bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in regional distribution and inequality in health-resource allocation on institutions, beds, and workforce: a longitudinal study in China
Authors: Dong Enhong , Xu Jie , Sun Xiaoting , Xu Ting , Zhang Lufa , Wang Tao
Published: May 2021

Background

The distribution of health-care resources is foundational to achieving fairness and having access to health service. China and its local Shanghai’s government have implemented measures to allocate health-care resources with the equity as one of the major goals since 2009-health-care reform. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in regional distribution and inequality in health-resource allocation on institutions, beds, and workforce in Shanghai over 7 years.

Methods

The study was conducted using 2010–2016 data to analyze health-resource allocation on institutions, beds, and workforce in Shanghai, China. The annual growth rate (AGR) was used to evaluate the time trends of health-care resource from 2010 to 2016, and Theil index was calculated to measure inequality of five indicators of health-care resource allocation during this study period.

Results

All quantities of health-care resources per 1000 people increased across Shanghai districts from 2010 to 2016. Compared with suburban districts, the central districts had higher ratios on five health-care resource indicators, and faster average growth in the bed and nurse indicator. The Theil of the indicators, except for doctors in hospitals, all exhibited downward time trends.

Conclusions

Regional difference between urban and rural areas and inequality between institution and workforce, especially for doctors, still existed. Some targeted measures including but not limited to income raising, facilitation of transportation conditions, investment of more fiscal funds, enhancement of health-care service provision for rural residents should be fully considered to narrow resource distribution gap between urban and rural districts and mitigate the inequality of health-care resource allocation.
Food security and environment conservation through sustainable use of wild and semi-wild edible plants: a case study in Berek Natural Forest, Oromia special zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Kidane Leul , Kejela Alemu
Published: May 2021

Background

Wild edible plants (WEPs) have an important role for rural communities in safeguarding food security, nutritive variation and continued earnings. Their significance, management and utilization are not fully documented. Objectives are to identify and document wild and semi-wild edible plants (WSWEPs) and their conservation status in Berek natural forest, Oromia special zone.

Methods

Various data collection tools were employed to gather data on WSWEPs. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 142 household representatives (77 men and 65 women) being at least 14 years old. Most of them (73.9%) had not received formal education. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, preference ranking, paired comparison, direct matrix ranking and informant consensus factor.

Results

A total of 34 useful WSWEP species belonging to 32 genera and 24 families were collected and identified. The family Rosaceae had the highest number of species (five species, 14.7%), followed by Anacardiaceae and Solanaceae with three species (8.8%) each. Growth form analysis showed that the majority of the species were trees (14 species; 41.2%), followed by herbs and shrubs (10 species each, 29.4%. These edible plants were available in different seasons; 15 (44%) of the plant species reached maturity in spring season while seven species (20.6%) were found in all seasons and eight (23.6%) species were able to reach maturity in autumn and winter. Although most of the local communities have an intimate relationship with their natural environment, there are common threats to WSWEPs and their habitat, particularly through overgrazing, fragmentation of the vegetation for agricultural expansion, introduction of exotic species, selective logging for construction purpose and charcoal making.

Conclusion

WSWEPs are valuable resources for improving the environment, food and nutritional security and income of households in rural areas. Moreover, to sustainably use edible plant species of the study area local communities and the Forest Administration should collaborate in managing these resources before becoming critically endangered.
Selenium deficiency induces spleen pathological changes in pigs by decreasing selenoprotein expression, evoking oxidative stress, and activating inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Li Shuang , Sun Wenjuan , Zhang Kai , Zhu Jiawei , Jia Xueting , Guo Xiaoqing , Zhao Qingyu , Tang Chaohua , Yin Jingdong , Zhang Junmin
Published: May 2021

Background

The immune system is one aspect of health that is affected by dietary selenium (Se) levels and selenoprotein expression. Spleen is an important immune organ of the body, which is directly involved in cellular immunity. However, there are limited reports on Se levels and spleen health. Therefore, this study established a Se-deficient pig model to investigate the mechanism of Se deficiency-induced splenic pathogenesis.

Methods

Twenty-four pure line castrated male Yorkshire pigs (45 days old, 12.50 ± 1.32 kg, 12 full-sibling pairs) were divided into two equal groups and fed Se-deficient diet (0.007 mg Se/kg) or Se-adequate diet (0.3 mg Se/kg) for 16 weeks. At the end of the trial, blood and spleen were collected to assay for erythroid parameters, the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes, the spleen index, histology, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Se concentrations, the selenogenome, redox status, and signaling related inflammation and apoptosis.

Results

Dietary Se deficiency decreased the erythroid parameters and increased the number of osmotically fragile erythrocytes (P < 0.05). The spleen index did not change, but hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining indicated that the white pulp decreased, the red pulp increased, and splenocyte apoptosis occurred in the Se deficient group. Se deficiency decreased the Se concentration and selenoprotein expression in the spleen (P < 0.05), blocked the glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant systems, and led to redox imbalance. Se deficiency activated the NF-κB and HIF-1α transcription factors, thus increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and TNF-α), decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β) and increasing expression of the downstream genes COX-2 and iNOS (P < 0.05), which in turn induced inflammation. In addition, Se-deficiency induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, upregulated apoptotic genes (Caspase3, Caspase8, and Bak), and downregulated antiapoptotic genes (Bcl-2) (P < 0.05) at the mRNA level, thus verifying the results of TUNEL staining.

