bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living in and out of time: Youth-led activism in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Nairn Karen , Kidman Joanna , Matthews Kyle R , Showden Carisa R , Parker Amee
Published: January 2021

Addressing past and present injustices in order to create more just futures is the central premise of most social movements. How activists conceptualise and relate to time affects 1 how they articulate their vision, the actions they take and how they imagine intergenerational justice. Two social movements for change are emblematic of different relationships with time: the struggle to resolve and repair past injustices against Indigenous peoples and the struggle to avert environmental disaster, which haunt the future of the planet. We report ethnographic research (interviews and participant observation) with young activists in these two social movements in New Zealand: Protect Ihumātao seeks to protect Indigenous land from a housing development, and Generation Zero is lobbying for a zero-carbon future. We argue that analysing activists’ articulations and sensations of time is fundamental to understanding the ways they see themselves in relation to other generations, their ethical imperatives for action and beliefs about how best to achieve social change. Protect Ihumātao participants spoke of time as though past, present and future were intertwined and attributed their responsibility to protect the land to past and future generations. Generation Zero participants spoke of time as a linear trajectory to a climate-altered future, often laying blame for the current crises on previous generations and attributing the responsibility for averting the crisis to younger generations. How activists conceptualise time and generational relations therefore has consequences for the attribution of responsibility for creating social change. Understanding and learning about temporal diversity across social movements is instructive for expanding our thinking about intergenerational responsibility which might inform ways of living more respectfully with the planet.
Reconceptualizing Leadership From a Neurodiverse Perspective
Authors: Roberson Quinetta , Quigley Narda R. , Vickers Kamil , Bruck Isabella
Published: January 2021

While scholarship has increased on the topic of neurodiversity in organizations, which refers to individuals with pervasive developmental disorders in the workforce, leadership theory and research has not yet integrated this perspective. Consistent with conventional conceptualizations of disability as an impairment, the few relevant leadership studies tend to approach these differences as special cases, rather than as a population to which theory may be generalized. As a result, management scholars have yet to develop theories and models that are inclusive of neurodiversity. Using the critical disability theory as a lens for reframing assumptions about leadership behavior as described in existing theory and research, we postulate that neurodiversity may serve as a cognitive strength from which leadership derives. We offer a conceptual model that articulates how cognitive characteristics associated with neurodiversity may lead to task-based leadership behavior, and we trace the influence of such behaviors on leader and follower outcomes. The model also includes enabling conditions that may positively influence the emergence and recognition of neurodiverse individuals as leaders. We conclude by proposing directions for future research to better integrate the neurodiversity and leadership literatures and reflecting on the associated practical implications.
Chief Executive Officer Dismissal: A Multidisciplinary Integration and Critical Analysis
Authors: Berns John P. , Gupta Vishal K. , Schnatterly Karen A. , Steele Clarissa R.
Published: January 2021

Dismissal (or involuntary exit) of the chief executive officer (CEO) is a significant milestone with substantial implications for organizations and their members. The growing occurrence of CEO dismissals, and increased academic interest in this area, motivates our comprehensive multidisciplinary synthesis of the extant literature. Our analysis is organized around understanding the antecedents and outcomes of CEO dismissal, and the relevant moderators that play a contingent role in the nomological network. Based on our synthesis of the extant cross-disciplinary literature, we offer a multilevel organizing framework articulating the current state of research on CEO dismissal. In doing so, we catalog and analyze the concepts, theories, and constructs prevalent in the CEO dismissal literature. We also offer an in-depth discussion for the field going forward and identify a constructive agenda for future research on CEO dismissal.
Optimization of multicomponent signals entered to the system using estimation of instantaneous frequency
Authors: Daneshvar Milad , Salehi Pouria
Published: January 2021

The frequency signal displays are not efficient for analyzing nonstationary signals because of their inability to represent frequency changes over time. In fact, because most of the signals are real, nonstationary, and time varying, analyzing the signals in the time–frequency domain to estimate the instantaneous frequency of a signal is inevitable. The methods of estimating the instantaneous frequency of the multicomponent signals are divided into three groups, which include the methods using signal phase derivatives that are sensitive to noise, methods that calculate the number of zero points of the signal and consider the signal frequency equal to half the frequency of the zero points and are suitable for signals that can be imagined as stationary, and methods based on time–frequency distributions and distributions such as Wigner for instantaneous frequency calculations and more for instantaneous frequency calculations on nonstationary noise signals that exhibit varied time–frequency distributions. In this article, a new hybrid algorithm is used to evaluate different distribution criteria and comparing their performance in investigating one or more features of time–frequency distributions, such as resolution and energy concentration.
Uniformly ultimately bounded tracking control of sandwich systems with nonsymmetric sandwiched dead-zone nonlinearity and input saturation constraint
Authors: Azhdari Meysam , Binazadeh Tahereh
Published: January 2021

