bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YouTube as an educational resource in neurosurgery
Authors: GÜLENSOY Bülent
Published: February 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the contribution of neurosurgery videos on YouTube to the education of medical students, residents and professional medical professionals.Methods: Members of the Turkish Neurosurgery Association (academic and clinical specialist physicians) and medical students receiving neurosurgery training were asked to respond to a questionnaire via e-mail.Results: Anatomy (29.1%) was the most watched videos, while vascular, tumor and skull base surgery videos (56.3%) were the most watched surgical videos. While the United States of America is the first among the countries contributing to the videos, our country is the last. It was observed in our study that surgeons watched the operation videos before difficult surgeries and benefited from these videos to increase their experience. It is also undeniable that youtube videos increase the surgical experience of surgeons in underdeveloped and developing countries. has a contribution.Conclusion: We observed that the training videos were of sufficient quality. In addition, virtual training and surgical videos are increasingly being used for education, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to increase the diversity of YouTube videos, which have a high rate of viewing among neurosurgery physicians in our country. The training of neurosurgeons can make important contributions to patient care in our country. Considering that such major pandemics may occur in the future, it is certain that more diversification of training and operation videos will be required.
Fournier’s Gangrene: Our Clinical Experience and Outcomes
Authors: YAZICI İbrahim , BENLİ Erdal , ÇIRAKOĞLU Abullah , YÜCE Ahmet , KADİM Nurullah , KELEŞ Mevlüt
Published: February 2022

Objective: We aimed to present our results and experience related to patients followed with Fournier’s gangrene.Methods: Patient data were retrospectively obtained from patient records. Data from 10 patients attending Ordu University Education-Research Hospital Urology clinic with diagnosis of Fournier’s gangrene from April 2017 to April 2021 were used. Cases developing after surgery, with compression wounds, and related to radiotherapy were excluded. Information like patient history, demographic features, comorbid diseases, physical examination findings and treatment outcomes were recorded. Results: The study included outcomes for 10 patients. Mean age was identified as 71.50±9.09 (51-78) years. All of our patients were male, with no female patient among our cases. Mean body weight of patients was 80.40±1.81 (78-83) kg. When patients are assessed in terms of substance use, 60% of patients smoked and 10% drank alcohol. The mean total number of medications used due to comorbid diseases was 1.8 (0-6). The mean ASA score for patients was 2.20±0.42. In terms of initial location, 6 patients had lesions in the scrotum (60%), 1 on the penis (10%) and 3 in the perineal region (30%). The mean duration until surgery was 8.71±4.95 (3-17) days, with mean number of surgeries after diagnosis 1.67±0.81 (1-3), and mean dressing duration 22.14±5.30 (15-30) days (Table 1). Pathology results for one patient identified squamous cell cancer (10%).Conclusion: In spite of all developments, Fournier’s gangrene is still an emergency situation associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. In clinics experienced with this disease, it may be treated close to perfectly with high success rates and low complication rates. We believe the most important points for treatment are early diagnosis, effective.
Evaluation of Turkish Cypriots’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors About The COVID-19: A Descriptive Study
Authors: KAYA Ufuk , GÜNEŞ Elif , EREN Elif , ISSA Mohammed , GÜLER Emrah , AYKAÇ Aslı , CAKİR Nedim , SÜER Kaya
Published: February 2022

Objective: COVID-19 was first discovered in Wuhan in December 2019 and spread all over the world. This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of people living in Northern Cyprus regarding COVID-19.Methods: This descriptive study designed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and behaviour of participants who are Turkish Cypriots between 7-17 April 2020 after the first COVID-19 case diagnosed in our country. A twenty-nine-item questionnaire was prepared, distributed randomly to participants on social media and took 7-10 min to complete. Data were analyzed with a 95% confidence and p<0.05 significance level.Results: Of the 1192 respondents, 70.8% are between 20-29 years old, 69.8% are women, and 69.1% are university students. The average score in knowledge of all participants about COVID-19 was found to be 47.39, and the general precaution level average score of all participants was found to be 45.97. A statistically significance difference was determined in between the GPL average score and age (p=0.012), gender (p=0.000), marital status (p=0.000), being a university student (p=0.002), working status (p=0.000), and having a healthcare professional in the familyConclusion: Both the knowledge and precaution levels of the participants were determined to be at ‘good’ levels. It was shown that the participants had a high level of knowledge of COVID-19 and a high level of compliance with preventive measures.
The Change in Acute Ischemic Stroke Numbers in the Emergency Service During Early Phase of COVID -19 Pandemic
Authors: VURAL Abdussamed , AKSOY İskender , EKİZ Mehmet
Published: February 2022