Conclusions

These results indicated that Se deficiency induces spleen injury through the regulation of selenoproteins, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.
Initial study on TMPRSS2 p.Val160Met genetic variant in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wulandari Laksmi , Hamidah Berliana , Pakpahan Cennikon , Damayanti Nevy Shinta , Kurniati Neneng Dewi , Adiatmaja Christophorus Oetama , Wigianita Monica Rizky , Soedarsono  , Husada Dominicus , Tinduh Damayanti , Prakoeswa Cita Rosita Sigit , Endaryanto Anang , Puspaningsih Ni Nyoman Tri , Mori Yasuko , Lusida Maria Inge , Shimizu Kazufumi , Oceandy Delvac
Published: May 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health problem that causes millions of deaths worldwide. The clinical manifestation of COVID-19 widely varies from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia and systemic inflammatory disease. It is thought that host genetic variability may affect the host’s response to the virus infection and thus cause severity of the disease. The SARS-CoV-2 virus requires interaction with its receptor complex in the host cells before infection. The transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as one of the key molecules involved in SARS-CoV-2 virus receptor binding and cell invasion. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the correlation between a genetic variant within the human TMPRSS2 gene and COVID-19 severity and viral load.

Results

We genotyped 95 patients with COVID-19 hospitalised in Dr Soetomo General Hospital and Indrapura Field Hospital (Surabaya, Indonesia) for the TMPRSS2 p.Val160Met polymorphism. Polymorphism was detected using a TaqMan assay. We then analysed the association between the presence of the genetic variant and disease severity and viral load. We did not observe any correlation between the presence of TMPRSS2 genetic variant and the severity of the disease. However, we identified a significant association between the p.Val160Met polymorphism and the SARS-CoV-2 viral load, as estimated by the Ct value of the diagnostic nucleic acid amplification test. Furthermore, we observed a trend of association between the presence of the C allele and the mortality rate in patients with severe COVID-19.

Conclusion

Our data indicate a possible association between TMPRSS2 p.Val160Met polymorphism and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and the outcome of COVID-19.
The World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: implications for onchocerciasis elimination programs
Authors: Vieri Melissa Krizia , Logora Makoy Yibi , Rafiq Kamran , Colebunders Robert
Published: May 2021

In its new roadmap for neglected tropical diseases, the World Health Organization proposes three important strategic shifts: (i) Stronger accountability which shifting from process to impact indicators; (ii) Intensified cross-cutting approaches; and (iii) Stronger country ownership. In this paper we discuss the implementation of these three strategies in the setting of a high onchocerciasis disease burden in South Sudan.
The Association of Malnutrition, illness duration, and pre-morbid weight status with anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents and young adults with restrictive eating disorders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Jessica A. , Jhe Grace , Vitagliano Julia A. , Milliren Carly E. , Spigel Rebecca , Woods Elizabeth R. , Forman Sara F. , Richmond Tracy K.
Published: May 2021

Background

Restrictive eating disorders (EDs) are often comorbid with anxiety and depression symptoms, placing patients at risk for more severe disease, worse treatment outcomes, and higher rates of mortality. To identify risks for developing such co-morbidities, we assessed the association of malnutrition, ED illness duration, and pre-morbid weight status with symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents/young adults (AYAs) with EDs.

Methods

145 participants with restrictive EDs (anorexia nervosa [AN], other specified feeding and eating disorders [OSFED], avoidant restrictive food intake disorder [ARFID]) were included from the RECOVERY study, a longitudinal web-based registry of AYAs with EDs. We measured malnutrition as percent of expected body mass index (%eBMI), based on participants’ pre-morbid growth trajectory. Outcomes were anxiety and depression scores from the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scales. We used multiple linear regression to examine the association of malnutrition, ED duration, and pre-morbid weight status with symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 16.4(3.0) years; 87% were female; 89% white; 85% had AN, 6% OSFED, 10% ARFID. Of these, 2/3 had ED symptoms ≥1 year, 1/3 had previous higher level of ED care (HLOC), and half were taking psychiatric medications. Mean %eBMI was 90% (range 57–112%). Mean GAD-7 was 9.4(5.9) and CES-D was 24(13.8), indicating most participants had clinically significant anxiety and/or depression. Degree of malnutrition was not significantly associated with anxiety or depression adjusting for age, sex, sexual orientation, ED diagnosis, and use of psychiatric medication. Those with longer duration of ED symptoms had higher depression scores after adjusting for malnutrition, HLOC, length of ED symptoms, and time in our care (p = 0.038). Patients with pre-morbid BMIs ≥75th percentile had lower depression scores than those with pre-morbid BMIs <75th percentile (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

We find high degree of clinically relevant anxiety and depression symptoms in a population of AYAs with EDs. Our findings suggest that factors beyond malnutrition play a role in the co-morbid mood and anxiety disorders in this population. Overall, rapid ED diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for patients with EDs across the weight spectrum—and especially those with psychiatric co-morbidities—will likely aid in recovery.
Mental health and its relationship with social support in Iranian students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ghafari Reza , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Rouhi Mahsa , Osouli Tabrizi Shirin
Published: May 2021

Background

In addition to physical problems, the COVID-19 crisis continues to impose serious psychological adverse effects on people's mental health, which plays a major role in the efficiency of every community. Students, especially medical sciences students, suffer from more stress as a result of exposure to COVID-induced stressors. It is, therefore, essential to measure mental health and its relationship with social support in medical sciences students during the COVID pandemic. The present study was conducted to determine the mental health status of students and its correlation with social support.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using random sampling on 280 students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2020. Socio-demographic profile scale, Mental Health Test (GHQ-28), and the scale of Perceived Social Support (PRQ-85) were used to collect data. Participants completed the questionnaires online.

