bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Displasia broncopulmonar
Authors: Mataloun Marta M. G. B.
Published: January 2020

Displasia broncopulmonar é uma das principais causas de morbimortalidade no período neonatal, tendo uma incidência de até 71% em recém-nascidos pré-termo extremos. A incidência é variável, dependendo da definição utilizada e dos cuidados adotados aos recém-nascidos nas diferentesunidades de terapia intensiva neonatal. A definição de displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) é a necessidade de oxigênio por até, pelo menos 28 dias de vida em recém-nascidos tratados com ventilação mecânica ou oxigênio, nos primeiros dias de vida, com alterações radiológicas e sintomas de insuficiência respiratória crônica. Ocorre em recém-nascidos pré-termo e é multifatorial , tendo como principais fatores etiológicos, uso de ventilação mecânica e, ou oxigênio, processos inflamatórios ou infecciosos, canal arterial persistente e oferta nutricional inadequada. Procura-se sobretudo, reduzir a incidência de nascimentos derecém-nascidos pré-termo e abordar os vários fatores de risco, para minimizar a lesão pulmonar, e assim diminuir a chance de desenvolver displasia broncopulmonar. É importante ressaltar que o uso de oxigênio para manter oxigenação adequada é essencial na terapia de DBP, pois uma oxigenação inadequada causa dificuldade para crescer, broncoconstricção e hipertensão pulmonar. Além de uma terapia adequada, deseja-se que toda gestante realize um pré-natal adequado para diminuir a incidência de nascimentosprematuros.
Diagnóstico diferencial das insuficiências respiratórias agudas
Authors: Sadeck Lilian Dos S. Rodrigues
Published: January 2020

Os recém-nascidos com insuficiência respiratória aguda são responsáveis pelo maior número de internações em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal, sendo inclusive a principal causa de óbito, especialmente naqueles que ocorrem nos primeiros dias de vida. Além disso, estes RN podem evoluir com seqüelas, como a doença pulmonar crônica e a displasia broncopulmonar, que poderão comprometer a qualidade de vida futura. Esta revisão aborda os dados mais relevantes para se realizar o diagnóstico diferencial das insuficiências respiratórias agudas no período neonatal, levando em conta os dados epidemiológicos, quadro clínico, radiológico e evolutivo.
Disruption of Phospholipid Transfer Protein–Mediated High-Density Lipoprotein Maturation Reduces Scavenger Receptor BI Deficiency–Driven Atherosclerosis Susceptibility Despite Unexpected Metabolic Complications
Authors: Hoekstra Menno , van der Sluis Ronald J. , Hildebrand Reeni B. , Lammers Bart , Zhao Ying , Praticò Domenico , van Berkel Theo J.C. , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Kooijman Sander , Jauhiainen Matti , van Eck Miranda
Published: January 2020

Objective:

We tested the hypothesis that enlarged, dysfunctional HDL (high-density lipoprotein) particles contribute to the augmented atherosclerosis susceptibility associated with SR-BI (scavenger receptor BI) deficiency in mice.

Approach and Results:

We eliminated the ability of HDL particles to fully mature by targeting PLTP (phospholipid transfer protein) functionality. Particle size of the HDL population was almost fully normalized in male and female SR-BI×PLTP double knockout mice. In contrast, the plasma unesterified cholesterol to cholesteryl ester ratio remained elevated. The PLTP deficiency-induced reduction in HDL size in SR-BI knockout mice resulted in a normalized aortic tissue oxidative stress status on Western-type diet. Atherosclerosis susceptibility was—however—only partially reversed in double knockout mice, which can likely be attributed to the fact that they developed a metabolic syndrome-like phenotype characterized by obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and a reduced glucose tolerance. Mechanistic studies in chow diet–fed mice revealed that the diminished glucose tolerance was probably secondary to the exaggerated postprandial triglyceride response. The absence of PLTP did not affect LPL (lipoprotein lipase)-mediated triglyceride lipolysis but rather modified the ability of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein)/chylomicron remnants to be cleared from the circulation by the liver through receptors other than SR-BI. As a result, livers of double knockout mice only cleared 26% of the fractional dose of [
14
C]cholesteryl oleate after intravenous VLDL-like particle injection.

Conclusions:

We have shown that disruption of PLTP-mediated HDL maturation reduces SR-BI deficiency-driven atherosclerosis susceptibility in mice despite the induction of proatherogenic metabolic complications in the double knockout mice.
Review of the leafhopper genus Stirellus Osborn & Ball, 1902 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) with description of two new species from Pakistan
Authors: NAVEED HASSAN , SHAH BISMILLAH , SOHAIL KAMRAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: January 2020

The genus Stirellus Osborn & Ball is revised for Pakistan. Four species are included, of which two are new. S. kumratensis sp. nov. and S. neoconvexus sp. nov. are described and illustrated. A key to all species of this genus from Pakistan is provided.
The Incredible Lightness of Water Vapor
Authors: Yang Da , Seidel Seth D.
Published: January 2020