This article studies the uniformly ultimately bounded output tracking problem of uncertain nonlinear sandwich systems with sandwiched dead-zone nonlinearity in the presence of some practical constraints such as nonsymmetric input saturation, model uncertainties, time-varying external disturbances, and unknown parameters. Due to the existence of both dead-zone and saturation nonlinearities, the design process is more complicated; therefore, to solve the design complexities, the designing process is divided into two phases. The proposed method leads to output tracking with acceptable accuracy. Moreover, all signals in the closed-loop system are ultimately bounded. Simulation results illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method by its application on two practical sandwich systems (robotic system and electrohydraulic servo press system).
A feedback controller for milling chatter vibration control using a new response matrix
Authors: Muhammad Bashir B , Bashir Muhammad , Hamza Mukhtar F , Abdulhadi Mustapha , Shehu Muhammad A , Debnath Sanjoy K , Bagchi Susama
Published: January 2021

A chatter mark is a result of irregular vibration that affects the milling process, which results in poor surface finish, reduced work quality, machine impairment, and high production cost. This work presents an active feedback controller design using a new response matrix to suppress the free vibration in the milling process. The proposed controller considers feed rate, tooth passing frequency, and time-varying dynamic milling force coefficients. A milling experiment verifies the effect of the proposed method. The method provides a reliable way of tackling chatter vibration in an industrial process. The procedure is technically and economically beneficial.
Giant haemorrhagic hepatic cyst with flame-like morphology in a patient with polycystic kidney and liver disease
Authors: Brusic Ana , Oo June , Stella Damien L , Simkin Paul M , Loveday Benjamin PT
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Intracystic haemorrhage is a rare complication of hepatic cysts, and is often mistaken for a malignant lesion.

Case Report

A 55-year-old female with a history of polycystic kidney and liver disease presented with a six-month history of abdominal distension, abdominal pain, early satiety, shortness of breath and 5 kg of weight loss. Imaging revealed a 20 cm mixed solid-cystic hepatic lesion containing peripheral avascular mobile echogenic material with a flame-like morphology. After experiencing symptomatic relief from ultrasound-guided aspiration, the patient underwent cyst fenestration for more definitive treatment.

Discussion

Haemorrhagic hepatic cysts are uncommon and may present on imaging as having lace-like retractile clot, internal layering or shading of separating blood products or avascular mobile flame-like excrescences. The presence of avascular mobile flame-like excrescences appears to be a unique feature of haemorrhagic hepatic cysts.

Conclusion

While haemorrhagic hepatic cysts are rare and commonly mistaken for biliary cystadenomas or adenocarcinomas, the identification of particular features on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound can lead to the correct diagnosis.
Hemodilution is associated with underestimation of serum creatinine in cardiac surgery patients: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Jin Jifu , Xu Jiarui , Xu Sujuan , Hu Jiachang , Jiang Wuhua , Shen Bo , Wang Chunsheng , Teng Jie , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2021

Background

Fluid overload is related to the development and prognosis of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). The study is to investigate the influence of serum creatinine (SCr) corrected by fluid balance on the prognosis of patients with cardiac surgery.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 1334 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery from January 1 to December 31, 2015. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria for AKI were applied to identify CSA-AKI. SCr was measured every 24 h during ICU period and was accordingly adjusted for cumulative fluid balance. Changes in SCr, defined as ∆Crea, were determined by difference between before and after adjustment for cumulative fluid balance. All patients were then divided into three groups: underestimation group (∆Crea ≥ P75), normal group (P25 < ∆Crea < P75) and overestimation group (∆Crea ≤ P25).

Results

The incidence of AKI increased from 29.5% to 31.8% after adjustment for fluid balance. Patients in underestimation group showed prolonged length of ICU stay compared with normal group and overestimation group (3.2 [1.0–4.0] vs 2.1 [1.0–3.0] d,P < 0.001; 3.2  [1.0–4.0] vs 2.3 [1.0–3.0] d,P < 0.001). Length of hospital stay and mechanical ventilation dependent days in underestimation group were significantly longer than normal group (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed age, baseline SCr and left ventricular ejection fraction were independently associated with underestimation of creatinine.

Conclusions

Cumulative fluid balance after cardiac surgery disturbs accurate measurement of serum creatinine. Patients with underestimation of SCr were associated with poor prognosis.
Factors associated with improved walking in older people during hospital rehabilitation: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Said Catherine M , McGinley Jennifer L , Szoeke Cassandra , Workman Barbara , Hill Keith D. , Wittwer Joanne E , Woodward Michael , Liew Danny , Churilov Leonid , Bernhardt Julie , Morris Meg E
Published: January 2021

Background

Older people are often admitted for rehabilitation to improve walking, yet not everyone improves. The aim of this study was to determine key factors associated with a positive response to hospital-based rehabilitation in older people.