Objective: Although the actual relationship between COVID -19 and the incidence of stroke has not yet been clearly defined, various potential mechanisms such as hypercoagulation or viral infecton burden have been reported as risk factors that can increase the risk of stroke. However, various anecdotal reports have emphasized the falling rate of new ischemic stroke diagnoses during period of COVID-19. This study was conducted to estimate the change in the number of new stroke diagnoses and evaluate the approximate causes of such situations during the early period of the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: In this retrospective observational descriptive study, the patients were divided into two groups as January-February 2020 (Pre-COVID−19) and March-April 2020 (COVID-19 Period), based on when the first COVID-19 case was reported in Turkey in March 2020. Patients who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) between 01 January 2019 and 30 April 2019 and diagnosed with ischemic cerebrovascular disease were included as the control group to estimate the number of cases predicted for 2020. The data of the groups were retrospectively analyzed in terms of the number of stroke admissions and demographic features.Results: Among the 274 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke during the 4-month study period, 112 (40.9%) were detected during the COVID-19 period. Considering the linear relationship between the number of patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke in January-February 2019 and March-April 2019 in the control group of the study, this number was expected to be 163 in March-April 2020, since the number of patients with ischemic stroke diagnosed in January-February 2020 was 162. While it was determined that a 25.35% decrease had occurred in January-February 2020 compared to the January-February 2019, it was determined that a 48.9% decrease had occurred in March-April 2020 compared to the same period of the previous year.Conclusion: This study showed that the number of patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke in the March-April 2020 decreased statistically significantly compared to the pre-pandemic period of the same year.
La reforma laboral 2021 y el nuevo contrato formativo
Authors: Pérez del Prado Daniel
Published: February 2022

Los contratos formativos son una pieza clave de cualquier mercado de trabajo, pues proveen de la necesaria cualificación profesional, teórica y práctica o práctica, a quienes se integran por primera vez en la actividad laboral o a quienes necesitan recualificarse, en ambos casos, para adaptarse a las necesidadesde los mercados. Esta relevancia es especialmente significativa en un contexto como el actual, marcado por la digitalización, en el que a la necesidad de cubrir determinados tipos de perfiles formativos se une una mayor rapidez en los cambios tecnológicos y, por consiguiente, en los conocimientos necesariospara darles soporte.En este particular contexto, la reforma laboral 2021 ha procedido a rediseñar la regulación de los contratos formativos en un intento no solamente de acercarlos aún más a la realidad de las empresas en un contexto de cambio disruptivo, sino de recuperar algunos derechos perdidos. El presente trabajo aborda de forma sucinta los principales cambios y se pregunta si, a diferencia de reformas precedentes, estos serán suficientes como para impulsar su uso por parte de nuestro tejido empresarial.
El retorno de la ultraactividad ilimitada
Authors: Gordo González Luis
Published: February 2022

La reforma del año 2021 pone ﬁn a una década anómala en la regulación de la ultraactividad en nuestro país y retoma la vigencia ilimitada de los convenios colectivos que estuvo en vigor desde el año 1980 hasta el año 2012. La nueva regulación del artículo 86 ET termina con una regulación confusa, que propició una devaluación salarial y de las condicionales laborales injustiﬁcadas, so pretexto de evitar la petriﬁcación de las condiciones laborales. Se recuperan ahora los equilibrios negociadores en favor del banco social. No obstante, la reforma del año 2021 presenta algunas lagunas que deben ser analizadas con detenimiento.
Incidencia de la reforma laboral en el empleo público
Authors: Ramos Moragues Francisco
Published: February 2022

La nueva reforma del mercado de trabajo, aprobada mediante el Real Decreto Ley 32/2021, de 28 de diciembre, despliega sus efectos, fundamentalmente, en el ámbito privado de las relaciones laborales. No obstante, existen algunas previsiones que afectan directa o indirectamente a las Administraciones Públicas, en su condición de empleadores, y al personal laboral que presta servicios en ellas. El objeto de este trabajo es dar cuenta de los cambios introducidos por la reforma laboral en el empleo público.
Good mental health despite work-family conflict? The within-domain and cross-domain buffering potentials of family and work resources
Authors: Reimann Mareike , Diewald Martin
Published: February 2022

Objective: This article investigates whether within-domain and cross-domain buffering by family and work resources can help mitigate the negative mental health effects of work-to-family conflicts (WFC) and family-to-work conflicts (FWC). Background: Most literature on the work–life interface stresses the need to maintain employees’ health and well-being by preventing the emergence of work–family conflicts. Since such conflicts tend to be an unavoidable concomitant of role expansion, we aim to put forward the debate on the conditions that might prevent their negative health consequences instead. Method: Fixed-effects linear regression analyses were applied to a sample of 4,920 employees in a three-wave employer–employee panel study in Germany. Using interaction analyses, we tested within-domain and cross-domain buffering of family (social support and relative bargaining power within partnerships) and work (job resources, support from direct supervisors or co-workers, formal and informal organizational support) resources in the relationship between strain-based and time-based WFC and FWC and mental health (SF-12). Results: Family resources and work resources somewhat mitigated the health risks of WFC and FWC. Overall, within-domain resources were more effective than cross-domain ones. Conclusion: It is important to consider resources in both the family and the work domains to determine the most effective ways of preventing the negative mental health consequences of work–family conflicts.
MENGEMBANGKAN KEMAMPUAN MENGKLASIFIKASIKAN BENDA MENGGUNAKAN KOMBINASI MODEL EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION, EXAMPLES NON EXAMPLES DENGAN MEDIA KONKRIT
Authors: Rahmawati Rahmawati , Permatasari Nina
Published: February 2022

