bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate risk of non-cancer deaths after a cancer diagnosis
Authors: Yang Pengcheng , Zheng Yongqiang , Chen Jiayuan , Ma Haotian , Yu Kaixu , Chen Ying , Yang Yun , Wu Bian
Published: August 2021

Background

Receiving a cancer diagnosis may trigger immediate fatal non-cancer health outcomes in addition to dying of cancer itself. We aim to investigate the full pattern of non-cancer deaths in patients within a year of a cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with cancer between 1990 and 2016 were identified from the SEER program. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated to characterize the relative risks of non-cancer deaths compared with the general population.

Results

Among 7,366,229 patients, 241,575 non-cancer deaths (15.9%) were recorded in the first year following a cancer diagnosis. The relative risk of non-cancer deaths was 2.34-fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.33–2.35) that of the general population. The majority of non-cancer deaths were caused by cardiovascular diseases (21.8%), followed by infectious diseases (7.2%). Significant elevations in mortality risks were observed for nearly all non-cancer causes, particularly in infectious diseases (SMR: 5.08; 95% CI: 5.03–5.13). Patients with liver cancer (SMR: 12.29; 95% CI: 12.06–12.53) were at the highest risk of early non-cancer deaths. The risks of non-cancer deaths were highest within the first month after diagnosis, and decreased rapidly thereafter.

Conclusions

Risks of non-cancer deaths vary by the types of causes and anatomic sites of cancer. Our data underscore the importance of close observation and early multidisciplinary care for noncancer conditions in patients who have recently received a cancer diagnosis.
3D printing of dual-cell delivery titanium alloy scaffolds for improving osseointegration through enhancing angiogenesis and osteogenesis
Authors: Zhao Heng , Shen Shi , Zhao Lu , Xu Yulin , Li Yang , Zhuo Naiqiang
Published: August 2021

Background

The repair of large bone defects is a great challenge for orthopedics. Although the development of three-dimensional (3D) printed titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) implants with optimized the pore structure have effectively promoted the osseointegration. However, due to the biological inertia of Ti6Al4Vsurface and the neglect of angiogenesis, some patients still suffer from postoperative complications such as dislocation or loosening of the prosthesis.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to construct 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds filled with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) loaded hydrogel and evaluate the efficacy of this composite implants on osteogenesis and angiogenesis, thus promoting osseointegration.

Results

The porosity and pore size of prepared 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds were 69.2 ± 0.9 % and 593.4 ± 16.9 μm, respectively, which parameters were beneficial to bone ingrowth and blood vessel formation. The BMSC and EPC filled into the pores of the scaffolds after being encapsulated by hydrogels can maintain high viability. As a cell containing composite implant, BMSC and EPC loaded hydrogel incorporated into 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds enhancing osteogenesis and angiogenesis to repair bone defects efficiently. At the transcriptional level, the composite implant up-regulated the expression levels of the osteogenesis-related genes alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN), and angiogenesis-related genes hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Conclusions

Overall, the strategy of loading porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds to incorporate cells is a promising treatment for improving osseointegration.
Effects of sleeve gastrectomy on bone mass, microstructure of femurs and bone metabolism associated serum factors in obese rats
Authors: Xue Ying , Li Ran , Zhao Yong , Li Ling , Zhou Yun
Published: August 2021

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a profoundly effective operation for severe obese patients, but is closely associated with bone mass loss. Previous studies have reported changes of various serum factors which may be associated with bone mass loss after SG. However, those results are contradictory. In this study, we assessed the effects of SG on bone mass, microstructure of femurs, and changes in bone turnover markers (BTMs), serum adipokines, inflammatory factors and gastrointestinal hormones after SG in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats.

Methods

Eight-week-old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were fed with HFD to induce obesity. Then, SG and sham surgery were performed in anesthetized obese rats. SD rats in control group were fed with standard chow. Microstructure of femurs was scanned and analyzed by micro-computed tomography in control group, HFD sham group and HFD SG group. Serum inflammatory factors, adipokines markers, gastrointestinal hormones and BTMs were also measured.

Results

Bone mineral density (BMD) of trabecular bone in both HFD sham group and HFD SG group were remarkably decreased compared with control group. All serum BTMs were significantly higher in HFD SG group than HFD sham group. In the meantime, serum levels of several important inflammatory factors, gastrointestinal hormones and adipokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), ghrelin, insulin and leptin in HFD SG group were remarkably reduced compared with HFD sham group, whereas glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), adiponectin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19 and FGF-21 were dramatically increased after SG. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was significantly increased in the HFD sham group than control group. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated that serum osteocalcin (OC) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) were positively correlated with BMD of trabecular bone, whereas serum PTP1B and TNF-α were negatively related to BMD of trabecular bone.