Methods

This was a secondary data analysis from a multisite randomized controlled trial. Older people (n= 198, median age 80.9 years, IQR 76.6- 87.2) who were admitted to geriatric rehabilitation wards with a goal to improve walking were recruited. Participants were randomized to receive additional daily physical therapy focused on mobility (n = 99), or additional social activities (n = 99). Self-selected gait speed was measured on admission and discharge. Four participants withdrew. People who changed gait speed ≥0.1 m/s were classified as ‘responders’ (n = 130); those that changed <0.1m/s were classified as ‘non-responders’ (n = 64). Multivariable logistic regression explored the association of six pre-selected participant factors (age, baseline ambulation status, frailty, co-morbidities, cognition, depression) and two therapy factors (daily supervised upright activity time, rehabilitation days) and response.

Results

Responding to rehabilitation was associated with the number of days in rehabilitation (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08; p = .039) and higher Mini Mental State Examination scores (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00 – 1.14; p = .048). No other factors were found to have association with responding to rehabilitation.

Conclusion

In older people with complex health problems or multi-morbidities, better cognition and a longer stay in rehabilitation were associated with a positive improvement in walking speed. Further research to explore who best responds to hospital-based rehabilitation and what interventions improve rehabilitation outcomes is warranted.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000884707; ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT01910740.
Life after falls prevention exercise – experiences of older people taking part in a clinical trial: a phenomenological study
Authors: Finnegan Susanne , Bruce Julie , Seers Kate
Published: January 2021

Background

There is little evidence about the lived experience of older people who have completed a falls prevention exercise programme and their life beyond their intervention.

Method

A phenomenological interview study with 23 participants (12 females), mean age 81 years (range 74–93 years), residing in their own homes across England, who had participated in a falls prevention exercise intervention within the Prevention of Falls Injury Trial (PreFIT). The aims were to explore their experiences of:

being in a clinical trial involving exercise.

exercise once their falls prevention intervention had finished.

Interpretative data analysis was informed by van Manen’s (1997) framework for phenomenological data.

Results

Analysis of interviews about experiences of participating in PreFIT and what happened once the falls intervention ended identified five themes: Happy to help; Exercise behaviours; “It keeps me going”; “It wasn’t a real fall”; and Loss. Participants did not continue their specific exercises after they had completed the intervention. They preferred walking as their main exercise, and none reported preventing falls as a motivator to continue exercising. Participant experiences suggest that they have their own ideas about what constitutes a fall and there is disparity between their interpretation and the definition used by healthcare professionals and researchers.

Conclusion

Despite good intentions and perceived benefits, on-going participation in falls prevention exercises beyond a structured, supervised intervention was not a priority for these older people. Promoting continuation of falls prevention exercises post-intervention is just as challenging as promoting uptake to and adherence during exercise programmes.
Post-transplant manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Zawiasa-Bryszewska Anna , Brzezińska Olga , Kurnatowska Ilona , Makowska Joanna
Published: January 2021

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an insidiously progressive and debilitating form of arthritis involving the axial skeleton, characterized by chronic back pain and progressive spinal stiffness, and lessening of pain and stiffness with exercise. Due to subsequent manifestation in different organs, AS causes reduction in life expectancy, so early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance. No AS cases have been reported in solid-organ transplant recipients yet.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease due to chronic glomerulonephritis, after allogenic kidney transplantation 25 years earlier, with stable, good graft function, treated with chronic immunosuppressive therapy based on cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone, with no previous history of a connective tissue disease presented fever up to 39 °C accompanied by pain localized in sacroiliac region radiating to the left lower limb. Detailed diagnostic procedures and x-rays of the lumbar spine and of the targeted sacroiliac joints revealed lesions characteristic of AS. Sulphasalazine was added to standard immunosuppression regimen with good clinical results.

Conclusions

We report an adult kidney transplant recipient with a new onset of AS. The risk of relapse or new onset of inflammatory disease in transplant recipients is extremely low due to immunosuppressive therapy following transplantation. However, when it occurs, the clinical presentation is commonly atypical, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
Enhancing disease awareness for tuberous sclerosis complex in patients with radiologic diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma: an observational study
Authors: Bausch Kathrin , Wetterauer Christian , Diethelm Julian , Ebbing Jan , Boll Daniel T. , Dill Patricia , Rentsch Cyrill A. , Seifert Hans-H.
Published: January 2021

Background

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder, with renal manifestations like angiomyolipoma (AML) occurring in 70–80% of patients. AML usually cause more complications in TCS patients than in non-TSC patients. However, AML patients are not routinely investigated for TSC. Our aim was to retrospectively assess the correlation between radiologically diagnosed AML and TSC.

