bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing priorities for diabetes action goals according to key opinion leaders and health professionals
Authors: Zelnik Yovel Dana , Tamir Orly , Lavon Elza , Kolobov Tanya , Bel-Ange Anat , Julius Michal , Raz Itamar , Rapoport Micha
Published: August 2022

Background

The ever-increasing burden of diabetes and the limited resources highlight the need for prioritization of national action goals for diabetes management. The Israeli National Diabetes Council (INDC) initiated a prioritization process aiming to set a top list of diabetes related goals, as suggested by decision makers and health professionals.

Methods

A 2-step prioritization process, including a small (n = 32) circle of key opinion leaders of the INDC and a larger (n = 195) nationwide circle of diabetes health professionals consisting of physicians, nurses, and dieticians working in diabetes care centers, hospitals and family practice clinics, was established. An online questionnaire presenting 45 different action areas in diabetes prevention and care was distributed to the INDC members who ranked the 3 top diabetes priorities based on their individual interpretation of importance and applicability. The 7 highest ranking priorities were later presented to hospital-based and community diabetes health professionals. These professionals selected the 3 top priorities, based on their perceived importance.

Results

Council members opted mostly for action areas regarding specific populations, such as clinics for adult type-1 diabetes patients, diabetic foot, and pediatric and adolescent patients, while the health professionals’ top priorities were mostly in the general field of prevention, namely high-risk prediabetes population, prevention of obesity, and promotion of healthy life-style. In addition, priorities differed between hospital and community health professionals as well as between different professional groups.

Conclusions

A national prioritization process of action areas in diabetes prevention and care is attainable. The resulting item list is affected by professional considerations. These priorities may direct efforts in the implementation of interventions to improve national-level diabetes management.
A new polarization direction measurement via local Radon transform and error correction
Authors: Wang Wei , Gao Chao , Yan Xingwei , Shi Jianhua
Published: August 2022

Vectorial optical field-based spatially polarization modulation has been widely studied for polarization measurement due to its simple system structure. In this system, the polarization information is encoded in the irradiance image, and polarization measurement can be realized by image processing. The classical image processing methods could not meet the increasing demand of practical applications due to their poor computational efficiency. To address this issue, a new image processing method, combining the rapidity of local radon transform (LRT) and the precision of error correction (EC), was proposed in this paper. Firstly, the polarization direction of the light was coarsely estimated from pixels on several circles. Then, the LRT of the input image was completed while the coarsely estimated direction was the center angle for LRT. Finally, the EC was conducted to get the accurate direction depending on the quantitative link between the error of the coarse estimation and the correlation between the LRTs. Experiments on synthetic and real data demonstrate that, compared to the other state-of-the-art methods, our proposed algorithm is more robust and less time-consuming.
Common fixed-point results of fuzzy mappings and applications on stochastic Volterra integral equations
Authors: Kanwal Shazia , Shagari Mohammed Shehu , Aydi Hassen , Mukheimer Aiman , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: August 2022

The objective of the present research is to establish and prove some new common fuzzy fixed-point theorems for fuzzy set-valued mappings involving Θ-contractions in a complete metric space. For this purpose, a novel integral-type contraction condition is applied to obtain these results. In this way, several useful and classical results have been generalized. Moreover, a concrete example is created to furnish our results. An application to stochastic Volterra integral equations has been given to enhance the validity of our results.
CONTAIN4n6: a systematic evaluation of container artifacts
Authors: Mishra Anand K. , Pilli Emmanuel S. , Govil Mahesh C.
Published: August 2022

A container provides an environment where applications are packaged and run with the supporting libraries and dependencies. Due to scalability and efficient software deployment, the popularity of container technology has increased and its services are also available on cloud platforms. The container environment is prone to a variety of threats and vulnerabilities that lead to security breaches and attacks. Investigation is required to analyze the attack and the digital forensics processes have also been implemented in the container environment. In this paper, we present a systematic evaluation of container artifacts. An interface named CONTAIN4n6 is developed to collect data from container environment that extracts the data using introspection libraries, container file systems, and is also capable to trace the system call of running container. The functionality of system calls traces is implemented in an open source containerization software, i.e, Moby project. Container’s artifacts are associated with environmental information, log files, directories, link files, repositories, etc. Data collected from multiple sources are stored in a database and created a hash values to maintain the integrity of collected data. A case study of privilege escalation attacks has been demonstrated which is used to validate the data collection tool, called, CONTAIN4n6. Research challenges associated with security and forensic investigations on containerized applications are also presented.
Prehabilitation in high-risk patients scheduled for major abdominal cancer surgery: a feasibility study
Authors: Waterland Jamie L. , Ismail Hilmy , Granger Catherine L. , Patrick Cameron , Denehy Linda , Riedel Bernhard ,   on behalf of the Centre for Prehabilitation and Perioperative Care, Beaumont Anna , Bruns Emma , Burbury Kate , Carty Danika , Chahal Rani , Christelis Georgina , Coleman Sonia , Crowe Jessica , Edbrooke Lara , Fairweather Melanie , Ftanou Maria , Graham Kate , Hall Travis , Harrison Simon , Heriot Alexander , Karabiyik Yesim , Kenchington Kay , Khot Amit , Kotowicz Erika , Lawrance Naomi , Leung Debra , Liu Iris , Loeliger Jenelle , Lynch Fiona , Martin Alicia , Norman Jamie , O’Brien Kat , Poulton Tom , Prickett Christina , Richardson Ian , Sinton Catherine , Siu Amanda , Traer Emily , Traill Anya
Published: August 2022

