bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The short-term outcomes of pulmonary metastasectomy or stereotactic body radiation therapy for pulmonary metastasis from epithelial tumors
Authors: Kanzaki Ryu , Suzuki Osamu , Kanou Takashi , Ose Naoko , Funaki Soichiro , Shintani Yasushi , Minami Masato , Tamari Keisuke , Otani Keisuke , Seo Yuji , Isohashi Fumiaki , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Okumura Meinoshin
Published: February 2020

Background

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has recently been widely performed for relatively small-volume tumors. We analyzed the short-term outcomes of pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) or SBRT for pulmonary metastases.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of 82 patients with pulmonary metastasis from epithelial tumors who underwent PM or SBRT between 2013 and 2016.

Results

Fifty-nine patients underwent PM, 21 patients underwent SBRT, and 2 patients underwent combined PM and SBRT. The mean age of the PM group was significantly lower than that of the SBRT group (60.6 vs 67.4 years, p = 0.03). The most frequent types of primary tumor in the PM and SBRT groups were colorectal cancer (n = 27, 46%) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (n = 8, 38%), respectively. The rate of treatment-associated complications did not differ between the two groups to a statistically significant extent (20% vs 24%, p = 0.76). The 3-year local control rates of the two groups were similar (PM group, 88%; SBRT group, 92%; p = 0.48). The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate of the PM group were better than that of SBRT groups (42% vs 11%, p = 0.01). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rates of the PM and SBRT groups were 77 and 52% respectively; although the rate of the PM group was higher, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.10).

Conclusions

SBRT provides a favorable 3-year local control rate. The 3-year OS rate of the SBRT group tended to be lower than that of the PM group, despite the difference was not statistically significant. PM and SBRT play complementary roles in patients with pulmonary metastases.
Combination of PI3K and MEK inhibitors yields durable remission in PDX models of PIK3CA-mutated metaplastic breast cancers
Authors: Coussy F. , El Botty R. , Lavigne M. , Gu C. , Fuhrmann L. , Briaux A. , de Koning L. , Dahmani A. , Montaudon E. , Morisset L. , Huguet L. , Sourd L. , Painsec P. , Chateau-Joubert S. , Larcher T. , Vacher S. , Melaabi S. , Salomon A. Vincent , Marangoni E. , Bieche I.
Published: February 2020

Background

Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) is a rare form of breast cancer characterized by an aggressive clinical presentation, with a poor response to standard chemotherapy. MBCs are typically triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), frequently with alterations to genes of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RTK-MAPK signaling pathways. The objective of this study was to determine the response to PI3K and MAPK pathway inhibitors in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of MBCs with targetable alterations.

Methods

We compared survival between triple-negative MBCs and other histological subtypes, in a clinical cohort of 323 TNBC patients. PDX models were established from primary breast tumors classified as MBC. PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RTK-MAPK pathway alterations were detected by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and analyses of copy number alterations. Activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RTK-MAPK signaling pathways was analyzed with reverse-phase protein arrays (RPPA). PDXs carrying an activating mutation ofPIK3CAand genomic changes to the RTK-MAPK signaling pathways were treated with a combination consisting of a PI3K inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor.

Results

In our clinical cohort, the patients with MBC had a worse prognosis than those with other histological subtypes. We established nine metaplastic TNBC PDXs. Three had a pathogenic mutation ofPIK3CAand additional alterations to genes associated with RTK-MAPK signaling. The MBC PDXs expressed typical EMT and stem cell genes and were of the mesenchymal or mesenchymal stem-like TNBC subtypes. On histological analysis, MBC PDXs presented squamous or chondroid differentiation. RPPA analysis showed activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RTK-MAPK signaling pathways. In vivo, the combination of PI3K and MAPK inhibitors displayed marked antitumor activity in PDXs carrying genomic alterations ofPIK3CA,AKT1,BRAF, andFGFR4.

Conclusion

The treatment of metaplastic breast cancer PDXs by activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RTK-MAPK pathways at the genomic and protein levels with a combination of PI3K and MEK inhibitors resulted in tumor regression in mutated models and may therefore be of interest for therapeutic purposes.
Can body mass index influence the fracture zone in the fifth metatarsal base? A retrospective review
Authors: Pugliese M. , De Meo D. , Sinno E. , Pambianco V. , Cavallo A. U. , Persiani P. , Villani C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Fifth metatarsal base fracture are a common occurrence in the orthopaedic practice. Literature on the epidemiology of such fractures is scarce. The aim of this analysis was to study the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the zone of the fifth metatarsal base involved by the fracture.

Methods

Data on adult patients who have been diagnosed with isolated fifth metatarsal base fracture were gathered at our Institution (blinded for review). Age, sex, height, weight and injury mechanism were collected from electronic medical records. Fractures were classified according to the Lawrence and Botte classification (Zone 1, 2 and 3) by three independent reviewers.