Methods

All patients were stratified into AML related vs. unrelated to TSC. Correlations were calculated to determine the association between age, AML, and TSC.

Results

Complete data were available for 521 patients with renal AML, in 7 of which the concurrent diagnosis of TSC was found. Younger age significantly positively correlated with the prevalence of TSC in AML patients (p <  0.01). 37 (7%) of the 521 patients were within the age-range of 18–40 years, in which TSC occurred in 6 cases, 4 (66.7%) of which presented with multiple, bilateral renal AML (p <  0.05), and 2 (33.3%) of which with a single, unilateral AML (p <  0.05). In patients with AML but without TSC, unilateral AML was found in 83.9% and bilateral AML in 16.1% (p <  0.05). Simple binary logistic regression analysis revealed bilateral AML (OR 33.0; 95% CI 3.2–344.0; p = 0.003) (but not unilateral AML (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.01–0.88; p = 0.04)) to be a risk factor for TSC.

Conclusions

The presence of bilateral AML in patients within the age-range of 18–40 years should raise suspicion for TSC as the underlying cause. Therefore, our advice is to refer patients with multiple bilateral renal AML for further investigations regarding TSC.
Analgesic purchases among older adults – a population-based study
Authors: Marttinen Maiju K. , Kautiainen Hannu , Haanpää Maija , Pohjankoski Heini , Hintikka Jukka , Kauppi Markku J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Pain is a frequent and inevitable factor affecting the quality of life among older people. Several studies have highlighted the ineffectiveness of treating chronic pain among the aged population, and little is known about the prevalence of analgesics administration among community-dwelling older adults. The objective was to examine older adults’ prescription analgesic purchases in relation to SF-36 pain in a population-based setting.

Methods

One thousand four hundred twenty community-dwelling citizens aged 62–86 years self-reported SF-36 bodily pain (pain intensity and pain-related interference) scores for the previous 4 weeks. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland register data on analgesic purchases for 6 months prior to and 6 months after the questionnaire data collection were considered. Special interest was focused on factors related to opioid purchases.

Results

Of all participants, 84% had purchased prescription analgesics during 1 year. NSAIDs were most frequently purchased (77%), while 41% had purchased paracetamol, 32% opioids, 17% gabapentinoids, and 7% tricyclic antidepressants. Age made no marked difference in purchasing prevalence. The number of morbidities was independently associated with analgesic purchases in all subjects and metabolic syndrome also with opioid purchases in subjects who had not reported any pain.

Discussion

Substantial NSAID and opioid purchases emerged. The importance of proper pain assessment and individual deliberation in terms of analgesic contraindications and pain quality, as well as non-pharmacological pain management, need to be highlighted in order to optimize older adults’ pain management.
Effects of tourniquet use on clinical outcomes and cement penetration in TKA when tranexamic acid administrated: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yi Zeng , Yan Li , Haibo Si , Yuangang Wu , Mingyang Li , Yuan Liu , Bin Shen
Published: January 2021

Background

The role of a tourniquet is still controversial for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our current study was performed to determine whether the nonuse of the tourniquet combine with tranexamic acid (TXA) application in TKA patients with end-stage osteoarthritis would accelerate the perioperative recovery rate and provide enough cement mantle thickness for implant fixation.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 150 end-stage knee osteoarthritis patients receiving TKA were divided into three groups: group A (tourniquet group), group B (non-tourniquet group), and group C (tourniquet in cementation group). All enrolled patients received 3 g of intravenous TXA and 1 g topical TXA. The primary outcomes included blood loss variables and transfusion values. The secondary outcomes included VAS pain score, inflammatory factors level, range of motion, HSS score, postoperative hospital stay, and complication. Furthermore, by using a digital linear tomosynthesis technique, tibial baseplate bone cement mantle thickness was measured in four zones based on the knee society scoring system.

Results

No significant difference was found among the three groups with regards to total blood loss, transfusion, and complication. However, patients in group B showed lower inflammatory factors levels, shorter length of hospital stay, better range of motion, and lower postoperative pain. No significant difference was found among the three groups in four zones in terms of bone cement mantle thickness.

Conclusions

For end-stage knee osteoarthritis patients, the absence of tourniquet did not appear to affect blood loss and cement penetration in TKA patients. Furthermore, less inflammation reaction and better knee function can be achieved without a tourniquet. We recommend no longer use a tourniquet in primary TKA for patients with end-stage osteoarthritis when TXA is administrated.

