality of Life in Women with Urinary Incontinence Seeking Care Using E-Health
Authors: Åström Ylva , Asklund Ina , Lindam Anna , Sjöström Malin
Published: June 2021

Background Quality of life (QoL) in women with urinary incontinence (UI) is mainly affected by severity of UI, but also by, for example, UI subtype, comorbidity, age, and socioeconomic status. Using e-health to provide treatment for UI is a new method. In this study we investigate what factors have the highest impact on QoL in women who turned to e-health for self-management of UI. Methods Baseline data from three randomized controlled trials (RCT) for evaluating e-health treatments for UI were used, including 373 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and 123 women with urgency/mixed UI (UUI/MUI). All participants were recruited online, with no face-to-face contact. We used the questionnaires International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) to measure UI severity, and ICIQ Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life (ICIQ-LUTSqol) to measure condition-specific QoL. To evaluate factors impacting on QoL, a linear regression model was used. Results The mean ICIQ-LUTSqol score was 34.9 (SD 7.6). The ICIQ-UI SF score (0-21) affected the ICIQ-LUTSqol (19-76), with an adjusted mean increase of 1.5 for each 1.0 increase in the overall ICIQ-UI SF score (p <0.001). UUI/MUI gave an adjusted mean increase of 2.5 in ICIQ-LUTSqol score compared with SUI (p <0.001). Conclusion As in women seeking other methods of care for UI, a decreased QoL was found in those who turned to e-health for self-management of UI. The impact of condition-specific factors on their QoL was slightly lower than that of women with UI who sought help in ordinary care, suggesting that e-health might reach a new group of women in need of treatment. Severity of the leakage had greater impact on QoL than type of UI.
Does Environment has any role in recovery from COVID-19 pandemic? A case study from India.
Authors: Gupta Amitesh , Saha Labani
Published: June 2021

The present study has investigated the role of meteorology and air quality for recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Using Pearson’s correlation method, we look into if there is any significant association occurs between the district level recovery case counts and different remote sensing based environmental variables. Among weather parameters, only precipitation and air temperature found to be significantly correlated with recovery situation. However, all the pollutants’ concentration was negatively correlated with count of recovery cases. It depicts that air quality might has greater importance in recovery from this disease. During late monsoon onwards, recovery rate was getting more than the infections which indicate that lesser temperature and good rainfall could help the air to be freshen. Through air pollution was greater during winter and post monsoon than the summer season in India the higher recovery rate was counted during post-monsoon and winter which suggest that patients may require lesser temperate ambient for better recovery. Spatial patterns also suggest that north-eastern hilly region followed by districts located in the northern mountain had better recovery where the pollutants’ concentration was also quite lower during the study period. Therefore, improving air quality with proper preventive precaution could help to combat the pandemic situation in India.
The role of personified sources in the construction of COVID-19 information for media consumers
Authors: Yaremenko Vadym , Diedova Anastasiia , Zubar Diana
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the peculiarities of the representation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Ukrainian online media. In particular, these are the ways of presenting the topic of coronavirus on the main pages of the sites of the leading Ukrainian Internet media and the style of the titles of publications on this topic. It was found that the topic of COVID-19 is a priority for Ukrainian online media, as evidenced by various ways to draw attention to this topic on the main pages of Ukrainian online media sites. In particular, this is the introduction of the relevant sections, subsections and headings. Particular attention is paid to the presence of elements of the so-called «sports» style in the titles of publications. In particular, these are the words «record» and «anti-record».
Semiotika untuk Memahami Makna Arsitektur Ragam Hias
Authors: Sunarti Sri
Published: June 2021

Title: Semiotics to Comprehend The Change in The Meaning of An Ornament
 
Semiotics is the science of a sign that consists of the structure of the signifier and the signified.  As a medium of communication, a sign serves as a stand of something else or represents an expression message from the maker or owner to another party (interpretant) to be able to read.  (Peirce, 1986 as cited in Chandler, 2007).  Ornamental architecture is a work of art as a sign that is a medium of communication to viewers or related parties, which contains meaning that is not yet known or understood.  The unknown meaning is caused by several types (1. decoration of new creations; 2. historical breakdown; 3. transfer of context; 4. correction of meaning due to discrepancies).  Given that ornamental architecture is a sign of a grammatical "text", it is possible to interpret it using the same scientific approach of signs. Presumably, semiotics is deemed appropriate even though the results of the interpretation are not absolute. The accuracy and experience (object, location, specific time) of the sign interpretant greatly determine the result of the meaning of the sign, besides the influence of the possible socio-cultural, economic, political, religious, technological background factors, typical forms, masses and evaluators.  The success in interpreting the sign proportionally becomes a reference in behaving or acting or placing ornamental architecture more proportionally.  This is where the role of semiotics is very helpful in interpreting the sign of ornamental architecture as a basis for further action. Therefore, all things around that are signs related to our lives can always be treated appropriately.
Self-efficacy and social adjustment as predictors of achievement motivation among bank employees
Authors: Philip Adekanmbi Foluso , Ukpere Wilfred
Published: June 2021