The molar mass of water vapor is much less than that of dry air. This makes a moist parcel lighter than a dry parcel of the same temperature and pressure. This effect is referred to as the vapor buoyancy effect and has often been overlooked in climate studies. We propose that the vapor buoyancy effect increases Earth’s outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and that this negative radiative effect increases with warming, stabilizing Earth’s climate. We illustrate this mechanism in an idealized tropical atmosphere, where there is no horizontal buoyancy gradient in the free troposphere. Temperature increases toward dry atmosphere columns to compensate the reduced vapor buoyancy, increasing OLR by O(1 W m−2) at the reference climate. In warmer climates, the temperature difference between moist and dry columns would increase as a result of increasing atmospheric water vapor, leading to enhanced radiative effect and thereby stabilizing Earth’s climate. We estimate that this feedback strength is about O(0.2 W m−2 K−1) in the idealized atmosphere, which compares to cloud feedback and surface albedo feedback in the current climate. We further show evidence from observations and real-gas radiative transfer calculations for a significant radiative effect of vapor buoyancy in the tropical atmosphere.
Effect of Rainfall Events on SMAP Radiometer-Based Soil Moisture Accuracy Using Core Validation Sites
Authors: Colliander Andreas , Jackson Thomas J. , Berg Aaron , Bosch D. D. , Caldwell Todd , Chan Steven , Cosh Michael H. , Collins C. Holifield , Martínez-Fernández Jose , McNairn Heather , Prueger J. H. , Starks P. J. , Walker Jeffrey P. , Yueh Simon H.
Published: January 2020

Soil moisture retrieval is particularly challenging during and immediately after precipitation events because of the transient movement of water in the shallow subsurface. Conventional L-band microwave radiometer–based soil moisture products use algorithms that assume a static state and a constant vertical soil moisture distribution. This study assessed the retrieval performance of a SMAP radiometer-based soil moisture product during and immediately after rain events. The removal of the rain event samples systematically improved the unbiased root-mean-square error (ubRMSE) from 0.037 (all measurements) to 0.028 m3 m−3 (transitory measurements screened out), while the magnitude of the bias became larger (from −0.005 to −0.014 m3 m−3); RMSE improved from 0.047 to 0.042 m3 m−3, and the Pearson correlation saw a minor positive change from 0.813 to 0.824. The results indicate that removing samples during the transitional period causes the comparison to improve, but also suggests that the true bias may be larger than the one estimated using all the samples. Furthermore, the results revealed that the effect was stronger for areas with high clay content. An assessment of the performance of the product during the rain events (overpass within 3 h from the start of the rain) showed that the ubRMSE degraded from the benchmarked 0.036 m3 m−3 (during no rain events at all) to 0.043 m3 m−3 (during rain). The results also showed that the bias became wetter, which is expected because SMAP sensed the water on the surface before propagating to the in situ sensors. SMAP maintains its soil moisture sensitivity even during rain events and screening of rain events may not be necessary to ensure sufficient soil moisture retrieval quality.
Acute effect of one session of hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion on uremic toxins and inflammatory mediators
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Shen Bo , Cao Xuesen , Xiang Fangfang , Zou Jianzhou , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2020

Aims:

To investigate the acute effects of hemodiafiltration with endogenous infusion on the elimination of uremic toxins and inflammatory mediators in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Materials and methods:

A total of 37 end-stage renal disease patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis received a single hemodiafiltration with endogenous infusion dialysis treatment. The acute effects of one hemodiafiltration with endogenous infusion session on uremic toxins and inflammatory mediators were assessed by comparing the pre- and post-hemodiafiltration with endogenous infusion concentrations.

Results:

Hemoglobin and albumin were stable during hemodiafiltration with endogenous infusion therapy. The mean reduction ratios of β2-microglobulin, p-cresyl sulfate, and indoxyl sulfate were 43.60%, 40.91%, and 43.64%, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-α also decreased significantly at a mean rate of 28.10%, while the concentrations of interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein remained unchanged after one session of hemodiafiltration with endogenous infusion.

Conclusion:

The hemodiafiltration with endogenous infusion system is a new dialysis technique that combines diffusion, convection, and adsorption processes. It allows for extensive solute removal, including protein-bound uremic toxins and some pro-inflammatory cytokines, but does not cause nutrient loss and inflammatory response during the treatment. Although the effect after a single hemodiafiltration with endogenous infusion session is limited, it may be improved by repeated and long-term treatment.
Outcomes of patients with limited-stage aggressive large B-cell lymphoma with high-risk cytogenetics
Authors: Torka Pallawi , Kothari Shalin K. , Sundaram Suchitra , Li Shaoying , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Ayers Emily C. , Landsburg Daniel J. , Bond David A. , Maddocks Kami J. , Giri Anshu , Hess Brian , Pham Luu Q. , Advani Ranjana , Liu Yang , Barta Stefan Klaus , Vose Julie M. , Churnetski Michael C. , Cohen Jonathon B. , Burkart Madelyn , Karmali Reem , Zurko Joanna , Mehta Amitkumar , Olszewski Adam J. , Lee Sarah , Hill Brian T. , Burns Timothy F. , Lansigan Frederick , Rabinovich Emma , Peace David , Groman Adrienne , Attwood Kristopher , Hernandez-Ilizaliturri Francisco J.
Published: January 2020