Conclusions

SG aggravates bone mass loss and activates bone remodeling in obese rats. Levels of BTMs, adipokines, inflammatory factors, and gastrointestinal hormones could be affected by SG in obese rats. Serum PTP1B level might be associated with abnormal bone mass in obese rats.
Psychometric evaluation of a decision quality instrument for medication decisions for treatment of depression symptoms
Authors: Brodney Suzanne , Valentine K. D. , Sepucha Karen
Published: August 2021

Background

A high quality treatment decision means patients are informed and receive treatment that matches their goals. This research examined the reliability and validity of the Depression Decision Quality Instrument (DQI), a survey to measure the extent to which patients are informed and received preferred treatment for depression.

Methods

Participants were aged 18 and older from 17 US cities who discussed medication or counseling with a physician in the past year, and physicians who treated patients with depression who practiced in the same cities. Participants were mailed a survey that included the Depression-DQI, a tool with 10 knowledge and 7 goal and concern items. Patients were randomly assigned to either receive a patient decision aid (DA) on treatment of depression or no DA. A matching score was created by comparing the patient’s preferred treatment to their self-reported treatment received. Concordant scores were considered matched, discordant were not. We examined the reliability and known group validity of the Depression-DQI.

Results

Most patients 405/504 (80%) responded, 79% (320/405) returned the retest survey, and 60% (114/187) of physicians returned the survey. Patients’ knowledge scores on the 10-item scale ranged from 14.6 to 100% with no evidence of floor or ceiling effects. Retest reliability for knowledge was moderate and for goals and concerns ranged from moderate to good. Mean knowledge scores differentiated between patients and physicians (M = 63 [SD = 15] vs. M = 81 [SD = 11], p < 0.001), and between patients who did and didn’t receive a DA (M = 64 [SD = 16] vs. M = 61 [SD = 14], p = 0.041). 60.5% of participants received treatment that matched their preference. Based on the multivariate logistic regression, ‘avoiding taking anti-depressants’ was the only goal that was predictive of taking mediation (OR = 0.73 [0.66, 0.80], p < 0.01). Shared Decision Making Process scores were similar for those who matched their preference and those who didn’t (M = 2.18 [SD = 0.97] vs. M = 2.06 [SD = 1.07]; t(320) =  − 1.06, p = 0.29). Those who matched had lower regret scores (matched M = 1.72 [SD = 0.74] vs. unmatched M = 2.32 [SD = 0.8]; t(301) =  − 6.6, p < .001).

Conclusions

The Depression DQI demonstrated modest reliability and validity. More work is needed to establish validity of the method to determine concordance.

Trial registration: NCT01152307.
The Anterior GRadient (AGR) family proteins in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Fessart Delphine , Robert Jacques , Hartog Cecile , Chevet Eric , Delom Frederic , Babin Guillaume
Published: August 2021

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common gynecologic disorder. Even with the recent progresses made towards the use of new therapeutics, it still represents the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in women from developed countries.

The discovery of the anterior gradient proteins AGR2 and AGR3, which are highly related members belonging to the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family, attracted researchers’ attention due to their putative involvement in adenocarcinoma development. This review compiles the current knowledge on the role of the AGR family and the expression of its members in EOC and discusses the potential clinical relevance of AGR2 and AGR3 for EOC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics.

A better understanding of the role of the AGR family may thus provide new handling avenues for EOC patients.
Longitudinal development of incident gout from low-normal baseline serum urate concentrations: individual participant data analysis
Authors: Robinson Philip C. , Frampton Christopher , Phipps-Green Amanda , Neogi Tuhina , Stamp Lisa , Taylor William , Merriman Tony R. , Dalbeth Nicola
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Elevated serum urate (SU) concentration is the central risk factor for the development of gout. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of gout in people with low and normal SU levels (< 7.00 mg/dL).

Methods

Longitudinal cohort data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC), Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA), and both the Original and Offspring cohorts of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) were used to determine incident gout by baseline SU over 3, 5, 10, 12 and 15 year periods. A Cox proportional hazards model with covariables of age, gender, ethnicity, and cohort was calculated to report the hazard ratios (HR) for incident gout.

Results

The incidence of gout at 15 years for a baseline SU < 4.00 mg/dL was 0.59%, 4.00–4.49 mg/dL was 1.28%, 4.50–4.99 mg/dL was 0.86%, 5.00–5.49 mg/dL was 0.94%, 5.50–5.99 mg/dL was 1.52%, 6.00–6.49 mg/dL was 2.91%, 6.50–6.99 mg/dL was 3.2%, and > 7.00 mg/dL was 12.2%. In an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, compared to the referent baseline SU < 4.00 mg/dL, there was a non-significant increase in incident gout for baseline SU bands between 4.00–5.49 mg/dL, whereas incident gout was significantly increased for SU 5.50–5.99 mg/dL (HR 2.60), 6.00–6.49 mg/dL (HR 3.70), 6.50–6.99 mg/dL (HR 5.24) and > 7.00 mg/dL (HR 18.62).

