bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between elementary and middle school teachers’ physical activity promoting practices and teacher- and school-level factors
Authors: Pulling Kuhn Ann , Kim Edward , Lane Hannah G. , Wang Yan , Deitch Rachel , Turner Lindsey , Hager Erin R. , Parker Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Few studies have evaluated teacher- and school-level characteristics associated with implementation of recommended physical activity (PA) promoting practices. The purpose of this study is to examine associations between teachers’ PA practices and: [1] teacher-level factors, including their own PA, and [2] school-level factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined time spent daily in light PA (LPA) and moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) in association with 7 teacher PA practices among 288 classroom/special area teachers and teaching assistants in 20 urban, suburban and rural schools (recruited through a school wellness trial) in 4 districts. LPA and MVPA was assessed using 24-h ankle accelerometry (up to seven consecutive days). A sum score for teacher PA practices was assessed via survey (7 items; sum score range: 7–35; Cronbach’s alpha = 0.73; higher scores indicate more PA promoting practices). Teacher-level factors included gender, race, self-reported height/weight, years teaching, and education. School-level factors included school type, free-and-reduced-price meal eligibility, student racial/ethnic composition, and urbanicity. Analyses included multilevel regression models, accounting for clustering within schools and adjusting for demographic covariates and school district.

Results

Teachers were 91% female, 63% elementary, 60% white, mean age 43.2 years (SD = 11.3), and 41% obese). Teachers wore accelerometers an average of 5.8 days, spent 399.6 min in LPA (SD = 85.0) per day, 24.1 min in MVPA (SD = 14.4) per day, and the mean teacher PA practices sum score was 22.4 (SD = 5.0). Every 15-min increase in MVPA was related to an increase in teacher PA practices sum score (coeff =1.07;SE = 0.28;p < 0.001). Female gender (versus males; coeff = − 1.95;SE = 0.92,p = 0.034), an obese weight status (versus non-obese; coeff = − 1.38;SE = 0.54,p = 0.010), and teaching in a middle school (versus elementary; coeff = − 3.86;SE = 0.54,p < 0.001) were associated with lower teacher PA practices scores. LPA was not associated with teacher PA promoting practices.

Conclusions

Teachers with higher MVPA, but not higher LPA, and those without obesity were more likely to implement PA promoting practices that could positively impact their students’ PA. Similar to prior studies, these practices were more commonly implemented in elementary schools and by male teachers. Future studies in schools should explore whether improvement of teacher health behaviors subsequently impacts student health behaviors.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials,NCT03432715; Registered on 02/2/2018.
Dietary preferences of brachyuran crabs from Taiwan for marine or terrestrial food sources: evidence based on fatty acid trophic markers
Authors: Stumpp Meike , Saborowski Reinhard , Jungblut Simon , Liu Hung-Chang , Hagen Wilhelm
Published: May 2021

Background

Trophic interactions are key processes, which determine the ecological function and performance of organisms. Many decapod crustaceans feed on plant material as a source for essential nutrients, e.g. polyunsaturated fatty acids. Strictly herbivorous feeding appears only occasionally in marine decapods but is common in land crabs. To verify food preferences and to establish trophic markers, we studied the lipid and fatty acid composition of the midgut glands of two marine crab species (Grapsus albolineatus and Percnon affine), one semi-terrestrial species (Orisarma intermedium, formerly Sesarmops intermedius), and one terrestrial species (Geothelphusa albogilva) from Taiwan.

Results

All species showed a wide span of total lipid levels ranging from 4 to 42% of the dry mass (%DM) in the marine P. affine and from 3 to 25%DM in the terrestrial G. albogilva. Triacylglycerols (TAG) were the major storage lipid compound. The fatty acids 16:0, 18:1(n-9), and 20:4(n-6) prevailed in all species. Essential fatty acids such as 20:4(n-6) originated from the diet. Terrestrial species also showed relatively high amounts of 18:2(n-6), which is a trophic marker for vascular plants. The fatty acid compositions of the four species allow to clearly distinguish between marine and terrestrial herbivorous feeding due to significantly different amounts of 16:0, 18:1(n-9), and 18:2(n-6).

Conclusions

Based on the fatty acid composition, marine/terrestrial herbivory indices were defined and compared with regard to their resolution and differentiating capacity. These indices can help to reveal trophic preferences of unexplored species, particularly in habitats of border regions like mangrove intertidal flats and estuaries.
Capitalizing on facilitators and addressing barriers when implementing active tuberculosis case-finding in six districts of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: a qualitative study with key stakeholders
Authors: Biermann Olivia , Tran Phuong Bich , Forse Rachel Jeanette , Vo Luan Nguyen Quang , Codlin Andrew James , Viney Kerri , Caws Maxine , Lönnroth Knut
Published: May 2021

Background

Vietnam has a high burden of undetected tuberculosis (TB). The Vietnamese National TB Strategic Plan highlights active case-finding (ACF) as one strategy to find people with TB who are currently unreached by the existing government health services. The IMPACT TB (Implementing proven community-based active TB case-finding intervention) project was implemented across six districts of Ho Chi Minh City, 2017–2019. We aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers for ACF implementation during the IMPACT TB project to understand how and why the intervention achieved high yields.