There is a paucity of data regarding outcomes and response to standard therapy in patients with limited-stage (LS) agressive B-cell lymphoma (LS-ABCL) who harbor MYC rearrangement (MYC-R) with or without BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of MYC-R LS-ABCL patients who received either rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP), or more intensive immunochemotherapy (IIC) plus or minus consolidative involved-field radiation therapy (IFRT). One hundred four patients from 15 academic centers were included. Forty four patients (42%) received R-CHOP, of whom 52% had IFRT. Sixty patients (58%) received IIC, of whom 40% had IFRT. Overall response rate was 91% (84% complete response [CR]; 7% partial response). Patients with double-hit lymphoma (DHL; n = 40) had a lower CR rate compared with patients with MYC-R only (75% vs 98%; P = .003). CR rate was higher in the IFRT vs no-IFRT group (98% vs 72%; P < .001). Median follow-up was 3.2 years; 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overal survival (OS) were 78% and 86% for the entire cohort, and 74% and 81% for the DHL patients, respectively. PFS and OS were similar across treatment groups (IFRT vs no IFRT, R-CHOP vs IIC) in the entire cohort and in DHL patients. Our data provide a historical benchmark for MYC-R LS-ABCL and LS-DHL patients and show that outcomes for this population may be better than previously recognized. There was no benefit of using IIC over R-CHOP in patients with MYC-R LS-ABCL and LS-DHL.
Sampling methods affect Nematode-Trapping Fungi biodiversity patterns across an elevational gradient
Authors: Deng Wei , Wang Jia-Liang , Scott Matthew B. , Fang Yi-Hao , Liu Shuo-Ran , Yang Xiao-Yan , Xiao Wen
Published: January 2020

Background

Understanding the patterns of species richness across elevational gradients is a key concept for contemporary research in ecology and evolution, and critical to understanding large-scale trends in biodiversity, global change and conservation. However, patterns of elevational species richness between taxonomic groups, regions and latitudes are inconsistent, so that various, sometimes conflicting hypotheses exist. Several scholars have pointed out that research on elevational distribution patterns is often biased by the sampling design employed. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed species richness of Nematode-Trapping Fungi (NTF) across an elevation gradient at two mountainous sites in western Yunnan Province, P.R. China. We tested for potential differences in the results when using different sampling designs.

Results

A total of 3 genera, 17 species, 222 strains of NTF were isolated and identified from Gaoligongshan and Cangshan. Species accumulation curves for both sites and sampling modes had acceptable leveling, demonstrating sufficient sampling effort. At Gaoligongshan, the elevation distribution patterns of NTF were different under two sampling patterns. When reducing the analyzed altitude range in Gaoligongshan, the elevation distribution pattern of the NTF changed. A similar elevation distribution pattern was observed in Cangshan when testing the same altitude range. In general, when treating the same dataset using different sampling designs, the resulting distribution patterns of species richness and occurrence frequencies were clearly different. Moreover, after removal of the samples located within lower-altitude zones affected by anthropogenic interferences, the distribution pattern of NTF in the two sites tended to become uniform.

Conclusion

The sampling design, and in particular the elevation interval between plots, has a significant effect on the assessment of species distribution in mountainous regions. Other factors such as human activities and the multi-dimensionality of biodiversity also contribute to result biases. It is recommended that sampling design is given careful consideration in future studies on the elevational gradients of species richness, using stratified approaches according to the most relevant factors.
Receptor kinase FERONIA regulates flowering time in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Long , Yang Tao , Lin Qinlu , Wang Bingqian , Li Xu , Luan Sheng , Yu Feng
Published: January 2020

Background

The receptor-like kinase FEROINA (FER) plays a crucial role in controlling plant vegetative growth partially by sensing the rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) peptide. However, the role of RALF1-FER in the vegetative-reproductive growth transition remains unknown. Here, we analyze the mechanism through which FER affects the flowering time in Arabidopsis.

Results

We found that the FER mRNA levels exhibit an oscillating pattern with a diurnal rhythm and that the clock oscillator CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) up-regulates the expression of FER by associating with its chromatin. In addition, FER expression is regulated by clock genes, and FER also modulates the expression patterns of clock genes. Consistent with its gene expression pattern, FER positively regulates flowering by modulating the transcript accumulation and mRNA alternative splicing of certain flowering-related genes, including FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) and its homolog MADS AFFECTING FLOWERING (MAF). However, the RALF1 ligand negatively regulates flowering compared with FER.