Background

Patients presenting for major surgery with low cardiorespiratory fitness (deconditioning) and other modifiable risk factors are at increased risk of postoperative complications. This study investigated the feasibility of delivering prehabilitation in high-risk patients scheduled for major abdominal cancer surgery.

Methods

Eligible patients in this single-center cohort study included patients with poor fitness (objectively assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, CPET) scheduled for elective major abdominal cancer surgery. Patients were recruited to participate in a prehabilitation program that spanned up to 6 weeks pre-operatively and comprised aerobic and resistance exercise training, breathing exercise, and nutritional support. The primary outcome assessed pre-specified feasibility targets: recruitment >70%, retention >85%, and intervention adherence >70%. Secondary outcomes were assessed for improved pre-operative functional status and health-related quality of life and for postoperative complications.

Results

Eighty-two (34%) out of 238 patients screened between April 2018 and December 2019 were eligible for recruitment. Fifty (61%) patients (52% males) with a median age of 71 (IQR, 63–77) years participated in the study. Baseline oxygen consumption the at anaerobic threshold and at peak exercise (mean±SD: 9.8±1.8 and 14.0±2.9 mL/kg/min, respectively) confirmed the deconditioned state of the study cohort. The retention rate within the prehabilitation program was 84%, with 42 participants returning for repeat CPET testing. While >60% of participants preferred to do home-based prehabilitation, adherence to the intervention was low—with only 12 (28%) and 15 (35%) of patients having self-reported compliance >70% with their exercise prescriptions.

Conclusion

Our prehabilitation program in high-risk cancer surgery patients did not achieve pre-specified targets for recruitment, retention, and self-reported program adherence. These findings underpin the importance of implementation research and strategies for the prehabilitation programs in major surgery.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000073909) retrospectively registered.
In-hospital mortality of patients requiring unplanned postoperative ventilatory support: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Magor Ron , Dabush-Elisha Inbal , Aviram Daniel , Karol Dana , Syn-Hershko Adi , Schvartz Reut , Cohen Barak , Matot Idit
Published: August 2022

Background

Most patients who are admitted non-intubated to surgery are extubated at surgery conclusion. Yet, 1–2% require unplanned postoperative ventilatory support. The outcome of these patients has not been thoroughly evaluated to date and is the focus of the present study.

Methods

Two-center observational study assessing characteristics and outcomes of surgical patients with unplanned mechanical ventilation during PACU stay between 2017 and 2019. Patients who arrived intubated to the operating room or were transferred directly to the intensive care unit (ICU) were excluded. The co-primary aims were to assess overall in-hospital mortality and to compare mortality between patients who were extubated in PACU and those who were discharged from PACU still intubated. The secondary aims were to compare postoperative respiratory infection and unplanned admissions to the ICU. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the groups and adjust for potential confounding variables.

Results

Overall, 698 patients were included. Of these, 135 died during hospital stay (mortality rate 19.3%, compared with 1.0% overall postoperative in-hospital mortality). Patients who still required ventilatory support at PACU discharge were significantly sicker, majority needed emergency surgery, and had more complicated surgical course compared to those who were extubated in PACU. In addition, their mortality rate [36% vs. 9%, adjusted OR (95% CI) 5.8 (3.8–8.8), p < 0.001], postoperative respiratory infection, and unplanned admission to ICU rates were also significantly higher.

Conclusion

Unplanned postoperative mechanical ventilation is associated with noteworthy morbidity and mortality, with significantly higher rates in those of need for protracted (vs. short) mechanical ventilation. The remarkable mortality rate in patients extubated shortly after arriving to the PACU emphasizes the need for further studies to explore prompting factors and whether we can intervene to improve patients’ outcome.
Circ_0026359 induces HOXA9 to regulate gastric cancer malignant progression through miR-140-3p
Authors: Lu Shuirong , Lu Jinlai , Liu Lang , Sun Yilong , Zhao Yixuan , Tan Xi , Li Jingze
Published: August 2022