AbstrakPenelitian ini dilatar belakangi belum berkembangnya kemampuan anak mengelompokan benda sesuai bentuk, warna dan ukuran yang ditandai dengan sedikitnya aktivitas anak dalam menstimulus kemampuan kognitif karena kegiatan hanya terpaku pada aktivitas penggunaan pensil dan kertas, selain itu kurangnya penggunaan media pembelajaran menarik sehingga anak cepat bosan. Tujuan penelitian adalah mendeskripsikan aktivitas guru, aktivitas anak serta hasil pengembangan anak. Pendekatan menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif dengan jenis Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) yang dilaksanakan 3 kali pertemuan. Subjek penelitian adalah anak kelompok B berjumlah 12 anak. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemampuan guru dengan kriteria sangat baik pada pertemuan 1 sampai pertemuan 3 meningkat dari 23 hingga 28. Aktivitas anak dengan kriteria sangat aktif yakni meningkat dari 33% hingga 92%. Hasil capaian kognitif di pertemuan 1 sampai pertemuan 3 meningkat dari 25% sampai dengan 92%. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa mengelompokan benda sesuai variasi warna, bentuk dan ukuran menggunakan kombinasi model Explicit Instruction, Exampless Non Examples dengan Media Konkrit pada kelompok B Raudhatul Athfal Sultan Suriansyah berhasil. Disarankan model ini dijadikan salah satu alternatif dalam meningkatkan aktivitas guru, aktivitas anak yang berdampak pada hasil perkembangan kognitif anak.Kata Kunci: Kognitif, Explicit Instruction, Examples Non Examples, Media Konkrit.           AbstractThis research is motivated by the undeveloped ability of children to group object according to shape, color and size which is indicated by the lack of children's activity in stimulating cognitive ability because activities are only focused on using pencils and paper activity, besides the lack of use of interesting learning media so that children get bored quickly. The purpose of the study was to describe the teacher activity, children activity and the result of child development. The approach uses descriptive qualitative with the type of Classroom Action Research (CAR) which was held 3 times in meetings. The research subjects were 12 children in group B. The result showed that the ability of teacher with very good criteria at meeting 1 to 3 increased from 23 to 28. The activity of children with very active criteria increased from 33% to 92%. The cognitive achievement result in meeting 1 to meeting 3 increased from 25% to 92%. It can be concluded that grouping object according to variation in color, shape and size using a combination of Explicit Instruction, Exampless Non Examples with Concrete Media models in group B Raudhatul Athfal Sultan Suriansyah was successful. It is recommended that this model be used as an alternative in increasing teacher activities, children's activities that have an impact on the results of children's cognitive development.Keywords: Cognitive, Explicit Instruction, Examples Non Examples, Concrete Media
Biden’s Administration and “Green Transition” Problems
Authors: Golub Y. , Shenin S.
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the analysis of the J. Biden administration policy in relation to the “green transition”, i.e. the shift from the use of fossil fuels in the economy to renewable energy sources. In the context of the B. Obama and D. Trump administrations’ attitudes to the problem of climate change, the authors study achievements and failures of the current American leadership on this path. Particular attention is paid to the obstacles faced by the Biden administration. Among them are the inability to consistently finance environmental initiatives through Congress, inconsistency in the implementation of the “Green Course” within the country, the lack of readiness of key emission countries (China, India) to actively participate in achieving the Paris climate goals, etc. In addition, the contradictions within the Democratic Party on the issue of environmental policy between the “centrists” and supporters of the “Green New Deal” program are analyzed, which consist in different stances on the role of a state in the “Green Transit”, importance of social measures, main spheres for investments, the role of America in global transit, etc. It is also pointed to the fierce opposition to the administration’s climate policy from the Republican Party. Its conservative faction is convinced that the scale, pace and role of a man in the crisis are artificially inflated by the Democrats, so there is no need to rush and resort to semi-military methods of centralized resource mobilization. Market forces, which simply must not be hindered, will cope much more successfully with the problem of the impact of warming on humans. The neoconservative group believes that the resources of humanity should be directed not to the fight against greenhouse emissions, but to economic development, which will allow the country and civilization to adapt to climate changes. It is concluded that there is a potential possibility of reaching a bipartisan consensus on climate change, but at this stage, under pressure from radical groups, this possibility seems unlikely. Therefore, in the coming years, it is questionable that the Biden administration will be able to actively promote its domestic climate agenda and new model of globalization.
Higher Education Goals and University Ranking: Random Variables?
Authors: Bondarenko Olga R.
Published: February 2022