Conclusion

A baseline SU of 5.50 mg/dL or more is a risk factor for development of gout over 15 years. However, incident gout does occur over time in a small proportion of people with lower baseline SU levels.
Effect of a low cost diet on the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrosis virus pathogenicity and sterile insect technique
Authors: Sayed Waheed A. A. , El-Helaly Alexandra , Jamal Zakia A. , El-Bendary Helmy
Published: August 2021

Background

Mass rearing cost of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the critical methods for the successful utilization of Baculovirus pathogenicity and sterile insect technique (SIT). Effectiveness of both SIT and S. littoralis Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus (SpliNPV) was assessed in response to plant-based diet and substitution of agar with commercial sources of gelling components as feed.

Results

Pupal and adult recoveries produced by castor bean leaves were significantly high, followed by the agar-based diet. Moreover, larval durations were significantly prolonged for (starch + gelatin)-based diet than the other dietary diets. Obviously, SpliNPV pathogenicity against the larvae reared on (starch + gelatin)-based diet was 2.5 and 2 times higher than those reared on castor leaves and agar-based diet, respectively. Contrary to expectation, the sterility doses of male moths produced by castor leaves and agar-based diet were relatively similar.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the lowest cost diets (starch + gelatin)-based diet could be used effectively for increasing the SpliNPV pathogenicity, while either castor leaves or agar-based diet could be considered as a promising choice for SIT program.
Arrhythmias in repaired pediatric and adolescent Fallot tetralogy, correlation with cardiac MRI parameters
Authors: Saraya Samira , Ramadan Ahmed , AbdelMassih Antoine , Hussein Gehan , Mostafa Fatma Al zahraa , Emam Soha , Raof Mohamed A. , Onsy Marwa , Atalla Hams Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a common congenital cyanotic heart disease in which arrhythmias could develop even after successful operative repair. Pulmonary regurgitation and right ventricular dilatation develop in many cases. The relation between arrhythmias and right ventricular dilatation is not established. Our aim is to assess the relation in between the degree of right ventricular volume affection and the severity of the pulmonary regurgitation, associated arrhythmias and the need for pulmonary valve repair in Egyptian pediatric and adolescent cases after successful TOF repair.

Results

A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on 32 cases after successful surgical repair. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, 24 h Holter monitoring and cardiac MRI for assessment of pulmonary regurgitation fraction (PRF), ventricular volumes and function were measured. Cases were classified according to right ventricular end diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) into 2 groups with cut off value 150 ml/m2. Mean age of the studied cases was (12.96 ± 3.384) years, mean age at time of surgical repair was (34.23 ± 22.1) months, and mean duration postoperatively was (121.72 ± 41.028) months. Eighteen cases (56%) had RVEDVI ≥ 150 ml/m2, PRF was significantly higher in cases with increased RVEDVI (pvalue 0.007), with positive significant correlation between RVEDVI and PRF (pvalue = 0.0001,r = 0.61). Arrhythmias were detected in 18 cases (56%), the most common of which was infrequent supraventricular ectopy. No significant difference in incidence of arrhythmias between the 2 groups (pvalue = 1) with also no significant correlation between arrhythmias and increased RVEDVI (pvalue = 0.76,r = 0.05). No difference between cases with and without arrhythmias regarding RVEDVI (pvalue = 0.56) or PRF (pvalue = 0.5).

Conclusion

Holter detected arrhythmias after successful surgical repair of TOF were significantly associated with increased postoperative duration but not with PRF or RVEDVI.
Depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment: A 10-year follow-up study from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Han Fei-Fei , Wang Hui-Xin , Wu Jia-Jia , Yao Wu , Hao Chang-Fu , Pei Jin-Jing
Published: August 2021

Background

Depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment often coexisted in the elderly. This study investigates the effect of late-life depressive symptoms on risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

A total of 14,231 dementia- and MCI free participants aged 60+ from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe were followed-up for 10 years to detect incident MCI. MCI was defined as 1.5 standard deviation (SD) below the mean of the standardized global cognition score. Depressive symptoms were assessed by a 12-item Europe-depression scale (EURO-D). Severity of depressive symptoms was grouped as: no/minimal (score 0–3), moderate (score 4–5), and severe (score 6–12). Significant depressive symptoms (SDSs) were defined as EURO-D score ≥ 4.

Results

During an average of 8.2 (SD = 2.4)-year follow-up, 1,352 (9.50%) incident MCI cases were identified. SDSs were related to higher MCI risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.10–1.44) in total population, individuals aged 70+ (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.14–1.61) and women (HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08–1.51) in Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for confounders. In addition, there was a dose–response association between the severity of depressive symptoms and MCI incidence in total population, people aged ≥70 years and women (p-trend <0.001).