Recent researches indicate the key role of circRNA in gastric cancer (GC) progression. However, the role of circ_0026359 in GC progression remains unclear. This study aims to analyze the role of circ_0026359 in GC development and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that compared with controls, GC tissues and cells displayed high circ_0026359 and HOXA9 expression, and low miR-140-3p expression. Depletion of circ_0026359 repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis, and induced cell apoptosis. Circ_0026359 knockdown inhibited neoplasm growth in vivo. Under-expression of miR-140-3p, a target miRNA of circ_0026359, relieved the effects of circ_0026359 knockdown on GC progression. Additionally, HOXA9 was regulated by the circ_0026359/miR-140-3p axis. Thus, circ_0026359 absence inhibited GC progression by miR-140-3p/HOXA9 pathway, which provided an effective therapeutic target for GC.
A satellite-linked tag for the long-term monitoring of diving behavior in large whales
Authors: Palacios Daniel M. , Irvine Ladd M. , Lagerquist Barbara A. , Fahlbusch James A. , Calambokidis John , Tomkiewicz Stanley M. , Mate Bruce R.
Published: August 2022

Despite spending most time underwater, the technology in use to track whales over large geographic ranges via satellite has been largely limited to locational data, with most applications focusing on characterizing their horizontal movements. We describe the development of the RDW tag, a new Argos-based satellite telemetry device that incorporates sensors for monitoring the movements and dive behavior of large whales over several months without requiring recovery. Based on an implantable design, the tag features a saltwater conductivity switch, a tri-axial accelerometer, and an optional pressure transducer, along with onboard software for data processing and detection of behavioral events or activities of interest for transmission. We configured the software to detect dives and create per-dive summaries describing behavioral events associated with feeding activities in rorqual whales. We conducted a validation by proxy of the dive summary and event detection algorithms using field data from a medium-duration archival tag. We also conducted a simulation exercise to examine how the expected data recovery would vary under different dive behavior scenarios and compared those results to empirical values from field deployments of the RDW tag on blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales. The dive summary algorithm accurately reported dive depth and duration, while the accuracy of the lunge-feeding event detection algorithm was dependent on the precision of the accelerometer data that was used, with a predicted accuracy of 0.74 for correctly classifying feeding dives from 1/64-G precision data and 0.95 from 1-mG precision data. Simulated data recovery was lower with sparser transmission schedules, shorter mean dive durations, and lower rates of successfully received transmissions. Empirical data recovery was lower than expected from the simulation, suggesting the effect of additional factors, such as data gaps. By measuring key aspects of the per-dive behavior of large whales over multi-month timescales of movement, the RDW tags provide the ability to monitor previously unobservable behaviors across entire geographic ranges, extending the applications of satellite telemetry devices to new areas of whale physiology, behavior, ecology, and conservation.
YAP1-MAML2 fusion in a pediatric NF2-wildtype intraparenchymal brainstem schwannoma
Authors: Karajannis Matthias A. , Li Bryan K. , Souweidane Mark M. , Liechty Benjamin , Yao JinJuan , Benhamida Jamal K. , Bale Tejus A. , Rosenblum Marc K.
Published: August 2022

Biallelic inactivation of NF2 represents the primary or sole oncogenic driver event in the vast majority of schwannomas. We report on a four-year-old female who underwent subtotal resection of a right medullary intraparenchymal schwannoma. RNA sequencing revealed an in-frame fusion between exon 5 of YAP1 and exon 2 of MAML2. YAP1-MAML2 fusions have previously been reported in a variety of tumor types, but not schwannomas. Our report expands the spectrum of oncogenic YAP1 gene fusions an alternative to NF2 inactivation to include sporadic schwannoma, analogous to what has recently been described in NF2-wildtype pediatric meningiomas. Appropriate somatic and germline molecular testing should be undertaken in all young patients with solitary schwannoma and meningioma given the high prevalence of an underlying tumor predisposition syndrome. In such patients, the identification of a somatic non-NF2 driver alteration such as this newly described YAP1 fusion, can help ascertain the diagnosis of a sporadic schwannoma.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell engineering establishes a humanized mouse platform for pediatric low-grade glioma modeling
Authors: Anastasaki Corina , Chatterjee Jit , Cobb Olivia , Sanapala Shilpa , Scheaffer Suzanne M. , De Andrade Costa Amanda , Wilson Anna F. , Kernan Chloe M. , Zafar Ameera H. , Ge Xia , Garbow Joel R. , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Gutmann David H.
Published: August 2022

A major obstacle to identifying improved treatments for pediatric low-grade brain tumors (gliomas) is the inability to reproducibly generate human xenografts. To surmount this barrier, we leveraged human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) engineering to generate low-grade gliomas (LGGs) harboring the two most common pediatric pilocytic astrocytoma-associated molecular alterations, NF1 loss and KIAA1549:BRAF fusion. Herein, we identified that hiPSC-derived neuroglial progenitor populations (neural progenitors, glial restricted progenitors and oligodendrocyte progenitors), but not terminally differentiated astrocytes, give rise to tumors retaining LGG histologic features for at least 6 months in vivo. Additionally, we demonstrated that hiPSC-LGG xenograft formation requires the absence of CD4 T cell-mediated induction of astrocytic Cxcl10 expression. Genetic Cxcl10 ablation is both necessary and sufficient for human LGG xenograft development, which additionally enables the successful long-term growth of patient-derived pediatric LGGs in vivo. Lastly, MEK inhibitor (PD0325901) treatment increased hiPSC-LGG cell apoptosis and reduced proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, this study establishes a tractable experimental humanized platform to elucidate the pathogenesis of and potential therapeutic opportunities for childhood brain tumors.
Unlocking the potential of co-applied biochar and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for sustainable agriculture under stress conditions
Authors: Malik Laraib , Sanaullah Muhammad , Mahmood Faisal , Hussain Sabir , Siddique Muhammad Hussnain , Anwar Faiza , Shahzad Tanvir
Published: August 2022