Trial registration

ChiCTR-INR-16009026.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic Level I.
Long term disease burden post-transplantation: three decades of observations in 25 Hurler patients successfully treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
Authors: Guffon N. , Pettazzoni M. , Pangaud N. , Garin C. , Lina-Granade G. , Plault C. , Mottolese C. , Froissart R. , Fouilhoux A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I-Hurler syndrome (MPSI-H) is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by severe physical symptoms and cognitive decline. Early treatment with hematopoietic cell transplant (HSCT) is critical to the survival of these patients. While survival rates and short-term outcomes are known to be improved by HSCT, the long-term cognitive, adaptive and psychosocial functional outcomes of children with (MPSI-H) post-HSCT are not well documented. This manuscript focuses on retrospective long-term follow-up (7–33 years) of 25 MPSI-H patients, transplanted between 1986 and 2011.

Results

The median age at transplantation was 21 months (range 12–57 months). Except for one death, all successfully transplanted MPSI-H patients surviving at least 1 year after HSCT are alive to-date, with a median age of 21 years (range 8–36 years) at the last follow-up evaluation. A majority of HSCT grafts were bone marrow transplants (BMT), resulting in durable full chimerism in 18 (72%). Pre-HSCT, the onset of first symptoms occurred very early, at a median age of 3 months (range birth-16 months). The most prevalent symptoms before MPSI-H diagnosis involved progressive dysostosis multiplex; almost all patients suffered from hip dysplasia and thoracolumbar spine Kyphosis. Despite HSCT, considerable residual disease burden and ensuing corrective surgical interventions were observed in all, and at every decade of follow-up post HSCT. Late-onset psychiatric manifestations were significant (n = 17 patients; 68%), including depression in 13 patients at a median onset age of 18 years (range 13–31 years), hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (n = 4), and multiple acute psychotic episodes (APE), independent of depression observed (n = 3) at a median onset age of 18 years (range 17–31 years). The adult Welscher Intelligence Scale results (n = 16) were heterogenous across the four scale dimensions; overall lower scores were observed on both working memory index (median WMI = 69.5) and processing speed index (median PSI = 65), whereas verbal comprehension index (median VCI = 79) and perceptual reasoning index (median PRI = 74) were higher.

Conclusion

With advanced treatment options, MPSI-H are living into 3rd and 4th decades of life, however not disease free and with poor adaptation. Residual disease (loss of mobility, limited gross and fine motor skills; low cognitive ability; suboptimal cardiopulmonary function, vision and hearing) negatively impacts the quality of life and psychosocial functioning of affected individuals.
Clusterin secreted from astrocyte promotes excitatory synaptic transmission and ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology
Authors: Chen Fading , Swartzlander Dan B. , Ghosh Anamitra , Fryer John D. , Wang Baiping , Zheng Hui
Published: January 2021

Background

Genome-wide association studies have established clusterin (CLU) as a genetic modifier for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Both protective and risk alleles have been identified which may be associated with its expression levels. However, the physiological function of clusterin in the central nervous system remains largely unknown.

Methods

We examined Clu expression in mouse brains by immunohistochemistry and high-resolution imaging. We performed electrophysiological recordings and morphological analysis of dendritic spines in wild-type and Clu knockout mice. We tested synaptic function of astrocytic Clu using neuron-glia co-cultures and by AAV-mediated astroglial Clu expression in vivo. Finally, we investigated the role of astrocytic Clu on synaptic properties and amyloid pathology in 5xFAD transgenic mouse model of AD.

Results

We show that astrocyte secreted Clu co-localizes with presynaptic puncta of excitatory neurons. Loss of Clu led to impaired presynaptic function and reduced spine density in vivo. Neurons co-cultured with Clu-overexpressing astrocytes or treated with conditioned media from HEK293 cells transfected with Clu displayed enhanced excitatory neurotransmission. AAV-mediated astroglial Clu expression promoted excitatory neurotransmission in wild-type mice and rescued synaptic deficits in Clu knockout mice. Overexpression of Clu in the astrocytes of 5xFAD mice led to reduced Aβ pathology and fully rescued the synaptic deficits.

Conclusion

We identify Clu as an astrocyte-derived synaptogenic and anti-amyloid factor; the combination of these activities may influence the progression of late-onset AD.
Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the contralateral non-tumor-bearing breast assessed by diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Altoe Mirella L. , Kalinsky Kevin , Marone Alessandro , Kim Hyun K. , Guo Hua , Hibshoosh Hanina , Tejada Mariella , Crew Katherine D. , Accordino Melissa K. , Trivedi Meghna S. , Hershman Dawn L. , Hielscher Andreas H.
Published: January 2021

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the changes in optically derived parameters acquired with a diffuse optical tomography breast imager system (DOTBIS) in the contralateral non-tumor-bearing breast in patients administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer are associated with pathologic complete response (pCR).