Conclusions

We found that FER, which is up-regulated by CCA1, controls the flowering time by regulating the transcript accumulation and mRNA alternative splicing (AS) of some important flowering genes, and these findings link FER to the floral transition.
A population-based cohort study of mortality of intensive care unit patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Huang Yu-Feng , Lin Chao-Shun , Cherng Yih-Giun , Yeh Chun-Chieh , Chen Ray-Jade , Chen Ta-Liang , Liao Chien-Chang
Published: January 2020

Background

The impact of liver cirrhosis on the outcomes of admission to intensive care unit (ICU) is not completely understood. Our purpose is to identify risk factors for mortality in ICU patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

Using reimbursement claims from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database from in 2006–2012, 1,250,300 patients were identified as having ICU stays of more than 1 day, and 37,197 of these had liver cirrhosis. With propensity score-matching for socioeconomic status, pre-existing medical conditions, and cirrhosis-related morbidities, 37,197 ICU patients without liver cirrhosis were selected for comparison. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cirrhosis associated with 30-day, ICU, and one-year mortality were calculated.

Results

Compared with control, cirrhotic patients had higher 30-day mortality (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.68), particularly those with jaundice (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 2.03 to 2.45), ascites (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 2.19 to 2.46) or hepatic coma (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 2.07 to 2.36). Among ICU patients, liver cirrhosis was also associated with ICU mortality (aOR 144, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.51) and one-year mortality (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.46). Associations between cirrhosis of liver and increased 30-day mortality were significant in both sexes and every age group.

Conclusions

Liver cirrhosis was associated with 30-day mortality in ICU patients. Jaundice, ascites, hepatic coma, more than 4 admissions due to cirrhosis, and more than 30 days of hospital stay due to cirrhosis were exacerbated factors in cirrhotic ICU patients.
Factors associated with costs of care in community-dwelling persons with dementia from a third party payer and societal perspective: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vandepitte S. , Van Wilder L. , Putman K. , Van Den Noortgate N. , Verhaeghe S. , Trybou J. , Annemans L.
Published: January 2020

Background

Besides the importance of estimating the global economic impact of care for persons with dementia, there is an emerging need to identify the key factors associated with this cost. The aim of this study was to analyze associations between the cost of care in community-dwelling persons with dementia and caregiver characteristics from both the healthcare third party payer perspective and the societal perspective.

Methods

Several characteristics based on the cross-sectional data of 355 dyads of informal caregivers and persons with dementia living in Belgium were identified to include in a log-gamma generalized linear model and were used in a multiple linear regression model with bootstrapping to test robustness.

Results

The mean monthly cost of care for a community-dwelling person with dementia was estimated at € 2339 (95% CI € 2133 – € 2545) per person from a societal perspective and at € 968 (95% CI € 825 – € 1111) per person from a third party payer viewpoint. Informal care accounted for the majority of the monthly costs from the societal perspective. Community based healthcare resource use represented the largest cost from the third party perspective. According to the regression analyses, a higher level of functional dependency of the person with dementia and a higher educational level of the caregiver were associated with a higher monthly cost from both a third party payer perspective and a societal perspective. In addition, being retired and a higher quality of life in the caregivers were associated with a lower monthly cost of care from the societal perspective.

Conclusions

Several characteristics of the caregiver and the person with dementia were associated with the monthly costs of care from a third party payer and a societal perspective. Despite the lack of clear causal relationships, the results of this study can assist policy makers in planning and financing future dementia care.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02630446, December 15, 2015.
Analysis of salivary level Lactobacillus spp. and associated factors as determinants of dental caries amongst primary school children in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ademe Dawit , Admassu Desalegn , Balakrishnan Senthilkumar
Published: January 2020

Background

Lactobacillus spp. play a major role in the development of dental caries. Although effective methods are known for the prevention and management of dental caries, its prevalence of dental caries is increasing amongst school-age children in Ethiopia. Hence, this study is aimed to determine the association of salivary Lactobacillus spp. level and oral health factors as determinants of dental caries amongst primary school children in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst primary school children (n = 407) using a questionnaire survey, clinical DMFT (decayed, missing, filled tooth number) examination and enumeration of salivary level Lactobacillus spp. Data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science software- version 25.0). The odds ratio was used to determine the predictors of the outcome. The data were expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 36.9% amongst primary school children. The mean DMFT value of the participants was 0.95 ± 1.57. The dental decay component was the primary observation that accounted for 84.6% of the DMFT. Almost, 67% of the saliva culture revealed a significant amount of Lactobacillus spp. count. The mean bacterial count was found to be 14.92 × 105 ± 22.92 × 105. Among various parameters analysed for association with dental caries, a number of them show positive associtation, incluing reduction in academic scores in the prevous academic year (p = 0.034), grade levels of school children 1–4 (p = 0.041), sweet food consumption habit (p = 0.003), absence of daily teeth cleaning habit (p = 0.002), absence of toothpaste use (p = 0.001), dental ache history (p = < 0.001), significant microbial load of salivary Lactobacillus spp. (p = < 0.001), acidic (p = 0.028) and basic salivary pH (p = 0.025).