Results

From March 2016 to December 2018, 149 patients (109 women and 40 men) have been diagnosed with fifth metatarsal base fracture. Average age and BMI at the time of injury were 51.9 (SD 17.1, range 18–84) and 24.0 (SD 3.8, range 16.4–36.7) respectively. Fracture distribution was 63.8% in zone 1, 23.5% in zone 2, 12.7% in zone 3. 12.1% of patients had a BMI < 20 kg/m2, 57.7% between 20 and 24.9 kg/m2, 22.2% between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 and 8.0% over 30 kg/m2. No statistically significant differences attributable to sex (p = 0.774) or age (p = 0.379) were found between different zones of fracture. Average BMI was found to be higher in the zone 3 (26.1 ± 4.7 kg/m2) fracture group than in zone 1 (23.7 ± 2.9 kg/m2) (p = 0.031).

Conclusion

The prevalence of proximal diaphysis (zone 3) fractures rises proportionally with BMI in our sample study. BMI appears to have an impact on fifth metatarsal base fractures pattern.
The global survival rate among adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Shijiao , Gan Yong , Jiang Nan , Wang Rixing , Chen Yunqiang , Luo Zhiqian , Zong Qiao , Chen Song , Lv Chuanzhu
Published: February 2020

Background

To quantitatively summarize the available epidemiological evidence on the survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, and the references of retrieved articles were manually reviewed to identify studies reporting the outcome of OHCA patients who received CPR. The overall incidence and outcome of OHCA were assessed using a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 141 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 29.7% (95% CI 27.6–31.7%), the rate of survival to hospital admission was 22.0% (95% CI 20.7–23.4%), the rate of survival to hospital discharge was 8.8% (95% CI 8.2–9.4%), the pooled 1-month survival rate was 10.7% (95% CI 9.1–13.3%), and the 1-year survival rate was 7.7% (95% CI 5.8–9.5%). Subgroup analysis showed that survival to hospital discharge was more likely among OHCA patients whose cardiac arrest was witnessed by a bystander or emergency medical services (EMS) (10.5%; 95% CI 9.2–11.7%), who received bystander CPR (11.3%, 95% CI 9.3–13.2%), and who were living in Europe and North America (Europe 11.7%; 95% CI 10.5–13.0%; North America: 7.7%; 95% CI 6.9–8.6%). The survival to discharge (8.6% in 1976–1999 vs. 9.9% in 2010–2019), 1-month survival (8.0% in 2000–2009 vs. 13.3% in 2010–2019), and 1-year survival (8.0% in 2000–2009 vs. 13.3% in 2010–2019) rates of OHCA patients who underwent CPR significantly increased throughout the study period. The Egger’s test did not indicate evidence of publication bias for the outcomes of OHCA patients who underwent CPR.

Conclusions

The global survival rate of OHCA patients who received CPR has increased in the past 40 years. A higher survival rate post-OHCA is more likely among patients who receive bystander CPR and who live in Western countries.
Consequences of larval competition and exposure to permethrin for the development of the rodent malaria Plasmodium berghei in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Hauser Gaël , Thiévent Kevin , Koella Jacob C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Mosquitoes and other vectors are often exposed to sublethal doses of insecticides. Larvae can be exposed to the run-off of agricultural use, and adults can be irritated by insecticides used against them and move away before they have picked up a lethal dose. This sublethal exposure may affect the success of control of insect-borne diseases, for it may affect the competence of insects to transmit parasites, in particular if the insects are undernourished.

Methods

We assessed how exposure of larvae and adults to a sublethal dose of permethrin (a pyrethroid) and how larval competition for food affect several aspects of the vector competence of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae for the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. We infected mosquitoes with P. berghei and measured the longevity and the prevalence and intensity of infection to test for an effect of our treatments.

Results

Our general result was that the exposure to the insecticide helped mosquitoes deal with infection by malaria. Exposure of either larvae or adults decreased the likelihood that mosquitoes were infected by about 20%, but did not effect the parasite load. Exposure also increased the lifespan of infected mosquitoes, but only if they had been reared in competition. Larval competition had no effect on the prevalence of infection, but increased parasite load. These effects may be a consequence of the machinery governing oxidative stress, which underlies the responses of mosquitoes to insecticides, to food stress and to parasites.

Conclusions

We conclude that insecticide residues are likely to affect the ability of mosquitoes to carry and transmit pathogens such as malaria, irrespective of the stage at which they are exposed to the insecticide. Our results stress the need for further studies to consider sublethal doses in the context of vector ecology and vector-borne disease epidemiology.
The buffy coat method: a tool for detection of blood parasites without staining procedures
Authors: Chagas Carolina R. F. , Binkienė Rasa , Ilgūnas Mikas , Iezhova Tatjana , Valkiūnas Gediminas
Published: February 2020

Background

Blood parasites belonging to the Apicomplexa, Trypanosomatidae and Filarioidea are widespread in birds and have been studied extensively. Microscopical examination (ME) of stained blood films remains the gold standard method for the detection of these infections in birds, particularly because co-infections predominate in wildlife. None of the available molecular tools can detect all co-infections at the same time, but ME provides opportunities for this to be achieved. However, fixation, drying and staining of blood films as well as their ME are relatively time-consuming. This limits the detection of infected hosts during fieldwork when captured animals should be released soon after sampling. It is an obstacle for quick selection of donor hosts for parasite experimental, histological and other investigations in the field. This study modified, tested and described the buffy coat method (BCM) for quick diagnostics (~ 20 min/sample) of avian blood parasites.