Methods

In this retrospective evaluation of 105 patients with stage II–III breast cancer, oxy-hemoglobin (ctO2Hb) from the contralateral non-tumor-bearing breast was collected and analyzed at different time points during NAC. The earliest monitoring imaging time point was after 2–3 weeks receiving taxane. Longitudinal data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling to evaluate the contralateral breast ctO2Hb changes across chemotherapy when corrected for pCR status, age, and BMI.

Results

Patients who achieved pCR to NAC had an overall decrease of 3.88 μM for ctO2Hb (95% CI, 1.39 to 6.37 μM), p = .004, after 2–3 weeks. On the other hand, non-pCR subjects had a non-significant mean reduction of 0.14 μM (95% CI, − 1.30 to 1.58 μM), p > .05. Mixed-effect model results indicated a statistically significant negative relationship of ctO2Hb levels with BMI and age.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the contralateral normal breast tissue assessed by DOTBIS is modifiable after NAC, with changes associated with pCR after only 2–3 weeks of chemotherapy.
Primary intratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma in children: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yahaya James J. , Mremi Alex
Published: January 2021

Background

The importance of this paper is to help to emphasize the importance of chemotherapy for children with pure intratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma after radical inguinal orchiectomy is done as first treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma. The information provided in this paper about the follow-up outcomes of the patient described in this paper, it highlights that, recurrence and even metastasis of intratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma in children are more likely to occur if surgery it not combined with chemotherapy.

Case presentation

Herein, we present a 6-year old African male child with a 3 months history of a painless right intratesticular tumour. The tumour was poorly vascularized and was in continuity with the spermatic cord. Pelvic computer tomography (CT) scan showed a heterogeneous mass with well-defined margins without microcalcification and multiple bilateral inguinal enlarged lymph nodes were noticed without pelvic lymphadenopathy. The tumour measured 3.8 × 2.8 × 3.9 cm. The tumour marker panel showed: lactate dehydrogenase of (472 UI/l), alpha-fetoprotein (1.43 UI/ml) and human chorionic gonadotrophin beta (2.9 mUI/ml). Microscopically, the tumour was composed of small to medium size undifferentiated cells. These were oval to spindle, hyperchromatic cells to stromal myxoid degeneration were noted. Tunica albuginea and rete testis both were infiltrated by tumour. The tumour showed high mitotic count which measured 50 mitoses per 10 High Power Field (HPF). The diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing using myoD antibody which showed strong and diffuse intranuclear staining of the tumour cells. Currently, he is on cyclophosphamide and vincristine chemotherapy regime and his condition has improved much.

Conclusions

The experience obtained from the index case is crucial for the management of patients with intratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma which should always make sure that radical inguinal orchiectomy is covered by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. This will potentially lower the possibilities of recurrence and/or metastasis of the tumour, hence improving the prognosis of the patients. We report the clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics as well as the outcome of the patient.
Design of running training assistance system based on blockchain technology in wireless network
Authors: Ma Fuxing
Published: January 2021

Running exercise can increase the basal metabolic rate and increase the time of aerobic exercise. Based on the current needs of the general public for running auxiliary training, this paper combines wireless sensing and blockchain technology in the design scheme, and designs and implements a running training auxiliary technology. First, it obtains the user's gait information and other related parameters in the process through the wireless sensor network, and optimize the calculation gait in different states through the noise processing algorithm. Then, we use the blockchain technology to design a data transmission and storage plan for the protection and analysis of the user's personal privacy data. The proposed method builds a new type of sports training assistance system for the masses of modern society and contributes to the masses' physical exercise.
Mediating role diet self-efficacy plays in the relationship between social support and diet self-management for patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yang Li , Li Kun , Liang Yan , Zhao Qiuli , Cui Dan , Zhu Xuemei
Published: January 2021

Background

It has previously been established that patients who have strong barriers to their diet self-management are more likely to have weak social support; however, the key mechanisms underlying the association between these two variables have not yet been established. This study aims to examine the potential role that diet self-efficacy plays in the relationship between social support and diet behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

It was a cross-sectional survey. Three hundred-eighty patients diagnosed with T2DM were recruited for this study from five community health centers in China. The Chronic Disease Resource Scale (CIRS), Cardiac Diet Self-efficacy Scale (CDSE), and Food Control Behavior Scale (FCBS) were used to estimate participants’ utilization of social resources, diet self-efficacy, and diet self-management, respectively. The data were analyzed utilizing structural equation modelling.