Sustainable food security is a major challenge in today’s world, particularly in developing countries. Among many factors, environmental stressors, i.e., drought, salinity and heavy metals are major impediments in achieving sustainable food security. This calls for finding environment-friendly and cheap solutions to address these stressors. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have long been established as an environment-friendly means to enhance agricultural productivity in normal and stressed soils and are being applied at field scale. Similarly, pyrolyzing agro-wastes into biochar with the aim to amend soils is being proposed as a cheap additive for enhancement of soil quality and crop productivity. Many pot and some field-scale experiments have confirmed the potential of biochar for sustainable increase in agricultural productivity. Recently, many studies have combined the PGPR and biochar for improving soil quality and agricultural productivity, under normal and stressed conditions, with the assumption that both of these additives complement each other. Most of these studies have reported a significant increase in agricultural productivity in co-applied treatments than sole application of PGPR or biochar. This review presents synthesis of these studies in addition to providing insights into the mechanistic basis of the interaction of the PGPR and biochar. Moreover, this review highlights the future perspectives of the research in order to realize the potential of co-application of the PGPR and biochar at field scale.

Graphical Abstract
Wealth related inequality in women and children malnutrition in the state of Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu
Authors: Shirisha P. , Muraleedharan V. R. , Vaidyanathan Girija
Published: August 2022

Background

Child and maternal malnutrition are the most serious health risks in India, accounting for 15% of the country’s total disease burden. Malnutrition in children can manifest as ‘stunting’ (low height in relation to age) or ‘wasting’ (low weight in relation to height) or both and underweight or obesity among women. Other nutritional indicators show that India lags behind, with high levels of anaemia in women of reproductive age. The study aims to analyse the wealth related inequalities in the nutrition status among women and children of different wealth quintiles in a high focus state (Chhattisgarh; CG) and a non-high focus state (Tamil Nadu; TN) in India.

Methods

We used National Family Health Survey-3rd (2005–06) & 4th (2015–16) to study the trends and differentials of inequalities in the nutrition status. We have used two summary indices. - absolute inequalities using the slope index of inequality (SII), and relative inequalities using the concentration index (CIX).

Results

There is reduction in wealth related inequality in nutrition status of women and children from all wealth quintiles between 2005–06 and 2015–16. However the reduction in inequality in some cases such as that of severe stunting among children was accompanied by increase among children from better off households The values of SII and CIX imply that malnutrition except obesity is still concentrated among the poor. The prevalence of anaemia (mild, moderate and severe) has reduced among women and children in the past decade. The converging pattern observed with respect to prevalence of mild and moderate anaemia is not only due to reduction in prevalence of anaemia among women from poor households but an increase in prevalence in rich households.

Conclusion

Malnutrition remains a major challenge in India, despite encouraging progress in maternal and nutrition outcomes over the last decade. Our study findings indicate the importance of looking at the change in inequalities of nutrition status of women and children of different wealth quintiles sub nationally. Given the country’s rapidly changing malnutrition profile, with progress across several indicators of under nutrition but rapidly rising rates of overweight/obesity, particularly among adults, appropriate strategies needs to be devised to tackle the double burden of malnutrition.
Behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy for smokeless tobacco cessation: protocol for a pilot randomised-controlled multi-country trial
Authors: Siddiqui Faraz , Bauld Linda , Croucher Ray , Jackson Cath , Kellar Ian , Kanaan Mona , Pokhrel Subhash , Huque Rumana , Iqbal Romaina , Khan Javaid Ahmed , Mehrotra Ravi , Siddiqi Kamran ,   on behalf of the ASTRA Global Health Research Group
Published: August 2022

Background

Smokeless tobacco (ST) is consumed globally by more than 350 million people, with approximately 85% of all users based in South and Southeast Asia. In this region, ST products are cheap and easily accessible. Evidence-based interventions to people quit ST use are lacking. This study aims to test the feasibility of conducting a future definitive trial of ST cessation, using a culturally adapted behavioural intervention, and/or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in three South Asian countries.

Methods

We will conduct a factorial design, randomised-controlled pilot trial in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Daily ST users will be recruited from primary health care settings in Dhaka, Noida and Karachi. Participants will be individually randomised to receive intervention A (4 or 6 mg NRT chewing gum for 8-weeks), intervention B (BISCA: face-to-face behavioural support for ST cessation), a combination of interventions A and B or usual care (Very Brief Advice - VBA). The participants will provide demographic and ST use related data at baseline, and at 6, 12 and 26 weeks of follow-up. Salivary cotinine samples will be collected at baseline and 26 weeks. The analyses will undertake an assessment of the feasibility of recruitment, randomisation, data collection and participant retention, as well as the feasibility of intervention delivery. We will also identify potential cessation outcomes to inform the main trial, understand the implementation, context and mechanisms of impact through a process evaluation and, thirdly, establish health resource use and impact on the quality of life through health economic data.

