bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Prognosis Associated with Partial Cystectomy and Trimodal Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Su Quanxin , Gao Shenglin , Lu Chao , Wu Xingyu , Zuo Li , Zhang Lifeng
Published: October 2021

Objective: This study aimed to compare the survival outcomes between trimodal therapy (TT) and partial cystectomy (PC) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. Methods: The data of 13,096 patients with MIBC diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Among them, 4,041 patients underwent TT and 1,670 patients underwent PC. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the characteristics between the 2 treatment groups. A multivariate Cox regression analysis model and a competing risk model were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival. Cumulative incidence survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Results of multivariate Cox analysis before propensity score matching showed that the TT group had a 31% reduction in cause-specific survival relative to the PC group (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.61–0.78, p < 0.001) and a 28% reduction in OS (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.66–0.79, p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, the 2 groups yielded 972 patients, with 3-year cause-specific survival rates of 54.1% and 68.5% in the TT group and the PC group, respectively. Conclusions: Patients who underwent PC had a better prognosis than those who received TT. In addition, for MIBC patients who required bladder-sparing therapy, advanced age (≥80 years), pathological type of squamous cell carcinoma, and tumor stage of T3–4, N2–3, and M1 were independent poor prognostic factors.
Comparison of Two Cases of Foveal Laceration Caused by a Mower
Authors: Ueda Kaori , Nagai Takayuki , Chubachi Aya , Sotani Yasuyuki , Nishisho Ryuto , Nakamura Makoto
Published: October 2021

We report and compare 2 cases of open globe injury with foveal damage incurred while mowing. Case 1 is a healthy 67-year-old man presenting with an intraocular metallic foreign body and eye pain in his right eye after using a mower. The foreign body perforated the cornea’s inferior area and damaged the foveal centralis, leading to central scotoma and decreased visual acuity. 27G pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and the final corrected decimal visual acuity was 0.1, but the visual field was preserved, except for the central scotoma. Case 2 is a healthy 50-year-old man presenting open globe injury with an intraocular metallic foreign body while using a mower. The foreign body damaged the fovea and triggered extensive retinal detachment. One month after surgery, proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred, requiring additional surgery. The final corrected decimal visual acuity dropped to 0.05, resulting in an extensive visual field defect. Both cases of eye trauma were caused by mower injury, but the visual function outcomes differed with the size of the foreign body and the injury severity at the time of onset. Mower eye trauma is preventable, and efforts to educate users on safety measures are needed.
Etiologies and Mechanisms of Ischemic Stroke Associated with Sexual Intercourse: A Literature Review
Authors: Jin Shouyue , Yang Qingwei , Chen Xingyu , Zhan Yajing
Published: October 2021

Background: Exposure to some special events, also called stroke triggers, can precipitate the onset of ischemic stroke (IS). Previous studies have presented preliminary hypotheses about sexual intercourse as a trigger of IS in predisposed individuals, but the mechanisms of IS associated with sexual intercourse are still not well defined. This literature review summarizes the etiologies and mechanisms of IS associated with sexual intercourse. Further studies on stroke triggers are warranted, and early recognition and appropriate preventive strategies directed against the short-term risks posed by stroke triggers may complement the long-term risk factor reduction approach. Methods: Articles were selected from PubMed (1946–2021) and Web of Science Core Collection (1990–2021) using the following search terms: ischemic stroke, ischaemic stroke, stroke, cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, cerebral embolism, embolism, sexual intercourse, sexual activity, intercourse, coitus, coition, and coital. Results: A total of 20 studies, which included 26 patients with IS associated with sexual intercourse, were included. This literature review found that IS associated with sexual intercourse is not rare but has not received enough attention, and paradoxical embolization and postcoital arterial dissection are common etiologies. Other etiologies include drug usage (such as sexual adjuvant drugs and illicit drugs), paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Discussion/Conclusion: Sexual intercourse should be considered an important trigger for IS. Clinicians should be aware that IS associated with sexual intercourse is not subjective but may be a warning sign of multiple etiologies and mechanisms.
Disability-Adjusted Life Years and Mortality Rate Attributed to Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer in the Middle East and North Africa Countries
Authors: Saeidi Borojeni Hamid Reza , Najafi Farid , Khosravi Shadmani Fatemeh , Darabi Zahra , Darbandi Mitra , Farhadi Khosro , Saeidi Borojeni Sepehr , Maleki Shokofeh , Naderi Mehdi
Published: October 2021