Methods

This was an exploratory qualitative study based on 39 semi-structured key-informant interviews with TB patients who were diagnosed through ACF, employees and volunteers who implemented ACF, and leaders from district, national, or international institutions and organizations in Vietnam. Thematic analysis was applied, using an implementation science framework by Grol and Wensing.

Results

We generated three main themes: (1) the studied ACF model used in Vietnam provided a conducive social and organizational context for ACF implementation with areas for improvement, including communication and awareness-raising, preparation and logistics, data systems and processes, and incentives; (2) employees and volunteers capitalized on their strengths to facilitate ACF implementation, e.g., experience, skills, and communication; and (3) employees and volunteers were in a position to address patient-level barriers to ACF implementation, e.g., stigma, discrimination, and mistrust. These themes covered a variety of facilitators and barriers, which we divided into 17 categories. All categories were mentioned by employees and volunteers, except the category of having a network that facilitates ACF implementation, which was only mentioned by volunteers. This study also highlighted examples and ideas of how to address facilitators and barriers.

Conclusions

IMPACT TB provided a favorable social and organizational context for ACF implementation. Individual employees and volunteers still determined the success of the project, as they had to be able to capitalize on their own strengths and address patient-level barriers. Volunteers especially used their networks to facilitate ACF. Knowledge of both facilitators and barriers, and how to address them can inform the planning and implementation ACF in Vietnam and similar contexts across low- and middle-income countries worldwide.
Validation of the cultural adaptation of the Kujala score in Arabic
Authors: Haddad Bassem I. , Hamdan Mohammad , Isleem Ula , Al-Saber Munther Ghassan , Al-Hadidi Fadi A. , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Alnaimat Fatima
Published: May 2021

Background

Patellofemoral pain is a common condition. The Kujala score is a well-established scoring system to assess anterior knee pain and has been translated into many languages including Arabic. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to culturally adapt the Arabic version of the Kujala score and determine its validity.

Methods

The Kujala score is composed of 13 multiple-choice questions. We modified two questions in the score; running and squatting, and were replaced with questions related to walking on different terrain and prostration, each with the same number of answer choices as the original questions so as not to affect the final score. These modifications were written in Arabic by the same group who translated and validated the original score into Arabic. The original and modified Kujala scores was printed and given to patients complaining of patellofemoral pain to be filled during their visit to the orthopedic outpatient clinics.

Final scores for the original and modified questionnaires were calculated. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistics version 21.0 measuring Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Pearson correlation.

Results

Ninety-four patients were included in the study, 28 (29.8%) men and 66 (70.2%) women. The mean age for the included patients was 43.67 (± 14.46) years. The mean score for the modified initial questionnaire was 63.91 (± 16.32), and the mean score for the modified re-test questionnaire was 66.52 (± 17.50). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores (p = 0.041), with a mean difference of 1.97 (95% CI 0.08 to 3.856).

We found a significant strong correlation between the score before and after changing the questions with a p value of < 0.001.

Conclusions

The culturally modified Arabic Kujala questionnaire is shown to be a valid, well-designed tool and an appropriate method of measuring patellofemoral pain.
Effects of drivers and their variations on the number of stems and aboveground carbon removals in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania
Authors: Manyanda Bernardol John , Nzunda Emmanuel F. , Mugasha Wilson Ancelm , Malimbwi Rogers Ernest
Published: May 2021

Background

Removals caused by both natural and anthropogenic drivers such as logging and fire in miombo woodlands causes substantial carbon emissions. Here we present drivers and their effects on the variations on the number of stems and aboveground carbon (AGC) removals based on an analysis of Tanzania’s national forest inventory (NFI) data extracted from the National Forest Resources Assessment and Monitoring (NAFORMA) database using allometric models that utilize stump diameter as the sole predictor.

Results

Drivers of AGC removals in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania in order of importance were timber, fire, shifting cultivation, charcoal, natural death, firewood collection, poles, grazing by wildlife animals, carvings, grazing by domestic animals, and mining. The average number of stems and AGC removals by driver ranged from 0.006 to 16.587 stems ha−1 year−1 and 0.0–1.273 tCha−1 year−1 respectively. Furthermore, charcoal, shifting cultivation and fuelwood caused higher tree removals as opposed to timber, natural death and fire that accounted for higher AGC removals.