Conclusions

Significant depressive symptoms were associated with higher incidence of MCI in a dose–response fashion, especially among people aged 70+ years and women. Treating depressive symptoms targeting older population and women may be effective in preventing MCI.
Effects of ultra-processed food on cognition and learning of adolescents: a rapid systematic review
Authors: Noll Matias , Noll Priscilla Rayanne e Silva , Mendonça Carolina Rodrigues , Rodrigues Ana Paula dos Santos , Silveira Erika Aparecida
Published: August 2021

Overweight and obesity in adolescents are associated with high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). UPF are industrially manufactured foods that contain large amounts of calories, trans fats, sugars, sodium, and chemical additives. It is also associated with lower intake of vitamins, milk, fruits and vegetables. Through adolescence, good nutrition is essential during neurodevelopment for optimal brain health. However, the relationship between UPF and educational variables are not clear; therefore, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effect of UPF on variables such as cognition and learning processes. So, our aim was to evaluate the effects of UPF on cognition and learning of adolescents through systematic review. Understanding these effects is important because it may provide information for public health and educational policies mainly targeted at schools to ensure a healthy food environment. The results from the study showed that no study had met our eligibility criteria; however, we considered it relevant to share the findings.
The Star Degree Centrality Problem: A Decomposition Approach
Authors: Camur Mustafa C. , Sharkey Thomas , Vogiatzis Chrysafis
Published: August 2021

We consider the problem of identifying the induced star with the largest cardinality open neighborhood in a graph. This problem, also known as the star degree centrality (SDC) problem, is shown to be [Formula: see text]-complete. In this work, we first propose a new integer programming (IP) formulation, which has a smaller number of constraints and nonzero coefficients in them than the existing formulation in the literature. We present classes of networks in which the problem is solvable in polynomial time and offer a new proof of [Formula: see text]-completeness that shows the problem remains [Formula: see text]-complete for both bipartite and split graphs. In addition, we propose a decomposition framework that is suitable for both the existing and our formulations. We implement several acceleration techniques in this framework, motivated by techniques used in Benders decomposition. We test our approaches on networks generated based on the Barabási–Albert, Erdös–Rényi, and Watts–Strogatz models. Our decomposition approach outperforms solving the IP formulations in most of the instances in terms of both solution time and quality; this is especially true for larger and denser graphs. We then test the decomposition algorithm on large-scale protein–protein interaction networks, for which SDC is shown to be an important centrality metric.

Summary of Contribution: In this study, we first introduce a new integer programming (NIP) formulation for the star degree centrality (SDC) problem in which the goal is to identify the induced star with the largest open neighborhood. We then show that, although the SDC can be efficiently solved in tree graphs, it remains [Formula: see text]-complete in both split and bipartite graphs via a reduction performed from the set cover problem. In addition, we implement a decomposition algorithm motivated by Benders decomposition together with several acceleration techniques to both the NIP formulation and the existing formulation in the literature. Our experimental results indicate that the decomposition implementation on the NIP is the best solution method in terms of both solution time and quality.
A critical review of cardiac rehabilitation in a digital era
Authors: Nikolov Hazel , Hubbard Julia
Published: August 2021

Cardiac rehabilitation improves the outcomes of individuals following a cardiac event; however, only 50% of those eligible for cardiac rehabilitation in the UK sign up to a traditional face-to-face programme. The principal causes cited for non-attendance include living in a rural area, work or career commitments, lack of choice in location, gender, ethnicity and social economic constraints, and dislike of group participation. Alternative methods of delivery could ensure greater participation in cardiac rehabilitation activities, particularly among women, who are underrepresented. Studies into digital cardiac rehabilitation reveal improved quality of life, dietary intake and increased physical activity all equal to or an improvement compared to traditional approaches. Embracing digital approaches to cardiac rehabilitation is now timely with COVID-19 requirements for social distancing.
Asymmetrically increased femoral version with high prevalence of moderate and severe femoral anteversion in unilateral Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Authors: Novais Eduardo N. , Nunally Kianna D. , Ferrer Mariana G. , Miller Patricia E. , Wylie James D. , Dodgen William T.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To determine and stratify femoral version in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), and to compare the femoral version between the LCPD hip and the contralateral unaffected hip.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 45 patients with unilateral LCPD who had available CT scan through the hips and knees between January 2000 and June 2017. There were 34 (76%) male cases with a mean age of 14 years (sd 4.69). Two independent readers measured femoral version on the affected and the unaffected contralateral femur. Femoral version was classified as follows: severely decreased version (< 10°); moderately decreased (10° to 14°); normal femoral version range (15° to 20°); moderately increased (21° to 25°); and severely increased version (> 25°).

Results

LCPD hips had predominantly increased femoral version (38% severely increased anteversion, 24% moderately increased anteversion), while 51% of the contralateral unaffected hips had normal femoral version (p < 0.001). LCPD hips had higher mean femoral version than the contralateral, unaffected side (mean difference = 13o; 95% confidence iterval 10o to 16o; p < 0.001). As the version of the affected hip increased, so did the discrepancy between sides. No effect of sex on the LCPD femoral version was detected (p = 0.34).

