bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of different alcohol beverages on cardiovascular system
Authors: Wójcik Piotr , Maciej Sobczyk  , Słaboń Małgorzata , Chyćko Małgorzata , Więsyk Piotr , Rogowska Monika , Tomczyk Jan , Oleksa Paulina , Sobczyk Mateusz
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Alcohol is one of the most widely-used stimulants. It’s easily accessible, most socially accepted and usually not associated with potential harm it can do. Except for its addictive effect, it has a strong influence on humane systems.  In this analysis the influence of alcohol on the cardiovascular system will be examined. As it is not obvious whether alcohol usage should be only associated with harmful impact on cardiac activity, different types of alcoholic beverages should be examined.  In this work three different sub-groups will be analyzed. They were selected and divided by the beverage type and percentage as follows: beer, wine, high percentage liquors. As the majority of studies show, it’s important to underline the significance of not only the alcohol percentage implied, but mostly of the alcohol type. In favor of alcoholic beverages are only studies analyzing beverages containing low levels of alcohol, but abundant in other organic substances like resveratrol (in wine). Other studies considering other beverages, nonetheless of alcohol levels, diminishing effect on the cardiovascular (and other) systems is observed.   
Material and methods: An analysis of scientific papers from Pubmed Google Scholar was performed, wchoch most accurately described the issue of diffrent type of alcohol bevereage on human health. The following keywords were used in search: alcohol, cardiovascular, wine, beer, spirits. 
Purpose of the work: Aim of the following analysis is to systematize the knowledge based on latest research and findings about the impact of different alcohol beverages on cardiovascular system.
The insulinoma as a diagnostically and therapeutically challenging neoplasm
Authors: Oleksa Paulina , Sobczyk Mateusz , Wójcik Piotr , Żuraw Daria , Rogowska Monika , Słaboń Małgorzata
Published: September 2021

Introduction and purpose

An insulinoma is the most common neuroendocrine tumor of a pancreas. This tumor produces insulin, which in excess causes hypoglycemic attacks, provoked by hunger or physical effort. Delays in diagnostic processes of the insulinoma are associated with the misattribution of symptoms to cardiac, psychiatric or neurological disorders. Thus, the suitable diagnostic procedures play a significant role as they ensure quick introduction of treatment. The purpose of this work is to evaluate advances in demanding diagnostically and therapeutically insulinoma.

A brief description of the state of knowledge

The used method was a literature review. The basic and the most common method of treating the insulinoma is a surgery. Due to this, finding precise location of the tumor preoperatively is crucial. In the diagnostics of the insulinoma both basic CT and MRI contrast enhanced and an endoscopic ultrasound, a selective arterial calcium stimulation test and the latest molecular imaging are used. In treatment process not only traditional surgical excisions were performed, but also laparoscopic and robotic surgeries turned out to be success.

Conclusions

Summing up, the insulinoma is a neoplasm with a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic solutions, thanks to the progress that has been made in recent years. Although there are many difficulties on a diagnostic path of the insulinoma, new solutions and appropriate aproach make this process easier. Nevertheless, doctor’s diagnostic vigilance is essential, because consideration in the differential diagnosis the insulinoma is an essential step and without this step any further actions can be taken.
Obesity as an "infectious" disease
Authors: Żuraw Daria , Oleksa Paulina , Sobczyk Mateusz
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Obesity has been recognized as a global epidemic by the WHO, followed by a wealth of empirical evidence supporting its contagiousness. However, the dynamics of the spread of obesity between individuals are rarely studied.  A distinguishing feature of the obesity epidemic is that it is driven by a process of social contagion that cannot be perfectly described by the infectious disease model. There is also social discrimination in the obesity epidemic. Social discrimination against obese people plays quite different roles in two cases: on the one hand, when obesity cannot be eliminated, social discrimination can reduce the number of obese people; on the other hand, when obesity is eradicable, social discrimination can cause it to explode.(1)
 
Materiał and methods: A literature analysis on obesity epidemic was carried out within the Pubmed, Google scholar and Research Gate platform. The following keywords were used in serach: obesity, epidemy, children, body max index. 
 
Purpose of the work: The aim of the following analysis is to present an obesity as an infectious disease. The steadily increasing percentage of obese people, including children, shows that there is an obesity epidemic. This is the phenomenon of social contagion, which partially explains the concept of homophily, which involves the grouping of people with similar characteristics. Potential explanations are also provided by sharing a living environment with similar access to certain foods and similar opportunities for physical activity, which defines the occurrence of analogous health habits
OCENA STANU FUNKCJONALNEGO PACJENTÓW ZAKWALIFIKOWANYCH DO ZABIEGU ALLOPLASTYKI STAWU KOLANOWEGO.
Authors: Waldon Karol , Szczypiór-Piasecka Karina , Mińko Alicja , Antczak Krzysztof , Orłowska Aleksandra
Published: September 2021

STRESZCZENIE

Wstęp: Choroba zwyrodnieniowa stawu kolanowego jest jedną z najczęstszych dolegliwości kończyny dolnej. Popularność przypadłości jest uzależniona od wieku, im pacjent starszy tym częściej i w większym stopniu występują zmiany zwyrodnieniowe. Dzięki możliwości współczesnej medycyny, choroby zwyrodnieniowe można leczyć w sposób nieinwazyjny oraz inwazyjny. W badaniu poruszony zostaje problem bólu i stanu funkcjonalnego stawu kolanowego.

