bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimal Window of Platelet Reactivity by LTA Assay for Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wang Jing , Ma Jiazheng , Teng Jianzhen , Zhang Xiaofeng , Wang Jing , Gu Qian , Ye Zekang , Ullah Inam , Tan Chuchu , Abdus Samee , Shi Lu , Gong Xiaoxuan , Li Chunjian
Published: June 2021

Objective This study was aimed to investigate an optimal therapeutic window for platelet reactivity (PR) to predict the lowest ischemic and bleeding events in patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and treated with dual antiplatelet agents. Design A total of 1709 patients who had received coronary stent implantation and had taken aspirin 100 mg in combination with clopidogrel 75 mg daily for >5 days were consecutively recruited and their platelet reactivity was determined by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA). All patients were followed up for 12 months. The primary end-point was the net adverse clinical events (NACE) of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR) , stent thrombosis (ST) and any bleeding.Result By using the receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis, the optimal cutoff values were found to be 37.5% and 25.5% respectively in predicting ischemic and bleeding events. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to PR: inside the window group (IW) [adenosine diphosphate (ADP) induced platelet aggregation (PLADP) 25.5%-37.4%)] and outside the window group (OW) (PLADP <25.5% or ≥37.5%). The incidence of NACE was 16.8% and 23.1% respectively in the IW and OW group. The hazard ratio of NACE in IW-group was significantly lower [0.69 (95% CI: 0.54–0.89; P = 0.004)] than that in the OW-group during 12 month follow-up. Conclusion An optimal therapeutic window of 25.5%-37.4% for PLADP predicts the lowest risk of NACE, which could be referred for tailored antiplatelet treatment while using LTA assay. Trial and clinical registry Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01968499. Registered 18 October 2013 - Retrospectively registered.
Physical Mechanism of Laser Excited Acoustic Wave and its Application in Recognition of Incomplete-penetration Welding Defect
Authors: Cai Yuhua , Luo Yi , Wang Xinxin , Yang Shuqing , Zhang Fuyuan , Tang Fanshun , Peng Yanrui
Published: June 2021

Incomplete penetration is a type of welding defect that severely impacts the quality of weldments. In order to identify penetration levels in pulsed laser and plasma transferred arc (laser-PTA) hybrid welding, this paper uses structure-borne acoustic sensors to detect acoustic signals. Their characteristics are then analyzed with respect to the time and frequency domains. Acoustic signals characteristic of incomplete-penetration defects were extracted using a Butterworth band-pass filter. Physical mechanisms of laser excited acoustic wave were then studied by analyzing the correlation between incomplete-penetration defects and their characteristic acoustic signals. The results showed that acoustic signals correlating to incomplete-penetration defects have characteristic frequencies ranging from 0 to 10 kHz, which are generated by interaction between the pulsed laser beam and molten pool. An incomplete-penetration defect constitutes an acoustic cavity, which is an acoustic transmission structure. The structure of phonation sources and the acoustic cavity are affected by levels of penetration, giving rise to acoustic signals with different characteristics. In general, the study of physical mechanisms of laser excited acoustic wave lays a foundation for on-line identification of incomplete-penetration defects in laser-PTA hybrid welding.
WITHDRAWN: Relationship Between Maxillary Sinus Hypoplasia and Maxillary Occlusal Cant: A Cone Beam CT Study
Authors: Alsufyani Noura A. , Major Michael P. , Major Paul W.
Published: June 2021

Background: maxillary sinus hypoplasia (MSH) has been reported to cause a cant in the orbital plane. No similar reports exist about the possible impact on the maxilla. The aim of this study was to assess if MSH is associated with maxillary occlusal plane (MOP) cant, and if dental or mandibular factors influenced the existence of the MOP cant. Methods: 80 cone beam CT images of subjects with MSH were analyzed for type of MSH, degree of MOP cant, open or cross bite, mandibular asymmetry, and degenerative joint disease of the temporomandibular joints. The subjects were compared with a control group matched by age and gender. Results: The degree of MOP cant (range 0-5.1°) was not statistically significantly different in unilateral vs bilateral MSH, or between the different types of MSH. The frequency of open bite, crossbite, mandibular asymmetry, or degenerative joint disease in unilateral vs bilateral MSH, or between the different types of MSH was not statistically significantly different. Between the case and control, there was no statistically significant difference in the degree of MOP cant (1.3±1.1° vs 1.1±0.9°, respectively), or frequency of dental and mandibular factors. There was low positive linear correlation between MOP cant and mandibular symmetry in MSH subjects (Spearman’s rho= 0.23) and controls (Spearman’s rho= 0.187). Conclusions: The data suggests a view of the alveolar bone as the adaptable skeletal unit to ensure and bridge the functionality between the nasomaxillary complex and TMJ system – two systems with very different function, and therefore largely independent “matrix units”.
Sodium-fluorescein Guided Resection in Brain Metastases Surgery: Our Results in a Series of 59 Patients
Authors: Fuschillo Dalila , Mongardi Lorenzo , D'Andrea Marcello , Maimone Giuseppe , Antonelli Vincenzo , Tosatto Luigino
Published: June 2021