Conclusion

This study included a selected group of patients with unilateral LCPD and available CT scans obtained for surgical planning. The femoral version was asymmetric, with a high proportion of excessive anteversion observed at later stages of disease in the affected hips. Future studies will be necessary to determine the pathogenesis of increased femoral version associated with LCPD.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, retrospective study.
First branchial arch cyst in an elderly patient: diagnostic dilemma and subsequent management
Authors: El-Habbash S , Padaki P , Graham R
Published: August 2021

The branchial system plays a significant role in the embryological development of the many internal and external human body structures. Failure of normal development of these systems may result in branchial system anomalies. Anomalies of the first branchial cleft are rare and account for 1–8% of all branchial anomalies. They have an incidence of 1 per 1 million births, most of which are diagnosed in early childhood. We present an unusual case of a first branchial arch cyst in an elderly gentleman: a 65-year-old man who presented with a persistent swelling in the left pre-auricular region with no associated sinus, fistulae or lymphadenopathy and with an intact facial nerve. Investigations including fine needle aspiration, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging led to the diagnosis of a lesion of salivary origin and an extracapsular dissection was undertaken. The histological appearance on excision was, however, in keeping with a first arch branchial cyst. In conclusion, the nonspecific clinical and radiological presentation of first branchial arch anomalies may lead to difficulty and often delay in the diagnosis of these lesions, particularly in elderly patients as it is more often associated with childhood and adolescence. A high level of suspicion is mandatory to prevent inappropriate management in the form of incision and drainage, which further increases the risk of recurrence and facial nerve injury at the time of formal excision due to scarring.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy with carbon nanoparticle suspension after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients
Authors: Wei N , Hou J , Chen J , Dai M , Du K , Wang S , Ni Q
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The aim of the study was to explore the feasibility of performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using a carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNPS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

Methods

Some 152 patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer (cT1-3N0-2M0) were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups according to axillary lymph node (ALN) status after four to six cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All patients received a CNPS injection, after which SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were performed.

Results

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) of 143 patients were identified; with an accuracy rate of 94.4% and a false-negative rate of 9.9%. Group A included 67 patients, and the detection, accuracy and false-negative rates within this group were 95.5%, 96.9% and 6.7%, respectively. The corresponding rates for group B (85 patients) were 92.9%, 92.4% and 11.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

CNPS is an ideal tracer for improving the detection rate of SLN and can be used to determine SLN status following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
CDC Warns of Increased Ivermectin Overdoses
Authors:   Phoenix Pulmonary and Critical Care Research and Education Foundation, Gilbert, AZ USA, Robbins Richard
Published: August 2021

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning of an increase in cases of ivermectin overdose due to people self-prescribing the drug in an effort to prevent or treat COVID-19 (1). Ivermectin is used to treat river blindness and intestinal roundworm infection in humans and to de-worm pets and livestock. A study published earlier this year showed that ivermectin killed SARS-CoV-2 in cells in vitro. The authors proposed that the medication be investigated as a cheap and easily available treatment for COVID-19. However, subsequent studies have failed to find any benefit in humans (3). In a new communication to its Health Alert Network, the CDC says cases of overdose and misuse are rising (1). More than 88,000 prescriptions were written for the drug ivermectin in the week ending August 13, an increase of 2400% over the weekly average prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (Figure 1). Unfortunately, the …
Electromagnetic diode action in an asymmetric side-coupled cavity-resonator system
Authors: Chen Yongqiang , Xu Guangyuan , Ding Yaqiong , Fang Yu , Wu Xingzhi , Wang Jun , Sun Yong
Published: August 2021

A novel compact electromagnetic diode based on Fano resonance is reported, realized by combining a ­defective photonic crystal with a varactor-loaded split ring resonator. One-way response is achieved in a microwave waveguide system, attributed to the sharp asymmetric Fano lineshape, the strong nonlinearity enhancement, and the pronounced nonreciprocal field localization. A low threshold intensity of −1.6 dBm, a high transmission contrast up to 17.1 dB, and a maximal transmission over −16 dB are achieved within a subwavelength volume. Compared with conventional electromagnetic diode designs based on ­defective photonic crystals, the presence of interaction between cavity and resonator provides more flexibility in tuning the transmission properties. The findings may be beneficial for designing nonreciprocal integrated photonic devices in practical application.
Infecting mosquitoes alters DENV-2 characteristics and enhances hemorrhage-induction potential in Stat1-/- mice
Authors: Cheang Ka Wan , Chen Wen-Yu , Wu-Hsieh Betty A. , Shiao Shin-Hong
Published: August 2021