Background: Primary brain tumors are among the main causes of death. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological features of the brain and central nervous system cancer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Methods: In this study, data of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study were used to estimate the incidence, prevalence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality in 21 countries in the MENA region from 1990 to 2019 based on age and sex. The percentage of the changes of epidemiologic indicators was calculated between 1990 and 2019. Results: Palestine and Turkey had the highest rate of brain and central nervous system cancer in 2019. Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and Lebanon had the highest percentage of incidence rate changes from 1990 to 2019. The prevalence of brain and central nervous system cancer in the MENA region was increased from 7.51 (95% CI: 4.95–11.01) in 1990 to 16.45 (95% CI: 10.83–19.54) in 2019 (percentage of changes = 54.35%). The standardized age mortality rate in the MENA region was increased by 2.7% in 2019 compared to that in 1990. The rate of standardized age of DALY per 100,000 individuals in the MENA region decreased from 135.09 (95% CI: 92.57–199.92) in 1990 to 128.34 (95% CI: 87.81–151.3) in 2019. Conclusion: The incidence rate, prevalence, and standardized age mortality (per 100,000) had increased significantly in the MENA region in 2019 compared to those in 1990. Focusing on the diversity of the estimates of such indices in different countries of MENA can lead to the identification of important risk factors for brain cancer in future studies.
Fifty Years of Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment: A Personal History
Authors: Grotta James C.
Published: October 2021

Background: It has been 50 years since the first explorations of the physiology of cerebral ischemia by measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF), and 25 years since the approval of tissue plasminogen activator for treating acute ischemic stroke. My personal career began and matured during those eras. Here, I provide my perspective on the evolution of acute stroke research and treatment from 1971 to the present, with some in-depth discussion of the National Institutes of Neurologic Disease and Stroke (NINDS) tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) stroke trial and development of mobile stroke units. Summary: Studies of CBF and metabolism in acute stroke patients revealed graded tissue injury that was dependent on the duration of ischemia. Subsequent animal research unraveled the biochemical cascade of events occurring at the cellular level after cerebral ischemia. After a decade of failed translation, the development of a relatively safe thrombolytic allowed us to achieve reperfusion and apply the lessons from earlier research to achieve positive clinical results. The successful conduct of the NINDS tPA stroke study coupled with positive outcomes from companion tPA studies around the world created the specialty of vascular neurology. This was followed by an avalanche of research in imaging, a focus on enhancing reperfusion through thrombectomy, and improving delivery of faster treatment culminating in mobile stroke units. Key Messages: The last half century has seen the birth and evolution of successful acute stroke treatment. More research is needed in developing new drugs and catheters to build on the advances we have already made with reperfusion and also in evolving our systems of care to get more patients treated more quickly in the prehospital setting. The history of stroke treatment over the last 50 years exemplifies that medical “science” is an evolving discipline worth an entire career’s dedication. What was impossible 50 years ago is today’s standard of care, what we claim as dogma today will be laughed at a decade from now, and what appears currently impossible will be tomorrow’s realities.
Correlation between NEN Bone Metastasis Performance and Tumor Proliferation: 112 Cases of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE Result Analysis
Authors: Xie Qing , Lu Ming , Zhai Shizhen , Guo Rui , Du Changzhi , Zhu Hua , Li Nan , Yu Jiangyuan , Yang Zhi
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) bone metastasis (BM) and gallium-68 (68Ga)-DOTA-TATE performance and to explore their correlation with the immunohistochemical proliferation index (Ki-67). Procedures: A total of 112 patients with BMs were screened from 1082 NEN patients who underwent [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE imaging. All patients had pathological results, and BMs were affirmed by clinical/imaging follow-up and/or histopathology. The maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) ratio of BM to normal bone determined for each patient was used in the final analysis. Results: The incidence rate of BMs in NENs was 10.35%. BMs occurred in the spine (75%), pelvis (72.3%), ribs (58%), clavicles and scapulae (41.1%), limbs (37.5%), and skull (28.6%). Most cases were associated with liver metastases (70.5%) and lymph node metastases (65.2%) simultaneously. The SUVmax ratio of G3b (median ratio = 3.77, Ki-67 >55%) was significantly lower than that of G1 (11.43, Ki-67 ≤2%) and G2a (11.15, 3% ≤ Ki-67 ≤10%) separately (p < 0.05), while no differences were found for G2b (8.5, 11% ≤ Ki-67 ≤55%) and G3a (6.64, Ki-67 >55%) groups. In the total patients, there was a significant negative correlation between the SUVmax ratio of BMs to normal bone and Ki-67 (r = −0.267, p < 0.01). According to the changes in bone density on CT scans, the cases were divided into 4 groups: osteogenesis, osteolysis, no change, and a mixed group (median Ki-67: 6.5%, 15%, 12%, and 22.5%). The Ki-67 values were significantly different between the osteogenesis group and the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: BM is present in 10.35% of NEN patients and most have simultaneous liver and/or lymph node metastases. The occurrence of osteogenesis indicates relatively good differentiation, and there is a negative correlation between SUVmax ratio of BMs and NEN proliferation.
Cisplatin-Based versus Carboplatin-Based Chemotherapy for Extrapulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinomas: A Real-World Study
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Omar , Koski Sheryl L.
Published: October 2021