Results

Considering the potential confounding variables, a general linear model (GLM) was utilized to determine the relationship between mental health and perceived social support. Mean (± standard deviation) of total mental health score 26.5 (12.5) was in the acceptable range of 0–63., and 56% of students suffered from a mental disorder. Mean (± standard deviation) of social support score 128.2 (21.0) ranged from 25 to175. According to Pearson's correlation coefficient, there was a significant inverse correlation between social support score and total mental health score and all its subscales [p < 0.001; r =  − 0.294 to − 0.536]. According to the GLM, mental health score decreased significantly with social support score [p = 0.0001; − 0.32 to − 0.20; CI 95%; B = 0.26].

Conclusions

Given the inverse relationship between social support and mental health, it is suggested to increase the level of social support for students at all times, especially during the stressful COVID-19 pandemic to improve their mental health.
How animals distribute themselves in space: energy landscapes of Antarctic avian predators
Authors: Masello Juan F. , Barbosa Andres , Kato Akiko , Mattern Thomas , Medeiros Renata , Stockdale Jennifer E. , Kümmel Marc N. , Bustamante Paco , Belliure Josabel , Benzal Jesús , Colominas-Ciuró Roger , Menéndez-Blázquez Javier , Griep Sven , Goesmann Alexander , Symondson William O. C. , Quillfeldt Petra
Published: May 2021

Background

Energy landscapes provide an approach to the mechanistic basis of spatial ecology and decision-making in animals. This is based on the quantification of the variation in the energy costs of movements through a given environment, as well as how these costs vary in time and for different animal populations. Organisms as diverse as fish, mammals, and birds will move in areas of the energy landscape that result in minimised costs and maximised energy gain. Recently, energy landscapes have been used to link energy gain and variable energy costs of foraging to breeding success, revealing their potential use for understanding demographic changes.

Methods

Using GPS-temperature-depth and tri-axial accelerometer loggers, stable isotope and molecular analyses of the diet, and leucocyte counts, we studied the response of gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) penguins to different energy landscapes and resources. We compared species and gentoo penguin populations with contrasting population trends.

Results

Between populations, gentoo penguins from Livingston Island (Antarctica), a site with positive population trends, foraged in energy landscape sectors that implied lower foraging costs per energy gained compared with those around New Island (Falkland/Malvinas Islands; sub-Antarctic), a breeding site with fluctuating energy costs of foraging, breeding success and populations. Between species, chinstrap penguins foraged in sectors of the energy landscape with lower foraging costs per bottom time, a proxy for energy gain. They also showed lower physiological stress, as revealed by leucocyte counts, and higher breeding success than gentoo penguins. In terms of diet, we found a flexible foraging ecology in gentoo penguins but a narrow foraging niche for chinstraps.

Conclusions

The lower foraging costs incurred by the gentoo penguins from Livingston, may favour a higher breeding success that would explain the species’ positive population trend in the Antarctic Peninsula. The lower foraging costs in chinstrap penguins may also explain their higher breeding success, compared to gentoos from Antarctica but not their negative population trend. Altogether, our results suggest a link between energy landscapes and breeding success mediated by the physiological condition.
An investigation of early childhood education teachers’ attitudes, behaviors, and views regarding the rights of the child
Authors: Banko-Bal Cagla , Guler-Yildiz Tulin
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the attitudes, behaviors, and views about the rights of the child of early childhood education (ECE) teachers in Turkey. A mixed-method sequential transformative design was used, and 205 ECE teachers’ attitudes towards children’s rights were analyzed using a quantitative questionnaire. Ten of these ECE teachers were then observed, and their views in terms of the rights of children were elicited through interviews. According to the findings, teachers’ attitudes toward the rights of the child were positive; however, their behaviors and views were not compatible with most of these rights. While teachers were sensitive to the right to protection, they did not meet the requirements of the rights to development, growth, and participation or the principles of best interest and non-discrimination. Educating teachers about the rights of the child plays an important role in enhancing children’s learning and the application of these rights. To support these rights, teachers need to properly understand the rights of the child, how to protect them, and how to reflect these rights in their practices.
Sarcopenic Characteristics of Active Older Adults: a Cross-Sectional Exploration
Authors: Huschtscha Zoya , Parr Alexandra , Porter Judi , Costa Ricardo J. S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Ageing is associated with a decline in skeletal muscle mass and function (strength and power), known as sarcopenia. Inadequate dietary protein and inactivity have been shown to accelerate sarcopenia outcomes, occurring at different rates in males and females. Regardless, active older adults who often exceed the exercise guidelines still show signs of sarcopenia. This study aimed to explore the link between age, physical activity, protein intake, and biological sex with skeletal muscle mass, strength, power, and physical capacity/performance in active older adults. Fifty-four active older adults were recruited from this trial and grouped according to age (middle aged: 50–59 years, and older age: ≥ 60 years), exercise volume (low: ≥ 90–149 min/week, moderate: ≥ 150–299 min/week, and high: ≥ 300 min/week), protein intake (low: < 0.8 g/kg body mass (BM), moderate: ≥ 0.8–1.19g /kg BM, and high: ≥ 1.2 g/kg BM), and biological sex (males and females). Skeletal muscle and fat mass (dual X-ray absorptiometry), strength (1-repetition maximum using leg press, chest press, lateral pull down, and hand grip), power (counter movement jump), and general fitness (cardiorespiratory capacity and gait speed) were assessed. Data were grouped based on variables, and a general linear model (ANCOVA) or an independent t test was used to determine between group differences.