Dengue is one of the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral diseases in humans. There is still no effective vaccine or treatment to date. Previous studies showed that mosquito-derived factors present in saliva or salivary gland extract (SGE) contribute to the pathogenesis of dengue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interplay between mosquito vector and DENV and to address the question of whether the mosquito vector alters the virus that leads to consequential disease manifestations in the mammalian host. DENV2 cultured in C6/36 cell line (culture-DENV2) was injected to Aedes aegypti intrathoracically. Saliva was collected from infected mosquitoes 7 days later. Exploiting the sensitivity of Stat1-/- mice to low dose of DENV2 delivered intradermally, we showed that DENV2 collected in infected mosquito saliva (msq-DENV2) induced more severe hemorrhage in mice than their culture counterpart. Msq-DENV2 was characterized by smaller particle size, larger plaque size and more rapid growth in mosquito as well as mammalian cell lines compared to culture-DENV2. In addition, msq-DENV2 was more efficient than culture-DENV2 in inducing Tnf mRNA production by mouse macrophage. Together, our results point to the possibility that the mosquito vector provides an environment that alters DENV2 by changing its growth characteristics as well as its potential to cause disease.
Performance evaluation of automotive product development team members based on a PLM system: A case study of M Automotive Products Company
Authors: Dai Debao , Wang Shihao , Ma Yinxia
Published: August 2021

Based on product lifecycle management (PLM) theory and social comparison theory, this paper constructs a performance ranking model of automobile product development project team members, uses an active server provider (ASP) to develop the system, realizes the online operation and real-time analysis of the performance management system, and solves the problems of the low efficiency, low morale and unfair assessment of product development team members caused by traditional performance assessment. The performance management platform for the team members of the automotive product development project uses a PLM system to realize a systematic and standardized list of project functions and provide a performance appraisal management system that can be evaluated and fairly compared for project team members. Based on the performance appraisal practice of automotive product development project team members of M Automotive Products Company, this study verified the feasibility of the ranking model’s transformation to work habits based on the predetermined and result data of the mission completion rate, the punctuality rate and the degree of improvement of the management level of product development project team. Through the tracking of the team performance ranking function, it is found that the model can solve the problems of untimely assessment and insufficient incentives in the current traditional performance appraisal, enhance the overall enthusiasm of the team, and give full play to the subjective initiative of the team.
Exponentially fitted multisymplectic scheme for conservative Maxwell equations with oscillary solutions
Authors: Yin Xiuling , Liu Yanqin , Zhang Jingjing , Shen Yanfeng , Yan Limei
Published: August 2021

Aiming at conservative Maxwell equations with periodic oscillatory solutions, we adopt exponentially fitted trapezoidal scheme to approximate the temporal and spatial derivatives. The scheme is a multisymplectic scheme. Under periodic boundary condition, the scheme satisfies two discrete energy conservation laws. The scheme also preserves two discrete divergences. To reduce computation cost, we split the original Maxwell equations into three local one-dimension (LOD) Maxwell equations. Then exponentially fitted trapezoidal scheme, applied to the resulted LOD equations, generates LOD multisymplectic scheme. We prove the unconditional stability and convergence of the LOD multisymplectic scheme. Convergence of numerical dispersion relation is also analyzed. At last, we present two numerical examples with periodic oscillatory solutions to confirm the theoretical analysis. Numerical results indicate that the LOD multisymplectic scheme is efficient, stable and conservative in solving conservative Maxwell equations with oscillatory solutions. In addition, to one-dimension Maxwell equations, we apply least square method and LOD multisymplectic scheme to fit the electric permittivity by using exact solution disturbed with small random errors as measured data. Numerical results of parameter inversion fit well with measured data, which shows that least square method combined with LOD multisymplectic scheme is efficient to estimate the model parameter under small random disturbance.
Reduced genetic variability in a captive-bred population of the endangered Hume’s pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae, Hume 1881) revealed by microsatellite genotyping and D-loop sequencing
Authors: Thintip Jitmat , Singchat Worapong , Ahmad Syed Farhan , Ariyaraphong Nattakan , Muangmai Narongrit , Chamchumroon Wiyada , Pitiwong Klinsak , Suksavate Warong , Duangjai Sutee , Duengkae Prateep , Srikulnath Kornsorn
Published: August 2021

Captive breeding programs are crucial to ensure the survival of endangered species and ultimately to reintroduce individuals into the wild. However, captive-bred populations can also deteriorate due to inbreeding depression and reduction of genetic variability. We genotyped a captive population of 82 individuals of the endangered Hume’s pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae, Hume 1881) at the Doi Tung Wildlife Breeding Center to assess the genetic consequences associated with captive breeding. Analysis of microsatellite loci and mitochondrial D-loop sequences reveal significantly reduced genetic differentiation and a shallow population structure. Despite the low genetic variability, no bottleneck was observed but 12 microsatellite loci were informative in reflecting probable inbreeding. These findings provide a valuable source of knowledge to maximize genetic variability and enhance the success of future conservation plans for captive and wild populations of Hume’s pheasant.
Effect of postoperative high load long duration inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and functional capacity after mitral valve replacement surgery: A randomized controlled trial with follow-up
Authors: Hegazy Fatma A. , Mohamed Kamel Sara M. , Abdelhamid Ahmed S. , Aboelnasr Emad A. , Elshazly Mahmoud , Hassan Ali M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Although, pre-operative inspiratory muscle training has been investigated and reported to be an effective strategy to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, the efficacy of postoperative inspiratory muscle training as well as the proper load, frequency, and duration necessary to reduce the postoperative pulmonary complications has not been fully investigated. This study was designed to investigate the effect of postoperative high-load long-duration inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity after mitral valve replacement surgeries.