Methods

Blood of 345 birds belonging to 42 species was collected, and each sample was examined using ME of stained blood films and the buffy coat, which was examined after centrifugation in capillary tubes and after being transferred to objective glass slides. Parasite detection using these methods was compared using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and Cohen’s kappa index.

Results

Haemoproteus,Leucocytozoon,Plasmodium, microfilariae,TrypanosomaandLankesterellaparasites were detected. BCM had a high sensitivity (> 90%) and specificity (> 90%) for detection ofHaemoproteusand microfilariae infections. It was of moderate sensitivity (57%) and high specificity (> 90%) forLankesterellainfections, but of low sensitivity (20%) and high specificity (> 90%) forLeucocytozooninfections.TrypanosomaandPlasmodiumparasites were detected only by BCM and ME, respectively. According to Cohen’s kappa index, the agreement between two diagnostic tools was substantial forHaemoproteus(0.80), moderate forLankesterella(0.46) and fair for microfilariae andLeucocytozoon(0.28) infections.

Conclusions

BCM is sensitive and recommended as a quick and reliable tool to detectHaemoproteus,Trypanosomaand microfilariae parasites during fieldwork. However, it is not suitable for detection of species ofLeucocytozoonandPlasmodium. BCM is a useful tool for diagnostics of blood parasite co-infections. Its application might be extended to studies of blood parasites in other vertebrates during field studies.
Association between serum level of urate and subclinical atherosclerosis: results from the SCAPIS Pilot
Authors: Drivelegka Panagiota , Forsblad-d’Elia Helena , Angerås Oskar , Bergström Göran , Schmidt Caroline , Jacobsson Lennart T. H. , Dehlin Mats
Published: February 2020

Background

Hyperuricemia is closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it has not been definitively established whether this association is independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and whether it is gender-dependent. The aim of this study was to investigate in a population-based cohort (age range, 50–64 years) stratified by sex the association between the serum urate (SU) concentration and subclinical atherosclerosis, as reflected in the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and carotid plaque score.

Methods

The study involved participants in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) Pilot cohort (N = 1040; 48.8% males). This pilot cohort is part of the large population-based SCAPIS with 30,000 participants in the age range of 50–64 years, aimed at improving risk prediction for CVD. Subjects with a self-reported previous history of CVD (N = 68) or gout (N = 3) were excluded. The CAC score was assessed with the Agatston method using computed tomography. CIMT and carotid plaques were quantified by ultrasound. The associations between the SU quartiles and different levels of CAC, CIMT, and carotid plaques were assessed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Age, BMI, education level, smoking, physical activity, hs-CRP, hypertension, and dyslipidemia showed no differences between males and females, while CAC (score > 0) and diabetes were both twice as common in men than in women (58% vs 26% and 8% vs 4%, respectively). Higher SU quartiles were in both sexes associated with BMI, hs-CRP, and the prevalence of hypertension, and in women, they were also associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemia. The three upper quartiles of SU (>308μmol/L) were linked to higher CAC scores in men, when adjusting for CVRFs, but not in women. CIMT and carotid plaques showed no correlation to SU in either sex.

Conclusions

Higher levels of SU are associated with the presence of CAC in men but not in women, whereas SU is not associated with CIMT or carotid plaques in either men or women. This implies that the biological effects of SU differ in men and women or that SU has varying effects on different vascular beds or during the different stages of the atherosclerotic process.
Investigating lupus retention in care to inform interventions for disparities reduction: an observational cohort study
Authors: Bartels Christie M. , Rosenthal Ann , Wang Xing , Ahmad Umber , Chang Ian , Ezeh Nnenna , Garg Shivani , Schletzbaum Maria , Kind Amy
Published: February 2020

Background

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) disproportionately impacts patients of color and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients. Similar disparities in HIV were reduced through a World Health Organization-endorsed Care Continuum strategy targeting “retention in care,” defined as having at least two annual visits or viral load lab tests. Using similar definitions, this study aimed to examine predictors of lupus retention in care, to develop an SLE Care Continuum and inform interventions to reduce disparities. We hypothesized that Black patients and those residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods would have lower retention in care.

Methods

Abstractors manually validated 545 potential adult cases with SLE codes in 2013–2014 using 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or 2012 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria. We identified 397 SLE patients who met ACR or SLICC criteria for definite lupus, had at least one baseline rheumatology visit, and were alive through 2015. Retention in care was defined as having two ambulatory rheumatology visits or SLE labs (e.g., complement tests) during the outcome year 2015, analogous to HIV retention definitions. Explanatory variables included age, sex, race, ethnicity, smoking status, neighborhood area deprivation index (ADI), number of SLE criteria, and nephritis. We used multivariable logistic regression to test our hypothesis and model predictors of SLE retention in care.