Cele Pracy:

Ocena stanu funkcjonalnego i klinicznego pacjenta z chorobą zwyrodnieniową stawu kolanowego.

Określenie najczęstszych ograniczeń związanych z czynnościami dnia codziennego pacjentów zakwalifikowanych do alloplastyki stawu.

Wpływ bólu na stan funkcjonalny pacjentów z chorobą zwyrodnieniową stawu kolanowego.

Materiały i Metody: Badanie zostało przeprowadzone w Klinice Ortopedii, Traumatologii i Onkologii Narządu Ruchu. Wzięło w nim udział 49 osób zakwalifikowanych do operacji endoprotezoplastyki, 23 kobiet i 26 mężczyzn. Każdy pacjent został poddany badaniu podmiotowemu, które składało się z 9 pytań, oraz przedmiotowemu w, którym badana była funkcja zajętych chorobowo stawów.

Wyniki: Największe korelacje wystąpiły między bólem a siłą mięśniową. Zwiększone dolegliwości bólowe wpływają na obniżenie siły mięśniowej stawu kolanowego. Następną z kolei istotnie statystycznie zmienną była korelacja między zaawansowaniem zmiany zwyrodnieniowej a bólem. Stopień zaawansowania zmian zwyrodnieniowych istotnie statystycznie wpływał na ruchomość stawu.

Wnioski: 1.Dolegliwości bólowe wpływają na obniżenie siły mięśniowej stawu kolanowego.

Zaawansowany proces zwyrodnieniowy wpływa na ruchomość stawu.

3.Dolegliwości bólowe zwiększają się wraz z zaawansowaniem zmian zwyrodnieniowych.
Ocena stanu funkcjonalnego po zabiegu alloplastyki poresekcyjnej kości promieniowej w przebiegu leczenia guza olbrzymiokomórkowego za pomocą skal MSTS oraz DASH
Authors: Szczypiór-Piasecka Karina , Nowicka Sandra , Antczak Krzysztof , Mińko Alicja
Published: September 2021

Wstęp: Częstość występowania guza olbrzymiokomórkowego kości promieniowej w części dystalnej, kwalifikuje się na trzecim miejscu. Jest bardzo podatny na wznowy miejscowe, które mogą pojawić się w ciągu 2-3 lat od przebytego leczenia. Guz olbrzymiokomórkowy prowadzi do destrukcji kości wraz z przejęciem otaczających go tkanek. Najczęściej do rozpoznania nowotworu dochodzi zbyt późno, ze względu na niecharakterystyczne objawy. Leczenie obejmuje chirurgiczne usunięcie guza oraz zastosowanie rekonstrukcji objętej zmiany lub wykonanie resekcji wraz z wypełnieniem ubytku kostnego. W przypadku, gdy nie jest możliwe zastosowanie operacji, lekarze zlecają leczenie za pomocą leku denosumab lub radioterapię.

Cele: 1) Ocena przydatności skal MSTS oraz DASH do badania stanu funkcjonalnego po zabiegu onko-ortopedycznym, 2) Charakterystyka leczenia guza olbrzymiokomórkowego i rehabilitacji po zabiegu  rekonstrukcji kości promieniowej,            3) Opracowanie programu fizjoterapii po zabiegu alloplastyki poresekcyjnej kości promieniowej.

Materiał i metody: W pracy posłużono się danymi klinicznymi pacjenta leczonego w Klinice Ortopedii, Traumatologii i Onkologii Narządu Ruchu w Szczecinie. Pacjent przeszedł operację usunięcia guza olbrzymiokomórkowego  części dalszej kości promieniowej wraz z zastosowaniem alloplastyki i rekonstrukcją stawu. Do oceny powrotu sprawności funkcjonalnej kończyny górnej, zastosowano skalę DASH i MSTS. Dane w obu skalach uzupełniane były przed oraz  po operacji w 6,12,18 i 24 miesiącu.

Wyniki: Skala DASH i MSTS, znajdują swoje zastosowanie w ocenie stanu funkcjonalnego ręki po alloplastyce poresekcyjnej oraz stanowią dobry wyznacznik efektów przebytej rehabilitacji.

Wnioski: 1) Skale DASH i MSTS dobrze opisują stan funkcjonalny pacjentów na każdym etapie leczenia onko-ortopedycznego. 2) Rehabilitacja rozpoczęta w pierwszej dobie pooperacyjnej przyśpiesza proces leczenia i usprawniania po zabiegach rekonstrukcji kości.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in adiponectin and its receptors’ genes as potential risk factors for coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus – an up-to-date overview
Authors: Szydełko Joanna , Dąbrowska Izabela
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with still growing incidence among adults and young people worldwide. Patients with T2DM are more susceptible to develop coronary artery disease (CAD) than non-diabetic individuals. Several pre-clinical and clinical studies suggested that adiponectin, a pleiotropic hormone with anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties, may be a molecular link between metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.  

Aim of the study: This article summarizes the current knowledge on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the adiponectin and its receptors’ genes on the risk of CAD in patients with T2DM.

Description of knowledge: Adiponectin, the most abundant circulating adipocytokine, is encoded by the Acrp30/adiponectin gene on chromosome 3q27, which constitutes a region specific for obesity-related metabolic syndrome. A genetic deficit of this adipokine may be responsible for the increased risk of CAD both in the general population and T2DM subjects. The results of recent years’ studies highlight that SNPs at the adiponectin locus, +45 T>G and +276 G>T as well within its two receptors, are determinants of early onset atherosclerosis in individuals with T2DM.