Objective: This study aimed to assess the survival differences between cisplatin/etoposide versus carboplatin/etoposide chemotherapy regimens in the management of patients with extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Methods: Administrative cancer care databases in the province of Alberta, Canada, were reviewed, and patients with extrapulmonary NECs (including those with small cell and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas) who were treated with either cisplatin/etoposide or carboplatin/etoposide, 2004–2019, were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to compare the survival outcomes according to the type of platinum agent, and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to assess the impact of the type of platinum agent on overall survival outcomes. Results: A total of 263 eligible patients were included in this analysis. These include 176 patients who received cisplatin/etoposide and 87 patients who received carboplatin/etoposide. Using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, patients treated with cisplatin had better overall survival compared to patients treated with carboplatin (p = 0.005). Multivariable Cox regression analysis suggested that the following factors were associated with worse overall survival: higher Charlson comorbidity index (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.05–1.30), gastrointestinal primary site (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.12–2.14), stage IV disease (HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.28–2.38), and use of carboplatin (HR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.02–1.92). Conclusions: The current study suggested that cisplatin/etoposide might be associated with better overall survival compared to carboplatin/etoposide among patients with extrapulmonary NECs. It is unclear if this is related to differences in inherent responsiveness to the 2 platinum agents or due to differences in comorbidity burden between the 2 treatment groups.
Diagnóstico tardio de síndrome da sela túrcica vazia primária: um relato de caso
Authors: Benincá Paola Delai , Marques Gustavo Lenci , Sachetti Lara Abrão , Soares Laura de Oliveira
Published: October 2021

A Síndrome da Sela Túrcica Vazia pode ser assintomática e se apresentar apenas como um achado radiológico, ou estar associada a diferentes graus de hipopituitarismo e sintomas neurológicos. Na maioria dos casos é uma afecção não diagnosticada, sendo reconhecida de maneira incidental por exames de imagem. Este trabalho evidencia a importância de uma anamnese e exame físico apurados para diagnosticar síndromes menos comuns, através do relato de um paciente que teve o diagnóstico tardio de pan-hipotuitarismo ocasionado por sela vazia (SSV) primária.
A new semifossorial snake of the genus Arrhyton (Squamata: Dipsadidae) from eastern Cuba, with taxonomic comments on other species
Authors: DÍAZ LUIS M. , FONG G. ANSEL , SALAS DIEGO , HEDGES S. BLAIR
Published: October 2021

The genus Arrhyton is endemic to Cuba, with eight currently known species. A new species, Arrhyton albicollum sp. nov., is described from the karst areas of Gibara, Holguín Province. The new species is closely related to A. redimitum, another eastern species, according to morphology and molecular phylogeny. It differs from all other species of the genus by having a conspicuous, white nuchal band, a contrasting black pattern on the head, a gray-colored body with faint stripes, and a high number of ventral and subcaudal scales. Additional comments on other species include new locality records and information on morphology and relationships.
Ameliorated Dielectric Performances of UV-Initiated Auxiliary Crosslinking Polyethylene
Authors: Lv Ming-Hao , Zhang Wei-Chao , Guo Wei , Du Liang
Published: October 2021

In photon-initiated crosslinking reactions of polyethylene molecules, the auxiliary crosslinkers in form of either monomer or homopolymer will cause bridging connections between polymeric molecules by transforming the irradiated photon energy to chemical energy under the assistance
of photon-initiators, which can improve photon-initiation quantum efficiency and crosslinking uniformity. In the present study, the auxiliary crosslinkers of TAIC, TAC and TMPTA combining the macromolecular photon-initiator of BPL are employed into the ultraviolet (UV)-initiation technology
to develop high-level crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation materials, whilst elucidating the structural and electrical mechanisms of the dielectric amelioration deriving from auxiliary crosslinking schemes. The specified photosensitive auxiliary crosslinkers can chemically bridge polyethylene
molecules in the UV-initiated polyethylene crosslinking process, which can effectively promote polyethylene crosslinking degree but will slightly abate polyethylene crystallinity. Whereas, the orientation polarization and relaxation of molecular electric-dipoles on auxiliary crosslinkers cause
additional dielectric permittivity and loss respectively, which will probably reduce insulation performances of XLPE. By contrast to XLPE benchmark, especially for grafting auxiliary crosslinker TAIC with the multiple-coupling carbonyl groups in a ring-conjugation, the preferable deep charge-traps
can be introduced into polyethylene matrix to effectively improve electrical conductance and AC dielectric breakdown strength. This study provides experimental basis for developing the photon-initiated XLPE insulation materials with advanced dielectric performances required for manufacturing
high-voltage grade cables.
Research on Recognition of Topological Relations Between Residential Lines in Low Voltage Station Area Based on Correlation Analysis Algorithm and Probabilistic Decision Method
Authors: Li Xiongli , Xiao Fei , Hu Youlin , Peng Huikai
Published: October 2021