Results

The results suggest that both higher levels of social support and diet self-efficacy are related to higher levels of diet self-management. The mediating effect that diet self-efficacy has on the relationship between social support and diet self-management was significant (β = .30, p < .05), explaining 55.68% of the total effect of social support on diet self-management.

Conclusions

Diet self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the association between social support and diet behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Toothbrush microbiomes feature a meeting ground for human oral and environmental microbiota
Authors: Blaustein Ryan A. , Michelitsch Lisa-Marie , Glawe Adam J. , Lee Hansung , Huttelmaier Stefanie , Hellgeth Nancy , Ben Maamar Sarah , Hartmann Erica M.
Published: January 2021

Background

While indoor microbiomes impact our health and well-being, much remains unknown about taxonomic and functional transitions that occur in human-derived microbial communities once they are transferred away from human hosts. Toothbrushes are a model to investigate the potential response of oral-derived microbiota to conditions of the built environment. Here, we characterize metagenomes of toothbrushes from 34 subjects to define the toothbrush microbiome and resistome and possible influential factors.

Results

Toothbrush microbiomes often comprised a dominant subset of human oral taxa and less abundant or site-specific environmental strains. Although toothbrushes contained lower taxonomic diversity than oral-associated counterparts (determined by comparison with the Human Microbiome Project), they had relatively broader antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) profiles. Toothbrush resistomes were enriched with a variety of ARGs, notably those conferring multidrug efflux and putative resistance to triclosan, which were primarily attributable to versatile environmental taxa. Toothbrush microbial communities and resistomes correlated with a variety of factors linked to personal health, dental hygiene, and bathroom features.

Conclusions

Selective pressures in the built environment may shape the dynamic mixture of human (primarily oral-associated) and environmental microbiota that encounter each other on toothbrushes. Harboring a microbial diversity and resistome distinct from human-associated counterparts suggests toothbrushes could potentially serve as a reservoir that may enable the transfer of ARGs.
Gut microbiota-derived propionate mediates the neuroprotective effect of osteocalcin in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hou Yan-fang , Shan Chang , Zhuang Si-yue , Zhuang Qian-qian , Ghosh Arijit , Zhu Ke-cheng , Kong Xiao-ke , Wang Shu-min , Gong Yan-ling , Yang Yu-ying , Tao Bei , Sun Li-hao , Zhao Hong-Yan , Guo Xing-zhi , Wang Wei-qing , Ning Guang , Gu Yan-yun , Li Sheng-tian , Liu Jian-min
Published: January 2021

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no absolute cure. The evidence of the involvement of gut microbiota in PD pathogenesis suggests the need to identify certain molecule(s) derived from the gut microbiota, which has the potential to manage PD. Osteocalcin (OCN), an osteoblast-secreted protein, has been shown to modulate brain function. Thus, it is of interest to investigate whether OCN could exert protective effect on PD and, if yes, whether the underlying mechanism lies in the subsequent changes in gut microbiota.

Results

The intraperitoneal injection of OCN can effectively ameliorate the motor deficits and dopaminergic neuronal loss in a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PD mouse model. The further antibiotics treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation experiments confirmed that the gut microbiota was required for OCN-induced protection in PD mice. OCN elevated Bacteroidetes and depleted Firmicutes phyla in the gut microbiota of PD mice with elevated potential of microbial propionate production and was confirmed by fecal propionate levels. Two months of orally administered propionate successfully rescued motor deficits and dopaminergic neuronal loss in PD mice. Furthermore, AR420626, the agonist of FFAR3, which is the receptor of propionate, mimicked the neuroprotective effects of propionate and the ablation of enteric neurons blocked the prevention of dopaminergic neuronal loss by propionate in PD mice.

Conclusions

Together, our results demonstrate that OCN ameliorates motor deficits and dopaminergic neuronal loss in PD mice, modulating gut microbiome and increasing propionate level might be an underlying mechanism responsible for the neuroprotective effects of OCN on PD, and the FFAR3, expressed in enteric nervous system, might be the main action site of propionate.
The lift snorkel technique for type Ia endoleak after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair of a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Ito Eisaku , Ohki Takao , Toya Naoki , Nakagawa Hikaru , Nishide Ryou , Okazaki Kohei , Akiba Tadashi
Published: January 2021

Background

The snorkel technique for a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) is an important treatment option for high-risk patients. We report the lift snorkel technique through the trans-femoral access for a type Ia endoleak after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) in a case of difficult trans-brachial access.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old woman who had JAAA presented with a type Ia endoleak and sac expansion after FEVAR. We planned for proximal additional stentgraft with the bilateral renal artery snorkel technique. However, during the secondary intervention, it was difficult to cannulate to the left renal artery through the trans-brachial access due to interference of the supra-renal stent. Stentgraft was eventually delivered into the left renal artery via the trans-femoral access with a 5 Fr sheath. A plain angioplasty balloon was inserted coaxially through the sheath. The balloon was inflated in the proximal end of the stentgraft and then pushed up to replace the proximal end from down to up. The additional aortic cuff was deployed parallel to the snorkel stentgraft. One year after the additional treatment, computed tomography (CT) revealed aneurysm sac shrinkage.