Metastasis are the most common tumors in the brain, nowadays surgical resection still remains the treatment of choice in patients eligible for surgery.Several tools and techniques have been proposed to improve the resection rate but few datas are available on the application of fluorescence guided surgery for brain metastases resectionPurpose: the aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the fluorescence-guided surgery through the application of sodium fluorescein (SF) detected by Yellow 560nm filter for brain metastases surgery Methods: 75 Patients operated from January 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and 59 patients recruited. The patients were divided into group A of 30 (fluorescein-guided surgery group of 30 patients) and group B (control- standard white light microsurgery of 29 patients). In group A a 5 mg/kg bodyweight of FL was intravenously injected at scalp incision. A yellow 560 filter was employed for microsurgical tumor resection. Preoperative and postoperative metastases volume analysis was performed to evaluate the extent of resection and the residual tumor rateResults: Median preoperative Volume (cm3) was 11.85 (range 2.5-90) in group A and 10 (range 1-48) in group B. Median residual tumor volume (RTV) after surgery was 0 (0-1.0) in group A and 0.4 (0-2.0) in group B whereas median EOR was 100% (0,8-1) in the group A and 98,2% (0,43-1) in group B. Conclusion: SF-guided surgery using YELLOW 560 nm microscope filter should be considered a safe and useful procedure and effective to improve the extent of resection even in metastatic tumor surgery.
Shear Wave Elastography Combined with Molecular Subtype in Early Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Prospective Case-control Study
Authors: Huang Jia-Xin , Lin Shi-Yang , Ou Yan , Shi Cai-Gou , Zhong Yuan , Wei Ming-Jie , Pei Xiao-Qing
Published: June 2021

Background: This study was designed to investigate the performance of quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) and the accuracy of SWE with the molecular subtype for early prediction of pathological response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).Methods: In this prospective case-control study, 102 patients were screened from September 2016 to August 2020. Characteristics of conventional ultrasonography (US), SWE and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI), were recorded, and the changes were compared to the pre-NAC baseline data. The pathological response was classified according to the Miller Payne grading system. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model for the response to NAC. Results: Significant differences related to changes in SWE characteristics of breast lesions between between pathological response groups were observed earlier than size on the conventional US and MRI images. According to the multivariate predictive model, the best parameter for predicting the pathological response after the first cycle of NAC was the molecular subtype of the tumor [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.83] with low sensitivity (66.04%). Better predictive performance was achieved when △AE/B and the molecular subtype were applied in combination after the second cycle of NAC (AUC = 0.92) with a higher sensitivity (86.79%). The predictive performance of molecular subtype combined with △AE/B and △SWVmean after the third and fourth cycles of NAC were improved (AUC = 0.94).Conclusion: The SWE can be an early predictor of the pathological response to NAC for breast cancer. The combination of SWE and the molecular subtype may be a preferred method for the clinical evaluation of NAC to facilitate the personalization of treatment regimens for breast cancer.
Renal Function in β-Thalassemia Major Patients Treated with Two Different Iron-Chelation Regimes.
Authors: Tanous Osama , Azulay Yossi , Halevy Raphael , Dujovny Tal , Swartz Neta , Colodner Raul , Koren Ariel , Levin Carina
Published: June 2021

Background: Renal injury in Transfusion dependent β thalassemia patients (TDT) has been attributed to iron overload, chronic anemia and iron-chelation therapy (ICT) toxicity. We studied renal function in TDT patients treated with two different ICT regimes. Patients and methods: We studied 36 TDT patients: 26 received deferasirox (DFX) and 10 were treated with deferoxamine (DFO) +/- deferiprone (DFP).Results: Increased uNAG was found in 30% of the DFX group vs. 10% of the DFO+/-DFP group, the mean uNAG level in the DFX group was significantly higher than in the DFO+/-DFP group, (P < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation was found between uNAG levels and mean serum ferritin for the prior 10 years (P = 0.03), more pronounced for the DFO+/-DFP group. 29 patients had had their renal function evaluated 10 years earlier; eGFR significantly declined in patients switched to DFX (P = 0.0093) but not in patients who continued DFO+/-DFP. Conclusions: A high prevalence of renal tubular damage was observed in our TDT patients, particularly those treated with DFX; uNAG was negatively associated with mean 10-year serum ferritin, suggesting ICT's involvement in tubular injury. A significant decline in eGFR compared to a decade earlier was observed only in patients currently treated with DFX. Strict follow-up of renal function in TDT patients is warranted.
Childhood Academic Performance: A Potential Marker of Genetic Liability to Autism
Authors: Guilfoyle Janna L , Winston Molly , Sideris John , Marin Gary E , Nayar Kritika , Bush Lauren , Wassink Tom , Losh Molly
Published: June 2021