In order to solve the problems of low accuracy and incomprehensive recognition of the topological relationship between households in the station area and the incomplete recognition results in traditional methods, a method for identifying topological relationships between household changes
in low-voltage stations based on correlation analysis algorithm and probabilistic decision method is proposed. The BIRCH method is used to cluster the topological relationship characteristics of the household line changes in the low-voltage station area, and the topological relationship characteristics
are obtained through clustering parameter initialization, clustering implementation and clustering evaluation, and the user phases in the topological relationship are identified according to the feature clustering results. The correlation analysis method is used to analyze the similarity of
the voltage sequence of the points to be identified and the comprehensive similarity of all the faults of the target distribution transformer and the auxiliary distribution transformer, and set a similarity threshold to determine whether the points to be identified belong to the same station
area. Finally, based on the probabilistic decision-making method, the identification of the topological relationship of the low-voltage station area household line change is completed. The experimental results show that this method can not only identify the topological relationship of single
distribution transformer outage, but also identify the topological relationship of multiple distribution transformer outage. The accuracy of the identification result is high, and the identification loss function is low, which indicates that the identification result of this method is reliable
and comprehensive.
A Study on the Large-Area Image Acquisition Using Stage Transfer Synchronization Method in a Low-Energy Microcolumn System
Authors: Lee Young Bok , Kim Dae Wook , Ahn Seungjoon , Kim Ho Seob , Oh Tae Sik
Published: October 2021

We studied the stage transfer synchronization method to improve the low throughput which is the biggest drawback of the raster scan method when applied to image acquisition in a low energy microcolumn system. Through preliminary experiments, we were able to acquire some sample images
and some images of the measured samples by applying the synchronization method to a conventional single-microcolumn system. The image acquired in this preliminary experiment was three times larger than that acquired by the raster scan method in the vertical direction. In this study, we tested
two types of the synchronization method: the first method acquires an image by horizontal electron beam scanning followed by a vertical stage transfer, and the second one acquires an image by vertical electron beam scanning followed by a horizontal stage transfer. By applying the vertical
stage transfer synchronization method, we could acquire a larger image than that acquired by the conventional raster scan method. The vertical stage transfer synchronization method image was 1.8 times larger in the horizontal direction and 6 times larger in the vertical direction. In addition,
a larger image approximately nine times in the horizontal direction and five times in the vertical direction was acquired by applying the horizontal stage transfer synchronization method.
Application of Flaky Reduced Iron Powders and Their Composites for Highly Effective Microwave Absorption Materials
Authors: Zhang Mu , Qiu Jiahang , Song Shixin , Gui Fangqi , Sun Xudong
Published: October 2021

On the basis of replacing carbonyl iron powders with reduced iron powders which is environmentally friendly in the production process and has low cost, the problems of poor impedance matching and poor oxidation resistance of iron powders are improved by anisotropy and core-shell structure
construction. The results show that the microwave absorption performance of the flaky reduced iron powders are improved obviously after coating of SiO2 and carbon shell successively. When the absorber thickness is 2.00 mm and the frequency is 13.3 GHz, the minimum RL value reaches
−47.72 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth is 4.9 GHz (10.6 GHz to 15.5 GHz).
Design of Energy Storage Photovoltaic Power Generation Device and Neural Network Method for Photovoltaic Power Prediction
Authors: Zhang Yaru , Li Jinyu , Yang Jingxuan
Published: October 2021

The series-parallel combination of the photovoltaic array can meet the needs of different applications such as high power or low power with the continuous optimization of photovoltaic cell materials and the increasing improvement on efficiency of photovoltaic cell. This exploration
takes the independent photovoltaic power generation (PPG) device as the research goal. The system includes a photovoltaic array, Boost rectifier, single-phase photovoltaic inverter, battery and bi-directional DC/DC converter. Single-phase photovoltaic inverter is employed for the AC load power
supply, and a lead-acid battery is adopted for energy storage. Buck mode and Boost mode are modeled respectively based on the analysis of the converter topology, and the designed model is employed to control the converter. Back propagation neural network (BPNN) is introduced to analyze the
factors which can affect the output power of PPG. In experiment, the effective value of output voltage, output voltage, and current waveform of single-phase inverter are analyzed. The analysis results show that the output voltage changes suddenly with the load, and the device can be followed
again within a few milliseconds, which means that the device has good dynamic performance. The corresponding output frequency fluctuates at a small amplitude (±1%) when the output voltage is above 220 V. Meanwhile, the distortion of the output waveform is less than 1%. The ripple coefficient
of the output voltage is less than 1% when the operating mode of PPG (boost and Buck) is changed. The neural network is introduced to select the appropriate parameters (irradiation intensity, relative humidity, ambient temperature and wind speed), and the results show that the environmental
temperature exerts a great influence on the output power of PPG.
The Statewide Epidemiology of Mucormycosis Among Trauma Patients in Florida
Authors: Clark Jason Michael , Liu Huazhi , Collins Susan , Watson Carrie , Ferber Laurence , Richards Winston T. , Taylor Dana , Ang Darwin N.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Mucormycosis is a rare angioinvasive infection caused by filamentous fungi with a high lethality among the immunocompromised. In healthy people, the innate immune system is sufficient to prevent infection. The exception to this is deep tissue exposure seen during trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology of mucormycosis using a statewide population-based data set.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of all hospital admissions for mucormycosis within the state of Florida from 1997 through the beginning of 2020. A distribution map was created to evaluate for geographic variation. Botanical growth zones, based on plant hardiness, used by state environmental agencies and landscapers were also used to detect possible patterns based on climate conditions throughout Florida. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to account for confounders and limit bias.