Conclusion

A significant salivary Lactobacillus count associated with lower grade level, sweet diet, and poor oral hygiene were found to be the determinant factors for dental caries. Thus, dissemination of oral health information is obligatory to prevent dental caries amongst primary school children in the study area.
The association between self-compassion and self-rated health in 26 samples
Authors: Sirois Fuschia M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Although there is growing evidence of the relevance of self-compassion for understanding health outcomes, few studies have examined self-compassion in relation to self-reported physical health status, also known as self-rated health (SRH). This study addressed this gap by examining the associations between self-compassion and SRH across multiple samples and after accounting for the contributions of positive and negative affect.

Methods

Data from 26 samples (total N = 6127), comprised of 6 university student, 16 community adult, and 4 chronic illness samples, were included in the current analyses. Participants in each sample completed a survey including measures of self-compassion and SRH. Thirteen samples also completed a measure of positive and negative affect. The associations between self-compassion and SRH were statistically meta-analysed. Moderator analyses were conducted to test whether the associations varied as a function of sample type, age or participant sex. Semipartial correlations were calculated controlling for positive and negative affect in 13 samples and meta-analysed.

Results

Findings indicated that self-compassion was significantly associated with higher SRH across the 26 samples (ravg = .25; CI: .22, .28). The associations did not however vary significantly across sample types, or as a function of participant sex or age. The meta-analyses of the adjusted effects found that self-compassion remained significantly associated with higher SRH after accounting the contributions of positive (sravg = .11; CI: .07, .15) and negative (sravg = .25; CI: .06, .15) affect.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrated that self-compassion is robustly associated with higher SRH across 26 samples and that this association remained significant after adjusting for the influence of positive and negative affect in 13 samples. Further longitudinal and experimental research is needed to verify the causal direction between self-compassion and SRH suggested by theory and the current findings.
The effects of add-on self-care education on quality of life and fatigue in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Xie Jun , Zhu Tingli , Lu Qun , Xu Xiaomin , Cai Yinghua , Xu Zhenghong
Published: January 2020

Background

Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the most common malignancies and imposes heavy burdens on both individual health and social economy. We sought to survey the effect of a self-care education program on quality of life and fatigue in gastrointestinal cancer patients who received chemotherapy.

Methods

Ninety-one eligible gastrointestinal cancer patients were enrolled in this study and 86 valid samples were analyzed. Data were acquired with a demographics questionnaire, endpoint multidimensional questionnaire and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaire QLQ-C30. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

The self-care education intervention significantly improved the quality of life with respect to emotional function (p = 0.018), role function (p = 0.041), cognitive function (p = 0.038) and alleviated side effects such as nausea/vomiting (p = 0.028) and fatigue (p = 0.029). Further analysis demonstrated that the self-care education benefited total fatigue, affective fatigue and cognitive fatigue in gastrointestinal cancer patients regardless of baseline depression.

Conclusion

Our results suggested the beneficial effects of the self-care education in both quality of life and anti-fatigue in gastrointestinal cancer patients under chemotherapy. The self-care education could be considered as a complementary approach during combination chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer patients.
Establishing content validity for a conceptualized instrument to measure barriers to eating a healthful diet in adults: a consensus approach
Authors: Zigbuo-Wenzler Enia , Magwood Gayenell S. , Mueller Martina , Fraser Angela
Published: January 2020

Background

A poor quality diet is a well-known risk factor for many chronic diseases. However, eating a healthful diet is not always simple as many underlying factors can impede adherence. Individuals with fewer barriers are more likely to eat a healthful diet than those who have more barriers. Accurately measuring barriers to eating a healthful diet could inform personalized interventions, particularly those aiming to prevent chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to establish content validity for selected items obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to be considered for inclusion as items on the conceptualized Dietary Health Status (DHS) instrument, which is designed to measure barriers to eating a healthful diet in adults.

Methods

The Behavioral Change Wheel hub COM-B and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were the two theoretical frameworks underpinning the development of the DHS instrument. Seven steps were conducted to create the instrument: 1) development of operational definitions for each TDF domain; 2) identification of items from the NHANES database 2011–2012; 3) screening of items to ensure inclusion of all relevant items; 4) assigning items to a theory-based domain; 5) evaluation of the items against inclusion/exclusion criteria; 6) solicitation of feedback from expert reviewers to reach consensus on inclusion into a domain; and 7) validation of items.

Results

A total of 170 items representing twelve domains were identified as potential barriers to eating a healthful diet-- knowledge, optimism, beliefs about consequences, beliefs about capabilities, reinforcement, memory, attention and decision processes, environmental context and resources, social influences, emotion, behavioral regulation, health identity, and functional status.

Conclusion

Expert review consultation and a consensus approach established content validity for 12 theory-based domains comprised of 170 items identified as potential barriers to eating a healthful diet. The use of these explanatory domains may: assist researchers to better understand barriers to adult dietary practices; inform the development of a screening tool that could be used in a community setting to measure barriers to eating a healthful diet; and inform individualized interventions.
Autogenous fibula graft and cannulated screw fixation to cephalic cut out after DHS fixation: a retrospective study
Authors: Sun Yan , Huang Tao , Lin Jiangtao , Ge Junbo , Bi Benjun , Cao Zhilin , Hong Huanyu
Published: January 2020

Background

This study aimed to explore the effect of the treatment through autologous fibula graft and hollow needle fixation to treat femoral head cutting after dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation.