University mission determination is involved in higher education outcomes. Although educational goals are a backbone construct for any higher education institution, they are seldom addressed, underestimated, and are hardly considered for calibration in university ratings. The purpose of this exploratory study was to scrutinize universities’ strategic missions and trace any coincidences between them and the university’s academic success materialized as QS rank. Relying on the framework of a descriptive research the author applied the techniques of coding, thematic analysis, comparison, and interpretation. The main findings show that top group universities’ goals representing the liberal values are more focused on individual success and global pursuits than the goals of non-top universities considered. Educational goals of non-top universities are locally marked and have specifics of their own. Hence, strategic goals of universities across the globe may not necessarily coincide with the Anglo-Saxon core values that underpin the QS global university ranking system.
Clinical Presentation of Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy and Bradycardia in Three Families Carrying HCN4 Pathogenic Variants
Authors: Paszkowska Agata , Piekutowska-Abramczuk Dorota , Ciara Elżbieta , Mirecka-Rola Alicja , Brzezinska Monika , Wicher Dorota , Kostrzewa Grażyna , Sarnecki Jędrzej , Ziółkowska Lidia
Published: February 2022

Background: Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous cardiomyopathy characterized by a two-layered myocardium consisting of compacted and noncompacted segments, prominent ventricular trabeculations, and intertrabecular recesses. Patients with LVNC are at increased risk to develop heart failure, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and/or systemic thromboembolic events. Familial forms of primary sinus bradycardia have been attributed to mutations in HCN4. There are very few reports about the association between HCN4 mutations and LVNC. The aim of our study was to characterize the clinical phenotype of families with LVNC and sinus bradycardia caused by mutation of the HCN4 gene. Methods: From March 2008 to July 2021 we prospectively enrolled 6 patients from 4 families with diagnosed isolated LVNC based on the clinical presentation, family history and echocardiographic and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) evidence of LVNC. Next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was undertaken for evaluation of the molecular basis of the disease in each family. Results: A total of 6 children (median age 11 years) were enrolled and followed prospectively for the median of 12 years. All 6 patients were diagnosed with LVNC by echocardiography and 5 participants additionally by CMR. The presence of LGE was found in 3 children. Sinus bradycardia and dilation of the ascending aorta occurred in 5 studied patients. In 4 patients from 3 families the molecular studies demonstrated the presence of rare heterozygous HCN4 mutations. Conclusion: (1) The HCN4 mutation influences the presence of a complex LVNC phenotype, sinus bradycardia and dilation of the ascending aorta. (2) HCN4 mutation may be associated with the early presentation of clinical symptoms and the severe course of the disease. (3) It is particularly important to assess myocardial fibrosis not only within the ventricles, but also in the atria in patients with LVNC and sinus bradycardia.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis with Cefazolin Is Associated with Lower Shoulder Periprosthetic Joint Infection Rates Than Non-Cefazolin Alternatives
Authors: Marigi Erick M. , Bartels Douglas W. , Yoon Joo Hee , Sperling John W. , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin
Published: February 2022

Background:

Although prophylactic antibiotics are considered the standard of care, data with regard to the comparative efficacy of specific antibiotics in the prevention of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) have remained limited. This study evaluated whether perioperative antibiotic choice affects rates of PJI development in shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods:

From 2000 to 2019, all primary shoulder arthroplasty types (hemiarthroplasty, anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse shoulder arthroplasty) performed for elective and trauma indications with perioperative antibiotic data and a minimum follow-up of 2 years were identified from a single institution. Demographic characteristics, PJI risk factors, and PJI-free survivorship data were retrieved. Multivariable analyses were conducted to determine the association between the antibiotic administered and the development of PJI.

Results:

Of 7,713 shoulder arthroplasties, cefazolin was administered in 6,879 procedures (89.2%) and non-cefazolin antibiotics consisting of vancomycin (465 procedures [6.0%]), clindamycin (345 procedures [4.5%]), and alternative regimens (24 procedures [0.31%]) were administered in 834 procedures (10.8%). PJIs occurred in 101 shoulder arthroplasties (1.3%), with Cutibacterium acnes as the most common pathogen (44 procedures [43.6%]). PJI-free survivorship was greater in shoulder arthroplasties in which cefazolin was administered compared with those in which non-cefazolin antibiotics were administered, with 0.91% greater survival free of PJI at 1 month, 1.4% at 1 year, and 2.7% at 15 years (p < 0.001). Cefazolin administration, compared with non-cefazolin administration, was associated with a 69% reduction in all-cause PJI risk and a 78% reduction in C. acnes PJI risk (p < 0.001). A higher risk of PJI for both groups was observed with vancomycin; the hazard ratio [HR] was 2.32 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 4.40; p = 0.010) for all-cause PJI and 2.94 (95% CI, 1.12 to 7.49; p = 0.028) for C. acnes PJI. A higher risk of PJI was also observed for both groups for clindamycin; the HR was 5.07 (95% CI, 2.83 to 9.05; p < 0.001) for all-cause PJI and 8.01 (95% CI, 3.63 to 17.42; p < 0.001) for C. acnes PJI.