Results

A total of 1190 patients were identified for mucormycosis infection. Only 86 of these patients were admitted for trauma. Cutaneous infections were more prevalent among trauma patients while non-trauma patients had more pulmonary infections ( P = .04). Trauma patients with infection tended to be younger and less likely to suffer from comorbidities such as immunosuppression (36% vs 46%, P = .07) and diabetes (22.1% vs 47.1%, P ≤ .0001) as compared to their non-trauma counterparts. Mortality was similar with 17.8% for non-trauma patients and 15.1% for traumatized patients (AOR .80 [.42, 1.52]). Length of stay was longer for trauma patients (37.3 vs 23.0, P < .0001). Infections were less prominent in plant hardiness Zone 9 and Zone 10 as compared to Zone 8 (AOR .71 [.61, .82]; AOR .54 [.46, .64], respectively).

Conclusion

Trauma patients who develop infection from mucormycosis are at high risk of death despite being a younger and healthier population. Mucormycosis infections were primarily soft tissue based among trauma patients. These infections are more prevalent in colder regions within Florida.
Measuring Nd(III) Solution Concentration in the Presence of Interfering Er(III) and Cu(II) Ions: A Partial Least Squares Analysis of Ultraviolet–Visible Spectra
Authors: Tse Poki , Shafer Jenifer , Bryan Samuel A. , Nelson Gilbert L. , Lines Amanda M.
Published: October 2021

Optical spectroscopy is a powerful characterization tool with applications ranging from fundamental studies to real-time process monitoring. However, it can be difficult to apply to complex samples that contain interfering analytes which are common in processing streams. Multivariate (chemometric) analysis has been examined for providing selectivity and accuracy to the analysis of optical spectra and expanding its potential applications. Here we will discuss chemometric modeling with an in-depth comparison to more simplistic analysis approaches and outline how chemometric modeling works while exploring the limits on modeling accuracy. Understanding the limitations of the chemometric model can provide better analytical assessment regarding the accuracy and precision of the analytical result. This will be explored in the context of UV–Vis absorbance of neodymium (Nd3+) in the presence of interferents, erbium (Er3+) and copper (Cu2+) under conditions simulating the liquid–liquid extraction approach used to recycle plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) in used nuclear fuel worldwide. The selected chemometric model, partial least squares regression, accurately quantifies Nd3+ with a low percentage error in the presence of interfering analytes and even under conditions that the training set does not describe.
The role of identity uncertainty in predicting relational turbulence and perceived partner communication for women coping with infertility
Authors: Yoon Deborah B. , Theiss Jennifer A.
Published: October 2021

Infertility can change the way people see themselves and their relational roles. This study examined how changes to identity following reproductive hardship are associated with identity uncertainty and relationship outcomes. Drawing on relational turbulence theory, we position identity uncertainty as an antecedent condition for relational uncertainty and interdependence processes in the context of infertility and examine these relationship mechanisms as predictors of relational turbulence and perceptions of partner communication during this relationship transition. We surveyed 152 women who have been unsuccessful at conceiving for at least 12 months about their identity and perceptions of their relationship. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Consistent with hypotheses, identity change was positively associated with identity uncertainty, which, in turn, predicted increased relational uncertainty. Relational turbulence was positively predicted by relational uncertainty, but not partner interference or facilitation. Perceptions of a partner’s communication were predicted by relational turbulence and partner facilitation. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Clinical correlates of hypothalamic functional changes in migraine patients
Authors: Messina Roberta , Rocca Maria A , Valsasina Paola , Misci Paolo , Filippi Massimo
Published: October 2021

Objective

To elucidate the hypothalamic involvement in episodic migraine and investigate the association between hypothalamic resting state functional connectivity changes and migraine patients’ clinical characteristics and disease progression over the years.

Methods

Ninety-one patients with episodic migraine and 73 controls underwent interictal resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Twenty-three patients and controls were re-examined after a median of 4.5 years. Hypothalamic resting state functional connectivity changes were investigated using a seed-based correlation approach.