Discussion

The widespread and continued use of ST products in South Asia is consistent with a high rate of associated diseases and negative impact on the quality of life. The identification of feasible, effective and cost-effective interventions for ST is necessary to inform national and regional efforts to reduce ST use at the population level. The findings of this pilot trial will inform the development of larger trials for ST cessation among South Asian users, with relevance to wider regions and populations having high rates of ST use.

Trial registration

ISRCTN identifier 65109397
Utility of thromboelastogram in cardiac surgery in Jacobsen syndrome associated with platelet dysfunction: a case report
Authors: Takeda Chikashi , Hirotsu Akiko , Yasuhara Gento , Mizuno Akito , Tatsumi Kenichiro , Kawamoto Shuji
Published: August 2022

Background

Jacobsen syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with multiple congenital anomalies and platelet abnormalities caused by chromosome 11 deletion.

Case presentation

A 7-month-old boy with thrombocytopenia underwent ventricular septal defect closure. At the beginning of surgery, the platelet count was 168 × 103/μL, and heparinized kaolin with heparinase reaction time (HKH-R), which represents clot formation time, was prolonged at 30.4 min. Platelet transfusion was continued, and at the end of surgery, the platelet count and HKH-R values improved to 215 × 103/μL and 15 min, respectively.

Conclusions

As anesthetic management of patients with abnormal platelet function, the viscoelasticity test might be useful in evaluating hemostatic capacity.
Conventional craniotomy versus conservative treatment in patients with minor spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia
Authors: Wang Ning , Lin Weiwei , Zhu Xuanhao , Tu Qi , Zhu Daqian , Qu Shuai , Yang Jianjing , Ruan Linhui , Zhuge Qichuan
Published: August 2022

Background

The treatment for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still controversial, especially for hematomas in the basal ganglia. A retrospective case-control study with propensity score matching was performed to compare the outcomes of conventional craniotomy and conservative treatment for patients with minor ICH in the basal ganglia.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the data of consecutive patients with minor basal ganglia hemorrhage from January 2018 to August 2019. We compared clinical outcomes of two groups using propensity score matching. The extended Glasgow outcome scale obtained by phone interviews based on questionnaires at a 12-month follow-up was used as the primary outcome measure. According to a previous prognosis algorithm, patients were divided into good and poor prognosis groups to obtain a dichotomized (favorable or unfavorable) outcome as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included hospitalized complications, mortality, and modified Rankin score at 12 months.

Results

A total of 54 patients were analyzed, and the baseline characteristics of patients in the surgery and conservative treatment groups were well matched. The primary favorable outcome at 12 months was significantly higher in the conservative treatment group than in the surgery group (81% vs 44%; OR 1.833, 95% CI 1.159–2.900; P=0.005). The incidence of pneumonia in the surgery group was significantly higher than that in the conservative treatment group (P=0.005).

Conclusions

It is not recommended to undertake conventional craniotomy for patients with a minor hematoma (25–40 ml) in the basal ganglia. An open craniotomy might induce worse long-term functional outcomes than the conservative treatment.
Literature review: Combined therapy with peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis as renal replacement therapy
Authors: Io Hiroaki , Nakata Junichiro , Inoshita Hiroyuki , Kano Toshiki , Ishizaka Masanori , Muto Masahiro , Sasaki Yu , Maeda Takuya , Fukuzaki Haruna , Shimizu Yuki , Suzuki Yusuke
Published: August 2022

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the recommended renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Complementary hemodialysis (HD) once per week for PD patients can aid in achieving adequate dialysis and extend the duration of PD treatment. In Japan, this therapy is termed “combined therapy with PD and hemodialysis (combPDHD).” CombPDHD represents a treatment option for PD patients for whom adequate dialysis cannot be maintained. CombPDHD has been widely applied in Japanese PD patients; however, it is much less common outside of Japan. Clinical evidence, particularly regarding long-term prognosis and appropriate duration of treatment, remains insufficient.

CombPDHD will be required as an alternative for increasing the dose of PD under various conditions, such as a loss of residual kidney function (RKF) and peritoneal functional failure. The Japanese regimen for combPDHD involves 5 or 6 days of PD, combined with one weekly session of hemodialysis. According to some reports, the potential benefits of combPDHD are peritoneal rest with improved peritoneal function and delay in membrane deterioration. CombPDHD prevents peritoneal dysfunction and reduces cardiovascular complications by adjusting the fluid volume and improving renal anemia. Increased D/PCr indicates a deterioration in peritoneal function and is an independent risk factor for encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). It is previously reported that no significant differences in combPDHD duration were observed between EPS and non-EPS groups. Laparoscopic findings involving patients with combPDHD revealed that there was a difference in abdominal wall degeneration depending on the intra-abdominal cavity of each case. Recently, prospective studies on long-term peritoneal function, survival, and hospitalization in combPDHD have been reported. However, reviews evaluating combPDHD long-term outcomes in multicenter and prospective studies are lacking.