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable, genetically complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Genetic liability is often expressed among relatives through subclinical, genetically meaningful traits, or endophenotypes. Studies of parents of individuals with ASD suggest important differences from controls in language-related skills in particular, including evidence that such differences may emerge in childhood, that may serve as early markers of genetic liability to ASD. This study investigated whether developmental academic profiles may be evident among clinically unaffected siblings of individuals with ASD, and possibly constitute developmental endophenotypic markers of ASD genetic risk among relatives. Methods: Longitudinal, archival academic testing records were studied to characterize developmental profiles in the domains of language, reading, and math, among clinically unaffected siblings of individuals with ASD. Relationships were explored between siblings’ childhood academic profiles and subclinical ASD-related traits, and the familiality of such traits. Results: Results revealed relatively lower performance in language-related academic skills among siblings of individuals with ASD, mirroring patterns previously reported among parents. Relationships were detected between siblings’ academic performance patterns and subclinical ASD-related traits in themselves and their parents, and with symptom severity in their sibling with ASD. Language phenotypes were associated in mother-sibling dyads, and rigidity and math performance associated in father-child dyads. Limitations: Data from this study represent a relatively small and racially homogenous group of siblings of individuals with ASD, and as such, replication in a larger more diverse sample should be completed to increase generalizability. Conclusions: Distinctive profiles of academic development were evident in siblings in language-related skills, mirroring prior findings in parents, suggesting specific and subtle phenotypes that may represent early-emerging indicators of genetic liability to ASD and are measurable in first-degree relatives using standardized academic testing. Results also suggest differential intergenerational transmission of ASD-related traits between mothers and fathers.
Vaccine Wastage: Associated Risk Factors and Policy Implications in the Littoral Region of Cameroon: A Retrospective Data Review
Authors: Nkenyi Rene , Pak Gi Deok , Chon Yun , Park Se Eun , Kang Sunjoo
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Immunization is an effective preventive health intervention. In Cameroon, the Expanded Program on Immunization aims to vaccinate children under five years old for free, but vaccination coverage has consistently remained below the national target. Vaccines are distributed based on the target population size, factoring in wastage norms. However, vaccine wastage rates (VWR) may differ among various settings. Our study aimed to assess vaccine wastage for different site settings, seasonality, and vaccine types in comparison to vaccination coverage. As the government of Cameroon continuously seek to improve and vaccination coverage and vaccine wastage, an investigation into why vaccines are being wasted may provide solutions to minimize it occurrences.Methods: Retrospective data on immunization and vaccine wastage covering 2016 and 2017 in the Littoral Region, Cameroon, were collected. Health districts were classified as urban or rural, seasonality categorized as rainy or dry season, and vaccine types were grouped into liquid, lyophilized, oral, and injectable. VWR and vaccination coverage rates (VCR) were calculated, and the vaccine waste factor was investigated. Results: From 2,851,527 doses, children made up 2,640,077 in 2016 and 2017. VWR was the highest in the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (32.19%) vaccine, followed by measles and rubella (19.05%) and yellow fever (18.34%) vaccines. Single-dose vaccine vials exhibited lower VWR than multi-dose vials. February and November experienced a decrease in the VCR. A negative correlation between VCR and VWR was presented. The VWR for most vaccines was higher during the dry season and remained persistently higher in rural than in urban districts. Conclusion: While the government of Cameroon has consistently been seeking to improve vaccination coverage in recent years by reducing vaccine wastage, understanding risk factors associated to vaccine wastage and coverage is essential for the immunization programs. Reasons for vaccine wastage were multifaceted: limited social infrastructure, cold chain, awareness of immunization, vaccine demand forecasting, and efforts to increase vaccination coverage. To achieve immunization targets, improved forecasting of vaccine demand is essential. Further studies on vaccine wastage and immunization coverage across Cameroon are needed for a comprehensive landscape analysis of immunization programs in Cameroon.
Filipino Nurses in Cebu City Reveals High Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Willingness in Providing Care to COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Denney Brian , Astor Alexandra , Cabrilles Joanna , Codera Kristiane , Forteza Edzil Marice , Ihara Mugen , Lagudas Mary Farrah , Pesante Kathleen Kaye , Tam Jae Christelle
Published: June 2021

Background: COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading illness and has resulted in a global pandemic. In the Philippines, active cases of COVID-19 are rising and have threatened both local health and healthcare workers given the limited information on this new disease. Despite several studies conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude, practices, and willingness of nurses to provide care during this pandemic, there are scarce reports regarding Filipino nurses. Thus, our study assessed such criteria in staff nurses across different Cebu hospitals.Methods: This study utilized a descriptive research design using the cross-sectional survey method. A web-based survey and convenience sampling method was adopted to collect the data from Filipino nurses from any hospital in Cebu, of which, 137 participated in the study. A 43-item questionnaire was developed, which was spread out into 5 parts that comprised of the demographic profile, knowledge (15 items), attitude (10 items), practices (9 items), and willingness to care for patients with COVID-19 (9 items). The data was processed and analyzed using inferential statistical tools.Results: Majority of the nurses were females (70.80%), whose ages were 20-25 years old (54.01%), single (89.78%), mostly college degree holder (90.51%), and employed in hospitals for 1-3 years (64.96%). They also rely on the internet (99.27%) as a source of information related to COVID-19. They also displayed an overall knowledge of 65% especially about the COVID-19 causative agent, its transmission, and pathogenesis. Furthermore, the respondents were generally knowledgeable of the various information regarding COVID-19 at a rate of 79.56%. The mean values for attitude, practices, and willingness to provide care were 4.45 (very favorable), 4.65 (always), and 4.52 (very willing) respectively.Conclusions: Generally, the results of our study were favorable across the 5 parts of the survey. Overall knowledge and extent of practice was high, which can be attributed to government efforts of educating healthcare workers and observance of the mandated protocols. In addition, attitude significantly affected the willingness of the nurses to provide care. However, knowledge and practice did not affect the nurses’ willingness as the drawbacks and demands of their occupation outweighed and decreased their willingness.
Spatial Distribution and Epidemiological Factors of Brucellosis in Northwest of Iran.
Authors: Mohamadshahi Jafar , Habibzadeh Shahram , Moradi-Asl Eslam , Nakhostin Babak , -Ghahramanloo Abbas Abbasi , Emdadi Dariush , Abishvand Javad
Published: June 2021