Results

At baseline, a decreased functional interaction between the hypothalamus and the parahippocampus, cerebellum, temporal, lingual and orbitofrontal gyrus was found in migraine patients versus controls. Increased resting state functional connectivity between the hypothalamus and bilateral orbitofrontal gyrus was demonstrated in migraine patients at follow-up versus baseline. Migraine patients also experienced decreased right hypothalamic resting state functional connectivity with ipsilateral lingual gyrus. A higher migraine attack frequency was associated with decreased hypothalamic-lingual gyrus resting state functional connectivity at baseline, while greater headache impact at follow-up correlated with decreased hypothalamic-orbitofrontal gyrus resting state functional connectivity at baseline. At follow-up, a lower frequency of migraine attacks was associated with higher hypothalamic-orbitofrontal gyrus resting state functional connectivity.

Conclusions

During the interictal phase, the hypothalamus modulates the activity of pain and visual processing areas in episodic migraine patients. The hypothalamic-cortical interplay changes dynamically over time according to patients’ clinical features.
School Nurse Perspectives on Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
Authors: Rankine Jacquelin , Goldberg Lauren , Miller Elizabeth , Kelley Lori , Ray Kristin N.
Published: October 2021

Chronic absenteeism is associated with poor health and educational outcomes. School nurses have great potential to address the health and educational needs that contribute to absenteeism. Through qualitative analysis of interviews with school nurses, we characterize their current role in reducing absenteeism and identify barriers 3 that limit their capacity to meet this goal, organized by the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice. Interviewees ( n = 23) identified actions perceived to reduce absenteeism aligned with domains of care coordination, leadership, quality improvement, and community and public health. Barriers perceived to limit the capacity of school nurses to address absenteeism were identified within these domains and ranged from student- and family-level to federal-level barriers. Specific healthcare system-level barriers included insufficient communication with community-based healthcare teams and the need for coordinated approaches across health and education sectors to address absenteeism. Strategic opportunities exist to address barriers to comprehensive school nursing practice and reduce absenteeism.
The odd one out: The influence of ideological positioning on individual electoral success
Authors: van Erkel Patrick F. A.
Published: October 2021

Within many countries, voters not only have to cast a vote for a political party, but also have the option to select (a) candidate(s) within that party, a so-called preferential vote. Recent studies indicate that several factors influence the success of candidates within this intra-party competition, such as ballot list position, political experience, and socio-demographic characteristics. However, it has not yet been investigated whether ideology also matters for intra-party success. This study investigates the role of the ideological position of candidates within their party on the share of preferential votes they obtain. Can candidates win preferential votes by taking ideological niche positions within the party? To investigate this question, the study uses data from a candidate survey conducted during the 2014 Belgian elections in which candidates were asked to position themselves ideologically. The results of this study indicate that ideology does not play a strong role within the intra-party competition.
Effects of bi-stable grounded nonlinear energy sink on energy dissipation of the system
Authors: Khalatbari Arash , Jalali Amir , Ahmadi Habib , Foroutan Kamran
Published: October 2021

In this paper, one of the most efficient passive absorbers, called nonlinear energy sink (NES), is analytically studied. A two-degree-of-freedom system is considered which consists of a linear oscillator (LO) with a base excitation and an NES, called grounded NES (GNES), which is connected to the ground with a nonlinear spring. In this study, we proposed a new arrangement of potential elements in GNES and studied invariant manifolds of the system, as well as the energy absorption performance of the NES. The system is considered in the vicinity of 1:1 resonance to investigate the strongly modulated response (SMR). To this end, after obtaining the equations of motion, the Manevitch complex variable and multiple scale method are applied to solve the equations, analytically. Then, the slow invariant manifold (SIM) is obtained. Also, the energy dissipation ratio of the NES and the percentage of the instantaneous total energy stored in the NES are calculated via the time-amplitude diagram. The results show that when the nonlinear effect decreases, the occurrence of energy pumping is less probable. Also, when the excitation amplitude decreases, the percentage of the instantaneous total energy stored in the NES increases as well as the amount of energy dissipation.
Clinicopathological significance and underlying molecular mechanism of downregulation of basonuclin 1 expression in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Liang Zi-Qian , Zhong Lu-Yang , Li Jie , Shen Jin-Hai , Tu Xin-Yue , Zhong Zheng-Hong , Zeng Jing-Jing , Chen Jun-Hong , Wei Zhu-Xin , Dang Yi-Wu , Huang Su-Ning , Chen Gang
Published: October 2021