Results

Among 397 SLE patients, 91% were female, 56% White, 39% Black, and 5% Hispanic. Notably, 51% of Black versus 5% of White SLE patients resided in the most disadvantaged ADI neighborhood quartile. Overall, 60% met visit-defined retention and 27% met complement lab-defined retention in 2015. Retention was 59% lower for patients in the most disadvantaged neighborhood quartile (adjusted OR 0.41, CI 0.18, 0.93). No statistical difference was seen based on age, sex, race, or ethnicity. More SLE criteria and non-smoking predicted greater retention.

Conclusions

Disadvantaged neighborhood residence was the strongest factor predicting poor SLE retention in care. Future interventions could geo-target disadvantaged neighborhoods and design retention programs with vulnerable populations to improve retention in care and reduce SLE outcome disparities.
Correlation between dental caries experience and the level of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in saliva and carious teeth in a Yemeni adult population
Authors: Sounah Sabah A. , Madfa Ahmed A.
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study aimed to determine the relative amounts of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and lactobacilli (LBs) and their relationship with dental caries among a Yemeni adult population.

Results

A positive correlation appeared between SM and LB counts from saliva and caries tissue samples and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between SM and LBs in caries tissue (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between SM and LBs isolated from saliva samples (p > 0.05). The number of SM and LBs in subjects with active caries was significantly higher than that in those without active caries (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the daily habits and SM and LB or DMFT scores (p > 0.05), except for a significant difference between brushing frequency and DMFT score (p < 0.05).
Studies on fungal communities and functional guilds shift in tea continuous cropping soils by high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Li Yanchun , Li Zhaowei , Arafat Yasir , Lin Wenxiong
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Although soil fungal communities are considered important in tea orchard ecosystems, experimental research on their responses to the long-term continuous ratooning cultivation of tea plants are limited.

Methods

In this study, Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to investigate soil fungal communities in tea orchards with continuous cropping histories of 0, 1, 10, and 20 years.

Results

Results indicated that the predominant phyla were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota in all tea soil samples. Plant pathogen fungi Alternaria was the most predominant genus in the 10- and 20-year soils and significantly higher than that in the 0- and 1-year soils. FUNGuild revealed that the symbiotrophs in the 1-year soil (8.00%) was markedly higher than those in the 0-, 10-, and 20-year soils (1.43%~2.47%). The saprotrophs in the 20-year soils was approximately two-fold higher than those identified in the 0-, 1-, and 10-year soils. The pathotroph–saprotroph–symbiotroph fungi were higher in the 10- and 20-year soils in comparison to the 0- and 1-year soils as expected. Diversity analysis showed that the indices of Shannon and Simpson in the 1-year soils were higher than those in other treatments. Redundancy analysis suggested that fungal community structure and function were evidently interrelated to pH and exchangeable aluminum in the soils, respectively.

Conclusion

In summary, the long-term continuous ratooning cultivation of tea plants changed the fungal communities in the rhizosphere, enriched saprotrophs and plant pathogens (Alternaria spp.), and reduced beneficial fungi (symbiotrophs). Results of this work can be used to explore reasonable management measures, such as microbial fertilizer application, and eventually relieve the long-term monoculture problems of tea plants.
The cardiac conundrum: a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of authorship in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Cuocolo Renato , Ponsiglione Andrea , Dell’Aversana Serena , D’Acierno Ludovica , Lassandro Giulia , Ugga Lorenzo , Romeo Valeria , Vola Elena Augusta , Stanzione Arnaldo , Verde Francesco , Picariello Valentina , Capaldo Iolanda , Pontillo Giuseppe , Cantoni Valeria , Green Roberta , Petretta Mario , Cuocolo Alberto , Imbriaco Massimo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

We aimed to assess the role of radiologists, cardiologists, and other medical and non-medical figures in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research in the last 34 years, focusing on first and last authorship, number of published studies, and journal impact factors (IF).

Methods

Articles in the field of cardiac MRI were considered in this systematic review and retrospective bibliometric analysis. For included studies, the first and last authors were categorized as cardiologists, radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians, medical doctors (MD) with specialties in both cardiology and radiology/nuclear medicine, and other MD and non-MD. Differences in the number of papers published overall and by year and institution location for the first and last author category were assessed. Mean IF differences between author categories were also investigated.

Results

A total of 2053 articles were included in the final analysis. For the first authors (n = 2011), 52% were cardiologists, 22% radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians, 16% other MD, 10% other non-MD, and 1% both cardiologists and radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians. Similarly, the last authors (n = 2029) resulted 54% cardiologists, 22% radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians, 15% other MD, 8% other non-MD, and 2% both cardiologists and radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians. No significant differences due to institution location in the first and last authorship proportions were found. Average journal IF was significantly higher for cardiologist first and last authors when compared to that of radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians (both p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Over 50% of studies in the field of cardiac MRI published in the last 34 years are conducted by cardiologists.
Lack of a skeletal muscle phenotype in adult human bone marrow stromal cells following xenogeneic-free expansion
Authors: Barisic Dominik , Erb Marita , Follo Marie , Al-Mudaris Dahlia , Rolauffs Bernd , Hart Melanie L.
Published: February 2020

Background

Many studies have elegantly shown that murine and rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (bmMSCs) contribute to muscle regeneration and improve muscle function. Yet, the ability of transplanted human bmMSCs to manifest myogenic potential shows conflicting results. While human adipose- and umbilical cord-derived MSCs can be differentiated into a skeletal muscle phenotype using horse serum (HS), bmMSCs have only been shown to differentiate towards the skeletal muscle lineage using a complex mixture of cytokines followed by transfection with notch intracellular domain.