Conclusion

It is difficult to continue PD alone with a declining RKF or when self-management is poor. Hence, combPDHD should be started to adjust the fluid volume, with adequate dialysis dose and peritoneal rest. This therapy is useful from a lifestyle viewpoint during the transition period from PD to HD and should not be continued indefinitely.
Patient-reported outcome measures in pediatric asthma care: using theoretical domains framework to explore healthcare providers’ perceptions
Authors: Bele Sumedh , Rabi Sarah , Zhang Muning , Oddone Paolucci Elizabeth , Johnson David W. , Quan Hude , Santana Maria J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) play an important role in promoting and supporting patient and family-centered care. Implementing interventions like PROMs in routine clinical care require key stakeholders to change their behavior. The aim of this study was to utilize the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify barriers and enablers to the implementation of PROMs in pediatric outpatient asthma clinics from healthcare providers’ perspective.

Methods

This TDF-guided qualitative descriptive study is part of a larger multi-phase project to develop the KidsPRO program, an electronic platform to administer, collect, and use PROMs in pediatrics. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 participants, which included pediatricians, nurses, allied health professionals and administrative staff from outpatient asthma clinics. All the interviews were transcribed, deductively coded, inductively grouped in themes, and categorized into barriers and enablers.

Results

We identified 33 themes within 14 TDF domains, which were further categorized and tabulated into 16 barriers and 17 enablers to implementing PROMs in asthma clinics. Barriers to behavioral change were attributed to personal, clinical, non-clinical, and other system-level factors; they ranged from limited awareness of PROMs to language barriers and patient’s complex family background. Enablers ranged from a personal commitment to providing patient and family-centered care to administering PROMs electronically.

Conclusion

This implementation of science-based systematic inquiry captured the complexity of PROMs implementation in pediatric outpatient clinical care for asthma. Considering the consistency in barriers and enablers to implementing PROMs across patient populations and care settings, many findings of this study will be directly applicable to other pediatric healthcare settings.
The potential of predictive and prognostic breast MRI (P2-bMRI)
Authors: Dietzel Matthias , Trimboli Rubina Manuela , Zanardo Moreno , Schultz-Wendtland Rüdiger , Uder Michael , Clauser Paola , Sardanelli Francesco , Baltzer Pascal A. T.
Published: August 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important part of breast cancer diagnosis and multimodal workup. It provides unsurpassed soft tissue contrast to analyse the underlying pathophysiology, and it is adopted for a variety of clinical indications. Predictive and prognostic breast MRI (P2-bMRI) is an emerging application next to these indications. The general objective of P2-bMRI is to provide predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers in order to support personalisation of breast cancer treatment. We believe P2-bMRI has a great clinical potential, thanks to the in vivo examination of the whole tumour and of the surrounding tissue, establishing a link between pathophysiology and response to therapy (prediction) as well as patient outcome (prognostication). The tools used for P2-bMRI cover a wide spectrum: standard and advanced multiparametric pulse sequences; structured reporting criteria (for instance BI-RADS descriptors); artificial intelligence methods, including machine learning (with emphasis on radiomics data analysis); and deep learning that have shown compelling potential for this purpose. P2-bMRI reuses the imaging data of examinations performed in the current practice. Accordingly, P2-bMRI could optimise clinical workflow, enabling cost savings and ultimately improving personalisation of treatment. This review introduces the concept of P2-bMRI, focusing on the clinical application of P2-bMRI by using semantic criteria.
Functional outcomes of extended-release methylphenidate and atomoxetine in children: retrospective chart analysis
Authors: Aral Armagan , Onat Merve , Aydemir Hilal
Published: August 2022

Background

Recent guidelines emphasize the importance of functional outcomes in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we assess the functional outcomes of the oral delivery system of osmotic-release methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) and atomoxetine (ATX) from the retrospective review of the chart for the last 2 years in the clinic.

Results

Linear mixed-effects models were performed with outcome measures of difference in ADHD symptoms and functional impairment. After 9–12 weeks, OROS-MPH and ATX were statistically equivalent for total Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent Report (WFIRS-P) scores(difference in slope isβ = 0.004,p = 1.000). However, OROS-MPH was superior to ATX in terms of school domain (difference in slope isβ = 0.139,p < 0.001); ATX was superior in the family domain (slope difference in slope isβ = 0.103,p < 0.001). The other domains of functioning both were not responsive to pharmacotherapy and were similar between the two medications.