Conclusions: SNPs in ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 may modify the risk of CAD in the group of patients with T2DM. SNP +45 and SNP +276 seem to be attractive, molecular markers for identification of diabetic individuals at especially high risk of CAD. The discovering of their exact mechanisms may result in novel screening options as well as diagnostic process and treatment scheme. Therefore, further research is required to determine the effects of adiponectin and its receptors’ polymorphisms and their roles in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Proposed physiotherapeutic procedure in the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Filarecka Agnieszka , Biernacki Maciej , Jęchorek Michał , Małek Michał , Tysowska Magdalena , Szymura Karolina
Published: September 2021

Breast cancer is a global problem, causes many deaths worldwide, and the emergence of disability resulting from treatment.

Physiotherapy is a 24/7 process. It is very often limited to just a few minutes of exercise a day, which is not enough.

The aim of the work is to propose physiotherapeutic treatment in women after radical mastectomy and to present diagnostic problems caused by SARS-CoV-2 pandemics, which negatively affect cancer prevention.
Pedagogy and Personalism: Fundamental References of Education between Emergencies and Search for Meaning
Authors: Musaio Marisa
Published: September 2021

Due to the problematic issues of the times into which it is projected, pedagogical reflection is at risk of losing its particularity as a theory called to preserve the perennial fundamentals of the person and education. Exerting the theoretical references of pedagogical anthropology inspired by personalism and its recovery in a hermeneutic perspective, the article outlines the specificity of pedagogy and its intrinsic relationship with the concept of the person. From the investigation emerges a ‘pedagogy of the person’ committed, especially in the contemporary context, to outlining the main ‘thematic nuclei’ to guide education: person, educability, interpretation and search for truth.
Refleksyjna samoświadomość i działanie osoby
Authors: Chrost Marzena
Published: September 2021

Człowiek jest osobą, która doświadcza siebie i działa jako osoba, jest zatem świadomy siebie, oraz tego, iż świadomie i odpowiedzialnie działa. Jest sprawcą swoich czynów i ma również możliwość kierowania swoim postępowaniem, co ukazuje jego podmiotowość i związane jest ze strukturą osoby. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie i analiza znaczenia oraz roli świadomości i samoświadomości w psychospołecznym funkcjonowaniu i działaniu człowieka w perspektywie refleksyjności. Problem ten należy do zagadnień bardzo złożonych i trudnych do wyjaśnienia i jednoznacznego opisania. W związku z tym, w ujęciu teoretycznymomówię tylko wybrane aspekty. W pierwszej kolejności przedstawię pojęcie i istotę świadomości oraz samoświadomości osoby ze zwróceniem uwagi na typologizację i formę refleksyjną. Następnie omówię jeden z komponentów samoświadomości, jakim jest refleksja oraz ukażę refleksyjność jako istotę działania człowieka ponowoczesnego. W aspekcie pedagogicznym szczególnie zwrócę uwagę na kształtowanie potrzeby refleksyjności w procesie samowychowania i omówię wybrane techniki pracy nad własną refleksyjnością.
Marisa Musaio (2020). Dalla distanza alla relazione. Pedagogia e relazione d’aiuto nell’emergenza. Milano-Udine: Mimesis, p. 198
Authors: Triani Pierpaolo
Published: September 2021

.
Advocating sedation pre-euthanasia in small animal practice
Authors: Farquhar Robyn
Published: September 2021

Pre-euthanasia sedation in small animal practice in the UK is not standard procedure. In this article, the advantages of having a more relaxed patient and family are described. A variety of protocols using familiar products from everyday general anaesthesia and sedation are also discussed.
Femtosecond nonlinear losses in multimode optical fibers
Authors: Ferraro Mario , Mangini Fabio , Zitelli Mario , Tonello Alessandro , De Luca Antonio , Couderc Vincent , Wabnitz Stefan
Published: September 2021

Multimode optical fibers are attracting a growing interest for their capability to transport high-power laser beams, coupled with novel nonlinear optics-based applications. However, optical fiber breakdown occurs when beam intensities exceed a certain critical value. Optical breakdown associated with irreversible modifications of the refractive index, triggered by multiphoton absorption, has been largely exploited for fiber material micro-structuration. Here we show that, for light beam intensities slightly below the breakdown threshold, nonlinear absorption strongly affects the dynamics of a propagating beam as well. We experimentally analyze this subthreshold regime and highlight the key role played by spatial self-imaging in graded-index fibers for enhancing nonlinear optical losses. We characterize the nonlinear power transmission properties of multimode fibers for femtosecond pulses propagating in the near-infrared spectral range. We show that an effective N-photon absorption analytical model is able to describe the experimental data well.
Broadband adiabatic polarization rotator-splitter based on a lithium niobate on insulator platform
Authors: Chen Zhaoxi , Yang Jingwei , Wong Wing-Han , Pun Edwin Yue-Bun , Wang Cheng
Published: September 2021

Polarization rotator-splitters (PRSs) are crucial components for controlling the polarization states of light in classical and quantum communication systems. We design and experimentally demonstrate a broadband PRS based on the lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform. Both the rotator and splitter sections are based on adiabatically tapered waveguide structures, and the whole device only requires a single etching step. We show efficient PRS operation over an experimentally measured bandwidth of 130 nm at telecom wavelengths, potentially as wide as 500 nm according to simulation prediction, with relatively low polarization crosstalks of