Conclusions:

In primary shoulder arthroplasty, cefazolin administration was associated with a significantly lower rate of PJI compared with non-cefazolin alternatives, including both vancomycin and clindamycin. These risk discrepancies were observed across all infectious pathogens and may be considered even greater when C. acnes was the infecting bacterium.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Rainfall Triggering of Post-Fire Debris Flows over a 28-Year Period near El Portal, California, USA
Authors: De Graff Jerome V. , Staley Dennis M. , Stock Greg M. , Takenaka Kellen , Gallegos Alan L. , Neptune Chad K.
Published: February 2022

Wildfires frequently affect the steep hillslopes near El Portal, California (United States), a small community established during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. In addition to the historical significance of El Portal, State Route 140 (SR 140) is a major transportation and economic corridor connecting the San Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park (YNP). In 2019, an estimated 4.5 million tourists visited and accessed YNP via SR 140. In the years after wildfires, the burned watersheds produced debris flows during intense rainfall, impacting the El Portal community and motorists traveling on SR 140 and local roads. The steepness of the hillslopes and confinement of the valley limit options for mitigating debris-flow risk. As such, emergency managers are left with evacuation orders or temporary road closures as the best options for risk reduction. The effectiveness of these options is highly dependent on establishing an accurate local rainfall intensity-duration threshold that officials can use to guide emergency response actions and timing. We present an overview of the rainfall conditions that initiated 12 post-fire debris-flow events near El Portal from 1991 to 2018 and objectively define rainfall intensity-duration thresholds from triggering rainfall rates. Our results highlight the modest rainfall rates that triggered debris flows in these steep watersheds, while radar data from more recent events (2012–2018) portray the spatial variability of intense rainfall in the area. Additional rainfall monitoring is needed to provide a robust rainfall threshold that will effectively mitigate risk for residents and motorists while minimizing the impact of road closures and evacuations.
Prácticas económicas alternativas de escala local en espacios urbanos: el caso de Zaragoza
Authors: Climent López Eugenio Antonio , Lardiés Bosque Raúl , Esteban Rodríguez Samuel
Published: February 2022

En las últimas décadas, con más intensidad a raíz de la crisis del 2008, han proliferado algunas prácticas económicas alternativas al sistema dominante, especialmente en las áreas urbanas en que los nuevos movimientos sociales han tenido más arraigo. Se toma como estudio de caso la ciudad de Zaragoza, que estuvo gobernada en la pasada legislatura por una coalición de la nueva izquierda, siendo uno de los llamados ayuntamientos del cambio. Se han seleccionado prácticas que funcionan a escala local siguiendo procedimientos alejados de los convencionales: huertos urbanos comunitarios, mercados y grupos de consumo agroecológico, monedas comunitarias (banco de tiempo, mercados de trueque y moneda social) y centros sociales autogestionados. Se emplea una metodología cualitativa basada en entrevistas semiestructuradas, combinada con cuestionarios cerrados y observación participante. Dichas prácticas se localizan de modo disperso por todo el espacio urbano. Se han puesto en relación con los movimientos sociales urbanos y con la política local. Se concluye que su impacto es limitado en términos cuantitativos, pero que disponen de un amplio potencial transformador por las características de sus practicantes y el apoyo de la administración local.
Prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia among the southern Thai population: A preliminary study
Authors: Jeenduang Nutjaree , Nuinoon Manit , Ratanawan Chutima
Published: February 2022

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disease. The prevalence of FH among the Thai population has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence of FH by using the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) cutoff of the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN), as well as the LDL-C cutoff of the US Make Early Diagnosis to Prevent Early Deaths (MEDPED) criteria.MethodsThis retrospective study used health checkup data from 2015 from the southern Thai population. A total of 1,480 participants (335 males and 1,145 females) aged 18–94-years-old from southern Thailand were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric, demographic, and biochemical data were measured. Additionally, FH was defined by using the DLCN and the US MEDPED criteria.ResultsWith the use of the DLCN, 7 subjects were identified as having probable FH, and the estimated prevalence of FH was 0.47% (1:211). By using the US MEDPED, 6 subjects were identified as having definite FH, and the estimated prevalence of FH was 0.41% (1:247). Most of the subjects with probable FH (71.43%) and definite FH (83.33%), as defined by the DLCN and the US MEDPED, respectively, did not take the lipid-lowering drug.ConclusionsThe prevalence of FH among the population in southern Thailand was between 1:211-1:247. Most FH subjects in Thailand may be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Thus, the early detection and treatment of FH should be implemented to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.
Impact of HCV viremia on HBV biomarkers in patients coinfected with HBV and HCV
Authors: Tseng Chih-Wei , Liu Wen-Chun , Chen Chi-Yi , Chang Ting-Tsung , Tseng Kuo-Chih
Published: February 2022