Design

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A total of one hundred patients (mean age 38.3±3.29years) underwent mitral valve replacement surgery were randomized into experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50) groups. The control group received conventional physiotherapy care, while experimental group received conventional care in addition to inspiratory muscle training, with 40% of the baseline maximal inspiratory pressure targeting a load of 80% by the end of the 8 weeks intervention protocol. Inspiratory muscle training started on the patient’s first day in the inpatient ward. Lung functions, inspiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity were evaluated using a computer-based spirometry system, maximal inspiratory pressure measurement and 6MWT respectively at 5 time points and a follow-up assessment was performed 6 months after surgery. Repeated measure ANOVA and post-hoc analyses were used (p <0.05).

Results

Group-time interactions were detected for all the studied variables (p<0.001). Between-group analysis revealed statistically significant postoperative improvements in all studied variables in the experimental group compared to the control group (p <0.001) with large effect size of η2 ˃0.14. Within-group analysis indicated substantial improvements in lung function, inspiratory pressure and functional capacity in the experimental group (p <0.05) over time, and these improvements were maintained at follow-up.

Conclusion

High intensity, long-duration postoperative inspiratory muscle training is highly effective in improving lung function, inspiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity after mitral valve replacement surgeries.
Epidemiological study of cervical cord compression and its clinical symptoms in community-dwelling residents
Authors: Hirai Toru , Otani Koji , Sekiguchi Miho , Kikuchi Shin-ichi , Konno Shin-ichi
Published: August 2021

Background

Degenerative compressive myelopathy (DCM) is caused by cervical cord compression. The relationship between the magnitude and clinical findings of cervical cord compression has been described in the literature, but the details remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the magnitude and clinical symptoms of cervical cord compression in community-dwelling residents.

Methods

The present study included 532 subjects. The subjective symptoms and the objective findings of one board-certified spine surgeon were assessed. The subjective symptoms were upper extremity pain and numbness, clumsy hand, fall in the past 1 year, and subjective gait disturbance. The objective findings were: Hoffmann, Trömner, and Wartenberg signs; Babinski’s and Chaddock’s signs; hyperreflexia of the patellar tendon and Achilles tendon reflexes; ankle clonus; Romberg and modified Romberg tests; grip and release test; finger escape sign; and grip strength. Using midsagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, the anterior–posterior (AP) diameters (mm) of the spinal cord at the C2 midvertebral body level (DC2) and at each intervertebral disc level from C2/3 to C7/T1 (DC2/3-C7/T1) were measured. The spinal cord compression ratio (R) for each intervertebral disc level was defined and calculated as DC2/3-C7/T1 divided by DC2. The lowest R (LR) along C2/3 to C7/T1 of each individual was divided into 3 grades by the tertile method. The relationship between LR and clinical symptoms was investigated by trend analysis.

Results

The prevalence of subjective gait disturbance increased significantly with the severity of spinal cord compression (p = 0.002812), whereas the other clinical symptoms were not significantly related with the severity of spinal cord compression.

Conclusions

The magnitude of cervical cord compression had no relationship with any of the neurologic findings. However, subjective gait disturbance might be a better indicator of the possibility of early stage cervical cord compression.
Neurovascular imaging with QUTE-CE MRI in APOE4 rats reveals early vascular abnormalities
Authors: Leaston Joshua , Ferris Craig F. , Kulkarni Praveen , Chandramohan Dharshan , van de Ven Anne L. , Qiao Ju , Timms Liam , Sepulcre Jorge , El Fakhri Georges , Ma Chao , Normandin Marc D. , Gharagouzloo Codi
Published: August 2021

Cerebrovascular abnormality is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs). ApoE-Ɛ4 (APOE4) is known to play a critical role in neurovascular dysfunction, however current medical imaging technologies are limited in quantification. This cross-sectional study tested the feasibility of a recently established imaging modality, quantitative ultra-short time-to-echo contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (QUTE-CE MRI), to identify small vessel abnormality early in development of human APOE4 knock-in female rat (TGRA8960) animal model. At 8 months, 48.3% of the brain volume was found to have significant signal increase (75/173 anatomically segmented regions; q<0.05 for multiple comparisons). Notably, vascular abnormality was detected in the tri-synaptic circuit, cerebellum, and amygdala, all of which are known to functionally decline throughout AD pathology and have implications in learning and memory. The detected abnormality quantified with QUTE-CE MRI is likely a result of hyper-vascularization, but may also be partly, or wholly, due to contributions from blood-brain-barrier leakage. Further exploration with histological validation is warranted to verify the pathological cause. Regardless, these results indicate that QUTE-CE MRI can detect neurovascular dysfunction with high sensitivity with APOE4 and may be helpful to provide new insights into health and disease.
Loss of years of healthy life due to road incidents of motorcyclists in the city of Medellin, 2012 to 2015
Authors: Porras Cataño Sandra Milena , Grisales-Romero Hugo
Published: August 2021

Objective

Determine the loss of years of healthy life due to road incidents of motorcyclists in the city of Medellin from 2012 to 2015.