Background: Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world that infected humans directly through contaminated livestock or indirectly through animal products and induces high medical and economic damage annually. We extracted the incidence cases of the disease from 2016 to 2020 in this retrospective cross-sectional study using the disease registration system of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. The interpolation method and IDW model were employed for spatial analysis and disease distribution and determination of hotspot points, Moran I and General G analysis were used to determine the type of distribution and spatial autocorrelation at a significant level (P <0.05) . GIS software 10.4.8 was applied to determine areas.Results: 2679 cases of brucellosis were diagnosed in the province during the study that 96.97% were Iranian, 2.95% Azerbaijani, and 0.08% were Iraqi. 40.5% of patients were female and 59.5% male. The highest numbers of infected cases were reported in 2020 with 29.2% and the lowest number was reported in 2016 with 16%. Rural areas had a high prevalence in terms of distribution and the north of Aslanduz and the central part of Sarein were determined as two significant rural fauci of the disease. The trend of disease was increasing from east to west of the province.Conclusion: Brucellosis is very widespread in rural areas in Ardabil Province. Ardabil University of Medical Sciences is required to take practical and educational measures to control this disease in high-risk centers. It is expected to take measures in order to educate villagers.
Clinical Analysis of Posterolateral Approach for the Treatment of Posterior Malleolus Fracture with Cannulated Screw or Buttress Plate
Authors: Lei Yang , zhiyuan liu , Gang Yin
Published: June 2021

Background:Posterior malleolus (PM) fractures account for 7%-44% of all ankle fractures. however, the management of PM fractures remains controversial. Studies have shown that the posterolateral approach is one of the most commonly used surgical approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of the posterolateral approach with cannulated screw or buttress plate for the treatment of posterior malleolus fracture.Method:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 66 patients with ankle fractures involving posterior malleolus from January 2016 to March 2018. All patients were treated with a posterolateral approach. Fixation of the posterior malleolus was made with anterior to posterior (AP) lag screws in 7 patients, posterior to anterior (PA) lag screws in 38 patients, buttress plates in 9 patients, and buttress plates combined with PA lag screws in 12 patients. We used the AOFAS ankle and posterior foot function scoring system, VAS pain score, and radiographic evaluations as the primary outcome measures. The mean follow-up was 10.8 ± 4.4 (range, 6-20) months.Results:Radiological evaluation showed that 64 patients (97.0%) achieved a good or excellent reduction and the primary bone union was achieved in all the 66 patients without internal fixation failure or occurrence of post-traumatic ankle arthritis. At the final follow-up, the mean AOFAS score of the patients was 92.39 ± 3.84, with an excellent/good rate of 100%. The VAS pain score was 6.62±1.03 before surgery, changed to 3.06 ± 0.72 one week after surgery, and 1.20 ± 0.92 at the final follow-up. There was no statistical difference in the AOFAS score (p=0.01) or VAS pain score (p=0.01) between the different internal fixation methods.Conclusion:The posterolateral approach using lag screws and/or buttress plates can achieve good clinical outcomes in the treatment of posterior malleolus fracture with reduced incidence of postoperative complications, fracture reduction failure, and ankle osteoarthritis.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Patients with Renal Insufficiency and Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Buckenmayer Anna , Dahmen Lotte , Hoyer Joachim , Kamalanabhaiah Sahana , Haas Christian S.
Published: June 2021

Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple laboratory diagnostic tool for estimating systemic inflammation. It remains unclear, if renal function affects ESR, thereby compromising its validity. This pilot study aims to compare prevalence and extent of ESR elevations in hospitalized patients with or without kidney disease. In addition, the impact of renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality on ESR was determined.Methods: In this single-center, retrospective study, patients were screened for ESR values. ESR was compared in patients with and without renal disease and/or RRT. In addition, ESR was correlated with other inflammatory markers, the extent of renal insufficiency and clinical characteristics.Results: A total of 203 patients was identified, showing an overall elevated ESR in the study population (mean 51.7±34.6 mm/h). ESR was significantly increased in all patients with severe infection, active vasculitis or cancer, respectively, independent from renal function. Interestingly, there was no difference in ESR between patients with and without kidney disease or those having received a prior renal transplant or being on hemodialysis. However, ESRD patients treated with peritoneal dialysis presented with a significantly higher ESR (78.3±33.1 mm/h, p<0.001), while correlation with other inflammatory markers was not persuasive.Conclusions: We showed that ESR: (1) does not differ between various stages of renal insufficiency; (2) may be helpful as a screening tool also in patients with renal insufficiency; and (3) is significantly increased in ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis per se, while it seems not to be affected by hemodialysis or renal transplantation (see graphical abstract as supplementary material).
Treatment and Prophylaxis of Post-pericardiotomy Syndrome in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Meta-analysis of Main Trials
Authors: Giacinto Omar , Minati Alessandro , Lusini Mario , Cardetta Francesco , Saltarocchi Sara , D'Abramo Mizar , Miraldi Fabio , Chello Massimo
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Post-pericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) is a common complication of cardiac surgery. This study represents a meta-analysis of trials on treatment and prophylaxis of PPS with colchicine, indomethacin and dexamethasone. The primary endpoint was to investigate the efficacy of these drugs, while the secondary endpoints were the efficacy in reducing hospital readmission, cardiac tamponade, symptom persistence, atrial fibrillation as well as their safety and adverse effects. Methods: Literature research was carried out using PubMed. Inclusion criteria were: studies investigating ≥10 patients with clinically PPS in which colchicine, dexamethasone and indomethacin were compared with placebo. We excluded publications referring only to animal experiments or in vitro experiments, studies on < 10 patients, case reports, congress reports, review articles, editorial letters. Results: Among studies with post-operative colchicine treatment, two of them demonstrated a significant reduction of PPS [95% CI -0,86 (-1,96, 0,25)], [95% CI 0,24 (0,03,0,44)]. In the single pre-surgery colchicine administration study, a reduction of PPS was obtained [95% CI -0,55 (-1,04, -0,06)]. In the indomethacin study, pre-surgery administration was linked to a reduction of PPS [95% CI -2,18 (-4,31, -0,06)]. This result was not reported with pre-operative dexamethasone intake [95% CI 0,50 (0,12, 0,88)]. Conclusion: The overall results show a better outcome when colchicine and indomethacin were administered as primary prophylactic agents in order to prevent PPS and PE. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Preoperative Prediction of Lymphovascular Invasion of Colorectal Cancer by Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wu Dejun , Yang Zhou , Wang Shuyu , Han Hao , Quan Yingjun , Min Zhijun
Published: June 2021

Background: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is considered to be important for metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there is still no effective method to predict LVI before operation. Our research aimed to construct an artificial neural network (ANN) for the pre-operative prediction of LVI.Methods: We obtained blood indexes and conditions of LVI (confirmed by pathological examination) of 288 cases of CRC patients from a tertiary hospital in China. ANN and logistic regression model were constructed based on randomly chosen 185 cases CRC patients (training group). The remaining 103 cases of CRC patients received tests of ANN and logistic model (validation group). Receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the accuracy of constructed model respectively.Results: In the training group, the area under curve (AUC) of ANN was higher than that of logistic model (0.832 vs 0.692). The ANN correctly predicted 92% cases of LVI, whereas logistic model only predicted 56% cases. Similar results were also tested in the validation model.Conclusions: Our constructed ANN showed higher accuracy compared with a conventional linear model. The ANN based on blood indexes may provide value for pre-operative prediction of LVI.
“Environmental Opportunities for Active Play and Physical Activity Level in Preschoolers: a Multicriteria Analysis.”
Authors: Nobre Juliana Nogueira Pontes , Morais Rosane Luzia Souza , Prat Bernat Viñola , Fernandes Amanda Cristina , Viegas Ângela Alves , Figueiredo Pedro Henrique Scheidt , Costa Henrique Silveira , Camargos Ana Cristina Resende , Alcantara Marcus Alessandro , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues
Published: June 2021

Background: Active seem to influence the level of physical activity during childhood. However, a gap remains about which environmental opportunities could have a positive impact on the level of physical activity in preschoolers.Objectives: (1) To develop an index to measure the environmental opportunities of free active play for preschoolers of middle-income countries; (2) to check the relationship and contribution of the index to explain objectively the level of physical activity. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, exploratory study with 51 preschool children. The established criteria for the index according to the literature were: (1) Outdoor time on typical days of the week. (2) Outdoor time on a typical weekend day. (3) The presence of internal space and external environment in the child's home that allows playing. (4) Presence of patio with space for games at the school. (5) Presence of a playground with a toy at the school. We applied multi-attribute utility theory for the determination of the multicriteria index. Pearson's correlation analysis and simple linear regression were used to verify the association between the index and the physical activity level. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The index showed a positive correlation with the level of physical activity, e.g., the average time of moderate to vigorous physical activity (r = 0.408, p <0.003). The univariate linear regression demonstrated that the quality of environmental opportunities for physical activity explained 20% of the preschooler’s classification as active and 16% of the time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (p <0.001). Conclusion: Environmental opportunities for active play have a positive impact on physical activity in preschoolers and should be encouraged in different social segments.
Characteristics and Prognostic Value of Pleural Effusion in Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Cheng Wanying , Gao Xin , Yin Guangli , Huang Jiayu , Man Changfeng , Xu Ji , Duan Limin , Tian Tian , Wang Jujuan , Qiu Hongxia
Published: June 2021