Despite the surge of studies on employee achievement motivation, there is little research that looks at the combination of self-efficacy and social adjustment as predictors of achievement motivation in Nigeria. Hence, this paper examines the influence of self-efficacy and social adjustment on achievement motivation in Nigeria’s banking industry. The study’s sample was drawn from six banks (Guarantee Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, United Bank for Africa, Ecobank, First City Monument Bank, and Access Bank) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Also, it assumes a quantitative research approach. In this study, questionnaires were distributed randomly, and out of 200 questionnaires, 149 were suitable for analysis. Hence, the analysis was completed using the SPSS version 26. The results of this paper reveal that self-efficacy provided about 22% of influence and social adjustment about 82% of the influence on variance in achievement motivation among bank employees. Further results showed that gender, marital status, educational qualification and work experience have a significant and independent influence on achievement motivation among bank employees. The findings denote that increased levels of self-efficacy and social adjustment significantly predict achievement motivation. Therefore, human resource managers in Nigeria’s banking industry should always consider the psychosocial factors of employees, which will help management to know the practical measures and motivating conditions that are useful for enhancing achievement motivation. Also, banking industry managers should train employees in social adjustment skills that will help them managing their life achievements.
AcknowledgmentThe Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, under Professor Wilfred Ukpere is acknowledged, in funding this study and its publication.
Benzer Geometrik Şemaya Sahip Mukarnas Tasarımlarının Karşılaştırmalı Analizi
Authors: Dinçer Sevde Gülizar
Published: June 2021

İslam mimarisinde bin yılı aşkın süredir kullanılan mukarnas bezemenin farklı dönem ve bölgelerde çeşitli tasarım ve uygulama metotlarının bulunduğu bilinmektedir. Anadolu’da bulunan mukarnaslı portaller ele alındığında ise benzer sistemler ile yapılan her bir mukarnas örtüsünün diğerinden farklı olduğu dikkat çekmektedir. Araştırma kapsamında incelenen örneklerin izdüşüm planları detaylı incelendiğinde, planı oluşturan geometrik şemanın benzer olduğu fakat taşa aktarım sürecinde farklı tasarımlara dönüştüğü gözlenmiştir. Tasarım sürecine benzer geometrik şema ile başlayan bu örnekler arasındaki farklılıklar tarihsel, biçimsel uygulanma yöntemi ve kullanılan malzeme bakımından ele alınarak irdelenmiştir.
Yansıtıcı Yüzey Olarak Aynanın Üç Boyutlu Sanat Yapıtında Kullanımı
Authors: Sözeri Meliha
Published: June 2021

Bu yazıda yansıtıcı yüzeyin üç boyutlu sanat yapıtlarında kullanımına, heykel ve üç boyutlu sanat çalışmalarında çağdaş sanatın olanakları içerisinde nasıl kullanıldığının çoğulcu yaklaşım dili üzerinde çalışılmıştır. Bu bağlamda resim alanında yer alan, aynanın bir yansıtıcı yüzey olarak nasıl ve hangi bağlamda kullanıldığından sanat tarihi içerisinde yer alan örneklerden yararlanılmıştır. Sanat yapıtında algı; perspektif; ayna; yansıtıcı yüzey, yanılsama ve gerçeklik; manzara-mekan başlıkları altında ele alınan bu yazıda farklı dönemlere ait sanat yapıtlarına yer verilerek daha çok 20. Yüzyıl ve 21. Yüzyılın çalışmalarına odaklanılmıştır. Yansıtıcı yüzeyin kullanıldığı formların disiplinlerarası sanat yaklaşımının düşünce ve üretim mekanizmalarının kullandığının bir göstergesi olarak seçilmiş olan çalışmalar üzerinden bağlamında değerlendirmeler bu yazının konusunu oluşturmaktadır. Sonuçta; yansıtıcı yüzey olarak aynanın kullanılması sanat yapıtına izleyici ve bakış ilişkisi ile izleyiciyi yerinden ederek yeni perspektifler açar.
Comparison of flow turbulence over a sand bed and gravel bed channel
Authors: Sharma Anurag , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: June 2021

Experiments were performed to examine the variations in flow turbulence with respect to sand and gravel bed channel. The 3D instantaneous velocity of water is measured by acoustic doppler velocimeter (ADV) at the test section, which will provide an important data related to the flow turbulence. The parameters of turbulence measured that the vertical profiles of longitudinal velocity in flows with a sand bed channel at the vicinity of the bed surface are higher by 2–6% than flow subjected to gravel bed channel, while away from the boundary surface, it decreases by 5–10%. The variations of Reynolds shear stress increase by 35–50% with gravel bed channel, indicating higher exchange of flow energy towards the boundary and vice versa. The higher value is obtained for shear velocities by 58.5% and the von Karman's constant with gravel bed channel. The gravel bed channel influenced the turbulence intensities with higher magnitude in the streamwise and vertical direction. The present study also analysed the flow anisotropy, correlations coefficient and turbulence diffusivity and compared the results. The outcomes of the current work are beneficial for civil and hydraulic engineers, since the data of turbulence will advance the management of bed materials present in the river.
Kinetics, degradation mechanisms and antibiotic activity reduction of chloramphenicol in aqueous solution by UV/H2O2 process
Authors: Giri Ardhendu Sekhar , Golder Animes Kumar , Chakma Sankar
Published: June 2021

In this study, the aim was to explore the effectiveness of the UV/H2O2 photolysis (UVP) process in terms of antimicrobial activity reduction and increasing the mean oxidation number of carbon (MONC) under the degradation of chloramphenicol (CHPL) drug. CHPL degradation kinetics and the effects of foreign anions on CHPL degradation were explored in this study. The order of the inhibition effect was found as Cl− > NO3− > HCO3− due to their different in HO• radical scavenging capacity. A pseudo-first-order model for CHPL degradation was well established, and the rate constant (kobs) was 2.93 × 10−2 min−1 (R2 = 0.98) in UVP. Thirteen intermediate products were detected in MS-chromatogram and were identified through different proposed degradation pathways. The cleavage of the amide side chain in CHPL was more effective in CHPL degradation due to an electrophilic attacks by HO. radicals on it. The inactivation rates of E. coli were decreased due to the reduction of -NO2 group into -NH2 functional group in CHPL that leads to the production of low toxic compounds on CHPL degradation.