Methods

Descriptive study with data on health care of injured motorcyclists and deaths adjusted with the Preston and Coale method, and OPS proportional distribution for the period 2012–2015. The years of life lost due to premature death (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated according to the new methodology designed for that purpose.

Results

The loss of years of healthy life due to road incidents of motorcyclists in the four-year period was 80,046 DALYs (823.8 per 100,000 inhabitants), with a higher proportion in men (81.3% and a ratio of 5 to 1 compared to women); the YLDs was 66.6% with marked differences in favor of men. There was nearly a 38% difference in the ages of 15 to 19 as well as a 19% difference from 30 to 49, compared to women. Premature death (YLLs) contributed to 33.4% of DALYs, with significant presentation in the above-mentioned age groups.

Conclusions

The greatest loss of years of healthy life due to road incidents of motorcyclists in Medellin was due to non-fatal injuries and was concentrated in young men. If the trend of motorcycle road incidents continues, both local and national road safety plans will fail to accomplish the expected results, especially among motorcycle users.
Understanding international perceptions of the severity of harmful content online
Authors: Jiang Jialun Aaron , Scheuerman Morgan Klaus , Fiesler Casey , Brubaker Jed R.
Published: August 2021

Online social media platforms constantly struggle with harmful content such as misinformation and violence, but how to effectively moderate and prioritize such content for billions of global users with different backgrounds and values presents a challenge. Through an international survey with 1,696 internet users across 8 different countries across the world, this empirical study examines how international users perceive harmful content online and the similarities and differences in their perceptions. We found that across countries, the perceived severity consistently followed an exponential growth as the harmful content became more severe, butwhatharmful content were perceived as more or less severe varied significantly. Our results challenge platform content moderation’s status quo of using a one-size-fits-all approach to govern international users, and provide guidance on how platforms may wish to prioritize and customize their moderation of harmful content.
Pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin in pregnant ewes (Ovis aries) challenged with Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Yaeger Michael , Mochel Jonathan P. , Wu Zuowei , Plummer Paul , Sahin Orhan , Smith Joseph , Ocal Melda , Beyi Ashenafi , Xu Changyun , Zhang Qijing , Griffith Ronald W.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin in the plasma and maternal and fetal tissues of pregnant ewes when administered within 24 hours of a single, IV Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) challenge. Twelve, pregnant ewes between 72–92 days of gestation were challenged IV with C. jejuni IA3902 and then treated with 1.1 ml/45.36 kg of tulathromycin subcutaneously 18 hours post-challenge. Ewes were bled at predetermined time points and euthanized either at a predetermined time point or following the observation of vaginal bleeding or abortion. Following euthanasia, tissues were collected for bacterial culture, pharmacokinetics and histologic examination. The maximum (geometric) mean tulathromycin plasma concentration was estimated at 0.302 μg/mL, with a peak level observed at around 1.2 hours. The apparent systemic clearance of tulathromycin was estimated at 16.6 L/h (or 0.28 L/kg/h) with an elimination half-life estimated at approximately 22 hours. The mean tissue concentrations were highest in the uterus (2.464 μg/g) and placentome (0.484 μg/g), and were lowest in fetal liver (0.11 μg/g) and fetal lung (0.03 μg/g). Compared to previous reports, results of this study demonstrate that prior IV administration of C. jejuni appeared to substantially alter the pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin, reducing both the peak plasma concentrations and elimination half-life. However, additional controlled trials are required to confirm those observations.
Ground state solution for a class of supercritical nonlocal equations with variable exponent
Authors: Feng Xiaojing
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we obtain the existence of positive critical point with least energy for a class of functionals involving nonlocal and supercritical variable exponent nonlinearities by applying the variational method and approximation techniques. We apply our results to the supercritical Schrödinger–Poisson type systems and supercritical Kirchhoff type equations with variable exponent, respectively.
UTILIZATION OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES BY LIBRARY USERS IN KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA
Authors: Moustapha Abdrahman Atanda
Published: August 2021

This study investigated utilization of electronic resources by the users in the Kwara State University Library, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised of 3,670 registered users with the library and a sample of 367 was selected using simple random sampling technique.
Rastros de Resistência
Authors: Batista Kassius Kennedy Clemente
Published: August 2021

Resenha da obra SANTOS, Ale. Rastros de Resistência: histórias de luta e liberdade do povo negro. São Paulo: Panda Books, 2019. 136 p.