Methods

Since xenogeneic-free growth supplements are increasingly being used in the expansion of bmMSCs in clinical trials, we investigated the effects of human plasma and platelet lysate (P/PL) on the expression of neuromuscular markers and whether P/PL-expanded human bmMSCs could be differentiated towards a skeletal myogenic phenotype. Neuromuscular markers were measured using the highly sensitive droplet digital polymerase chain reaction for measuring the expression of Myf5, MyoD, MyoG, ACTA1, Desmin, GAP-43, and Coronin 1b transcripts, by performing immunofluorescence for the expression of Desmin, GAP-43, and MEF2, and flow cytometry for the expression of CD56/neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM).

Results

Despite that bmMSCs expressed the myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) MEF2 after expansion in P/PL, bmMSCs cultured under such conditions did not express other essential MRFs including Myf5, MyoD, MyoG, or ACTA1 needed for myogenesis. Moreover, HS did not induce myogenesis of bmMSCs and hence did not induce the expression of any of these myogenic markers. P/PL, however, did lead to a significant increase in neurogenic GAP-43, as well as Desmin expression, and resulted in a high baseline expression of the neurogenic gene Coronin 1b which was sustained under further P/PL or HS culture conditions. Fetal bovine serum resulted in equally high levels of GAP-43 and Coronin 1b. Moreover, the proportion of CD56/NCAM-positive bmMSCs cultured in P/PL was 5.9 ± 2.1.

Conclusions

These data suggest that P/PL may prime a small portion of bmMSCs towards an early neural precursor cell type. Collectively, this shows that P/PL partially primes the cells towards a neurogenic phenotype, but does not prime adult human bmMSCs towards the skeletal muscle lineage.
Impact of corticosteroid treatment on clinical outcomes of influenza-associated ARDS: a nationwide multicenter study
Authors:   for Taiwan Severe Influenza Research Consortium (TSIRC) Investigators, Tsai Ming-Ju , Yang Kuang-Yao , Chan Ming-Cheng , Kao Kuo-Chin , Wang Hao-Chien , Perng Wann-Cherng , Wu Chieh-Liang , Liang Shinn-Jye , Fang Wen-Feng , Tsai Jong-Rung , Chang Wei-An , Chien Ying-Chun , Chen Wei-Chih , Hu Han-Chung , Lin Chiung-Yu , Chao Wen-Cheng , Sheu Chau-Chyun
Published: February 2020

Background

Corticosteroid treatment has been widely used in the treatment of septic shock, influenza, and ARDS, although some previous studies discourage its use in severe influenza patients. This multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted in the intensive care units (ICUs) of eight medical centers across Taiwan aims to determine the real-world status of corticosteroid treatment in patients with influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and its impact on clinical outcomes. Between October 2015 and March 2016, consecutive ICU patients with virology-proven influenza infections who fulfilled ARDS and received invasive mechanical ventilation were enrolled. The impact of early corticosteroid treatment (≥ 200 mg hydrocortisone equivalent dose within 3 days after ICU admission, determined by a sensitivity analysis) on hospital mortality (the primary outcome) was assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis, and further confirmed in a propensity score-matched cohort.

Results

Among the 241 patients with influenza-associated ARDS, 85 (35.3%) patients receiving early corticosteroid treatment had similar baseline characteristics, but a significantly higher hospital mortality rate than those without early corticosteroid treatment [43.5% (37/85) vs. 19.2% (30/156), p < 0.001]. Early corticosteroid treatment was independently associated with increased hospital mortality in overall patients [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 5.02 (2.39–10.54), p < 0.001] and in all subgroups. Earlier treatment and higher dosing were associated with higher hospital mortality. Early corticosteroid treatment was associated with a significantly increased odds of subsequent bacteremia [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 2.37 (1.01–5.56)]. The analyses using a propensity score-matched cohort showed consistent results.