Conclusions

Drivers caused substantial effects on the number of stems and carbon removals. Increased mitigation efforts in addressing removals by timber, fires, shifting cultivation, charcoal and natural death would be effective in mitigating degradation in miombo woodlands of Tanzania. Additionally, site-specific studies need to be conducted to bring information that would be used for managing woodlands at local levels. This kind of study need to be conducted in other vegetation types like montane and Mangrove forest at national scale in Tanzania.
The natural history of Canavan disease: 23 new cases and comparison with patients from literature
Authors: Bley Annette , Denecke Jonas , Kohlschütter Alfried , Schön Gerhard , Hischke Sandra , Guder Philipp , Bierhals Tatjana , Lau Heather , Hempel Maja , Eichler Florian S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Canavan disease (CD, MIM # 271900) is a rare and devastating leukodystrophy of early childhood. To identify clinical features that could serve as endpoints for treatment trials, the clinical course of CD was studied retrospectively and prospectively in 23 CD patients. Results were compared with data of CD patients reported in three prior large series. Kaplan Meier survival analysis including log rank test was performed for pooled data of 82 CD patients (study cohort and literature patients).

Results

Onset of symptoms was between 0 and 6 months. Psychomotor development of patients was limited to abilities that are usually gained within the first year of life. Macrocephaly became apparent between 4 and 18 months of age. Seizure frequency was highest towards the end of the first decade. Ethnic background was more diverse than in studies previously reported. A CD severity score with assessment of 11 symptoms and abilities was developed.

Conclusions

Early hallmarks of CD are severe psychomotor disability and macrocephaly that develop within the first 18 months of life. While rare in the first year of life, seizures increase in frequency over time in most patients. CD occurs more frequently outside Ashkenazi Jewish communities than previously reported. Concordance of phenotypes between siblings but not patients with identical ASPA mutations suggest the influence of yet unknown modifiers. A CD severity score may allow for assessment of CD disease severity both retrospectively and prospectively.
Identification of two novel bullous pemphigoid- associated alleles, HLA-DQA1*05:05 and -DRB1*07:01, in Germans
Authors:   German AIBD Study Group, Schwarm Christian , Gola Damian , Holtsche Maike M. , Dieterich Anabelle , Bhandari Anita , Freitag Miriam , Nürnberg Peter , Toliat Mohammad , Lieb Wolfgang , Wittig Michael , Franke André , Worm Margitta , Sticherling Michael , Ehrchen Jan , Günther Claudia , Gläser Regine , Peitsch Wiebke K. , Sárdy Miklós , Eming Rüdiger , Hertl Michael , Benoit Sandrine , Goebeler Matthias , Pföhler Claudia , Kunz Manfred , Kreuter Alexander , van Beek Nina , Erdmann Jeanette , Busch Hauke , Zillikens Detlef , Sadik Christian D. , Hirose Misa , König Inke R. , Schmidt Enno , Ibrahim Saleh M.
Published: May 2021

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune skin blistering disease characterized by autoimmunity against the hemidesmosomal proteins BP180, type XVII collagen, and BP230. To elucidate the genetic basis of susceptibility to BP, we performed the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Germans. This GWAS was combined with HLA locus targeted sequencing in an additional independent BP cohort. The strongest association with BP in Germans tested in this study was observed in the two HLA loci, HLA-DQA1*05:05 and HLA-DRB1*07:01. Further studies with increased sample sizes and complex studies integrating multiple pathogenic drivers will be conducted.
Bowel incarceration within the vaginal tunic in a three-and-half-year-old bilaterally cryptorchid Lhasa Apso
Authors: Kodie Dorcas Oyueley , Oyetayo Noah Segun , Awoyemi Oladotun Solomon , Oguntoye Cecelia Omowunmi , Eyarefe Oghenemega David
Published: May 2021

Background

Cryptorchidism in dogs is of clinical concern due to its association with development of Sertoli cell tumours, seminomas and spermatic cord torsion. A patent inguinal ring has been found as a risk factor for peritoneal content migration and inguinal hernias. This study reports a case of bowel migration through a patent inguinal ring in a bilaterally cryptorchid dog and incarceration within the vaginal tunic of the left testicle.

Case presentation

A three-and-a-half-year-old bilaterally cryptorchid Lhasa Apso with a history of anorexia, vomiting, stranguria and inability to defecate was diagnosed with bowel incarceration in the vaginal tunic of a retained left testicle. Surgery performed under epidural anaesthesia with acepromazine/butorphanol premedication revealed a loop of the colon entrapped in the vaginal tunic of the retained left testicle. The incarcerated bowel was thoroughly examined for viability and repositioned into the abdominal cavity. The inguinal ring was repaired and bilateral cryptorchidectomy performed.

Conclusion

Cryptorchidectomy in dogs is often considered when there is concern for neoplasm or torsion of retained testes. However, this report suggests that cryptorchidectomy should be considered also to preclude the possibility of bowel obstructive emergencies.
Effect of hydroxychloroquine on COVID-19 prevention in cancer patients undergoing treatment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rahimi H. , Allahyari A. , Ataei Azimi S. , Kamandi M. , Mozaheb Z. , Zemorshidi F. , Khadem-Rezaiyan M. , Bary A. , Seddigh-Shamsi M. , Nodeh M. Moeini
Published: May 2021

Objectives

In this study, we will investigate the effect of hydroxychloroquine on the prevention of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in cancer patients being treated.

Trial design

This is a two-arm, parallel-group, triple-blind, phase 2–3 randomized controlled trial.