∼
−
10
  
dB

. Our PRS is highly compatible with the design constraints and fabrication processes of common LNOI photonic devices, and it could become an important element in future LNOI photonic integrated circuits.
Enhanced multimodal luminescence and ultrahigh stability Eu3+-doped CsPbBr3 glasses for X-ray detection and imaging
Authors: Tong Yao , Wang Qin , Yang Heng , Liu Xiaoting , Mei Enrou , Liang Xiaojuan , Zhang Zhijun , Xiang Weidong
Published: September 2021

As an emerging scintillation material, metal halide perovskite (

CsPbX

3

) has been deemed the most potentially valuable candidate in X-ray detection and medical imaging. Nevertheless, it is a continuing challenge to implement efficient radioluminescence (RL) with high radiation stability and moisture resistance. Moreover, the optimized luminescence properties and excellent uniformity of

CsPbX

3

glass are also key points for obtaining perfect X-ray images. Herein, we have successfully precipitated

Eu

3
+

-doped

CsPbBr

3

nanocrystals (NCs) with improved photoluminescence quantum yield (

≈
58.6
%

) because partial

Eu

3
+

entered the perovskite lattice in a robust borosilicate glass matrix by in situ crystallization. The small amount of Eu addition made the lattice of NCs shrink and promoted uniform distribution of

CsPbBr

3

NCs in the glass, which effectively reduced the light scattering of the sample. Subsequently, multimodal RL intensity of the

CsPbBr

3

/

CsPbBr

3

:xEu NCs glasses (CPB-0Eu/CPB-xEu) as a function of X-ray dose rate showed a superlinear relationship to the benefit of obtaining satisfactory X-ray images. Also, the outstanding radiation stability and water resistance of CPB-xEu were confirmed due to the protection of the robust glass matrix. Finally, an X-ray imaging system using a CPB-xEu scintillator was constructed, and the spring in the opaque sample was legibly detected under the motivation of X-rays, indicating that

CsPbX

3

glasses possess extensive application prospects in terms of X-ray detection and medical imaging.
Micro-LED backlight module by deep reinforcement learning and micro-macro-hybrid environment control agent
Authors: Huang Che-Hsuan , Cheng Yu-Tang , Tsao Yung-Chi , Liu Xinke , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes a micro-LED backlight module with a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) structure to achieve excellent micro-LED backlight module quality and uses deep reinforcement learning (DRL) architecture for optical design. In the DRL architecture, to solve the computing environment problems of the two extreme structures of micro-scale and macro-scale, this paper proposes an environment control agent and virtual-realistic workflow to ensure that the design environment parameters are highly correlated with experimental results. This paper successfully designed a micro-LED backlight module with a DBR structure by the abovementioned methods. The micro-LED backlight module with a DBR structure improves the uniformity performance by 32% compared with the micro-LED backlight module without DBR, and the design calculation time required by the DRL method is only 17.9% of the traditional optical simulation.
Multiple vector-borne pathogens of domestic animals in Egypt
Authors: Abdullah Hend H. A. M. , Amanzougaghene Nadia , Dahmana Handi , Louni Meriem , Raoult Didier , Mediannikov Oleg
Published: September 2021

Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) are considered emerging and re-emerging diseases that represent a global burden. The aim of this study was to explore and characterize vector-borne pathogens in different domestic animal hosts in Egypt. A total of 557 blood samples were collected from different animals using a convenience sampling strategy (203 dogs, 149 camels, 88 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 58 sheep and 33 goats). All samples were tested for multiple pathogens using quantitative PCR and standard PCR coupled with sequencing. We identifiedTheileria annulataandBabesia bigeminain cattle (15.9 and 1.1%, respectively),T.ovisin sheep and buffaloes (8.6 and 7.7%, respectively) andBa.canisin dogs (0.5%) as well asAnaplasma marginalein cattle, sheep and camels (20.4, 3.4 and 0.7%, respectively) andCoxiella burnetiiin sheep and goats (1.7 and 3%; respectively). New genotypes ofAn.centrale,An.ovis,An.platys-like andBorrelia theileriwere found in cattle (1.1,3.4, 3.4 and 3.4%, respectively),An.platys-like in buffaloes (7.7%),An.marginale,An.ovis,An.platys-like andBo.theileriin sheep (3.4, 1.7, 1.7 and 3.4%, respectively),An.platys,An.platys-like andSetaria digitatain camels (0.7, 5.4 and 0.7%, respectively) andRickettsia africae-like,An.platys,Dirofilaria repensandAcanthocheilonema reconditumin dogs (1.5, 3.4, 1 and 0.5%, respectively). Co-infections were found in cattle, sheep and dogs (5.7, 1.7, 0.5%, respectively). For the first time, we have demonstrated the presence of several vector-borne zoonoses in the blood of domestic animals in Egypt. Dogs and ruminants seem to play a significant role in the epidemiological cycle of VBDs.
An examination of physical violence against women and its justification in development settings in Uganda
Authors: Bukuluki Paul , Kisaakye Peter , Wandiembe Symon Peter , Musuya Tina , Letiyo Evelyn , Bazira Dan
Published: September 2021