Conclusions

Optimal management should monitor functional progress in ADHD beyond the core symptoms. As expected, ADHD medications provide a distinct pattern of functional improvement. Pharmacotherapy alone offers promising and reliable outcomes to improve school and family functions in ADHD. Some functional improvements did not respond to the medication; therefore, many of the techniques derived from behavioral interventions should be considered.
Transpedicular vertebral biopsy under O-arm navigation: a technical note
Authors: Krishnan Ajay , Marathe Nandan , Degulmadi Devanand , Mayi Shivanand , Rai Ravi Ranjan , Bali Shiv Kumar , Parmar Vatsal , Amin Prathan , Dave Mirant , Dave Bharat R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Despite emerging techniques, sample inadequacy remains the most important factor that necessitates need for repeat biopsy. Transpedicular Biopsy has diagnostic accuracy ranging from 75 to 90% in both computed tomography guided or percutaneous C-arm guided biopsy. Presenting in this article is an add on technique as a modification to enhance quality and quantity of sample obtained using a self designed trocar cannula with computed tomography-based Navigation.

Main body

We have used transpedicular biopsy technique under C Arm fluoroscopy, previously, where we used a self-designed trocar and cannula in our study of 71 cases & reported an accuracy of 88.7% with no reported complications. This is add on modification of same technique where under 3D navigation, we introduce a pituitary forceps through a correctly positioned cannula. This helps for biopsy of soft lesions/ discal level pathologies. Also, multi-planar adjustment of cannula after initial Stealth O-Arm navigation helps in sampling of different regions of vertebral body by reinsertion of pituitary forceps with simple manipulation of cannula without withdrawal. This minimizes risk of fracturing pedicle. With our technical modification, cannulated drill bit with core opening can be drilled through cannula to retrieve a sample. Our technique has limitations being experience driven and also enabling technology dependent. However, same method can be applied using 2-dimensional fluoroscopy without navigation.

Conclusion

Our technique of using pituitary forceps through cannula is highly effective in getting adequate representative sample with spectrum ranging from hard sclerotic lesions to soft lesions and discal pathologies. This procedure can be used with traditional 2-dimensional fluoroscopy as well as with 3-dimensional navigated precision.
Association of thrombosis and mortality in patients with COVID-19 infections: a hospital-based observational study
Authors: Sethi Sher M. , Hanif Sadaf , Iqbal Madiha
Published: August 2022

Objective

A hospital-based cross-sectional study on COVID-19 confirmed patients was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from April to June 2021. Presence of thrombosis in these patients was compared with mortality. Platelet counts and D-dimer was also compared among survivor and non-survivor to identify the marker for severity of the disease.

Results

Sixty-six patients were enrolled in the study and the mean age of the patients was 62.3 years and 45 patients (68.2%) were male. Pulmonary embolism was identified in 32 patients (48.5%) while non-pulmonary thrombosis occurred in 5 of the admitted patients (7.6%). In our study, mortality occurred in 34 patients (51.5%). Pulmonary embolism was identified in 20 recovered patients (62.5%) and 10 patients died (p value 0.03). Four patients (80%) with non-pulmonary thrombosis were non-survivors (p value 0.05). Median platelets were 73 in non-survivors and 109.5 in survivors (p value < 0.01). Both the groups had a median D-dimer of 3.8 (p value 0.024).

Conclusion

Based on our study, we conclude that COVID-19 infection has the potential to cause hypercoagulable states. It increases the risk of thrombosis and with thrombosis it has a higher mortality rate. Thrombocytopenia is a biomarker with an adverse prognosis in these patients.
Understanding the Benefits of Residential Field Courses: The Importance of Class Learning Goal Orientation and Class Belonging
Authors: Shaulskiy Stephanie , Jolley Alison , O’Connell Kari
Published: August 2022

This study examines scientific literacy and future science plans of students in both residential field courses and on-campus courses, finding a unique benefit for these outcomes in residential field courses. Mediation analyses demonstrate the important role of class learning goal orientation and class belonging in explaining these benefits.
Community College Student Understanding and Perceptions of Evolution
Authors: Barnes M. Elizabeth , Riley Rebekkah , Bowen Chloe , Cala Jacqueline , Brownell Sara E.
Published: August 2022

A comparison of university and community college students’ evolution education variables revealed evidence of similarities and differences between populations. Community college students perceived more conflict between their religions and evolution, and their understanding of evolution was less associated with acceptance compared with university students.
The DNA Landscape: Development and Application of a New Framework for Visual Communication about DNA
Authors: Wright L. Kate , Wrightstone Emalee , Trumpore Lauren , Steele Julia , Abid Deanna M. , Newman Dina L.
Published: August 2022

The DNA Landscape provides a research and learning tool that describes figures of DNA in two dimensions: scale and abstractness. Undergraduate biology textbooks tend to focus on particular parts of the landscape, but overuse of certain types of images may not be optimal for learning.
Feels Right
Authors: Adeyemi Kemi
Published: August 2022

In Feels Right Kemi Adeyemi presents an ethnography of how black queer women in Chicago use dance to assert their physical and affective rights to the city. Adeyemi stages the book in queer dance parties in gentrifying neighborhoods, where good feelings are good business. But feeling good is elusive for black queer women whose nightlives are undercut by white people, heterosexuality, neoliberal capitalism, burnout, and other buzzkills. Adeyemi documents how black queer women respond to these conditions: how they destroy DJ booths, argue with one another, dance slowly, and stop partying altogether. Their practices complicate our expectations that life at night, on the queer dance floor, or among black queer community simply feels good. Adeyemi’s framework of “feeling right” instead offers a closer, kinesthetic look at how black queer women adroitly manage feeling itself as a complex right they should be afforded in cities that violently structure their movements and energies. What emerges in Feels Right is a sensorial portrait of the critical, black queer geographies and collectivities that emerge in social dance settings and in the broader neoliberal city.