Participants

All patients over the age of 15 years from 5 types of cancer will be included in the study. Patients with acute lymphoid and myeloid leukemias in the first line treated with curative intent, patients with high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treated with leukemia regimens, and patients with non-metastatic breast and colon cancer in the first line of treatment will enter the study.

Intervention and comparator

Patients are randomly assigned to two groups: one being given hydroxychloroquine and the other is given placebo. During 2 months of treatment, the two groups will be treated with hydroxychloroquine every other day with a single 200-mg tablet (Amin® Pharmaceutical Company, Isfahan, Iran) or placebo (identical in terms of shape, color, and smell). Patients will be monitored for COVID-19 symptoms during follow-up period.

If any COVID-19-related signs or symptoms occur, they will be examined, thoroughly, investigated with a high resolution computerize tomography (CT) scan of the lungs and nasopharyngeal swab assessed by RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study will be performed in five centers affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Main outcomes

The primary end point of this study is to investigate the incidence of COVID-19 in patients being treated for their cancer and receiving prophylactic Hydroxychloroquine.

Randomization

Randomization will be performed using random permuted blocks. By using online website (www.randomization.com), the randomization sequence will be produced by quadruple blocks. The allocation ratio in intervention and control groups is 1:1.

Blinding (masking)

Participants and caregivers do not know whether the patient is in the intervention or the control group. Those assessing the outcomes and data analyzer are also blinded to group assignment.

Sample size

The calculated total sample size is 60 patients, with 30 patients in each group.
Protective mechanical ventilation with optimal PEEP during RARP improves oxygenation and pulmonary indexes
Authors: Zhou Jianwei , Wang Chuanguang , Lv Ran , Liu Na , Huang Yan , Wang Wu , Yu Lina , Xie Junran
Published: May 2021

Background

This trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a protective ventilation strategy on oxygenation/pulmonary indexes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in the steep Trendelenburg position.

Methods

In phase 1, the most optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was determined in 25 patients at 11 cmH2O. In phase 2, 64 patients were randomized to the traditional ventilation group with tidal volume (VT) of 9 ml/kg of predicted body weight (PBW) and the protective ventilation group with VT of 7 ml/kg of PBW with optimal PEEP and recruitment maneuvers (RMs). The primary endpoint was the intraoperative and postoperative PaO2/FiO2. The secondary endpoints were the PaCO2, SpO2, modified clinical pulmonary infection score (mCPIS), and the rate of complications in the postoperative period.

Results

Compared with controls, PaO2/FiO2 in the protective group increased after the second RM (P=0.018), and the difference remained until postoperative day 3 (P=0.043). PaCO2 showed transient accumulation in the protective group after the first RM (T2), but this phenomenon disappeared with time. SpO2 in the protective group was significantly higher during the first three postoperative days. Lung compliance was significantly improved after the second RM in the protective group (P=0.025). The mCPIS was lower in the protective group on postoperative day 3 (0.59 (1.09) vs. 1.46 (1.27), P=0.010).

Conclusion

A protective ventilation strategy with lower VT combined with optimal PEEP and RMs could improve oxygenation and reduce mCPIS in patients undergoing RARP.

Trial registration

ChiCTR ChiCTR1800015626. Registered on 12 April 2018.
Portomesenteric venous thrombosis in a postmenopausal female with testosterone implant: a case report
Authors: Campitruz Monica Zanconato , Ortiz-Figueroa Luis T. , Santiago Edgardo
Published: May 2021

Background

Acute portal vein thrombosis is a rare medical event usually seen in liver disease, but it can also occur due to any inherited or acquired procoagulable state that triggers venous occlusion. Hormonal therapies have been associated with an increased risk of prothrombotic states. This case report documents a portomesenteric venous thrombosis in a postmenopausal woman with testosterone implant for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire and discusses the importance of identifying hypercoagulable risk factors before initiating hormone replacement therapy. We want to improve the awareness of an unusual medical complication associated with hormone replacement therapy and shed light on how testosterone implants could facilitate a thrombotic event related to other risk factors such as obesity and chronic hypoxic states, as well as the importance of differential diagnosis in the evaluation of postmenopausal women on testosterone replacement therapy presenting with acute abdominal pain.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old obese postmenopausal Hispanic female with medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents with intractable abdominal pain, is found to have elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit, and an abdominopelvic computed tomography scan revealing portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Further evaluation excluded inherited and acquired thrombophilia but revealed elevated testosterone levels. The patient was treated with anticoagulation, which resulted in recanalization of the portal and superior mesenteric veins.