Background: Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a pathologic immune activation syndrome characterized by immune-mediated multiple organ system damage. Pleural effusion can occur as a specific manifestation of sHLH, however, has rarely been evaluated. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of pleural effusion in sHLH and assesse whether it affects prognosis.Methods: We retrospectively analysed 203 newly diagnosed sHLH patients from July 2015 to July 2019 according to the HLH-2004 protocol. Baseline characteristics, laboratory results, and imaging materials were reviewedResults: Pleural effusion was found in 58.6% of the studied sHLH population, and imaging findings were characterized by minimal amounts and bilaterality. Multivariate analyses showed that sCD25 level and PLT ≤65×109/L were significant risk factors for developing pleural effusion in sHLH. Regarding prognostic value, survival analysis showed a lower survival probability for patients with pleural effusion than for those without pleural effusion (median OS, 90 vs. 164 days, p = 0.028). In the multivariate analysis, pleural effusion was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.18–6.11, p = 0.019). Conclusions: Pleural effusion is frequently found in patients with sHLH and is associated with a higher inflammatory state and worse outcomes.
Wrist Actigraphic Approach in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Care Based on the Principles of Predictive, Preventive and Personalised (3P) Medicine
Authors: Acker Jens , Golubnitschaja Olga , Büttner-Teleaga Antje , Richter Kneginja
Published: June 2021

Sleep quality and duration as well as activity-rest-cycles at individual level are crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. Although several approaches do exist to monitor these parameters, optimal approaches are still under consideration and technological development.Wrist actigraphy is a non-invasive electro-physical method validated in the field of chronobiology to record movements and to allow for monitoring human activity-rest-cycles. Based on the continuous recording of motor activity and light exposure, actigraphy provides valuable information about the quality and quantity of the sleep-wake rhythm and about the amount of motor activity at day and night that is highly relevant for disease prediction, targeted prevention and personalisation of medical services. Being generally used in the field of sleep medicine, actigraphy demonstrates a great potential to be successfully implemented in primary, secondary and tertiary care, psychiatry, oncology, and intensive care, military and sports medicines as well as epidemiological monitoring of behavioural habits as well as well-being medical support, amongst others. Prediction of disease development and individual outcomesActivity-rest-cycles have been demonstrated to be an important predictor for many diseases including but not restricted to the development of metabolic, psychiatric and malignant pathologies. Moreover, activity-rest-cycles directly impact individual outcomes in corresponding patient cohorts. Targeted preventionData acquired by actigraphy are instrumental for the evidence-based targeted prevention by analysing individualised patient profiles including light exposure, sleep duration and quality, activity-rest-cycles, intensity and structure of motion pattern. Personalised TherapyWrist actigraphic approach is increasingly used in clinical care. Personalised measurements of sedation/agitation rhythms are useful for ICU-patients, for evaluation of motor fatigue in oncologic patients, for an individual enhancement of performance in military and sport medicine. In the framework of personalised therapy intervention, patients can be encouraged to optimise their behavioural habits improving recovery and activity patterns. This opens excellent perspectives for the sleep-inducing medication and stimulants replacement as well as for increasing the role of participatory medicine by visualisation and encouraging favourable behavioural patterns of the individual.
Knee Extensor Rate of Torque Development After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autografts in Young Female Athletes
Authors: Suzuki Makoto , Ishida Tomoya , Samukawa Mina , Matsumoto Hisashi , Ito Yu , Aoki Yoshimitsu , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: June 2021

Background: For the measurement of functional deficits after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with bone-patellar-tendon bone (BTB) grafts, the knee extensor rate of torque development (RTD) is known as a relevant outcome. However, it remains unclear if the RTD is also a relevant outcome after ACLR with semitendinosus and gracilis tendon (STG) autografts. The purpose of the present study was to compare the limb symmetry index (LSI) of the RTD of the quadriceps with that of the peak torque after ACLR using STG autografts and to investigate the relationship between the self-reported functional outcome and the LSI of the torque parameters.Methods: Eighteen young female athletes after ACLR with STG grafts (age: 16.8 ± 1.3 years; time after surgery: 8.6 ± 0.8 months). The participants had undergone three maximal voluntary isometric quadriceps tests using an isokinetic dynamometer. Using the torque-time curves, the peak torque, RTD100 (0 to 100 ms) and RTD200 (100 to 200 ms) were determined. The International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation form (IKDC-SKF) was used to assess self-reported knee function. Comparisons of the LSI of the peak torque and RTD were performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni’s correction as a post-hoc test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the associations of the IKDC-SKF score with the LSI of the RTD and peak torque.Results: The LSI of the peak torque and RTD200 was significantly lower than that of the RTD100 (peak torque vs RTD100: P = 0.017; RTD200 vs RTD100: P = 0.015). The LSI of the peak torque was positively correlated with the IKDC-SKF score (R = 0.621; P = 0.006).Conclusions: The peak torque and RTD200 were more sensitive for detecting inter-limb differences in quadriceps function than RTD100. The IKDC-SKF score was correlated with the LSI of the quadriceps peak torque but not with that of the RTD. The peak torque of the quadriceps was considered an appropriate screening for functional recovery after ACLR with STG grafts.
Subjective Well-being in Non-obese Individuals Depends Strongly on Body Composition
Authors: Chlabicz Małgorzata , Paniczko Marlena , Jamiołkowski Jacek , Sowa Paweł , Łapińska Magda , Raczkowski Andrzej , Łaguna Wojciech , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna M. , Waszkiewicz Napoleon , Kowalska Irina , Kamiński Karol Adam
Published: June 2021