Conclusions

Early corticosteroid treatment was associated with a significantly increased hospital mortality in adult patients with influenza-associated ARDS. Earlier treatment and higher dosing were associated with higher hospital mortality. Clinicians should be cautious while using corticosteroid treatment in this patient group.
Approximation on a class of Szász–Mirakyan operators via second kind of beta operators
Authors: Nasiruzzaman M. , Rao Nadeem , Srivastava Anshul , Kumar Ravi
Published: February 2020

In the present article, we construct a new sequence of positive linear operators via Dunkl analogue of modified Szász–Durrmeyer operators. We study the moments and basic results. Further, we investigate the pointwise approximation and uniform approximation results in various functional spaces for these sequences of positive linear operators. Finally, we prove the global approximation and A-statistical convergence results for these operators.
Reconstructing the right-hand side of a fractional subdiffusion equation from the final data
Authors: Luc Nguyen Hoang , Baleanu Dumitru , Long Le Dinh , Can Nguyen-Huu
Published: February 2020

In this study, we study an inverse source problem for the time-fractional diffusion equation, where the final data $t = T$t=T are given. We show that our problem is ill-posed in the sense of Hadamard. Applying a truncation method, we give the regularized solution. Finally, convergence estimates under a priori and a posteriori parameter choice rules are proved.
On weak sharp solutions in $(\rho , \mathbf{b}, \mathbf{d})$-variational inequalities
Authors: Treanţă Savin
Published: February 2020

In this paper, weak sharp solutions are investigated for a variational-type inequality governed by $(\rho , \mathbf{b}, \mathbf{d})$(ρ,b,d)-convex path-independent curvilinear integral functional. Moreover, an equivalence between the minimum principle sufficiency property and the weak sharpness property of the solution set associated with the considered variational-type inequality is established.
The appropriateness of antimicrobial use in the outpatient clinics of three hospitals in the Netherlands
Authors: van den Broek Annemieke K. , van Hest Reinier M. , Lettinga Kamilla D. , Jimmink Afra , Lauw Fanny N. , Visser Caroline E. , Prins Jan M.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs commonly have an in-hospital focus. Little is known about the quality of antimicrobial use in hospital outpatient clinics. We investigated the extent and appropriateness of antimicrobial prescriptions in the outpatient clinics of three hospitals.

Methods

From June 2018 to January 2019, we performed ten point prevalence surveys in outpatient clinics of one university hospital and two large teaching hospitals. All prophylactic and therapeutic prescriptions were retrieved from the electronic medical records. Appropriateness was defined as being in accordance with guidelines. Furthermore, we investigated the extent to which the dose was adjusted to renal function and documentation of an antibiotic plan in the case notes.

Results

We retrieved 720 prescriptions for antimicrobial drugs, of which 173 prescriptions (24%) were prophylactic. A guideline was present for 95% of prescriptions, of which the guideline non-adherence rate was 25.6% (n = 42/164) for prophylaxis and 43.1% (n = 224/520) for therapy. Of all inappropriate prescriptions (n = 266), inappropriate prescriptions for skin and soft tissue infections (n = 60/226) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (n = 67/266) made up the largest proportion. In only 13 of 138 patients with impaired or unknown renal function the dosage regimen was adjusted. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the drug for which most often renal function was not taken into account. In 94.6% of prescriptions the antibiotic plan was documented.

Conclusions

In hospital outpatient clinics, a substantial part of therapeutics were inappropriately prescribed. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the most inappropriately prescribed drug, due to non-adherence to the guidelines and because dose adjustment to renal function was often not considered.
Whole-genome sequencing to explore nosocomial transmission and virulence in neonatal methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
Authors: Slingerland Bibi C. G. C. , Vos Margreet C. , Bras Willeke , Kornelisse René F. , De Coninck Dieter , van Belkum Alex , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Goessens Wil H. F. , Klaassen Corné H. W. , Verkaik Nelianne J.
Published: February 2020

Background

NeonatalStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) bacteremia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In this study, we examined whether methicillin-susceptibleS. aureus(MSSA) transmission and genetic makeup contribute to the occurrence of neonatalS. aureusbacteremia.

Methods

A retrospective, single-centre study was performed. All patients were included who suffered fromS. aureusbacteremia in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Erasmus MC-Sophia, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, between January 2011 and November 2017. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize theS. aureusisolates, as was also done in comparison to reference genomes. Transmission was considered likely in case of genetically indistinguishableS. aureusisolates.

Results

Excluding coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS),S. aureuswas the most common cause of neonatal bacteremia. Twelve percent (n = 112) of all 926 positive blood cultures from neonates grewS. aureus. Based on core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), 12 clusters of genetically indistinguishable MSSA isolates were found, containing 33 isolates in total (2–4 isolates per cluster). In seven of these clusters, at least two of the identified MSSA isolates were collected within a time period of one month. Six virulence genes were present in 98–100% of all MSSA isolates. In comparison toS. aureusreference genomes, toxin genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxin A (sea) and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (tsst-1) were present more often in the genomes of bacteremia isolates.

Conclusion

Transmission of MSSA is a contributing factor to the occurrence ofS. aureusbacteremia in neonates.Seaandtsst-1might play a role in neonatalS. aureusbacteremia.
Perceived organizational justice and turnover intention among hospital healthcare workers
Authors: Mengstie Missaye Mulatie
Published: February 2020

Background

Organizational justice is the first virtue in social institutions (J Manage 16:399-432, 1990). It is one of the most determinant factors for an effective utilization of human resources and an essential predictor of organizational success (J Manag Dev 28:457-477, 2009). Employees who perceive fairness are more likely happy with their job and less likely leave their organization (Int J Bus Manage 4:145-154, 2009). Perceived injustice, on the other hand, diminishes motivation of workers to accomplish their duties (Int J Bus Manage 4:145-154, 2009; J Educ Sci Univ Tabriz 2:27-34, 2009). Ethiopia has given emphasis to the expansion of health institutions and increasing the number of health professionals. Despite this, little emphasis has been given the human resource aspect of the health sector. Therefore, this study aims to investigate organizational justice perceptions and turnover intentions among healthcare workers in Amhara region.