Conclusion

Supraphysiologic levels of testosterone caused by testosterone implants as a treatment of hypoactive sexual desire in postmenopausal women can contribute to thrombotic events in the presence of additional prothrombotic risk factors. Therefore, testosterone therapy should include a thorough risk assessment for prothrombotic states, be tailored to patients’ physiologic testosterone levels, and have close follow-up with testosterone level monitoring.
GSDMD contributes to host defence against Staphylococcus aureus skin infection by suppressing the Cxcl1–Cxcr2 axis
Authors: Liu Zhen-Zhen , Yang Yong-Jun , Zhou Feng-Hua , Ma Ke , Lin Xiao-Qi , Yan Shi-Qing , Gao Yu , Chen Wei
Published: May 2021

Gasdermin D (GSDMD), a member of the gasdermin protein family, is a caspase substrate, and its cleavage is required for pyroptosis and IL-1β secretion. To date, the role and regulatory mechanism of GSDMD during cutaneous microbial infection remain unclear. Here, we showed that GSDMD protected against Staphylococcus aureus skin infection by suppressing Cxcl1–Cxcr2 signalling. GSDMD deficiency resulted in larger abscesses, more bacterial colonization, exacerbated skin damage, and increased inflammatory cell infiltration. Although GSDMD deficiency resulted in defective IL-1β production, the critical role of IL-1β was counteracted by the fact that Caspase-1/11 deficiency also resulted in less IL-1β production but did not aggravate disease severity during S. aureus skin infection. Interestingly, GSDMD-deficient mice had increased Cxcl1 secretion accompanied by increased recruitment of neutrophils, whereas Caspase-1/11-deficient mice presented similar levels of Cxcl1 and neutrophils as wild-type mice. Moreover, the absence of GSDMD promoted Cxcl1 secretion in bone marrow-derived macrophages induced by live, dead, or different strains of S. aureus. Corresponding to higher transcription and secretion of Cxcl1, enhanced NF-κB activation was shown in vitro and in vivo in the absence of GSDMD. Importantly, inhibiting the Cxcl1–Cxcr2 axis with a Cxcr2 inhibitor or anti-Cxcl1 blocking antibody rescued host defence defects in the GSDMD-deficient mice. Hence, these results revealed an important role of GSDMD in suppressing the Cxcl1–Cxcr2 axis to facilitate pathogen control and prevent tissue damage during cutaneous S. aureus infection.
3D in vitro models of skeletal muscle: myopshere, myobundle and bioprinted muscle construct
Authors: Dessauge Frederic , Schleder Cindy , Perruchot Marie-Hélène , Rouger Karl
Published: May 2021

Typical two-dimensional (2D) culture models of skeletal muscle-derived cells cannot fully recapitulate the organization and function of living muscle tissues, restricting their usefulness in in-depth physiological studies. The development of functional 3D culture models offers a major opportunity to mimic the living tissues and to model muscle diseases. In this respect, this new type of in vitro model significantly increases our understanding of the involvement of the different cell types present in the formation of skeletal muscle and their interactions, as well as the modalities of response of a pathological muscle to new therapies. This second point could lead to the identification of effective treatments. Here, we report the significant progresses that have been made the last years to engineer muscle tissue-like structures, providing useful tools to investigate the behavior of resident cells. Specifically, we interest in the development of myopshere- and myobundle-based systems as well as the bioprinting constructs. The electrical/mechanical stimulation protocols and the co-culture systems developed to improve tissue maturation process and functionalities are presented. The formation of these biomimetic engineered muscle tissues represents a new platform to study skeletal muscle function and spatial organization in large number of physiological and pathological contexts.
Prognostic models for knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for systematic review, critical appraisal, and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Jingyu , Si Liping , Zhang Guangcheng , Huo Jiayu , Xing Yue , Hu Yangfan , Zhang Huan , Yao Weiwu
Published: May 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease. It is associated with significant socioeconomic burden and poor quality of life, mainly due to knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and related total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Since early detection method and disease-modifying drug is lacking, the key of KOA treatment is shifting to disease prevention and progression slowing. The prognostic prediction models are called for to guide clinical decision-making. The aim of our review is to identify and characterize reported multivariable prognostic models for KOA about three clinical concerns: (1) the risk of developing KOA in the general population, (2) the risk of receiving TKA in KOA patients, and (3) the outcome of TKA in KOA patients who plan to receive TKA.

Methods

The electronic datasets (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, SportDiscus, and CINAHL) and gray literature sources (OpenGrey, British Library Inside, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and BIOSIS preview) will be searched from their inception onwards. Title and abstract screening and full-text review will be accomplished by two independent reviewers. The multivariable prognostic models that concern on (1) the risk of developing KOA in the general population, (2) the risk of receiving TKA in KOA patients, and (3) the outcome of TKA in KOA patients who plan to receive TKA will be included. Data extraction instrument and critical appraisal instrument will be developed before formal assessment and will be modified during a training phase in advance. Study reporting transparency, methodological quality, and risk of bias will be assessed according to the TRIPOD statement, CHARMS checklist, and PROBAST tool, respectively. Prognostic prediction models will be summarized qualitatively. Quantitative metrics on the predictive performance of these models will be synthesized with meta-analyses if appropriate.