Methods

A total of 41 patients were admitted to the department of orthopedic trauma and received DHS fixation. Preoperative and postoperative harris score of hip function, limb shortening length and collodiaphysial angle between operation group (n = 11) and non-operation group (n = 13) were compared.

Results

There was no difference between the two groups before surgery (P > 0.05). There was a difference between the preoperative and postoperative in the operation group (P < 0.05). The excellent and good rate of the hip function score in patients 6 months after the operation was 55.6%. In the operation group, the hip function score increased after surgery (P < 0.001). Except for two groups of patients before operation, there was a difference in the limb shortening length and collodiaphysial angle between the operation group and non-operation group in other time points after surgery (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The application of the autogenous fibula graft and hollow nail fixation was effective in treating femoral head cutting after DHS fixation, and patients’ subjective evaluation and objective indicators’ outcomes of follow up were satisfactory, which was worthy of clinical application.
Improvement of symptoms in clinically suspect arthralgia and resolution of subclinical joint inflammation: a longitudinal study in patients that did not progress to clinical arthritis
Authors: ten Brinck Robin M. , Boeters Debbie M. , van Steenbergen Hanna W. , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H. M.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Arthralgia and MRI-detected subclinical inflammation can precede the development of clinically evident rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, part of the patients presenting with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) do not progress to RA. In these ‘non-progressors’, we aimed to study the frequencies of spontaneous improvement of arthralgia and its relation with the course of subclinical inflammation.

Methods

Between April 2012 and April 2015, 241 patients were considered at risk for RA based on the clinical presentation and included in the CSA cohort. One hundred fifty-two patients with complete data on clinical follow-up did not develop clinical arthritis, of which 98 underwent serial 1.5T MRI scans (wrist, MCP2–5, and MTP1–5 joints) at baseline and after 2 years. MRI scans were scored for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and bone marrow oedema (summed: MRI inflammation score). MRI scores were compared to scores of symptom-free persons.

Results

After a 2-year follow-up, 33% of the ‘non-progressors’ had complete resolution of symptoms; 67% had no symptom resolution and were diagnosed as persistent CSA (44%), osteoarthritis (10%), and tendinomuscular complaints (13%). With symptom-free controls as a reference, patients without resolution did not have increased MRI scores at any time point. However, patients achieving resolution of symptoms had increased MRI inflammation scores at baseline (4.0 vs. 2.6, p = 0.037), but not after 2 years (3.0 vs. 2.6; p = 0.57), and during follow-up, their MRI inflammation score decreased significantly (p = 0.036).

Conclusions

A subgroup of CSA patients that did not progress to RA had spontaneous improvement of symptoms and resolution of subclinical joint inflammation. This time relationship suggests that symptoms and inflammation were causally related in these patients. Further research is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying the resolution of inflammation.
A comparative study on predicting influenza outbreaks using different feature spaces: application of influenza-like illness data from Early Warning Alert and Response System in Syria
Authors: Darwish Ali , Rahhal Yasser , Jafar Assef
Published: January 2020

Objective

An accurate forecasting of outbreaks of influenza-like illness (ILI) could support public health officials to suggest public health actions earlier. We investigated the performance of three different feature spaces in different models to forecast the weekly ILI rate in Syria using EWARS data from World Health Organization (WHO). Time series feature space was first used and we applied the seven models which are Naïve, Average, Seasonal naïve, drift, dynamic harmonic regression (Dhr), seasonal and trend decomposition using loess (STL) and TBATS. The Second feature space is like some state-of-the-art, which we named $$53-weeks-before\_52-first-order-difference$$53-weeks-before_52-first-order-difference feature space. The third one, we proposed and named $$n-years-before\_m-weeks-around$$n-years-before_m-weeks-around (YnWm) feature space. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) model were applied to the second and third feature spaces (generalized linear model (GLM), support vector regression (SVR), gradient boosting (GB), random forest (RF) and long short term memory (LSTM)).

Results

It was indicated that the LSTM model of four layers with $$1-year-before\_4-weeks-around$$1-year-before_4-weeks-around feature space gave more accurate results than other models and reached the lowest MAPE of $$3.52\%$$3.52% and the lowest RMSE of 0.01662. I hope that this modelling methodology can be applied in other countries and therefore help prevent and control influenza worldwide.
Target detection and localization method for distributed monopulse arrays in the presence of mainlobe jamming
Authors: Sun Qing , Zhang Qiliang , Huang Xueyu , Gao Qian
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we propose a target detection and localization method on distributed monopulse arrays for tracking radar. An optimized mainlobe jamming (MLJ) cancellation filter was designed by maximizing the power ratio of the received siackgnal to the jamming-plus-noise. By exploiting the different correlation characteristics between the target echo and MLJ on distributed antennas, the designed filter is able to cancel MLJ and maintain the target echo. By applying the identical filter on sum-difference beams, MLJ can be cancelled, and the monopulse ratio can be maintained simultaneously. Hence, we simply detect and locate the target on the filtering output of sum-difference beams according to the monopulse principle. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that the proposed filter outperforms the conventional algorithms.
Clostridium septicum-infected Stanford type A acute aortic dissection: a case report
Authors: Akita Kiyotoshi , Takami Yoshiyuki , Matsuhashi Kazuki , Sakurai Yusuke , Amano Kentaro , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Eda Tadahito , Takagi Yasushi
Published: January 2020