This paper uses data from a community cross-sectional survey to examine the factors that are associated with justification of physical violence against women. Results indicate that respondents who were married at the time of the survey were less likely (OR = 0.29; CI = 0.17–0.52) to agree that it is justified for a man to physically assault his partner that their counterparts who were single. The likelihood to justify physical violence was less likely to happen among respondents with primary education (OR = 0.49; CI = 0.39–0.62), secondary education (OR = 0.40; CI = 0.31–0.53) and vocation or tertiary education (OR = 0.28; CI = 0.19–0.41) than among respondents with no education. Protestants were less likely (OR = 0.77; CI = 0.64–0.94) to justify physical violence than the Catholics. Respondents who were not formally employed were more likely (OR = 1.66; CI = 1.32–2.08) to justify physical violence than their counterparts who were in formal employment in the last three months preceding the survey. Respondents who agreed that it is okay for a man to control his partner’s movements (OR = 1.27; CI = 1.04–1.55), it is okay for a man to have sex with his wife anytime (OR = 2.28; CI = 1.87–2.78), alcohol is the main reason for violence against women (OR = 1.67; CI = 1.33–2.10), men need sex more than women (OR = 1.57; CI = 1.23–1.99) and women know where to obtain support in case of violence (OR = 1.42; CI = 1.00–2.02) were more likely to justify physical violence than respondents who disagreed. The likelihood to justify physical violence was less among respondents who agreed that: violence is not the only way to deal with disagreements (OR = 0.54; CI = 0.33–0.86), it is possible for men to stop violence (OR = 0.62; CI = 0.47–0.82) and it is acceptable for a woman to ask her partner to use a condom (OR = 0.61; CI = 0.51–0.73) than their counterparts who disagreed. There is need to increase investment in social norms change programmes in order to strengthen contestation of tolerance of physical violence among men and women in Uganda.
Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway suppresses tracheal stenosis in a novel mouse model
Authors: Kimura Akari , Araki Koji , Satoh Yasushi , Mogi Sachiyo , Fujitani Kazuko , Kurioka Takaomi , Endo Shogo , Shiotani Akihiro , Yamashita Taku
Published: September 2021

Tracheal stenosis is a refractory and recurrent disease induced by excessive cell proliferation within the restricted tracheal space. We investigated the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which mediates a broad range of intracellular signal transduction processes in tracheal stenosis and the therapeutic effect of the MEK inhibitor which is the upstream kinase of ERK. We histologically analyzed cauterized tracheas to evaluate stenosis using a tracheal stenosis mouse model. Using Western blot, we analyzed the phosphorylation rate of ERK1/2 after cauterization with or without MEK inhibitor. MEK inhibitor was intraperitoneally injected 30 min prior to cauterization (single treatment) or 30 min prior to and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after cauterization (daily treatment). We compared the stenosis of non-inhibitor treatment, single treatment, and daily treatment group. We successfully established a novel mouse model of tracheal stenosis. The cauterized trachea increased the rate of stenosis compared with the normal control trachea. The phosphorylation rate of ERK1 and ERK2 was significantly increased at 5 min after the cauterization compared with the normal controls. After 5 min, the rates decreased over time. The daily treatment group had suppressed stenosis compared with the non-inhibitor treatment group. p-ERK1/2 activation after cauterization could play an important role in the tracheal wound healing process. Consecutive inhibition of ERK phosphorylation is a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for tracheal stenosis.
Comparison of two-view versus single-view digital breast tomosynthesis and 2D-mammography in breast cancer surveillance imaging
Authors: Hadjipanteli Andria , Polyviou Petros , Kyriakopoulos Ilias , Genagritis Marios , Kotziamani Natasa , Moniatis Demetris , Papoutsou Anne , Constantinidou Anastasia
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Limited work has been performed for the implementation of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in breast cancer surveillance imaging. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between two different DBT implementations in breast cancer surveillance imaging, for patients with a personal history of breast cancer.

Method

The DBT implementations investigated were: (1) 2-view 2D digital mammography and 2-view DBT (2vDM&2vDBT) (2) 1-view (cranial-caudal) DM and 1-view (mediolateral-oblique) DBT (1vDM&1vDBT). Clinical performance of these two implementations was assessed retrospectively using observer studies with 118 sets of real patient images, from a single imaging centre, and six observers. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) using the Jack-knife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristics (JAFROC) analysis were evaluated.

Results

Results suggest that the two DBT implementations are not significantly different in terms of sensitivity, specificity and AUC. When looking at the two main different lesion types, non-calcifications and calcifications, and two different density levels, no difference in the performance of the two DBT implementations was found.

Conclusions

Since 1vDM&1vDBT exposes the patient to half the dose of 2vDM&2vDBT, it might be worth considering 1vDM&1vDBT in breast cancer surveillance imaging. However, larger studies are required to conclude on this matter.
Potential biomarkers of major depression diagnosis and chronicity
Authors: Galvão Ana Cecília de Menezes , Almeida Raíssa Nobrega , de Sousa Júnior Geovan Menezes , Leocadio-Miguel Mário André , Palhano-Fontes Fernanda , de Araujo Dráulio Barros , Lobão-Soares Bruno , Maia-de-Oliveira João Paulo , Nunes Emerson Arcoverde , Hallak Jaime Eduardo Cecilio , Sarris Jerome , Galvão-Coelho Nicole Leite
Published: September 2021

Background

Molecular biomarkers are promising tools to be routinely used in clinical psychiatry. Among psychiatric diseases, major depression disorder (MDD) has gotten attention due to its growing prevalence and morbidity.

Methods

We tested some peripheral molecular parameters such as serum mature Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mBDNF), plasma C-Reactive Protein (CRP), serum cortisol (SC), and the salivary Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), as well as the Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory (PSQI), as part of a multibiomarker panel for potential use in MDD diagnosis and evaluation of disease’s chronicity using regression models, and ROC curve.