Discussion

Our systematic review will collate evidence from prognostic prediction models that can be used through the whole process of KOA. The review may identify models which are capable of allowing personalized preventative and therapeutic interventions to be precisely targeted at those individuals who are at the highest risk. To accomplish the prediction models to cross the translational gaps between an exploratory research method and a valued addition to precision medicine workflows, research recommendations relating to model development, validation, or impact assessment will be made.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020203543
The impact of gunshots on place-level business activity
Authors: Stacy Christina , Irvin-Erickson Yasemin , Tiry Emily
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Gun violence can negatively affect business activity at the place-level through a variety of mechanisms. However, estimating this effect is difficult since reported crime data are biased by factors that are also associated with business health. Despite some of its limitations, data from gunshot detection technology has been shown as a new valuable source of data on gun violence (Irvin-Erickson et al. in Appl Geogr 86: 262–273, 2017a). In this study, we use gunshot detection data to explore the spatial relationship between gunshots and business activity at the neighborhood level in Washington, DC between 2010 and 2012.

Methods

In this exploratory study, we create spatial buffers of 500 and 1000 feet around each block and sum up the total number of gunshots and business births, deaths, sales, and number of employees within these buffers each year and estimate a spatial fixed effects panel model.

Results

Gunshots within 1000 feet of a block increase the number of business deaths by 4.3% within that buffer on average, and gunshots within 500 feet of a block decrease the total number of service and retail businesses, the number of employees employed by businesses within that buffer, and total sales for those businesses (although not at a statistically significant rate). Gunshots on blocks with the lowest initial levels of gunshots increase business turnover and reduce the total number of businesses present by 0.5%, and gunshots on blocks with the highest initial levels of gunshots cause an increase in the number of business deaths by 7.5%.

Conclusion

Results suggest that efforts to improve distressed neighborhoods should target both areas with lower and higher pre-existing levels of gunshots.
Fentanyl-related overdose during incarceration: a comprehensive review
Authors: Kaplowitz Eliana , Truong Ashley Q. , Macmadu Alexandria , Peterson Meghan , Brinkley-Rubinstein Lauren , Potter Nathan , Green Traci C. , Clarke Jennifer G. , Rich Josiah D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Fentanyl and related compounds have recently saturated the illicit drug supply in the United States, leading to unprecedented rates of fatal overdose. Individuals who are incarcerated are particularly vulnerable, as the burden of opioid use disorder is disproportionately higher in this population, and tolerance generally decreases during incarceration.

Methods

We conduct a systematic search for publications about fentanyl overdoses during incarceration in PubMed and PsycINFO, as well as lay press articles in Google, from January 1, 2013 through March 30th, 2021.

Results

Not a single fentanyl overdose was identified in the medical literature, but 90 overdose events, comprising of 76 fatal and 103 nonfatal fentanyl overdoses, were identified in the lay press. Among the 179 overdoses, 138 occurred in jails and 41 occurred in prisons, across the country.

Conclusions

Fentanyl-related overdoses are occurring in correctional facilities with unknown but likely increasing frequency. In addition to the need for improved detection and reporting, immediate efforts to 1) increase understanding of the risks of fentanyl and how to prevent and treat overdose among correctional staff and residents, 2) ensure widespread prompt availability of naloxone and 3) expand the availability of medications to treat opioid use disorder for people who are incarcerated will save lives.
Economic and environmental assessment of bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste
Authors: Izaguirre Jon Kepa , Barañano Leire , Castañón Sonia , Santos José A. L. , Cesário M. Teresa , da Fonseca M. Manuela R. , Alkorta Itziar , Garbisu Carlos
Published: May 2021

The management of municipal solid waste is a major logistic and environmental problem worldwide. Nonetheless, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a valuable source of nutrients which can be used for a variety of purposes, according to the Circular Economy paradigm. Among the possible applications, the bioproduction of a biodegradable polyester, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], using OFMSW as carbon platform is a promising strategy. Here, an economic and environmental assessment of bacterial P(3HB) production from OFMSW is presented based on previously published results. The SuperPro Designer® software was used to simulate P(3HB) production under our experimental parameters. Two scenarios were proposed depending on the fermentation medium: (1) enzymatic hydrolysate of OFMSW supplemented with glucose and plum waste juice; and (2) basal medium supplemented with glucose and plum waste juice. According to our results, both scenarios are not economically feasible under our experimental parameters. In Scenario 1, the low fermentation yield, the cost of the enzymes, the labour cost and the energy consumption are the factors that most contribute to that result. In Scenario 2, the cost of the extraction solvent and the low fermentation yield are the most limiting factors. The possibility of using process waste as raw material for the generation of other products must be investigated to enhance economic feasibility. From an environmental viewpoint, the photochemical oxidation potential (derived from the use of anisole as extraction solvent) and the generation of acid rain and global warming effect (caused by the burning of fuels for power generation) are the most relevant impacts associated to P(3HB) production under our experimental parameters.
Strong controls of daily minimum temperature on the autumn photosynthetic phenology of subtropical vegetation in China
Authors: Ren Peixin , Liu Zelin , Zhou Xiaolu , Peng Changhui , Xiao Jingfeng , Wang Songhan , Li Xing , Li Peng
Published: May 2021

Background

Vegetation phenology research has largely focused on temperate deciduous forests, thus limiting our understanding of the response of evergreen vegetation to climate change in tropical and subtropical regions.