Results

Fifty three of the total participants’ data were analysed. The middle-aged group had 18%, 11%, and 10% higher leg press, chest press, and lateral pull down, respectively, compared to the older-aged group (p < .05). There were no significant differences between different levels of training volume and any of the outcomes. Higher protein intakes were associated with significantly less body fat mass (p = .005) and a trend towards a higher leg press (p = .053) and higher relative power (W/kg) (p = .056) compared with the moderate and low protein intake groups. Significant differences based on biological sex were observed for all outcomes except for gait speed (p = .611) and cardiorespiratory fitness (p = .147).

Conclusions

Contributions of age, physical activity, daily protein intake, and biological sex can explain the individual variation in outcomes related to changes in body composition, strength, power, and/or cardiorespiratory fitness in a cohort of active older adults.

The preprint version of this work is available on Research Square: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-51873/v1.

Trial Registration

This trial is registered in the ANZCTR.org.au, no. ACTRN12618001088235 (https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375286).
Successful eradication of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from the Norwegian pig population – 10 years later
Authors: Gulliksen Stine Margrethe , Baustad Børge , Framstad Tore , Jørgensen Anne , Skomsøy Audun , Kjelvik Oddbjørn , Gjestvang Mona , Grøntvedt Carl Andreas , Lium Bjørn
Published: May 2021

Background

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae(Mhyo) is the causative agent of enzootic pneumonia in pigs which adversely affects animal health and welfare, in addition to causing considerable economical losses. This paper presents the implementation of the national Mhyo eradication program in Norway, the subsequent population wide surveillance and documentation on the current freedom from Mhyo in the Norwegian pig population.

In 1994, the Board of The Norwegian Pig Health Service decided on conducting a national surveillance and eradication program for Mhyo. The program aimed for population wide freedom from Mhyo, based on serological surveillance. A partial depopulation program was initiated in all Mhyo positive farrow-to-feed and farrow-to-finish herds. Total depopulation was performed in all positive finisher herds.

Results

From 1994 to 2009, a total of 138,635 pigs in 3211 herds were serologically tested for the presence of antibodies against Mhyo. Of these, 5538 (4%) individual samples and 398 (12.4%) of the herds were defined as positive. In 2009, the Norwegian pig population was declared free from Mhyo, and has been so since then. From 2009 through 2019, a total of 44,228 individual serum samples have been analyzed for the presence of antibodies against Mhyo and found negative in the National surveillance program.

Conclusion

Eradication of Mhyo infections has resulted in improved health and welfare of the Norwegian pig population. The success of the strategy is based on numerous factors, such as moderate to low prevalence of the agent, well documented and effective eradication protocols, accurate diagnostic tests, relatively small herds, low herd density in most parts of the country and negligible import of live pigs. In addition, economic benefit due to a premium on pigs marketed from herds free from Mhyo, a well-structured commercial pig population, and finally, the loyalty and significant effort of farmers, abattoir employees and veterinarians were crucial factors. To maintain the infection-free status at national level, a continuous alertness is required in the future to discover possible Mhyo infections and ensure rapid sampling and diagnostics. Any findings of Mhyo positive pig herds in Norway will result in immediate eradication.
Growth and population biology of the sand-bubbler crab Scopimera crabricauda Alcock 1900 (Brachyura: Dotillidae) from the Persian Gulf, Iran
Authors: Sharifian Sana , Malekzadeh Vahid , Kamrani Ehsan , Safaie Mohsen
Published: May 2021

Background

Dotillid crabs are introduced as one common dwellers of sandy shores. We studied the ecology and growth of the sand bubbler crab Scopimera crabricauda Alcock, 1900, in the Persian Gulf, Iran. Crabs were sampled monthly by excavating nine quadrats at three intertidal levels during spring low tides from January 2016 to January 2017.

Results

Population data show unimodal size-frequency distributions in both sexes. The Von Bertalanffy function was calculated at CWt = 8.76 [1 − exp (− 0.56 (t + 0.39))], CWt = 7.90 [1 − exp (− 0.59 (t + 0.40))] and CWt = 9.35 [1 − exp (− 0.57 (t + 0.41))] for males, females, and both sexes, respectively. The life span appeared to be 5.35, 5.07, and 5.26 years for males, females, and both sexes, respectively. The cohorts were identified as two age continuous groups, with the mean model carapace width 5.39 and 7.11 mm for both sexes. The natural mortality (M) coefficients stood at 1.72 for males, 1.83 for females, and 1.76 years−1 for both sexes, respectively. The overall sex ratio (1:0.4) was significantly different from the expected 1:1 proportion with male-biased. Recruitment occurred with the highest number of annual pulse once a year during the summer.