Background

Thoracic aortitis caused by Clostridium septicum is a rare infection with a strong association with malignancy and high mortality rate when left untreated. We report a case of surgical treatment for Stanford type A acute aortic dissection in a patient with C. septicum sepsis and thoracic aortitis.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old hypertensive man with rheumatoid arthritis presented with general malaise and diagnosed with C. septicum-infected aortitis with sepsis. On the 5th day of hospitalization, Stanford type A acute aortic dissection developed with severe aortic regurgitation. The patient underwent emergent surgical treatment successfully with excision of the infected ascending aorta and aortic root followed by replacement using a composite graft, followed by diagnosis of sigmoid colon cancer 7 months after aortic surgery. He was scheduled to undergo elective colon surgery.

Conclusions

C. septicum aortitis can progress quickly, causing aneurysm or dissection. Therefore, in a patient with C. septicum aortitis, prompt surgical in situ graft replacement should be performed to debride the infected vascular lesions. Further investigations for gastrointestinal and hematological malignancies as a source of C. septicum should be also conducted.
Framing migration in the southern Mediterranean: how do civil society actors evaluate EU migration policies? The case of Tunisia
Authors: Pastore Ferruccio , Roman Emanuela
Published: January 2020

After repeated failed attempts to reform its dysfunctional internal architecture, the external dimension has become the real cornerstone of the EU’s migration strategy, with the Mediterranean as its main geographical priority. In spite of routine rhetorical references to its cooperative and partnership-based nature, the EU external migration policy-making remains essentially unilateral and top-down. Civil societies of sending and transit countries, in particular, tend to be excluded; however, better understanding the policy frames and priorities of “partner” countries’ stakeholders vis-à-vis EU migration policies represents a crucial task. Based on extensive fieldwork carried out in the context of the MEDRESET project, this article contributes to fill this gap by focusing on the case of Tunisia. In a context of much lower salience and politicisation compared to the European context, Tunisian civil society actors are critical about the EU’s security-based framing of migration and mobility. However, rather than displaying a radically antagonistic stance, the most influential Tunisian civil society stakeholders show an overall collaborative attitude towards the EU. This may represent a strategic resource for the EU to promote a more participatory governance of migration, which may lead to more balanced, effective and mutually beneficial migration policies in the Mediterranean region.
An academic Arabic corpus for plagiarism detection: design, construction and experimentation
Authors: Al-Thwaib Eman , Hammo Bassam H. , Yagi Sane
Published: January 2020

Advancement in information technology has resulted in massive textual material that is open to appropriation. Due to researchers’ misconduct, a plethora of plagiarism detection (PD) systems have been developed. However, most PD systems on the market do not support the Arabic language. In this paper, we discuss the design and construction of an Arabic PD reference corpus that is dedicated to academic language. It consists of (2312) dissertations that were defended by postgraduate students at the University of Jordan (JU) between the years 2001–2016. This Academic Jordan University Plagiarism Detection corpus; henceforth, JUPlag, follows the Dewey decimal classification (DDC) in the way it is structured. The goal of the corpus is twofold: Firstly, it is a database for the detection of plagiarism in student assignments, reports, and dissertations. Secondly, the n-gram structure of the corpus provides a knowledgebase for linguistic analysis, language teaching, and the learning of plagiarism-free writing. The PD system is guided by JU Library’s metadata for retrieval and discovery of plagiarism. To test JUPlag, we injected an unseen dissertation with multiple instances of plagiarism-simulated paragraphs and sentences. Experimentation with the system using different verbatim n-gram segments is indeed promising. Preliminary results encourage that permission be sought to enrich this corpus with all the theses in the Thesis Repository of the Union of Arab Universities. The JUPlag corpus is intended to function as an indispensable source for testing and evaluating plagiarism detection techniques. Since the University of Jordan is seeking to become a center for plagiarism detection for Arabic content and being a non-profit organization, it will charge a nominal fee for the use of JUPlag to finance the maintenance and development of the corpus.
Role of interleukin-6 in ischemic stroke outcome
Authors: Aref Hani Mohamed Amin , Fahmy Nagia Ali , Khalil Salma Hamed , Ahmed Mai Fathy , ElSadek Ahmed , Abdulghani Mohamed Osama
Published: January 2020

Background

High levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 are associated with worse outcome after ischemic stroke.

Objectives

To study whether the level of IL-6 following ischemic stroke is related to the severity of stroke, infarct volume, stroke subtype, and its impact on stroke outcome.