Results

For diagnosis model, two groups were analyzed: patients in the first episode of major depression (MD: n = 30) and a healthy control (CG: n = 32). None of those diagnosis models tested had greater power than Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-6. For MDD chronicity, a group of patients with treatment-resistant major depression (TRD: n = 28) was tested across the MD group. The best chronicity model (p < 0.05) that discriminated between MD and TRD included four parameters, namely PSQI, CAR, SC, and mBDNF (AUC ROC = 0.99), with 96% of sensitivity and 93% of specificity.

Conclusion

These results indicate that changes in specific biomarkers (CAR, SC, mBDNF and PSQI) have potential on the evaluation of MDD chronicity, but not for its diagnosis. Therefore, these findings can contribute for further studies aiming the development of a stronger model to be commercially available and used in psychiatry clinical practice.
The varying impacts of COVID-19 and its related measures in the UK: A year in review
Authors: Zhou Muzhi , Kan Man-Yee
Published: September 2021

We examine how the earnings, time use, and subjective wellbeing of different social groups changed at different stages/waves of the pandemic in the United Kingdom (UK). We analyze longitudinal data from the latest UK Household Longitudinal Survey (UKHLS) COVID study and the earlier waves of the UKHLS to investigate within-individual changes in labor income, paid work time, housework time, childcare time, and distress level during the three lockdown periods and the easing period between them (from April 2020 to late March 2021). We find that as the pandemic developed, COVID-19 and its related lockdown measures in the UK had unequal and varying impacts on people’s income, time use, and subjective well-being based on their gender, ethnicity, and educational level. In conclusion, the extent of the impacts of COVID-19 and COVID-induced measures as well as the speed at which these impacts developed, varied across social groups with different types of vulnerabilities.
Man versus machine? Self-reports versus algorithmic measurement of publications
Authors: Jiang Xuan , Chang Wan-Ying , Weinberg Bruce A.
Published: September 2021

This paper uses newly available data from Web of Science on publications matched to researchers in Survey of Doctorate Recipients to compare the quality of scientific publication data collected by surveys versus algorithmic approaches. We illustrate the different types of measurement errors in self-reported and machine-generated data by estimating how publication measures from the two approaches are related to career outcomes (e.g., salaries and faculty rankings). We find that the potential biases in the self-reports are smaller relative to the algorithmic data. Moreover, the errors in the two approaches are quite intuitive: the measurement errors in algorithmic data are mainly due to the accuracy of matching, which primarily depends on the frequency of names and the data that was available to make matches, while the noise in self reports increases over the career as researchers’ publication records become more complex, harder to recall, and less immediately relevant for career progress. At a methodological level, we show how the approaches can be evaluated using accepted statistical methods without gold standard data. We also provide guidance on how to use the new linked data.
Highly sensitive scent-detection of COVID-19 patients in vivo by trained dogs
Authors: Vesga Omar , Agudelo Maria , Valencia-Jaramillo Andrés F. , Mira-Montoya Alejandro , Ossa-Ospina Felipe , Ocampo Esteban , Čiuoderis Karl , Pérez Laura , Cardona Andrés , Aguilar Yudy , Agudelo Yuli , Hernández-Ortiz Juan P. , Osorio Jorge E.
Published: September 2021

Timely and accurate diagnostics are essential to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, but no test satisfies both conditions. Dogs can scent-identify the unique odors of volatile organic compounds generated during infection by interrogating specimens or, ideally, the body of a patient. After training 6 dogs to detect SARS-CoV-2 by scent in human respiratory secretions (in vitro diagnosis), we retrained 5 of them to search and find the infection by scenting the patient directly (in vivo screening). Then, efficacy trials were designed to compare the diagnostic performance of the dogs against that of the rRT-PCR in 848 human subjects: 269 hospitalized patients (COVID-19 prevalence 30.1%), 259 hospital staff (prevalence 2.7%), and 320 government employees (prevalence 1.25%). The limit of detection in vitro was lower than 10−12 copies ssRNA/mL. During in vivo efficacy experiments, our 5 dogs detected 92 COVID-19 positive patients among the 848 study subjects. The alert (lying down) was immediate, with 95.2% accuracy and high sensitivity (95.9%; 95% C.I. 93.6–97.4), specificity (95.1%; 94.4–95.8), positive predictive value (69.7%; 65.9–73.2), and negative predictive value (99.5%; 99.2–99.7) in relation to rRT-PCR. Seventy-five days after finishing in vivo efficacy experiments, a real-life study (in vivo effectiveness) was executed among the riders of the Metro System of Medellin, deploying the human-canine teams without previous training or announcement. Three dogs were used to examine the scent of 550 volunteers who agreed to participate, both in test with canines and in rRT-PCR testing. Negative predictive value remained at 99.0% (95% C.I. 98.3–99.4), but positive predictive value dropped to 28.2% (95% C.I. 21.1–36.7). Canine scent-detection in vivo is a highly accurate screening test for COVID-19, and it detects more than 99% of infected individuals independent of key variables, such as disease prevalence, time post-exposure, or presence of symptoms. Additional training is required to teach the dogs to ignore odoriferous contamination under real-life conditions.
Drinking-water efficiency, cost of illness, and peri-urban society: An economic household analysis
Authors: Ali Ghaffar , Bashir Muhammad Khalid , Abbas Sawaid , Murtaza Mehwish
Published: September 2021