In this study, we aim to identify the clinical significance of basonuclin 1 ( BNC1) expression in ovarian carcinoma (OV) and to explore its latent mechanisms. Via integrating in-house tissue microarrays, gene chips, and RNA-sequencing data, we explored the expression and clinical value of BNC1 in OV. Immunohistochemical staining was utilized to confirm the protein expression status of BNC1. A combined SMD of –2.339 (95% CI: –3.649 to –1.028, P <  0.001) identified that BNC1 was downregulated based on 1346 samples, and the sROC (AUC = 0.93) showed a favorable discriminatory ability of BNC1 in OV patients. We used univariate and multivariate Cox regulation to evaluate the prognostic role of BNC1 for OV patients, and a combined hazard ratio of 0.717 (95% CI: 0.445–0.989, P <  0.001) revealed that BNC1 was a protective factor for OV. Furthermore, the fraction of infiltrating naive B cells, memory B cells, and other immune cells showed statistical differences between the high- and low- BNC1 expression groups through cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm. Enrichment analysis showed that BNC1 may have a relationship with immune-related items in OV. By predicting the potential regulatory transcription factors (TFs) of BNC1, friend leukemia virus integration 1 ( FLI1) may be a potential upstream TF of BNC1. Corporately, a decreasing trend of BNC1 may serve as a tumor suppressor and prognostic biomarker in OV patients. Moreover, BNC1 may take part in immune-related pathways and influence the fraction of tumor-infiltrating immune cells.
Treatment Decisions in Pediatric Sports Medicine: Do Personal and Professional Bias Affect Decision-Making?
Authors: Stinson Zachary S. , Davelaar Cassidy M. Foley , Kiebzak Gary M. , Edmonds Eric W.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Personal and professional biases can affect decision-making regarding important issues in pediatric sports medicine. Gaining insight into the opinions of health care professionals who specialize in pediatric sports medicine will provide information that may be useful for directing ongoing research in this field.

Hypothesis:

It was hypothesized that surgeons would demonstrate bias toward early surgical intervention versus nonsurgeons. In addition, it was hypothesized that youth sports medicine professionals who were parents of a child with a previous major sports injury or concussion would be less likely to allow their child to play American tackle football or return to football after a concussion.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

An online survey was provided to the active members of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society. We used both professional background information and responses to questions related to personal experiences with youth sports injuries to determine potential factors associated with underlying biases. Survey responses among subgroups were compared using the Fisher exact test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate years in practice versus opioid use.

Results:

Of the survey participants, 62.5% were pediatric surgeons, and 37.5% represented different nonsurgical youth sports medicine professions. Surgeons were less likely than nonsurgeons to agree to allow their child to return to football after sustaining a concussion and completing a concussion protocol (48% vs 76%, P = .013). Surgeons were more likely than nonsurgeons to agree to both elective shoulder stabilization after a first-time dislocation and elective drilling of a stable knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) before nonoperative treatment (41% vs 10%, P = .003 and 52% vs 23%, P = .013, respectively). Those who reported having a child with a concussion history were more likely to support him or her returning to football after a concussion (65% vs 33%, P = .026).

Conclusion:

Surgeons were more likely to favor elective shoulder-stabilization surgery after a first-time dislocation and drilling of a stable knee OCD instead of nonoperative management. Personal experience of having a child who sustained a major sports injury or concussion did not demonstrate a bias against participation in football or return to football after a concussion.
Global Histone H3 Lysine 4 Trimethylation (H3K4me3) Landscape Changes in Response to TGFβ
Authors: Naik Ankit , Dalpatraj Nidhi , Thakur Noopur
Published: October 2021

TGFβ expression acts as a biomarker of poor prognosis in prostate cancer. It plays a dual functional role in prostate cancer. In the early stages of the tumor, it acts as a tumor suppressor while at the later stages of tumor development, it promotes metastasis. The molecular mechanisms of action of TGFβ are largely understood through the canonical and non-canonical signal transduction pathways. Our understanding of the mechanisms that establish transient TGFβ stimulation into stable gene expression patterns remains incomplete. Epigenetic marks like histone H3 modifications are directly linked with gene expression and they play an important role in tumorigenesis. In this report, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to identify the genome-wide regions that undergo changes in histone H3 Lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) occupancy in response to TGFβ stimulation. We also show that TGFβ stimulation can induce acute epigenetic changes through the modulation of H3K4me3 signals at genes belonging to special functional categories in prostate cancer. TGFβ induces the H3K4me3 on its own ligands like TGFβ, GDF1, INHBB, GDF3, GDF6, BMP5 suggesting a positive feedback loop. The majority of genes were found to be involved in the positive regulation of transcription from the RNA polymerase II promoter in response to TGFβ. Other functional categories were intracellular protein transport, brain development, EMT, angiogenesis, antigen processing, antigen presentation via MHC class II, lipid transport, embryo development, histone H4 acetylation, positive regulation of cell cycle arrest, and genes involved in mitotic G2 DNA damage checkpoints. Our results link TGFβ stimulation to acute changes in gene expression through an epigenetic mechanism. These findings have broader implications on epigenetic bases of acute gene expression changes caused by growth factor stimulation.
How is the way we spend our time related to psychological wellbeing? A cross-sectional analysis of time-use patterns in the general population and their associations with wellbeing and life satisfaction
Authors: Tomczyk Samuel , Altweck Laura , Schmidt Silke
Published: October 2021

Background

Time-use surveys can closely monitor daily activities, times of stress and relaxation, and examine predictors and trajectories with regard to health. However, previous studies have often neglected the complex interaction of daily activities when looking at health outcomes.