Duke University Press Scholars of Color First Book Award recipient
Crisis Vision
Authors: Monahan Torin
Published: August 2022

In Crisis Vision, Torin Monahan explores how artists confront the racializing dimensions of contemporary surveillance. He focuses on artists ranging from Kai Wiedenhöfer, Paolo Cirio, and Hank Willis Thomas to Claudia Rankine and Dread Scott, who engage with what he calls crisis vision—the regimes of racializing surveillance that position black and brown bodies as targets for police and state violence. Many artists, Monahan contends, remain invested in frameworks that privilege transparency, universality, and individual responsibility in ways that often occlude racial difference. Other artists, however, disrupt crisis vision by confronting white supremacy and destabilizing hierarchies through the performance of opacity. Whether fostering a recognition of a shared responsibility and complicity for the violence of crisis vision or critiquing how vulnerable groups are constructed and treated globally, these artists emphasize ethical relations between strangers and ask viewers to question their own place within unjust social orders.
Evolution of Field-Based Physical Fitness Assessments
Authors: Ronai Peter
Published: August 2022

Apply It!

From this article, the reader will be introduced to this specially themed issue of ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal®
, Field Assessments on the Go. The reader also will be made aware of the terms and definitions used throughout this themed issue.

In the pages that follow, this specially themed issue of ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal
® will provide evidence-based and practical recommendations on incorporating client-specific field-based assessments of physical fitness and functional performance in the exercise program development process from experts in pediatric, adult, geriatric, perinatal, occupational, postrehabilitation health, and fitness.
Physical Fitness Assessment during Pregnancy
Authors: Romero-Gallard Lidia , Roldan-Reoyo Olga , Castro-Piñero Jose , Ocon-Hernandez Olga , Aparicio Virginia A. , Soriano-Maldonado Alberto , Mottola Michelle F. , May Linda E.
Published: August 2022

Apply It!

By reading this article, exercise professionals will learn:

• Physical fitness has an important role during pregnancy, specifically in maternal and neonatal health.

• An individualized, client-specific approach to selection and administration of physical fitness tests ensures safe and specific exercise program interventions and optimizes health-related outcomes in pregnant women.

• Developing a proposal of fitness tests during pregnancy based on scientific evidence is useful for researchers, fitness professionals, health care providers, and pregnant individuals.
Is there any additional benefit of 68Ga-PSMA PET on radiotherapy target volume definition in patients with glioblastoma?
Authors: Şahin Merve , Akgun Elife , Sirolu Sabri , Can Gunay , Sayman Haluk Burcak , Oner Dincbas Fazilet
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To investigate the contribution of 68Gallium (68Ga)-PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) positron emission tomography (PET) in defining radiotherapy (RT) target volume for glioblastoma and to compare the target volumes defined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Methods:

RT planning Computed Tomography (CT) images were fused separately with pre-operative MRI and PET/MRI images of 10 glioblastoma patients, retrospectively. The contrast-enhanced area in T 1 weighted MRI was contoured as gross tumor volume (GTV) and clinical target volume (CTV1) was obtained by including the cavity and T2/FLAIR hyperintense areas after giving a margin of 2 cm to the GTV. 68Ga-PSMA uptake area was contoured as biological tumor volume (BTV) and CTV2 was obtained with a margin of 2 cm to BTV. Planning target volumes (PTVs) were created with the 3 mm added to the CTVs. Conformity index (CI), dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and overlap volume (OV) were calculated by obtaining the intersection and union volumes. Volumetric comparison, similarity and overlap analyzes were performed statistically by Wilcoxon signed rank and One sample t-test.

Results:

The median GTV was 21,96 cc (1,04 – 82,04) and BTV was 25,58 cc (2,43 – 99,47). BTV was on average 47% larger than GTV which was statistically significant (p = 0.03). For GTV-BTV, CTV1-CTV2 and PTV1-PTV2; mean values of CI were 0,56, 0,76 and 0,76; DSC were 0,70, 0,86 and 0,86; OV were 0,88, 0,94 and 0,94, respectively. There was no significant difference on size and spatial similarity between CTV1 and CTV2, PTV1 and PTV2.

Conclusion:

Altough BTV was larger than GTV, this significance was lost while we gave the same CTV margin including the peripheral edema. It seems that it may help to improve defining non-enhancing tumor part and also recurrent tumor volume.

Advances in knowledge:

Recent studies have focused on the role of 68Ga-PSMA PET in imaging of glial tumors. It has been observed that 68Ga-PSMA PET can clearly define the tumor borders and it can be beneficial in target volume delineation, especially in reirradiation of recurrent tumors.