This study aims to measure the efficacy of drinking water in terms of the economic impacts and risk of illness involved in using perilous water sources. Socio-economic factors were also considered. A multidisciplinary approach was employed to analyze the data, including the cost of illness (COI), regression technique, and irrigation water efficiency methods. The primary data set consisted of 210 peri-urban and urban households. It was found that the average cost of illness was higher in peri-urban ($10.79 USD) areas, while willingness to pay for quality water was higher in urban residents. Social status, income, and family size was positively associated with the cost of illness, while education, the source of drinking water (ground water and others), and awareness about safe drinking were negatively associated with the cost of illness. Furthermore, urban residents were more efficient in terms of conveyance and water use. This is one of the first studies to apply irrigation water efficiency methods to measure drinking water efficiency. The results are timely and important with both practical and social implications, including guiding policy framework. It is suggested that family planning programs be made more effective to control family size. The filtration plants to enhance drinking water quality be installed in the central places of each town/division/union council. A public-private partnership could work to provide affordable quality drinking water.
Trends in urinary tract infection hospitalization in older adults in Spain from 2000-2015
Authors: Redondo-Sánchez Jesús , del Cura-González Isabel , Díez-Izquierdo Laura , Rodríguez-Barrientos Ricardo , Rodríguez-Cabrera Francisco , Polentinos-Castro Elena , López-Miguel Miguel , Marina-Ono Lucas , Llamosas-Falcón Laura , Gil-de Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2021

Objective

To analyze trends in urinary tract infection hospitalization (cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis and non-specified UTI) among patients over 65 years in Spain from 2000–2015.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study using the Spanish Hospitalization Minimum Data Set (CMBD), with codifications by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). We collected data on sex, age, type of discharge, main diagnosis, comorbid diagnosis, length of stay, and global cost. All the hospitalizations were grouped by age into three categories: 65–74 years old, 75–84 years old, and 85 years old and above. In the descriptive statistical analysis, crude rates were defined as hospitalizations per 1,000 inhabitants aged ≥65. To identify trends over time, we performed a Joinpoint regression.

Results

From 2000–2015, we found 387,010 hospitalizations coded as UTIs (54,427 pyelonephritis, 15,869 prostatitis, 2643 cystitis and 314,071 non-specified UTI). The crude rate of hospitalization for UTIs between 2000 and 2015 ranged from 2.09 in 2000 to 4.33 in 2015 Rates of hospitalization were higher in men than in women, except with pyelonephritis. By age group, higher rates were observed in patients aged 85 years or older, barring prostatitis-related hospitalizations. Joinpoint analyses showed an average annual percentage increase (AAPC) in incidence rates of 4.9% (95% CI 3.2;6.1) in UTI hospitalizations. We observed two joinpoints, in 2010 and 2013, that found trends of 5.5% between 2000 and 2010 (95% CI 4.7;6.4), 1.5% between 2010 and 2013 (95% CI -6.0;9.6) and 6.8% between 2013 and 2015 (95% CI -0.3;14.4).

Conclusions

The urinary infection-related hospitalization rate in Spain doubled during the period 2000–2015. The highest hospitalization rates occurred in men, in the ≥85 years old age group, and in non-specified UTIs. There were increases in all types of urinary tract infection, with non-specified UTIs having the greatest growth. Understanding these changing trends can be useful for health planning.
Barriers and facilitators for optimizing oral anticoagulant management: Perspectives of patients, caregivers, and providers
Authors: Holbrook Anne , Wang Mei , Swinton Marilyn , Troyan Sue , Ho Joanne M. W. , Siegal Deborah M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are very commonly prescribed for prevention of serious vascular events, but are also associated with serious medication-related bleeding. Mitigation of harm is believed to require high-quality OAC management. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators for optimal OAC management from the perspective of patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.

Methods

Using a qualitative descriptive study design, we conducted five focus groups, three with patients and caregivers and two with health care providers, in two health regions in Southwestern Ontario. An expert facilitator led the discussions using a semi-structured interview guide. Each session was digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and anonymized. Transcripts were analyzed in duplicate using conventional content analysis.

Results

Forty-two (19 patients, 7 caregivers, and 16 providers including physicians, nurses and pharmacists) participated. More than half of the patients received OAC for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (57.9%) and the majority (94.7%) were on chronic therapy (defined as >3 years). Data analysis organized codes describing barriers and facilitators into 4 main themes—medication-related, patient-related, provider-related, and system-related. Barriers highlighted were problems with medication access due to cost, patient difficulties with adherence, knowledge and adjusting their lifestyles to OAC therapy, provider expertise, time for adequate communication amongst providers and their patients, and health care system inadequacies in supporting communications and monitoring. Facilitators identified generally addressed these barriers.

Conclusions

Many barriers to optimal OAC management exist even in the era of DOACs, many of which are amenable to facilitators of improved care coordination, patient education, and adherence monitoring.
Immunological investigations of the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with recent onset psychotic disorders: A study protocol
Authors: Jeppesen Rose , Orlovska-Waast Sonja , Vindegaard Sørensen Nina , Christensen Rune Haubo Bojesen , Benros Michael Eriksen
Published: September 2021

Background

Though many previous studies have indicated immunological alterations in psychotic disorders, the role and prevalence of neuroinflammation is still unknown. Studies previously investigating immune related biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of these patients are mainly small studies on few markers, and many have not compared patients to healthy controls.