Conclusion

The lift snorkel technique is a unique method converting the retrograde approach to antegrade renal artery stenting and would be an effective option for difficult trans-brachial cases for a type Ia endoleak after FEVAR of a JAAA.
Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasites among food handlers in Medebay Zana District, north West Tigray, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Regassa Kebrom , Tedla Kiros , Bugssa Gessessew , Gebrekirstos Gebretsadkan , Gebreyesus Hailay , Shfare Mebrahtu Teweldemedhin
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Intestinal parasites are amongst the major public health challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and its associated factors among food handlers in Medebay Zana District, Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 food handler individuals selected by systematic random sampling. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the possible association between the independent variable and outcome variables. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.

Result

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 33.2% within this sample. The dominant parasite was Entamoeba coli 50(37.4%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 24(18%), Entamoeba hartmanni 18(13.5), Giardia lamblia 17(12.8%), Schistosoma mansoni 8(6%), Hymenolepis nana 7(5.3%), Entervious vermicularies 6(4.5%) and Taenia species 3(2.5%).

Conclusion

This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers for a range of intestinal parasites. The significant predictors were the source of water, washing hands before food preparation, washing hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet, shower installation at the workplace, washing the body regularly and eating raw vegetables and raw meat. Hence, local health planners should implement appropriate interventional measures for the novel risk factors to mitigate the problem.
COVID-19 in comparison with other emerging viral diseases: risk of geographic spread via travel
Authors: Wilder-Smith A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a major global health threat. The rapid spread was facilitated by air travel although rigorous travel bans and lockdowns were able to slow down the spread. How does COVID-19 compare with other emerging viral diseases of the past two decades?

Recent findings

Viral outbreaks differ in many ways, such as the individuals most at risk e.g. pregnant women for Zika and the elderly for COVID-19, their vectors of transmission, their fatality rate, and their transmissibility often measured as basic reproduction number. The risk of geographic spread via air travel differs significantly between emerging infectious diseases.

COVID-19 is not associated with the highest case fatality rate compared with other emerging viral diseases such as SARS and Ebola, but the combination of a high reproduction number, superspreading events and a globally immunologically naïve population has led to the highest global number of deaths in the past 20 decade compared to any other pandemic.
Baseline global longitudinal strain predictive of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Araujo-Gutierrez Raquel , Chitturi Kalyan R. , Xu Jiaqiong , Wang Yuanchen , Kinder Elizabeth , Senapati Alpana , Chebrolu L. Bindu , Kassi Mahwash , Trachtenberg Barry H.
Published: January 2021

Background

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRD) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in long-term cancer survivors. Decreased GLS predicts decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients receiving anthracyclines, but knowledge regarding the clinical utility of baseline GLS in patients at low-risk of (CTRD) is limited.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether baseline echocardiographic assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) before treatment with anthracyclines is predictive of (CTRD) in a broad cohort of patients with normal baseline LVEF.

Methods

Study participants comprised 188 patients at a single institution who underwent baseline 2-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography before treatment with anthracyclines and at least one follow-up echocardiogram 3 months after chemotherapy initiation. Patients with a baseline LVEF <55% were excluded from the analysis. The primary endpoint, (CTRD), was defined as an absolute decline in LVEF > 10% from baseline and an overall reduced LVEF <50%. Potential and known risk factors were evaluated using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Twenty-three patients (12.23%) developed (CTRD). Among patients with (CTRD), the mean GLS was -17.51% ± 2.77%. The optimal cutoff point for (CTRD) was -18.05%. The sensitivity was 0.70 and specificity was 0.70. The area under ROC curve was 0.70. After adjustment for cardiovascular and cancer therapy related risk factors, GLS or decreased baseline GLS ≥-18% was predictive of (CTRD) (adjusted hazards ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.00, 1.36; p = 0.044 for GLS, or hazards ratio 3.54; 95% confidence interval 1.34, 9.35; p = 0.011 for decreased GLS), along with history of tobacco use, pre-chemotherapy systolic blood pressure, and cumulative anthracycline dose.

Conclusions

Baseline GLS or decreased baseline GLS was predictive of (CTRD) before anthracycline treatment in a cohort of cancer patients with a normal baseline LVEF. This data supports the implementation of strain-protocol echocardiography in cardio-oncology practice for identifying and monitoring patients who are at elevated risk of (CTRD).