Results

Using satellite solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI) data, we applied two methods to evaluate temporal and spatial patterns of the end of the growing season (EGS) in subtropical vegetation in China, and analyze the dependence of EGS on preseason maximum and minimum temperatures as well as cumulative precipitation. Our results indicated that the averaged EGS derived from the SIF and EVI based on the two methods (dynamic threshold method and derivative method) was later than that derived from gross primary productivity (GPP) based on the eddy covariance technique, and the time-lag for EGSsif and EGSevi was approximately 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. We found that EGS was positively correlated with preseason minimum temperature and cumulative precipitation (accounting for more than 73% and 62% of the study areas, respectively), but negatively correlated with preseason maximum temperature (accounting for more than 59% of the study areas). In addition, EGS was more sensitive to the changes in the preseason minimum temperature than to other climatic factors, and an increase in the preseason minimum temperature significantly delayed the EGS in evergreen forests, shrub and grassland.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the SIF outperformed traditional vegetation indices in capturing the autumn photosynthetic phenology of evergreen forest in the subtropical region of China. We found that minimum temperature plays a significant role in determining autumn photosynthetic phenology in the study region. These findings contribute to improving our understanding of the response of the EGS to climate change in subtropical vegetation of China, and provide a new perspective for accurately evaluating the role played by evergreen vegetation in the regional carbon budget.
The comparative aspects of hystricomorph subplacenta: potential endocrine organ
Authors: Miglino Maria Angelica , de Sá Schiavo Matias Gustavo , Rigoglio Nathia Nathaly , Borghesi Jessica , de Castro Sasahara Taís Harumi , del Portal Maria Josephina Illera , del Portal Juan Carlos Illera , Granado Gema Silván , Ramos Sara Cristina Caceres , de Oliveira Moacir Franco , Conley Alan James
Published: May 2021

Background

The placenta of hystricomorph rodents, lagomorphs and some primates includes an unusual structure, termed a subplacenta, which essentially consists of trophoblastic cells located deep to the central implantation site within the area of decidualization. It has been suggested that the subplacenta is functionally important, although considerable controversy remains on the issue. In this context, our objective was to compare the architecture and structure of the subplacentas of different hystricomorph species, to investigate the possibility that it is active in hormone synthesis.

Methods

In total, the placentas of 3 capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris), 2 pacas (Agouti paca), 5 agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina), 5 rock cavies (Kerodon rupestris) and 3 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) at different stages of pregnancy (early, middle and near term) were used for gross and microscopic examination. This included the preparation of latex injection casts, immunohistochemistry for steroidogenic enzymes, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Tissue steroid concentrations were also determined.

Results

The gross morphology and microvascular arrangement of the subplacentas were similar among the hystricomorphs studied including ultra-structural verification of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast in all species. In guinea pigs, trophoblast cells exhibited characteristics consistent with intense metabolic and secretory activity in general. However, immuno-histochemical evidence also indicated that subplacental trophoblast expressed key steroidogenic enzymes, mainly in the chorionic villus region, consistent with tissue steroid concentrations.

Conclusions

The subplacentas within placentas of hystricomorph rodent species are structurally similar and, in guinea pigs, have potential for steroid hormone secretion from, at least the early stages of pregnancy.
The development and validation of a revised version of the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS Sleep-R)
Authors: Yarlas Aaron , White Michelle K. , St. Pierre Danielle G. , Bjorner Jakob B.
Published: May 2021

Background

The 12-item Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS Sleep Scale) has been used to capture patient-reported sleep problems in hundreds of studies. A revised version of the MOS Sleep Scale (MOS Sleep-R) was developed that uses simplified response sets, provides interpretable norm-based scoring, and has two recall versions (one-week or four-week). The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties (reliability and construct validity) of the MOS Sleep-R using data from a representative sample of U.S. adults.

Methods

Standardization of raw scores into norm-based T-scores (mean = 50, standard deviation = 10) was based on data from a 2009 U.S. internet-based general population survey. The internal consistency reliability of multi-item subscales and global sleep problems indices for both one-week and four-week recall forms of the MOS Sleep-R were examined using Cronbach’s alphas and inter-item correlations. Construct validity was tested by comparing item-scale correlations between items within subscales with item-scale correlations across subscales. Scale-level convergent validity was tested using correlations with measures including generic health-related quality of life (i.e., SF-36v2) and other relevant outcomes (e.g., job performance, number of days in bed due to illness or injury, happiness/satisfaction with life, frequency of stress/pressure in daily life, the impact of stress/pressure on health, and overall health).

Results

The one-week and four-week recall forms of the MOS Sleep-R were completed by 2045 and 2033 respondents, respectively. The psychometric properties of the one-week and four-week forms were similar. All multi-item subscales and global index scores showed adequate internal consistency reliability (all Cronbach’s alpha > 0.75). Patterns of inter-item and item-scale correlations support the scaling assumptions of the MOS Sleep-R. Patterns of correlations between MOS Sleep-R scores with criterion measures of health-related quality of life and other outcomes indicated adequate construct validity.