Methods

Using latent profile analysis, this study examined patterns of self-reported daily time use (0–12h hours) for nine types of behaviour (work, errands, housework, childcare, care of persons in need, education, repairs and gardening, physical activity, and hobbies/leisure-time activities) in the 2018 wave of the German Socio-Economic Panel (N = 30,152; 51.9% female; M = 46.87 years). Sociodemographic variables, affective wellbeing, general and domain-specific life satisfaction, and self-rated health were inspected as predictors via multinomial logistic regression models.

Results

Six latent profiles emerged: full-time work (47.2%), leisure (33.8%), childcare (8.9%), education (7.0%), part-time work & care (2.6%), and care (0.5%). Overall, the care and part-time work & care profiles showed the lowest wellbeing scores, lower subjective health, and life satisfaction. Women were more likely to be members of the care and childcare profiles. Men were more likely to belong to the full-time work profile, and they reported significantly higher wellbeing than women.

Conclusions

The analysis revealed distinct patterns of time use and a burden on women, given their investment in care and childcare. Part-time work, and care seemed particularly demanding, and thus, are important areas for prevention, for instance, regarding mental health problems. However, time use was assessed via self-reports, therefore future studies could implement objective measures like digital trackers to validate findings.
Quality of life and complications in elderly patients after pronation rotation type III ankle fractures treated with a cast and early weight-bearing
Authors: Lorente Alejandro , Gandía Antonio , Mariscal Gonzalo , Palacios Pablo , Lorente Rafael
Published: October 2021

Background

Early weight-bearing is becoming increasingly common because it can positively affect the quality of life of patients. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of this conservative treatment should be assessed for different types of ankle fractures. The goal of this study was to compare early weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing in terms of effectiveness and safety in patients with pronation rotation type III ankle fractures treated nonsurgically.

Methods

A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted over two years. Elderly patients with a nondisplaced pronation rotation type III ankle fracture were included. The main variables were the Barthel Index and SF-12 scores. The patients completed the questionnaires at six weeks, one year and two years. We also compared the complications associated with the two interventions.

Results

30 patients were included in the weight-bearing group, while 32 patients were included in the non-weight-bearing (WB) group. The mean ages were 82.6 ± 2.6 years and 83.1 ± 2.6 years, respectively. Quality of life, measured with the SF-12 scale, increased significantly in both the short and long term in the WB group (53.5 ± 5.8 points vs 65.2 ± 4.4 points at 6 weeks and 70.1 ± 4.2 points vs. 80.9 ± 3.7 points at 2 years; p<0.001). The WB group also showed a higher quality of life, as measured by the Barthel Index (54.5 ± 5.2 points vs. 64.3 ± 4.0 points at 6 weeks and 71.0 ± 4.3 points vs. 80.7 ± 3.4 points at 2 years; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Elderly patients with pronation rotation type III fractures could benefit from an early weight-bearing protocol in terms of quality of life and functionality.
Risk and protective factors of Leishmaniasis in the rural area of the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Pradella Gabriela Döwich , Duarte Claudia Acosta , Escobar Taiane Acunha , Zuravski Luísa , Góss Geórgia Camargo , Skupien Jovito Adiel , Lübeck Irina
Published: October 2021

Background

The Leishmaniases are on the top of the global list of tropical neglected diseases. The number of infected dogs in South America is estimated in millions and correlated to disease cases in humans, especially in Brazil. Equines may get infected too and can play a role in the epidemiological chain. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate risk and protective factors of leishmaniasis in rural areas of the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil by Leishmania spp. protozoa molecular detection and serological evaluation (ELISA) in equine and canine blood samples. This work included nine farms around the city of Uruguaiana. Epidemiologic information regarding farm characteristics and biologic material collection of canine (22) and equine (91), totalizing 113 samples was collected. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to detect Leishmania spp. in biological samples. Variables related to the farm were collected and evaluated through descriptive analysis followed by chi-square test and a logistic regression analysis.

Results

Nineteen positive samples (19/113 – 16,81%) were detected, being 18 equines and 1 canine, in six of the nine farms included in the study. No animal showed clinical signs of the disease. According to the variables analyzed, when compared each characteristic separately, the presence of abundant vegetation and poor hygiene demonstrated to be risk factors to Leishmania infection in rural areas. The logistic regression showed that excellent general hygiene, proximity to the weir and trimmed grass were protective factors (p=0.038, p=0.001 and p=0.014, respectively). Having excellent hygiene represents a 70% lower chance of getting infected, keeping the grass cut protects the animal by more than 90% and the proximity of the weir represents a protective factor of 96%.

Conclusions

The presence of Leishmania infection in the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul was 16,81% and it was influenced by farm characteristics. The role of the excellent general hygiene as a protective factor is extremely relevant in the leishmaniases prevention.