While obesity has been correlated with welfare in the general population, there is not much data on the influence of body composition on welfare among the non-obese adult individuals. A total of 726 non-obese individuals from general population were analyzed. The mean age was 46.8±15.4 years and 42.1% of participants were male. The mean value for Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was 23.09±5.43, for Euro Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) was 78.0±14.5, and for Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was 6.7±6.6. On SWLS the waist-hip ratio had a negative impact even after adjustment for age, gender and concomitant diseases. EQ-VAS was inversely associated with android fat distribution and directly associated with muscle mass. BDI value was inversely associated with lower muscle mass, especially of the lower limbs. The well-being of women was mainly associated with the distribution of adipose tissue and less with the distribution of muscle tissue - abdominal fat distribution has a particularly negative impact on well-being among women. In contrast, men's well-being depends more on muscle mass and to a lesser extent on the distribution of fat tissue - a positive significant effect has lean mass and a circumference of thigh below gluteal fold.
Complete Genome Sequence of GII.9 Norovirus
Authors: Zhang Zilong , Liu Danlei , Zhang Zilei , Tian Peng , Wu Qingping , Wang Dapeng , Tian Zhengan
Published: June 2021

Norovirus is recognized as one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks. Genotype GII.9 was first detected in Norfolk, USA in 1997. However, the complete genome sequence of this genotype was not established yet. In this study, a complete genome sequence of a GII.9[P7] norovirus, marked as SCD1878, from a patient was established using a high-throughput sequencing and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technology. The complete genome sequence of SCD1878_GII.9P7 was 7544 nucleotides (nts) in length with a 3’ poly (A) tail, including three open reading frames. Homology analysis indicated that SCD1878_GII.9P7 shares 92.1%-92.3% identity with GII.P7 (AB258331 and AB039777) and 96.7%-97.4% identity with GII.9 (AY038599 and DQ379715) sequences. The results suggested that SCD1878 is a member of GII.P7 for P genotypes and GII.9 for genotypes. The viral sequence filled the gap in the whole genome level of the GII.9 genotype.
Carbon Dioxide Snow Cleaning of Paper
Authors: Maskova Ludmila , Smolik Jiri , Vavrova Petra , Neoralova Jitka , Souckova Magda , Novotna Dana , Jandova Vera , Ondracek Jakub , Ondrackova Lucie , Krizova Tereza , Kocova Katerina , Stanovsky Petr
Published: June 2021

Cleaning of particles from smooth and rough paper surfaces was investigated using a high-speed CO2 snow jet. The measurements included characterization of the jet properties, determination of the cleaning efficiency, and evaluation of the possible adverse effects. The method was compared with the nitrogen jet cleaning and the dry cleaning by commercial materials. The results showed that the CO2 snow jet is able to effectively remove particles from the paper surface and did not cause any observable degradation. The CO2 snow jet cleaning compared with the mechanical dry cleaning showed similar effectiveness without any adverse effects on the paper surface. It was proved that the CO2 snow technique is a suitable method for cleaning of common types of paper materials.
Phytate and Microbial Suspension Amendments Increased Soybean Growth and Shifted Microbial Community Structure
Authors: Ahmed Bulbul , Floc'h Jean-Baptiste , Lahrache Zakaria , Hijri Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Phytate represents an organic pool of phosphorus in soil that require hydrolysis by phytase enzymes produced by microorganisms prior to its bioavailability by plants. We hypothesize that in a greenhouse trail on soybean plants inoculated or non-inoculated with a microbial suspension made from an age-old maple forest’s undisturbed soil mineralize phytate. MiSeq Amplicon sequencing targeting bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS was performed to assess microbial community changes following treatments. Our results showed that soybean nodulation and shoot dry weight biomass increased when phytate was applied to the nutrient-poor substrate mixture. Bacterial and fungal diversities of the root and rhizosphere biotopes were relatively resilient following inoculation by microbial suspension; however, bacterial community structure was significantly influenced. Interestingly, four arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were identified as indicator species, including Glomus sp., Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Funneliformis mosseae and an unidentified AMF taxon. We also observed that an ericoid mycorrhizal taxon Sebacina sp. and three Trichoderma spp. were among indicator species. Non-pathogenic Planctobacteria members highly dominated the bacterial community as core and hub taxa for over 80% of all bacterial datasets in root and rhizosphere biotopes. Overall, our study documented that inoculation with a microbial suspension and phytate amendment improved soybean plant growth.
Biopolymeric superabsorbent hydrogels: impact on soil moisture release pattern, crop and water productivity of soybean–wheat under different irrigation regimes in Indo-Gangetic plains of India
Authors: GA Rajanna , Manna Suman , Singh Anupama , Babu Subhash , Singh VK , Dass Anchal , Chakraborty Debashis , Patanjali Neeraj , Chopra Indu , Banerjee Tirthankar , Kumar Anil , Khandelwal Ashish , Parmar Balraj S
Published: June 2021