Conclusions

The results, which show slow growth, emphasize the necessity of proper management for the survival of the stock of S. crabricauda on the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf.
Reflex memory theory of acquired involuntary motor and sensory disorders
Authors: Oyigeya Matthias
Published: May 2021

Background

Explicit and implicit memories are conserved but flexible biological tools that nature uses to regulate the daily behaviors of human beings. An aberrant form of the implicit memory is presumed to exist and may be contributory to the pathophysiology of disorders such as tardive syndromes, phantom phenomena, flashback, posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and related disorders. These disorders have posed significant clinical problems for both patients and physicians for centuries. All extant pathophysiological theories of these disorders have failed to provide basis for effective treatment.

Objective

The objective of this article is to propose an alternative pathophysiological theory that will hopefully lead to new treatment approaches.

Methods

The author sourced over 60 journal articles that treated topics on memory, and involuntary motor and sensory disorders, from open access journals using Google Scholar, and reviewed them and this helped in the formulation of this theory.

Results

From the reviews, the author thinks physical or chemical insult to the nervous system can cause defective circuit remodeling, leading to generation of a variant of implicit (automatic) memory, herein called “reflex memory” and this is encoded interoceptively to contribute to these phenomena states.

Conclusion

Acquired involuntary motor and sensory disorders are caused by defective circuit remodeling involving multiple neural mechanisms. Dysregulation of excitatory neurotransmitters, calcium overload, homeostatic failure, and neurotoxicity are implicated in the process. Sustained effects of these defective mechanisms are encoded interoceptively as abnormal memory in the neurons and the conscious manifestations are these disorders. Extant theories failed to recognize this possibility.
COVID-19 Infection Stigma Scale: psychometric properties
Authors: Elgohari Hayam Mohammed , Bassiony Medhat Mohamed , Sehlo Mohammad Gamal , Youssef Usama Mahmoud , Ali Heba Mohamed , Shahin Islam , Elrafey Dina Sameh , Mahdy Rehab Saeed
Published: May 2021

Background

Stigma has been noticed towards patients with COVID-19 in several regions of the world. This social discrimination has contributed to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Also, it may increase the suffering of the patients leading to poor outcome of the illness. Stigma can be assessed with the use of a valid and reliable instrument developed and adapted to our culture. Our objective was to analyze the psychometric properties of COVID-19 Infection Stigma Scale (CISS) for measuring the social stigma among patients with COVID-19 in Egypt. A cross-sectional study that included 182 COVID-19 patients was carried out. The reliability, the convergent validity, and the external and internal consistency of the scale were measured. Factor analysis was used to exclude the weak items.

Results

The mean of the COVID-19 Infection Stigma Scale scores was 34.97±10.35 which was higher than 50% of the score. Absence of the floor and ceiling effects was observed. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for scale reliability ranged from 0.75 to 0.94 with 0.82 for the total score. The convergent validity coefficients ranged from 0.36 to 0.63. Test-retest validity Pearson’s correlation coefficients ranged from 0.72 to 0.92 with 0.89 for the total score. The split half correlation coefficient was 0.86, and the reliability coefficient was 0.92. Both were acceptable correlation coefficients for internal consistency of the scale. Factor analysis showed two factors had latent root greater than 1. The rotated component matrix of the 2 factors revealed that all questions had r value more than 0.30, which means that no need to exclude any of them.

Conclusion

The results showed that the COVID-19 Infection Stigma Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for the Egyptian people.
Longitudinal stent elongation or shortening after deployment in the coronary arteries: which is dominant?
Authors: Algowhary Magdy , Abdelmegid Mohammed Aboel-Kassem F.
Published: May 2021

Background

Stent manufacturers always record stent shortening data while they do not record stent elongation data. The aim of this study is to identify both stent shortening and elongation occurring after deployment in the coronary arteries and know their percentage.

Results

The length of coronary stents was measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) by (1) edge-to-edge (E-E) length, measured from the appearance of the first distal strut to the last proximal strut, and (2) area-to-area (A-A) length, measured from the first distal struts seen at more than one IVUS quadrant to the last proximal struts seen at more than one IVUS quadrant. Stent shortening was defined as both E-E and A-A lengths were shorter than the manufacturer box-stated length (shortened group). Stent elongation was defined as both E-E and A-A lengths were longer than the manufacturer box-stated length (elongated group), otherwise unchanged group. Consecutive 102 stents deployed in ischemic patients were included. Stent elongation was detected in 67.6% (69 stents), and shortening was detected in 15.7% (16 stents), while unchanged stents were detected in 16.7% (17 stents). Although the 3 groups had similar box-stated length and predicted foreshortened length, they had significantly different measurements by IVUS, p<0.001 for each comparison. Differences from box-stated length were 1.9±1.4mm, −1.4±0.4mm, and 0.4±0.3mm, respectively, p<0.001. The elongated group had significantly longer differences from the corresponding box-stated and predicted foreshortened lengths, while the shortened group had significantly shorter differences from the corresponding box-stated length and similar foreshortened length. By multinomial regression analysis, the plaque-media area and stent deployment pressure were the independent predictors of the stent length groups, p=0.015 and p=0.026, respectively.