Methods

One hundred ninety seven healthcare workers participated in the study. Data were collected through self- report questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The quantitative data were analyzed through MANOVA, multiple regression, and independent samples t-test. The qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis.

Results

The results of this study revealed that healthcare workers in the public hospitals held low perceived distributive, procedural, interpersonal and informational justice. Similarly, private hospitals healthcare workers had low perceptions on distributive and procedural justice. On the contrary, healthcare workers in private hospitals reported high perception of fairness on interpersonal and informational justice aspects. Both public and private hospital healthcare workers had high turnover intention. The result revealed significant difference in organizational justice perceptions between private and public hospital healthcare workers (F (4, 182) = 9.17; p < .05; partial η2 =. 168). Organizational justice dimensions (distributive, procedural, interpersonal and informational justice) significantly contributed an additional 9.9% variation in turnover intention (R 2 change = .099, F (4,170) = 4.86, p < .05). Distributive justice was the most important predictor of turnover intention (β = −.23, p < .05).

Conclusion

Organizational justice perceptions of healthcare workers significantly predicted turnover intention. Hence, organizational justice should be given due emphasis in designing and implementing policies and strategies of human resource management.
Planning tourist infrastructures to regenerate marginalised territories: the study case of North Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Sechi Ludovica , Moscarelli Rossella , Pileri Paolo
Published: February 2020

European marginalised areas are affected by an alarming rate of abandonment and depopulation. Thus, they are therefore object of specific European policies aiming to their reactivation. Official guidelines, both European and Italian, indicate sustainable tourism as one of the main triggers able to activate positive processes. This research experiments a suggestion in a case study, the North of Sardinia. The coastal areas of Sardinia are popular tourist destinations, particularly in the North with the famous Costa Smeralda. Therefore, it is worthy to imagine a way to allow them to discover the inner territories of the region too.
A single ultrasensitive assay for detection and discrimination of tau aggregates of Alzheimer and Pick diseases
Authors: Metrick Michael A. , Ferreira Natália do Carmo , Saijo Eri , Kraus Allison , Newell Kathy , Zanusso Gianluigi , Vendruscolo Michele , Ghetti Bernardino , Caughey Byron
Published: February 2020

Multiple neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by aggregation of tau molecules. Adult humans express six isoforms of tau that contain either 3 or 4 microtubule binding repeats (3R or 4R tau). Different diseases involve preferential aggregation of 3R (e.g Pick disease), 4R (e.g. progressive supranuclear palsy), or both 3R and 4R tau molecules [e.g. Alzheimer disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy]. Three ultrasensitive cell-free seed amplification assays [called tau real-time quaking induced conversion (tau RT-QuIC) assays] have been developed that preferentially detect 3R, 4R, or 3R/4R tau aggregates in biospecimens. In these reactions, low-fg amounts of a given self-propagating protein aggregate (the seed) are incubated with a vast excess of recombinant tau monomers (the substrate) in multi-well plates. Over time, the seeds incorporate the substrate to grow into amyloids that can then be detected using thioflavin T fluorescence. Here we describe a tau RT-QuIC assay (K12 RT-QuIC) that, using a C-terminally extended recombinant 3R tau substrate (K12CFh), enables sensitive detection of Pick disease, Alzheimer disease, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy seeds in brain homogenates. The discrimination of Pick disease from Alzheimer disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy cases is then achieved through the quantitative differences in K12 RT-QuIC assay thioflavin T responses, which correlate with structural properties of the reaction products. In particular, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the respective K12CFh amyloids showed distinct β-sheet conformations, suggesting at least partial propagation of the original seed conformations in vitro. Thus, K12 RT-QuIC provides a single assay for ultrasensitive detection and discrimination of tau aggregates comprised mainly of 3R, or both 3R and 4R, tau isoforms.
A preliminary study of Liu Kang’s palette and the discovery and interpretation of hidden paint layers
Authors: Lizun Damian
Published: February 2020