Environmental crises, declining factor productivity, and shrinking natural resource threatened global agricultural sustainability. The task is much more daunting in the Indo-Gangetic northern plains of India, where depletion of the underground water table and erratic rains due to the changing climate pose a major challenge to agriculture. To address these challenges a field investigation was carried out during 2016–18 to test the efficacy of biopolymeric superabsorbent hydrogels namely Pusa Hydrogel (P-hydrogel: a semi-synthetic cellulose derivative-based product) and kaolin derivative of Pusa Hydrogel (K-hydrogel: semi-synthetic cellulose derivative) to assess their effect on crop and water productivity, soil moisture, root dynamics, and economics of soybean (Glycine max L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system under three irrigation regimes namely full irrigation, limited irrigation and rainfed. The results revealed that the full irrigation along with P-hydrogel led to enhanced grain yield, biomass yield, and water productivity (WP) of soybean (1.61–10.5%, 2.2–9.5%, and 2.15–21.8%, respectively) and wheat (11.1–18.3%, 12–54% and 11.1–13.1%, respectively) over control plots. The best performance of P-hydrogel was observed under full irrigation compared to K-hydrogel (both at 2.5 and 5.0 kg− 1) and control. Plots treated with P-hydrogel retained 3.0–5.0% higher soil moisture compared to no-hydrogel plots, while K-hydrogel treated plots held the lower moisture (4.0–6.0%) than the control. In terms of profitability, full irrigation along with P-hydrogel plots registered 12.97% higher economic returns over control. The results suggested that full irrigation along with P hydrogels (2.5 kg ha− 1) is a viable option for sustainable production of soybean-wheat systems in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India and other similar eco-regions of the world.
Enhancing Osseointegration and Mitigating Bacterial Biofilms on Medical-Grade Titanium with Chitosan-Conjugated Liquid-Infused Coatings
Authors: Zhang Yuxi , Villegas Martin , Badv Maryam , Alonso-Cantu Claudia , Wilson David , Hosseinidoust Zeinab , Didar Tohid F.
Published: June 2021

Titanium alloys, in particular, medical-grade Ti-6Al-4V is heavily used in orthopaedic applications due to its high moduli, strength, and biocompatibility. Implant infection can result in biofilm formation and failure of prosthetics. The formation of a biofilm on implants protect bacteria from antibiotics and the immune response, resulting in the propagation of the infection and ultimately result in device failure. Recently, slippery liquid-infused surfaces (LIS) have been investigated for their stable liquid interface, which provide excellent repellent properties to suppress biofilm formation. One of the current limitations of LIS coatings lies in the indistinctive repellency of bone cells in orthopaedic applications, therefore causing poor integration between tissue and implant. Here, we report a chitosan impregnated LIS coating that facilitates cell adhesion and osseointegration while preventing biofilm formation. Our results indicate that chitosan-conjugated LIS increased cell adhesion of osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells and significantly promoted proliferation compared to conventional titanium liquid-infused surfaces. Furthermore, the chitosan conjugated LIS significantly reduced biofilm formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) when compared to untreated and chitosan-coated titanium. Our engineered coating can be easily modified with other biopolymers or capture molecules to be applied to other biomaterials where both tissue integration and biofilm prevention is needed.
A Chinese Survey of Current Practice Patterns of Preoperative Bowel Preparation in Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Yu Hong , Xu Li , Liu Shuhao , Yin Songcheng , Hong Chunhong , Yang Shaohua , Chen Jingyao , Li Jianfeng , Zhang Changhua
Published: June 2021

Background

Bowel preparation has long been considered as the standard preoperative management for colorectal surgery. However, there are still controversies about bowel preparation and the importance of bowel preparation gradually declined. The purpose of this study is to describe the current attitudes and practice patterns of preoperative bowel preparation among Chinese surgeons.
Methods

An online 11-question anonymous survey was randomly assigned to Chinese surgeons. The questionnaire sought information on each surgeon’s current practice of preoperative bowel preparation.
Results

384 Chinese surgeons from 26 provincial administrative regions took part in this survey. The most common reason for choosing bowel preparation was preventing surgical site infection (SSI). Meanwhile, 74% Chinese surgeons believed bowel preparation could avoid anastomotic leakage. Only 34% thought that bowel preparation was considered to reduce risk of postoperative bleeding. In terms of bowel preparation methods, 57% Chinese surgeons preferred to choose laxatives alone. Regarding the choices of agents, Chinese surgeons were more likely to choose polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS).
Conclusions

Surgeons choose bowel preparation mostly to avoid SSI and anastomotic leakage, and they prefer using laxatives alone. Our study shows that surgeons do not have clear guidelines that can govern their clinical practice and there are still controversies about bowel preparation. Further study is required to provide strong evidences to inform clinical and policy decisions.