Conclusions

Change in stent length is not only shortening—as mentioned in the manufacturer documents—but also stent elongation. Stent elongation is dominant, and the most important predictors of longitudinal stent changes are plaque-media area and stent deployment pressure.
The role of PI3K signaling pathway and its associated genes in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Amjad Elham , Asnaashari Solmaz , Sokouti Babak
Published: May 2021

Background

One of the well-differentiated types of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), often developed by genetic mutations and radiation.

Methods

In this study, the public NCBI-GEO database was systematically searched. The eligible datasets were the targets for biomarker discovery associated with PI3K signaling pathway.

Results

Only two datasets were suitable and passed the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis outcomes revealed eleven upregulation and thirteen downregulation genes differentially expressed between PTC and healthy tissues. Moreover, the outcomes for survival and disease-free rates for each gene were illustrated.

Conclusions

The present research suggests a panel signature of 24 gene biomarkers in diagnosing the PTC.
Relationship of mammographic densities to breast cancer risk
Authors: Ali Engy A. , Raafat Mariam
Published: May 2021

Background

Our goal was to find out the relation between mammographic densities and cancer of the breast according to the recent ACR classification. From the medical records of Kasereliny Hospital, 49,409 women were subjected to digital mammography for screening, of which 1500 breast cancer cases were collected. The mammographic categories of breast density were ACR-A, B, C, and D, which were detected by two senior radiologists. All radiological classifications were made using both standard mammographic views bilaterally. Two-sided tests of statistical significance were represented by all thePvalues.

Results

From 2014 to 2019, 49,409 women came for digital mammographic screening, their age ranges between 40 and 65, and all of them are included in the study. One thousand cases of breast cancer cases were radiologically and pathologically diagnosed. Different densities were arranged in descending pattern depending on the frequency of positive cases: D (13.7%), C (3.3%), B (2.7%), A (2.2%). There is positive significant risk ratio among every higher mammographic density in comparison to the lower density.

Conclusion

Our study results show that the risk of breast cancer is in close relation to the mammographic breast density.
Social Distancing and Economic Crisis During COVID-19 Pandemic Reduced Cancer Control in Latin America and Will Result in Increased Late-Stage Diagnoses and Expense
Authors: Vázquez Rosas Tabaré , Cazap Eduardo , Delgado Lucía , Ismael Julia , Bejarano Suyapa , Castro Carlos , Castro Hugo , Müller Bettina , Gutiérrez-Delgado Francisco , Santini Luiz Antonio , Vallejos Sologuren Carlos
Published: May 2021

Since December 2019, the world has been mired in an infectious pandemic that has displaced other health priorities for 21st century populations. Concerned about this situation, Latin American experts on cancer decided to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on cancer control in the region. The analysis was based on information obtained from public sources and scientific publications and included the characteristics of the health care and cancer control prior to the pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic and measures implemented by the governments of the region, and the regional impact of the pandemic on cancer control together with the costs of cancer care and possible impact of the pandemic on cancer expense. We compared 2019 and 2020 data corresponding to the period March 16-June 30 and found a significant reduction in the number of first-time visits to oncology services (variable depending on the country between –28% and –38%) and a corresponding reduction in pathology (between –6% and –50%), cancer surgery (between –28% and –70%), and chemotherapy (between –2% and –54%). Furthermore, a significant reduction in cancer screening tests was found (PAP smear test studies: between –46% and –100%, mammography: between –32% and –100%, and fecal occult blood test: –73%). If this situation becomes a trend, the health and economic impact will be compounded in the postpandemic period, with an overload of demand on health services to ensure diagnostic tests and consequent treatments. On the basis of this information, a set of prevention and mitigation measures to be immediately implemented and also actions to progressively strengthen health systems are proposed.
Updated Results of TBCRC026: Phase II Trial Correlating Standardized Uptake Value With Pathological Complete Response to Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab in Breast Cancer
Authors: Connolly Roisin M. , Leal Jeffrey P. , Solnes Lilja , Huang Chiung-Yu , Carpenter Ashley , Gaffney Katy , Abramson Vandana , Carey Lisa A. , Liu Minetta C. , Rimawi Mothaffar , Specht Jennifer , Storniolo Anna Maria , Valero Vicente , Vaklavas Christos , Krop Ian E. , Winer Eric P. , Camp Melissa , Miller Robert S. , Wolff Antonio C. , Cimino-Mathews Ashley , Park Ben H. , Wahl Richard L. , Stearns Vered
Published: May 2021

PURPOSE

Predictive biomarkers to identify patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive breast cancer who may benefit from targeted therapy alone are required. We hypothesized that early measurements of tumor maximum standardized uptake value corrected for lean body mass (SULmax) on 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) would predict pathologic complete response (pCR) to pertuzumab and trastuzumab (PT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with stage II or III, estrogen receptor–negative, HER2-positive breast cancer received four cycles of neoadjuvant PT. 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography was performed at baseline and 15 days after PT initiation (C1D15). Eighty evaluable patients were required to test the null hypothesis that the area under the curve of percent change in SULmax by C1D15 predicting pCR is ≤ 0.65, with a one-sided type I error rate of 10%.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight women were enrolled (83 evaluable), and 85% (75 of 88) completed all four cycles of PT. pCR after PT alone was 22%. Receiver operator characteristic analysis of percent change in SULmax by C1D15 yielded an area under the curve of 0.72 (80% CI, 0.64 to 0.80; one-sided P = .12), which did not reject the null hypothesis. However, between patients who obtained pCR and who did not, a significant difference in median percent reduction in SULmax by C1D15 was observed (63.8% v 41.8%; P = .004) and SULmax reduction ≥ 40% was more prevalent (83% v 52%; P = .03; positive predictive value, 31%). Participants not obtaining a 40% reduction in SULmax by C1D15 were unlikely to obtain pCR (negative predictive value, 91%).