Materials and methods

A total of 90 patients of acute ischemic stroke were enrolled with calculation of infarct volume in MRI brain, and serum IL-6 samples were obtained within 24 h and also after 3 months from stroke onset. NIHSS and MRS were done at stroke onset and after 3 months.

Results

The mean value of IL-6 was higher among patients with small vessel occlusion (8.47 pg/ml) with a significant positive correlation between IL-6 and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (MRS) after 3 months. IL-6 was significantly higher in patients with recurrence with a cutoff IL-6 value above which recurrence is anticipated which is 7.75 pg/ml.

Conclusion

Our study concluded that inflammation has an important role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke particularly small vessel occlusion and it provided evidence that IL-6 contributes to the determination of clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke and prediction of recurrence.
A facile preparation of a novel non-leaching antimicrobial waterborne polyurethane leather coating functionalized by quaternary phosphonium salt
Authors: Wang Chunhua , Wu Jianhui , Li Li , Mu Changdao , Lin Wei
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research is to develop a novel non-leaching antimicrobial waterborne polyurethane (WPU) leather coating material with covalently attached quaternary phosphonium salt (QPS). The structure of the QPS-bearing WPU has been identified, and their thermal stability, mechanical property, and antimicrobial performance have been investigated. The results reveal that the incorporation of QPS slightly reduces the thermal stability of WPU material but would not affects its usability as leather coating. Despite the presence of hydrophobic benzene in QPS structure, the strong hydration of its cationic groups leads to the increased surface contact angle (SCA) and water absorption rate (WAR) of the films, suggesting that the water resistance of the films needs to be improved for the purpose of leather coatings. Antibacterial tests demonstrate that when the QPS content is 20 wt%, QPS-bearing WPU shows effective antimicrobial activity against bacteria. The WPU containing QPS prepared in this study is a non-leaching antimicrobial material and has great potential application as leather coating.

Graphical abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in Egypt: A comprehensive overview
Authors: Rashed Wafaa M. , Kandeil Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed , Mahmoud Mohamed O. , Ezzat Sameera
Published: January 2020

Background

Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a universal problem and its epidemiological data showed variation from place to place. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth and fourth common cancer in worldwide and Egypt, respectively. Egypt ranks the third and 15th most populous country in Africa and worldwide, respectively. The aim of this review is to compare the status of HCC in Egypt to that in the worldwide from different issues; risk factors, screening and surveillance, diagnosis and treatment, prevention, as well as research strategy.

Main body

The risk factors for HCC in Egypt are of great importance to be reported. The risk factor for HCC are either environmental- or host/genetic-related risk factors. In the last years, there is a tangible improvement of both screening and surveillance strategies of HCC in Egypt. The unprecedented national screening campaign launched by the end of 2018 is a mirror image of this improvement. While the improvement of the HCC prevention requires the governmental health administration to implement health policies. Although the diagnosis of Egyptian HCC patients follows the international guidelines but HCC treatment options are limited in terms of cost. In addition, there are limited Egyptian reports about HCC survival and relapse. Both basic and clinical HCC research in Egypt are still limited compared to worldwide.

Short conclusion

Deep analysis and understanding of factors affecting HCC burden variation worldwide help in customization of efforts exerted to face HCC in different countries especially large country like Egypt. Overall, the presence of a research strategy to fight HCC in Egyptian patients will help in the optimum allocation of available resources to reduce the numbers of HCC cases and deaths and to improve the quality of life.
Improving the Time to Activation of New Clinical Trials at a National Cancer Institute–Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Williams Erin , Brown Timothy J. , Griffith Patrice , Rahimi Asal , Oilepo Rhonda , Hammers Hans , Laetsch Theodore W. , Currykosky Penny , Partridge Susan , Beg Muhammad S.
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE:

The time it takes a performing site to activate a clinical trial can directly affect the ability to provide innovative and state-of-the-art care to patients. We sought to understand the process of activating an oncology clinical trial at a matrix National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center.

METHODS:

A multidisciplinary team of stakeholders within the cancer center, university, and affiliate hospitals held a retreat to map out the process of activating a clinical trial. We applied classical quality improvement and Six Sigma methodology to determine bottlenecks and non–value-added time in activating a clinical trial. During this process, attention was paid to time to pass through each step, and perceived barriers and bottlenecks were identified through group discussions.

RESULTS:

The process map identified 66 steps with 12 decision points to activate a new clinical trial. The following two steps were instituted first: allow parallel scientific committee and institutional review board (IRB) review and allow the clinical research coordination committee, a group that determines university interest and feasibility, to review protocols independent of the IRB and scientific committee approval. The clinical research coordination committee continues to track the activation time, and this framework is used to identify additional improvement steps.

CONCLUSION:

By applying quality improvement methodologies and Six Sigma principles, we were able to identify redundancies in the process to activate a clinical trial. This allowed us to redesign the process of activating a clinical trial at a matrix comprehensive cancer center. More importantly, the process map provides a framework to maintain these gains and implement additional changes and serves as an example to deploy across the campus and at other similar institutions.