Backgrounds: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) biomarkers reflect the status of HBV infection; however, their role in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) coinfection remains unknown. This study evaluated the characteristics of HBV biomarkers in patients with chronic HBV/HCV coinfection.Methods: One hundred untreated HBV/HCV coinfected patients were enrolled. Active viral infection was defined as viral load above 2,000 U/L and 15 U/L for HBV and HCV, respectively. Blood samples were analyzed for HBV biomarkers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), HBV DNA, and HBV pregenomic RNA (HBV pgRNA). The impact of HCV viremia was also studied. Results: A total of 15 patients were HBV-inactive/HCV-inactive, 63 patients were HBV-inactive/HCV-active, 14 patients were HBV-active/HCV-inactive and 8 patients were HBV-active/HCV-active. A total of 71 (71%) patients were active HCV and 22 (22%) were active HBV. HBsAg, HBcrAg, and HBV DNA correlated with each other (P < 0.001). HBV pgRNA displayed no correlations with HBV DNA, HBsAg, or HBcrAg. Patients with HCV viremia had significantly lower HBV DNA, HBsAg, and HBcrAg levels as well as higher HBV pgRNA levels and lower HBV DNA:pgRNA ratio than those without viremia (HBV DNA, P < 0.001; HBsAg, P = 0.015; HBcrAg, P = 0.006; HBV pgRNA, P = 0.073; and HBV DNA:pgRNA ratio, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In patients coinfected with HBV and HCV, HBsAg, HBcrAg, and HBV DNA significantly correlated with each other. HBV and HCV coinfected patients with HCV viremia have lower HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBcrAg, and HBV DNA:pgRNA ratio as well as higher HBV pgRNA levels.
QTL mapping for pumpkin fruit traits using a GBS-based high-density genetic map
Authors: Han Xiaoxia , Min Ziyang , Wei Minghua , Li Yongqi , Wang Duanhua , Zhang Zhuqing , Hu Xinjun , Kong Qiusheng
Published: February 2022

Pumpkin is a popular vegetable crop and exhibits a broad diversity in fruit shape and size. Fruit-related traits are the decisive factors determining consumer acceptance and market value of pumpkin cultivar. As a result, deciphering the genetic basis of fruit-related traits is of great importance for pumpkin breeding. To address this problem, a F2 population was generated by two Cucurbita moschata inbred lines with contrasting fruit shapes and genotyping by sequencing approach were used to construct a high-density genetic map and localize the QTLs underlying the fruit-related traits in this study. The results showed that a high-quality genetic map was constructed for pumpkin, which comprised of 2413 bins and spanned a total length of 2252.10 cM with an average genetic distance of 0.94 cM. A total of 30 significant QTLs with moderate or small effects were identified for 7 fruit-related traits, including fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit shape index, fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, seed cavity size, and total soluble solids content. Co-locations were observed between the QTLs underlying different traits, demonstrating that pleiotropic effect plays an important role in genetic control of fruit-related traits. The identified QTLs provide valuable information for further fine mapping of the related genes and pumpkin breeding programs with the aim of improving fruit quality.
Interval Cholecystectomy Is Associated With a High Risk of Complications in Patients With Mild Acute Biliary Pancreatitis
Authors: Tozlu Mukaddes , Karaca Busra , Acar Sencan , Toka Bilal , Karacaer Cengiz , Eminler Ahmet Tarik , Koksal Aydin Seref
Published: February 2022

Background
Although current guidelines recommend cholecystectomy during the same admission in patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP), it involves a waiting list most of the time.
Aim
We aimed to assess the risk of gallstone-related biliary events (GRBEs) such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis during the waiting period for cholecystectomy and determine predictors of complications after the first episode of ABP.
Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital for six months in patients with mild ABP. Follow-ups were done by phone calls or using electronic health records for a maximum of 6 months after discharge or until cholecystectomy.
Results
A total of 194 patients were included in the study. Although all patients were referred to surgeons, only 81 (41.8%) underwent cholecystectomy within 6 months after discharge. During the observation period, GRBEs developed in 68 (35.1%) patients which included biliary colic, recurrent ABP, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, gallbladder perforation, cholangitis, and liver abscess. The overall readmission rate was 25.2%, and 44.8% occurred within 4 weeks after discharge. The odds ratio of any complication was 1.58 (95% CI; 1.42-1.76, p=0.028) and 1.59 (95% CI; 1.42-1.78, p=0.009) in the patients who did not have surgery within 2-7 days and 8-15 days, respectively. There was a 4-fold increased risk of readmission (95% CI; 1.16-13.70, p=0,019) if cholecystectomy was not performed within 31-90 days. The patients who developed complications had significantly higher C-reactive protein levels at admission, longer waiting time for cholecystectomy, and had three or more gallstones on imaging than those who did not develop complications.
Conclusion
Interval cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of complications during the waiting period in patients with mild ABP.
Performance of the new SmartCardia wireless, wearable oximeter: a comparison with arterial SaO2 in healthy volunteers.
Authors: Rincon Francisco , Pidoux Julien , Murali Srini , Goy Jean-Jacques
Published: February 2022