CONCLUSION

Although the primary objective was not met, early changes in SULmax predict response to PT in estrogen receptor–negative and HER2-positive breast cancer. Once optimized, this quantitative imaging strategy may facilitate tailoring of therapy in this setting.
Spin-half bosonic classification
Authors: Bueno Rogerio R. J. , Aguirre A. R.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we define a new spinor classification that encompasses the recently proposed spin-half bosons with mass dimension three-half (Ahluwalia D. V., EPL, 131 (2020) 41001). As will be shown, these particles, which are governed by a first-order equation and consequently provide a local theory, belong to a specific subclass of class-2 spinors within the bosonic classification, playing a similar role to that of Dirac spinors within the Lounesto classification. Such bosonic classification is shown to be closely connected with the usual fermionic Lounesto classification, and thus, evincing a symmetry between Dirac fermions and spin-half bosons.
Regional Anesthesia to the Rescue: Phrenic Nerve Block to Prevent Wound Dehiscence From Intractable Hiccups—A Case Report
Authors: Rafizadeh Sassan , Schenk Adam , Champion Emma , Julka Inderjeet
Published: May 2021

Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) following large abdominal surgeries can lead to postoperative complications, including wound dehiscence and surgical reoperation. Numerous factors can contribute to increased postoperative IAP, and intractable hiccups have been implicated as a culprit. Different treatment modalities have been widely used with variable success in addressing intractable hiccups. Here, we present a case in which postoperative hiccups leading to wound dehiscence and reoperation were successfully treated with an indwelling phrenic nerve catheter. Following placement, a significant reduction in hiccup severity and frequency was noted, improving the patient’s quality of postoperative course and preventing further surgical intervention.
Unusual Cause of Intraoperative Asystole During Thoracotomy: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Kathleen J. , Manepalli Ashok , Tollinche Luis E. , Yeoh Cindy B.
Published: May 2021

Thoracotomies are classified as moderate to high-risk surgeries due to the preponderance of complex anatomic structures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and respiratory insufficiency. The right vagus nerve innervates the sinoatrial node and controls the heart rate. The parasympathetic activation of the sinoatrial node can lead to bradyarrhythmias. The anatomic aortopulmonary window contains lymph nodes and the left vagus nerve. The occurrence of sudden asystole due to left vagus nerve stimulation is extremely rare. We report an unusual case of intraoperative asystole related to electrosurgical stimulation of the left vagus nerve that required cardiopulmonary resuscitation and cardiac massage.
Utilization of Low-Dose Naltrexone for Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Neuman Daniel L. , Chadwick Andrea L.
Published: May 2021

Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic pain condition characterized by a burning sensation of the oropharynx. The pathophysiology of burning mouth syndrome includes peripheral and central sensitization. Treatment is generally aimed at symptom reduction. We describe a woman in her seventh decade with burning mouth syndrome that had been refractory to treatment for nearly a decade. Low-dose naltrexone has been reported to provide analgesia in central sensitization states and was successful in reducing pain severity in our patient. We conclude that low-dose naltrexone may be a therapeutic option for patients with burning mouth syndrome who are refractory to conventional therapies.
The kidney of the Nodularia freshwater mussel has a larger filtration-size and counter-current system with improved water excretion compared with the seawater mussel Mytilus
Authors: Seo Eriko , Wakashin Hidefumi , Seo Yoshiteru
Published: May 2021

Histological studies and magnetic resonance imaging were employed to analyze the kidney structure and function of the freshwater mussel, Nodularia douglasiae. The Nodularia kidney consists of proximal, intermediate and distal tubules. The epithelia of the renal tubules were composed of a single layer of cuboidal cells. The proximal and distal tubules run in opposite directions underneath the pericardial cavity. Molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) values for the kidney filtration were detected by MR tracer injections: gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (GdDTPA) at 0.55 kDa, an oligomer-based contrast agent (CH3-DTPA-Gd) at 2.2 kDa, as well as Gd-DTPA-polylysine at 10, 22, and 110 kDa. The T1w-MRI intensity and T1 relaxation rate (R1) of the pericardial cavity and renal tubules increased with tracers smaller than 10 kDa. The other tracers showed only minimal or no increase. Thus, we concluded that the MWCO of the kidney is 22 kDa, 50 times larger than that for the Mytilus living in seawater. Since the R1 values of the renal tubules were similar to those of the pericardial cavity, the kidney did not concentrate filtrated tracers. The slow decay of the magnetic resonance (MR) tracers from the renal tubules indicated a low filtration rate, suggesting that the counter-current system reabsorbs useful solutes without reabsorption of water. The higher MWCO may be beneficial to maintain the tubular oncotic pressure and allow excretion of excess water. In conclusion, a main renal function of the freshwater mussel is the excretion of water, opposite to that of the seawater mussel and vertebrates, which preserve water.
Characterization of micron-scale protein-depleted plasma membrane domains in phosphatidylserine-deficient yeast cells
Authors: Mioka Tetsuo , Guo Tian , Wang Shiyao , Tsuji Takuma , Kishimoto Takuma , Fujimoto Toyoshi , Tanaka Kazuma
Published: May 2021