Conclusions

The MOS Sleep-R introduces a number of revisions to the original survey, including simplified response sets, the introduction of a one-week recall form, and norm-based scoring that enhances interpretability of scores. Both the one-week and four-week recall period forms of the MOS Sleep-R demonstrated good internal consistency reliability and construct validity in a U.S. general population sample.
How do healthcare professionals make decisions concerning low-value care practices? Study protocol of a factorial survey experiment on de-implementation
Authors: Roczniewska Marta , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Augustsson Hanna , Nilsen Per , Ingvarsson Sara , Hasson Henna
Published: May 2021

Background

A large number of practices used in health care lack evidence of effectiveness and may be unnecessary or even cause harm. As such, they should be de-implemented. While there are multiple actors involved in de-implementation of such low-value care (LVC) practices, ultimately, the decision to abandon a practice is often made by each health care professional. A recent scoping review identified 6 types of factors affecting the utilization vs. abandonment of LVC practices. These factors concern health care professionals, patients, outer context, inner context, processes, and the characteristics of LVC practice itself. However, it is unclear how professionals weigh these different factors in and how these determinants influence their decisions about abandoning LVC practices. This project aims to investigate how health care professionals account for various factors as they make decisions regarding de-implementation of LVC practices.

Methods

This project will be carried out in two main steps. First, a factorial survey experiment (a vignette study) will be applied to empirically test the relevance of factors previously identified in the literature for health care professionals’ decision-making about de-implementation. Second, interactive workshops with relevant stakeholders will be carried out to develop a framework for professionals’ decision-making and to offer suggestions for interventions to support de-implementation of LVC practices.

Discussion

The project has the potential to contribute to improved understanding of the decision-making involved in de-implementation of LVC practices. We will identify which factors are more important when they make judgments about utilizing versus abandoning LVC practices. The results will provide the basis for recommendations concerning appropriate interventions to support de-implementation decision-making processes.
Role of FNAC in diagnosis of parotid lesions
Authors: Youssef Ahmed , Cope Daren , Alsedra Sundus , Zahran Mohamed , El Tahan Abdel Rahman
Published: May 2021

Background

Salivary gland masses are considered challenging for diagnosis regarding its origin and whether benign or malignant. Unique features of FNAC as a safe and easy diagnostic procedure with little discomfort to the patient made it a favorable primary diagnostic tool. Information regarding the nature of parotid lesions whether being benign or malignant is the main objective of FNAC. We have done a restrospective study for FNAC for parotid masses performed in John Hunter hospital (Newcastle, NSW, Australia) along the peroid from 2014-2018. Histopathological correlation was done in 74 cases to test the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosis of parotid lesions.

Results

Of the total 74 FNAC done for parotid lesions in which a histopathological correlation was done, we get 46 (62.2%) benign lesions (37 neoplastic and 9 non-neoplastic) while 28 (37.8%) were malignant tumor. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common in benign tumor side (45.7%) while SCC is the most common in malignant group (53.6%). Compatibility between FNAC and histological diagnosis was found in 74% (55/74), of which 78.3% in benign lesions (36/46) and in 68% of malignant lesions (19/28). FNA cytology was true positive in 21/74 cases (28.4%) and true negative in 41/74 (55.4%) cases. We have 5 (6.8%) false-negative and 7 (9.5%) false-positive results. As a result, we get sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 85%, and accuracy of 84%.

Conclusion

The role of FNAC in diagnosis of primary salivary gland pathology is considered with some debate about sensitivity/specificity; however, sometimes it should be repeated or correlated with clinical/histopathological confirmation.
Seismic data inversion with acquisition adaptive convolutional neural network for geologic forward prospecting in tunnels
Authors: Ren Yuxiao , Liu Bin , Yang Senlin , Li Duo , Jiang Peng
Published: May 2021

Seismic forward prospecting is essential because it can identify the velocity distribution in front of the tunnel face and provide guidance for safe excavation activities. We have developed a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based method to invert forward-prospecting data recorded in tunnels for accurate and rapid estimation of seismic velocity distribution. Targeting the unusual seismic acquisition setup in tunnels, we design two separate encoders to extract features from observation data recorded on both tunnel sidewalls. Subsequently, these features are concatenated to a decoder for velocity prediction. Considering the various acquisition setups used in different tunneling projects, the deep-learning inversion network must be flexible in terms of the seismic source/receiver positions for practical application. We have generated two auxiliary feature maps that can be used to feed acquisition information to our network. Our network, acquisition adaptive CNN ([Formula: see text]-CNN), can be trained by defining the loss function based on the [Formula: see text]-norm and multiscale structural similarity. Compared with traditional CNNs, our method has superior performance on data sets with fixed and random acquisition setups and also demonstrates certain robustness when handling synthetic data with field noise. Finally, we test how the network performs when feeding the modified acquisition setup information. It turns out that the inversion result will demonstrate a shift when the provided acquisition setup information shift, which verified the validity of the network and its use of acquisition information.