Methods

We will conduct a large case-control study including at least 100 patients with recent onset psychotic disorders and 100 sex- and age matched healthy controls. The cases will include patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder according to ICD-10 (F20/F22-29) within a year prior to inclusion. We will collect both CSF, blood and fecal samples, to gain insight into possible immunological alterations. The psychopathology of all participants will thoroughly be evaluated using the SCAN interview, and multiple rating scales covering different symptom groups. All participants will partake in a detailed neurological examination, including the Neurological Evaluation Scale assessing neurological soft signs. Additionally, we will assess cognitive functioning, evaluate quality of life and level of functioning, and collect data on a broad array of possible confounders. Our primary outcomes will include CSF leucocytes, CSF/serum albumin ratio, CSF total protein, IgG index, CSF levels of IL-6 and IL-8, and presence of antineuronal autoantibodies in CSF and blood. For our secondary outcomes, exploratory analyses will be performed on a broader panel of neuroimmunological markers. All participants will be invited for a follow-up visit to assess longitudinal changes. The current study is part of a larger CSF biobank build-up for severe mental disorders (PSYCH-FLAME).

Discussion

This study will represent the largest investigation of CSF in patients with psychotic disorders compared to healthy controls to date. We expect the study to contribute with new, important knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms, and to help pave the way for future investigations of individualized treatment options.

Trial registration

The study is approved by The Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics (Capital Region, j.no: H-16030985) and The Danish Data Protection Agency (j.no: RHP-2016-020, I-Suite no.: 04945).
Telehealth at scale can improve chronic disease management in the community during a pandemic: An experience at the time of COVID-19
Authors: Omboni Stefano , Ballatore Tommaso , Rizzi Franco , Tomassini Fernanda , Panzeri Edoardo , Campolo Luca
Published: September 2021

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth became a vital resource to contain the virus’s spread and ensure continuity of care of patients with a chronic condition, notably arterial hypertension and heart disease. This paper reports the experience based on a telehealth platform used at scale to manage chronic disease patients in the Italian community.

Methods and findings

Patients’ health status was remotely monitored through ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), resting or ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG), spirometry, sleep oximetry, and cardiorespiratory polysomnography performed in community pharmacies or general practitioners’ offices. Patients also monitored their blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), body temperature, body weight, waist circumference, blood glucose, and lipids at home through a dedicated smartphone app. All data conveyed to the web-based telehealth platform were used to manage critical patients by doctors promptly. Data were analyzed and compared across three consecutive periods of 2 months each: i) before the national lockdown, ii) during the lockdown (from March 9 to May 17, 2020), and iii) after the end of the containment measures. Overall, 13,613 patients visited community pharmacies or doctors’ offices. The number of overall tests dropped during and rose after the lockdown. The overall proportion of abnormal tests was larger during the outbreak. A significant increase in the prevalence of abnormal ECGs due to myocardial ischemia, contrasted by a significantly improved BP control, was observed. The number of home users and readings exchanged increased during the pandemic. In 226 patients, a significant increase in the proportion of SpO2readings and a significant reduction in the entries for all other parameters, except BP, was observed. The proportion of abnormal SpO2and BP values was significantly lower during the lockdown. Following the lockdown, the proportion of abnormal body weight or waist circumference values increased.

Conclusions

Our study results support the usefulness of a telehealth solution to detect deterioration of the health status during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trial registration

The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov at numberNCT03781401.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated risk factors among preschool and school children in Egypt
Authors: Elmonir Walid , Elaadli Haitham , Amer Anan , El-Sharkawy Hammed , Bessat Mohamed , Mahmoud Samy F. , Atta Mustafa Shukry , El-Tras Wael F.
Published: September 2021

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the major public health problems globally, particularly in developing countries like Egypt. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence and risk factors associated with IPIs among preschool and school children in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 996 randomly selected preschool and school-aged children in Gharbia governorate during January to April 2018. Stool specimens were examined for the presence of the parasite by direct smear and the formol-ether concentration methods. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 46.2%.Entamoeba histolyticaandAscaris lumbricoideswere the most predominant parasites (12.7% per each). This is followed byEnterobius vermicularis(8.6%),Giardia lamblia(7.1%),Cryptosporidium parvum(1.5%),Heterophyes heterophyes(1.4%),Hymenolepis nana(0.7%), Hookworms (0.6%),Fasciola hepatica(0.5%) andDipylidium caninum(0.4%). Infected children with no symptoms (26.8%) were significantly (P< 0.001) more frequent than those with medical complaint (19.4%). Socio-demographic predictors of IPIs were preschool age (OR = 4.9;P< 0.001; 95%CI 3.3–7.3), living in rural dwellings (OR = 1.96;P< 0.001; 95%CI 1.5–2.5), and belonging to a low-income family (OR = 4.7;P< 0.001; 95%CI 2.3–9.3). The absence of safe drinking water, lack of hand washing (after soil contact, or before meals, or after toilet usage), and eating unwashed vegetables were risk factors for IPIs in the study region (OR = 1.3–6.9,P< 0.001 –P= 0.05). Higher odds for exposure to potential zoonotic parasites were evident in children with pets in their homes forG.lambiaandD.caninum(OR = 2.1–8.3;P= 0.02 –P= 0.04), children having household reared ruminants forC.parvum(OR = 10.4;P< 0.001), and children that play with stray animals forE.histolyticaand Hookworm (OR = 1.8–6.3;P =0.04 –P= 0.05)compared to other children with no animal contact. The present study highlights the importance of periodic screening and treatment of IPIs in children, deworming companion animals, and public education for effective prevention of IPIs in children in Egypt.