Membrane phase separation to form micron-scale domains of lipids and proteins occurs in artificial membranes; however, a similar large-scale phase separation has not been reported in the plasma membrane of the living cells. We show here that a stable micron-scale protein-depleted region is generated in the plasma membrane of yeast mutants lacking phosphatidylserine at high temperatures. We named this region the ‘void zone’. Transmembrane proteins and certain peripheral membrane proteins and phospholipids are excluded from the void zone. The void zone is rich in ergosterol, and requires ergosterol and sphingolipids for its formation. Such properties are also found in the cholesterol-enriched domains of phase-separated artificial membranes, but the void zone is a novel membrane domain that requires energy and various cellular functions for its formation. The formation of the void zone indicates that the plasma membrane in living cells has the potential to undergo phase separation with certain lipid compositions. We also found that void zones were frequently in contact with vacuoles, in which a membrane domain was also formed at the contact site.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Διαχείριση χρηματοοικονομικών κινδύνων στη ναυτιλία με εφαρμογή δυναμικών ποσοτικών υποδειγμάτων
Authors: Τσατσαρώνης Μιχαήλ
Published: May 2021

Η εμπειρική αξιολόγηση και υλοποίηση αποτελεσματικών προσεγγίσεων στη διαχείριση κινδύνων που αντιμετωπίζουν οι επιχειρήσεις με διεθνείς δραστηριότητες, παραμένει ένα ερευνητικό πεδίο εξαιρετικής σημασίας, για τις στρατηγικές αποφάσεις της Διοίκησης. Η ανάγκη ανάληψης αποτελεσματικών δράσεων στον τομέα αυτό καθίσταται ακόμα πιο επιτακτική, ιδίως μετά την πρόσφατη χρηματοοικονομική κρίση του 2008 και προσφάτως την - ακόμα σε εξέλιξη - παγκόσμια υγειονομική πανδημία. Για την αποτελεσματική διαχείριση διαφορετικών τύπων κινδύνων απαιτούνται πλέον σύγχρονες, δυναμικές και επικαιροποιημένες, συνδυαστικές, προσεγγίσεις. Οι αγορές προϊόντων και θαλασσίων μεταφορών, ειδικότερα, αποτελούν ζωτικούς οικονομικούς τομείς, με κομβικό ρόλο στην προώθηση ισχυρής οικονομικής ανάπτυξης σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον μελέτης παρουσιάζουν οι ναυτιλιακές αγορές, που υπόκεινται σε έντονες διακυμάνσεις, επηρεαζόμενες από σύνθετους παράγοντες κινδύνου, όπως ο επιχειρηματικός κίνδυνος, ο κίνδυνος αγοράς, ο χρηματοοικονομικός, ο πιστωτικός, ο λειτουργικός, ο τεχνικός, ο νομικός, ή ο περιβαλλοντολογικός κίνδυνος, μεταξύ άλλων. Η συστηματική προσπάθεια μέτρησης και αντιστάθμισης χρηματοοικονομικών κινδύνων με τη χρήση των κατάλληλων ποσοτικών εργαλείων, σε συνδυασμό με την εφαρμογή αποτελεσματικών στρατηγικών διαχείρισής τους, αποτελεί αξιοσημείωτο και διαρκώς εξελισσόμενο αντικείμενο επιστημονικής και πρακτικής μελέτης. Η παρούσα Διδακτορική Διατριβή φιλοδοξεί να συνεισφέρει στη χρηματοοικονομική διοίκηση των ναυτιλιακών εταιρειών προτείνοντας, αναπτύσσοντας και αξιολογώντας μια ολοκληρωμένη μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση σε επιλεγμένα ζητήματα διαχείρισης χρηματοοικονομικών κινδύνων. Έμφαση δίνεται σε τρεις κρίσιμες μορφές κινδύνου με στόχο την αποτελεσματική διαχείρισή τους από τις διοικήσεις των ναυτιλιακών εταιρειών και συγκεκριμένα: τον κίνδυνο αγοράς, τον χρηματοοικονομικό κίνδυνο και τον επενδυτικό κίνδυνο. Διερευνώνται, ειδικότερα, η διαχείριση του κινδύνου αγοράς, λόγω έντονων διακυμάνσεων των ναύλων, με τη χρήση σύγχρονων παραγώγων εργαλείων, η αξιολόγηση των χρηματοοικονομικών συνεπειών της κεφαλαιακής διάρθρωσης και η διαχείριση του επενδυτικού κινδύνου, λόγω μεταβολών στις τιμές των πλοίων. Η ευρύτερη μελέτη του κινδύνου των ναυλαγορών επιτυγχάνεται με σύγχρονες και πρωτότυπες μαθηματικές, οικονομετρικές και στατιστικές μεθόδους, όπως ανάλυση χρονοσειρών, επεξεργασία διαστρωματικών δεδομένων, υποδείγματα ανάλυσης διακύμανσης και δυναμικά μοντέλα προβλέψεων μέσω τεχνητής νοημοσύνης και μηχανικής μάθησης.