Backgroud: Our goal was to evaluate the performance of a new wearable arm located pulse oximeter.Methods: Twelve volunteers were monitored with three pulse oximeters and underwent desaturation to 70% SaO2 . We compared the accuracy of SpO 2 reading from the SmartCardia system with SaO2 using two well established devices (Masimo and Nellcor ) as reference.Oximetry was performed at different level of oxygen saturation varying from 70 to 100%. Bias, ARMS and precision were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots.Results: The mean (SD) differences between SpO2 compared to SaO2 and the devices were as follows: SaO2 versus Masimo 2,12±1,01% (95% CI 1,45 to 2,79), SaO2 versus Nellcor 0,78±0,58 % (95 % CI -0,29 to 1,65) and SaO2 versus SmartCardia 0,42±0,24 % (95% CI -0,64 to 1,46). The bias between SmartCardia, Masimo, Nellcor devices and SaO2 was 0.16 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.33) and LoA (level of agreements) 2.96 (95% CI -2,68 to 2,89) for SmartCardia, 2,02 (95% CI 1,49 to 2,54) and LoA -6 to 11 for Masimo, and 0,76 (95% CI 0,5 to -1) and LoA -3,5 to 5,0 for Nellcor. ARMS for the 70-100% SaO 2 range was 1,4 for SmartCardia, 5,0 for Masimo and 2,31 for Nellcor.Conclusions: The new wireless SmartCardia SpO2 measurement system demonstrated in-line results, bias, ARMS and precision in healthy volunteers, when compared with the gold standard SaO2 and with two well established systems, Masimo and Nellcor.Trial registration: The present trial was prospectively registered at UCSF record (registration number:10-00437), on March 8, 2021.
Oral Health Status And Dental Problems Among The Refugees In Karatepe Refugee Camp In Lesvos, Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alhaffar MHD Bahaa Aldin , Alhaffar MHD Alaa Aldin , Janos Sandor
Published: February 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Throat Carriage Rate, Associated Factors, And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern Of Group A Streptococcus Among Healthy School Children In Jigjiga City, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Barsenga Shamil , Miteku Habtamu , Tesfa Tewodros , Shume Tadesse
Published: February 2022

Background: Group A Streptococcus has been recognized as an important human pathogen and it remains among the top ten causes of mortality from an infectious disease. Group A Streptococcus throat carriage plays an important role in the development of infection and transmission to contacts. In Ethiopia, there is little information about screening of children for Group A Streptococcus carriage.Objective: This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of throat carriage, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Group A Streptococus among healthy school children in Jigjiga city, Eastern Ethiopia from 12 April to 27 May 2021.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 462 healthy school children in ages ranging from 7 to 14 years. The throat sample was collected using a sterile cotton swab. Identification of Group A Streptococcus was done by colony characterstics, gram staining, catalase negativity, bactricin sensitivity and Pyrrolidonyl arylamidase tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done on Muller-Hinton agar containing 5% sheep blood by modiﬁed Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data on socio-demographic and related characteristics were gathered through interviews using a questionnaire. The data were double-checked, coded, cleaned, and entered onto EpiData Version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 26.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between outcome and predictor variables. A p-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence of Group A Streptococcus carriage was 10.6% (95%CI; 8.1% - 13.7%). Children who live with a family member with a sore throat (AOR=2.51; 95%CI 1.09–5.73), children who live with a large family (AOR=4.64; 95% CI 1.53–14.1), and children who live with non-immediate families (AOR= 3.65; 95% CI 1.39 – 9.61), showed significant association with Group A Streptococcus carriage. Tetracycline resistance was shown to be high, while antimicrobial drugs such as penicillin, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, and vancomycin were found to be effective. Multi-drug resistance was found in 4.1 % of the isolates. Conclusion: The present study showed a significant throat carriage of Group A Streptococci/S. pyogenes in Jigjiga city school children. Family member with a sore throat, having a large family, and living with non-immediate families have all been identified as independent predictors of carriage prevalence. It is recommended that regular screening and surveillance should be conducted in schools.
Identifying Behavioral Structure from Deep Variational Embeddings of Animal Motion
Authors: Luxem Kevin , Mocellin Petra , Fuhrmann Falko , Kuersch Johannes , Remy Stefan , Bauer Pavol
Published: February 2022

Quantification and detection of the hierarchical organization of behavior is a major challenge in neuroscience. Recent advances in markerless pose estimation enable the visualization of high dimensional spatiotemporal behavioral dynamics of animal motion. However, robust and reliable technical approaches are needed to uncover underlying structure in these data and to segment behavior into discrete hierarchically organized motifs. Here, we present an unsupervised probabilistic deep learning framework that identifies behavioral structure from deep variational embeddings of animal motion (VAME). By using a mouse model of beta amyloidosis as a use case, we show that VAME not only identifies discrete behavioral motifs, but also captures a hierarchical representation of the motif’s usage. The approach allows for the grouping of motifs into communities and the detection of differences in community-specific motif usage of individual mouse cohorts that were undetectable by human visual observation. Thus, we present a novel and robust approach for quantification of animal motion that is applicable to a wide range of experimental setups, models and conditions without requiring supervised or a-priori human interference.
Hematological toxicity of amphotericin B deoxycholate-based induction therapy in patients with HIV-associated talaromycosis.
Authors: Zhou Yihong , Lu Tao , Li Yan , Qin Yuanyuan , Lu Yanqiu , Lan Ke , Zhou Guoqiang , Qin Yingmei , Harypursat Vijay , Li Shunmei , Lin Shide , Chen Yaokai
Published: February 2022

Objectives: This study's objective was to investigate the predictors for severe anemia, severe leukopenia, and severe thrombocytopenia when amphotericin B deoxycholate-based induction therapy is used in HIV patients with talaromycosis.Patients and methods: A total of 170 HIV patients with talaromycosis were enrolled from January 1st, 2019 to September 30th, 2020.Results: Approximately 42.9%, 20.6%, and 10.6% of the enrolled patients developed severe anemia, severe leukopenia and severe thrombocytopenia, respectively. Baseline lower hemoglobin levels, higher serum creatinine levels, higher AST/ALT ratios, lower sodium levels, and higher administered doses of amphotericin B were observed to be independent risk factors associated with the development of severe anemia. Co-infection with tuberculosis and lower platelet levels at baseline were shown to be independent risk factors associated with the development of severe leukopenia. A lower platelet level at baseline was the independent risk factor found to be associated with the development of severe thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: The preceding findings reveal risk factors for severe anemia, severe leukopenia, and severe thrombocytopenia, which will favor prevention and timely treatment of hematological toxicity, improvement of patient’s outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and a reduction of the requirement for blood transfusion.
Psychological reflection of cultural diversity: older Muslim and Jewish women diagnosed with cancer or caring for a spouse with cancer
Authors: Rottenberg Y. , Baider L. , Jacobs J. M. , Ghrayeb I. M. , Sapir E. , Goldzweig G.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND
As the global population continues to age, the number of women aged 65 + diagnosed with cancer, or caring for a spouse with cancer, continues to increase. The psychological response to cancer among this growing population of patients and informal caregivers has been poorly researched in general, and psycho-oncology literature among older Muslim women research is particularly sparse. This study examines and compares the relationship between depression, hope and perceived support among older Muslim Palestinian and Jewish Israeli women either diagnosed with cancer or informal caregivers of spouses with cancer.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of Muslim Palestinian women (91 patients, 61 spousal caregivers) and Jewish Israelis (127 patients, 214 spousal caregivers) women. Patients were aged ≥ 65, either receiving treatment for active disease or < 6 months from diagnosis. Measurements included depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, 5-item), hope (Snyder's Adult Hope Scale) and perceived social support (Cancer Perceived Agents of Social Support of social support questionnaire).
RESULTS
Overall levels of depression measured among the Muslim Palestinian women were significantly higher than among Jewish Israelis (p < 0.0001). For the Jewish Israelis, higher levels of depression were found among patients compared to caregivers (interaction effect role X ethnicity p < 0.0001). Overall levels of hope among Muslims were higher compared to Jewish Israelis (p < 0.0001), being similar for both patients and caregivers (non significant role effect p = 0.094). Hope was higher among Jewish caregivers vs. patients (interaction effect role X ethnicity p < 0.021). Despite a higher number of household members, levels of perceived support from spouse, family, as well as friends and faith, were lower among Muslim Palestinian in general, most significantly among caregivers.
CONCLUSIONS
We observed significant differences in depression, hope and perceived support amaong groups. Our findings highlight the different psychological responses among older women from different cultural landscapes facing similar confrontation with cancer, either as patients or spousal caregivers. Cultural sensitivity is imperative to guide possible interventions aimed at ameliorating the impact of cancer care upon older women.
HER2-positive Apocrine Carcinoma of the Breast: A population-based Analysis of Treatment and Outcome
Authors: Skenderi Faruk , Alahmad Mohamad Alhoda Mohamad , Tahirovic Emin , Alahmad Yaman M. , Gatalica Zoran , Vranic Semir
Published: February 2022

Purpose
Apocrine carcinoma of the breast (APO) expresses HER2 in 30-50% of cases. This study explored the clinicopathological features and outcome of HER2+/APO and matched HER2+/NST cohort.
Methods
We used the SEER database to explore the cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the survival. Based on ER and PR [=HR] and HER2 status, we divided the cohorts to match the intrinsic molecular subtypes for comparisons.
Results
We retrieved 259 cases of HER2+/APO. Most HER2+/APO were HR negative (65%). HER2+/APO were more prevalent in the 80+ age group (24.7% vs. 15.7%, p<0.001). HER2+/HR-/APO had a significantly lower histological grade than the HER2+/HR-/NST (p<0.001). Breast cancer-related deaths were more prevalent in HER2+/NST (7.8% vs. 3.9%, p=0.019). This was particularly evident between HR- subgroups (10.4% in HER2+/HR-/NST vs. 4.2% in HER2+/HR-/APO, p=0.008) and was reaffirmed in breast cancer-specific survival in univariate analysis (p=0.03). Other than race and HR status, HER2+/APO subgroups did not differ in clinicopathological parameters.
Conclusions
Our study confirms the rarity of the APO and reveals that HR status in APO does not affect these patients' prognosis. HER2+/APO tumors tend to have a less aggressive phenotype and a more favorable outcome despite a markedly lower ER/PR positivity.