This paper presents an overview of the results from the ongoing study on the materials and painting technique of the pioneering Singapore artist—Liu Kang. The paintings Zuo La Lu and Nude, which represent two of Liu Kang’s early and distinct artistic phases—Paris and Shanghai—were investigated for the first time using a combination of non- and micro-invasive techniques. The aim of this study was to identify the main pigments used by the artist and to add to the existing research on the artist’s painting methods. The results show that the majority of pigments used in both paintings are similar and include Prussian blue, ultramarine, viridian, strontium yellow, chrome yellow, cadmium yellow, iron oxides, lead, zinc and barium whites, bone black and organic red. Particularly interesting is the predominance of lead white in Zuo La Lu and zinc white in Nude. A comparison of the ground layers also indicates the presence of a lead white admixture in Zuo La Lu while its absence in Nude may point to a characteristic difference between two artistic phases, possibly determined by the availability of materials. The imaging methods revealed hidden compositions: the view of a canal house behind Zuo La Lu, and a mystery outdoor view behind Nude. Although these investigative methods permitted some visualisation of the discarded compositions, it remains difficult to determine their details.
Understanding the development trends of big data technologies: an analysis of patents and the cited scholarly works
Authors: Saheb Tahereh , Saheb Tayebeh
Published: February 2020

Big data innovation is a key instrument for economic and social development and for the creation of new business opportunities. This study analyzes the patenting activities of global jurisdictions in the field of big data; as well as the scholarly cited works. We collected 13,112 patent applications between 1992 and 2019, and 642 cited scholarly works by the patents. Our findings report on the development trends in big data technologies, as well as on the link between patenting activities and the cited scientific works. It also analyzes and visualizes the social networks embedded in patents and the cited scientific works; thus, it reveals the patenting activities of global jurisdictions on big data technologies, the strength of the interaction of various agents, such as inventors and applicants within social networks, and the link between patents and the scientific world. This study shows that most of the big data patent applications filed fall within the IPC category of information retrieval, database structures, and file system structures. The majority of the applicants and inventors of the patents filed are Chinese companies and individuals. Scientific fields with stronger connections within the network of co-fields are computer science and medicine. There is a weak link between inventions and scientific works.
Characterization, optimization and kinetics study of acetaminophen degradation by Bacillus drentensis strain S1 and waste water degradation analysis
Authors: Chopra Sunil , Kumar Dharmender
Published: February 2020

Background

In this study, the biodegradation of N-acetyl-para-aminophenol also known as acetaminophen (APAP, paracetamol) was studied by bacterial strain Bacillus drentensis strain S1 (accession no. KY623719) isolated from sewage sample.

Results

The Bacillus drentensis strain S1 was isolated from the sewage sample using the enrichment culture method. As per our knowledge this is the first Bacillus drentensis strain reported for the degradation of APAP. In this study a 20-L batch reactor was employed for degradation of APAP. The maximum specific growth rate (μmax) was observed at 400 mg/L concentration of APAP. The pilot-scale anaerobic batch reactor of was stable and self-buffered. The degradation in pilot-scale reactor was slow as compared to batch experiments due to fluctuation in pH and exhaustion of nutrients. Design-Expert® software was used for optimization of conditions for APAP degradation; such as temperature (40 °C), pH (7.0), concentration of APAP (300 g/L) and agitation speed (165 rpm). The FTIR and GC–MS were used to identify the degradation metabolites. The intermediates of degradation like 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone and phenothiazine were observed, based on these results the metabolic pathway has been predicted.

Conclusions

The optimization, kinetic, batch study and pilot study indicates the potential of Bacillus drentensis strain S1 for degradation of acetaminophen. The experimental design, optimization and statistical analysis were performed by Design Expert® software. The optimal growth condition for Bacillus drentensis strain S1 was found to be at temperature 40 °C, pH 7, acetaminophen at concentration of 300 (mg/L) and agitation speed 165 rpm. The GC–MS and FTIR was used for identification of metabolites produced during acetaminophen degradation and the partial metabolic pathway for degradation of acetaminophen was also proposed .
Tax Policy and Local Labor Market Behavior
Authors: Garrett Daniel G. , Ohrn Eric , Suárez Serrato Juan Carlos
Published: February 2020

Since 2002, the US government has encouraged business investment using accelerated depreciation policies that significantly reduce investment costs. We provide the first in-depth analysis of this stimulus on employment and earnings. Our local labor markets approach exploits cross-industry variation in policy generosity interacted with county-level industry location data. This strategy identifies the partial equilibrium effects of accelerated depreciation. Places that experience larger decreases in investment costs see an increase in employment and earnings. In contrast, the policy does not have positive effects on earnings-per-worker. Overall, our findings suggest federal corporate tax policy has large effects on local labor markets. (JEL D25, G31, H25, H32, J23, J31, R23)
Immunotherapy-related adverse effects on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging
Authors: Gandy Nemi , Arshad Mubarik A , Wallitt Kathryn L , Dubash Suraiya , Khan Sameer , Barwick Tara D
Published: February 2020

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT imaging plays a key role in oncological imaging including in staging, radiotherapy planning, treatment response and recurrence assessment. Immunotherapies represent a major advance in cancer therapy for a number of tumours with resulting survival benefit. However, a wide range of immune related adverse events (irAEs), some of which can be apparent on imaging, have been reported. These involve many organ systems but particularly endocrine, cutaneous and gastrointestinal systems. Early detection of irAEs is essential to aid diagnosis and management of patients and to reduce associated morbidity. In addition, it is important to not mistake treatment related effects for disease.

This pictorial review aims to identify common irAEs and changes seen on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT.