bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identify Factors for Insufficient (>2yr) Mammogram Screening among Oregonian Women
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Curran Grace , Xu Kenneth , Lim Jeong Youn , Farris Paige E , Shannon Jackilen
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Women with breast cancer diagnosed from mammogram screenings have a lower mortality risk than women diagnosed from symptoms. Currently, the U.S Preventive Services Task Force recommends biannual screening for women aged 50-74 years old. In this study, we aimed to identify factors associated with inadequate screening defined as “no mammogram screening within past 2 years” to guide cancer prevention and early detection efforts.Methods: This study utilized area-based probabilistic sampling survey data, collected across Oregon in 2019. Dataset weights were calculated using a raking approach. Demographic and behavior information were collected with existing validated questionnaire items from national surveys. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses with missing-value imputations were conducted to identify factors associated with inadequate mammogram screening.Results: The study included 254 women 50-74 years-old without previous breast or ovarian cancer history. 19.29% of the sample reported no mammogram within two years, including 1.57% with no previous mammograms. Following unadjusted analyses, the significant factors included education, occupation status, health insurance and smoking and were therefore included into the adjusted model. In the multivariate adjusted model education remained significant while occupation status, health insurance and smoking were no longer significant. Compared to women with a college graduate degree, women with less than college graduate degree were at higher risk of inadequate screening [OR (95% CI) =3.23 (1.54, 6.74)].Conclusions: Lack of education was significantly associated with inadequate mammogram screening even after adjusting for occupation status, health insurance and smoking, which should prompt further outreach and education.
Changes in Body Size Phenotypes From Childhood to Adulthood and the Associated Cardiometabolic Outcomes, a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Du Tingting , Fonseca Vivian , Chen Wei , Bazzano Lydia
Published: August 2021

Background: Cardiometabolic outcomes associated with changes between body size phenotypes (defined by body mass index [BMI] together with metabolic status) over time have attracted attention recently. It remains unclear how metabolic health change from childhood to adulthood across different BMI categories and how such dynamic changes from childhood to adulthood might affect risk of cardiometabolic outcomes in adulthood. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of changes in body size phenotypes between childhood and adulthood on risks of diabetes and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in adulthood.Methods: We included 3,351 individuals who participated as both children and adults in the Bogalusa Heart Study. The mean follow-up period was 36 years. Body size phenotypes for both children and adults were defined by harmonized criteria.Results: Compared with participants with persistently metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) from childhood to adulthood, MHNW children who became metabolically unhealthy in adulthood had increased diabetes burden and LVH risk in adulthood; Metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) children who became MHNW or metabolically healthy obese (MHO) as adults and individuals with persistent MHO from childhood to adulthood were not at increased risks of diabetes or LVH. The risks were increased if MHO during childhood transitioned to metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) by adulthood or MUO stayed from childhood to adulthood. MUO children who became MHO or MHNW as adults had decreased diabetes burden and LVH risk in adulthood.Conclusions: Individuals maintained MHO from childhood to adulthood and MUNW children who became MHO as adults had a diabetes burden and LVH risk similar to individuals with persistent MHNW. Progression to metabolically unhealthy status and maintenance of metabolically unhealthy status, regardless of childhood BMI status, were associated with increased cardiometabolic outcomes.
IVF/ICSI Outcomes of Euthyroid Infertile Women With TAI: Aspirin Plus Prednisone Treatment, Does It Matter?
Authors: Zhou Ping , Yao QiuPing , Yang Lihua , Yu Ya , Xie Jilai , Zhao Qiaohang , Feng Chun , Zhou Liming , Jin Min
Published: August 2021

Objective

Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) per se has been demonstrated to be related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. Although therapy of glucocorticoid to infertile remains controversial, aspirin combined with prednisone(P + A) are used frequently in antithyroid antibodies (ATA) positive infertile women in clinical practice.
Methods

A multicenter retrospective study was performed in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital and People's Hospital of Jinhua. We recruited 494 euthyroid infertile women positive for anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) and/or thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) with thyroid stimulating hormone 0.35-4.0mIU/L, who undergoing first in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycle during the period of 2017 to 2020. 346 women were ultimately recruited, including 187 patients receiving fresh embryo transfer and 159 patients receiving frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Among them, infertile 150 women were treated with prednisone(10mg/d) and aspirin(100mg/d), while the other 196 infertile women were untreated as control group. The treatment commenced on the day of embryo transfer and continued until the clinical pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography around 30 days after embryo transfer.
Results

Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) of the first fresh embryo transfer cycle was 57.5% vs. 63.5% in control vs. in treated group (P = 0.414) and CPR was 57.8% versus 61.8% in the two groups in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle(P = 0.606). Additionally, the prevalence of delivering a live birth at the fresh embryo transfer was 49.6% in the non-treatment group and 47.3% in the P + A treated group(P = 0.762). Cumulative CPR was similar in the groups at the fresh embryo transfer (control vs treated group: 56.9% vs 61.0%, P = 0.534). By conducting logistic regression, combined treatment of P + A appeared to have no influence on CPR or miscarriage rates (MR) at the first embryo transfer. Furthermore, the low but within the reference level of free triiodothyronine (FT3) was seen as a poor predictor of spontaneous abortion at the fresh embryo transfer.
Conclusions

To conclude, with regard to euthyroid women with TAI undergoing the first IVF-ET cycle, adjuvant treatment of P + A after the embryo transfer may be unnecessary irrespective of the fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
Exploring Multimodal Ocular Imaging for Retinal Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Cognitively Normal Subjects
Authors: Young Kelly Z. , Khandwala Nikhila S. , Moinuddin Omar , Young Benjamin K. , Pan Warren , Sathrasala Sanjana K. , Zhou Yunshu , Shedden Kerby , Koeppe Robert , Barmada Sami J. , Albin Roger L. , Besirli Cagri G.
Published: August 2021

Background and ObjectivesAlzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are difficult to reliably differentiate clinically. While their distinct pathologies may be captured by existing diagnostic modalities, these are expensive, time-consuming, and often inaccessible. Dementias are associated with visual dysfunctions, perhaps due to changes in the retina, a developmental outgrowth of the central nervous system. We explore the role of multimodal ocular imaging in the diagnosis of two dementias, AD and FTD.MethodsWe recruited 5 AD participants, 2 FTD participants, and 9 age-matched controls. Each participant underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examination and imaging (optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography (OCTA), wide-field fundus photography, near-infrared imaging, and fundus autofluorescence). Ocular findings were correlated with cerebral amyloid burden, as measured by [11C]PiB PET.ResultsOCT analysis identified a trend toward differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses among dementia subtypes (p = 0.064). AD eyes had increased RNFL thicknesses compared to FTD (p = 0.046) and control eyes (p = 0.046), and AD RNFL thickness was positively associated with amyloid burden (p = 0.037). OCTA fractal analysis revealed decreased vascular complexity within the retinal superficial vascular complex in AD compared to FTD eyes (p = 0.035). Lastly, fundus autofluorescence demonstrated increased signal intensity in AD eyes compared to control eyes (p = 0.046). However, these findings were not statistically significant following correction for multiple comparisons.DiscussionDespite identifying trends toward differences in retinal layer thicknesses unique to individuals with AD and FTD, our study suggests that changes in retinal thicknesses alone may not serve as reliable biomarkers for distinguishing between dementia subtypes. However, multiple ocular imaging modalities may be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation to aid in diagnosing and monitoring AD and FTD.Trial registrationThe study was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03699644) on October 9, 2018.
Systemic Safety Inequities for People with Learning Disabilities: A Qualitative Integrative Analysis of The Experiences of English Health and Social Care for People with Learning Disabilities, Their Families and Carers.
Authors: Ramsey Lauren , Albutt Abigail , Perfetto Kayley , Quinton Naomi , Baker John , Louch Gemma , O'Hara Jane
Published: August 2021

Background
Failures in care for people with learning disabilities have been repeatedly highlighted and remain an international issue, exemplified by a disparity in premature death due to poor quality and unsafe care. This needs urgent attention. Therefore, the aim of the study was to understand the care experiences of people with learning disabilities, and explore the potential patient safety issues they, their carers and families raised.
Methods
Two data sources exploring the lived experience of care for people with learning disabilities were synthesised using an integrative approach, and explored using reflexive thematic analysis. This comprised two focus groups with a total of 13 people with learning disabilities and supportive staff, and 377 narratives posted publicly via the feedback platform Care Opinion.
Results
The qualitative exploration highlighted three key themes. Firstly, health and social care systems operated with varying levels of rigidity. This contributed to an inability to effectively cater to; complex and individualised care needs, written and verbal communication needs and needs for adequate time and space. Secondly, there were various gaps and traps within systems for this population. This highlighted the importance of care continuity, interoperability and attending to the variation in support provision from professionals. Finally, essential ‘dependency work’ was reliant upon social capital and fulfilled by paid and unpaid caring roles to divergent extents, however, advocacy provided an additional supportive safety net.
Conclusions
A series of safety inequities have been identified for people with learning disabilities, alongside potential protective buffers. These include; access to social support and advocacy, a malleable system able to accommodate for individualised care and communication needs, adequate staffing levels, sufficient learning disabilities expertise within and between care settings, and the interoperability of safety initiatives. In order to attend to the safety inequities for this population, these factors need to be considered at a policy and organisational level, spanning across health and social care systems. Findings have wide ranging implications for those with learning disabilities, their carers and families and health and social care providers, with the potential for international learning more widely.
Daymamics of Multidimensional Food Security Measurement in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Adem Mohammed
Published: August 2021

Most studies measuring food security have used one or two of the dimensions of food security, with snapshot data at a particular point in time. Policies derived from such measurement might be misleading because of the dynamic nature of food security or insecurity in vulnerable populations. This paper presents a composite food security measure that captures the four dimensions of food security i.e., availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability over time. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the four dimensions into a single index. Data from three rounds of household-level panel data, collected by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) of Ethiopia in collaboration with the World Bank are used to demonstrate this measurement. The aggregate food security indices result revealed that 44, 57, and 45 percent of households were food secured in 2011, 2013, and 2015 respectively. On the other hand, only 20 percent of households were food secured all the time while 67 percent of households termed as transitory food insecure since they remained food insecure at least in one of the survey periods. The rest 13 percent of households were also termed chronically food insecure since they fall short of food all the time of the study. The finding confirmed a high prevalence of multidimensionally food-insecure households in rural Ethiopia. Therefore, various food security intervention programs that enhance the four dimensions should be introduced.
An Integrated Platform Supporting Semantic Similarity Score Calculation and Reproducibility
Authors: Mazandu Gaston K. , Opap Kenneth , Makinde Funmilayo , Nembaware Victoria , Agamah Francis , Bope Christian , Chimusa Emile R. , Wonkam ambroise Ambroise , Mulder Nicola J.
Published: August 2021

During the last decade, we witnessed an exponential rise of datasets from heterogeneous sources. Ontologies are playing an essential role in consistently describing domain concepts, data harmonization and integration to support large-scale integrative analysis and semantic interoperability in knowledge sharing. Several semantic similarity (SS) measures have been suggested to enable the integration of rich ontology structures into automated reasoning and inference. However, there is no tool that exhaustively implements these measures and existing tools are generally Gene Ontology specific, do not implement several models suggested in the WordNet context and are not equipped to properly deal with frequent ontology updates. We introduce a Python SS measure library (PySML), which tackles issues related to current SS tools, providing a portable and expandable tool to a broad computational audience. This empowers users to manipulate SS scores from several applications for any ontology version and file format. PySML is a flexible tool enabling the implementation of all existing semantic similarity models, resolving issues related to computation, reproducibility and re-usability of SS scores.
Significant β-carboline Alkaloid Harmine in Different Developmental States of Mammals in Vivo: Endogenic or Exogenic?
Authors: Cao Ning , Li Shuping , Xu Aimin , Zou Xiaoguang , Ke Zunji , Deng Gang , Cheng Xuemei , Wang Chang hong
Published: August 2021

Background: Several β-carboline alkaloids (βCBs), harmine, harmaline, harmane, and nor-harmane, are effective for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice. They were discovered in some plants, common foodstuffs, and in blank plasma of various mammals. However, whether these compounds in mammals are exogenous or endogenous remained unclear. The exposure levels of these βCBs in plasma and tissues of pup rats, aging rats and volunteer were detected by UPLC-MS/MS.Result: Results showed that harmine was the main compound found in rats, mice, human, and even in newborn rats without consumption. The changes of harmine concentration showed a high dependence with growth (aging), gender and race. And the concentration of harmine in rat plasma showed a decreasing trend during the growth period of 18 months. Conclusion: These results revealed that harmine may be relevant to AD. The exposure level of harmine in plasma indicate that in addition to exogenous ingestion, spontaneous synthesis might be another important source of harmine in mammals.
Effectivity of V4 and v4C implantable contact lenses in the treatment of complications after vitreoretinal surgery: A comparative study
Authors: Bai Jian-Hai , Ruan Xiao-Xiao , Zhang Yu , Ding Xiao-Min , Yang Xing-Zhi , Chen Jin-Tao
Published: August 2021

Objective
This study aims to analyze and compare the postoperative ocular parameters of two different types of implantable contact lenses (ICLs) (for retinal detachment) to provide a clinical reference for vitreoretinal surgery.
Methods
From March 2016 to March 2021, 24 patients (24 eyes) with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment following ICL implantation at the Eye Center of Taizhou Central Hospital were recruited. Based on the different types of ICL, they were divided into the V4 type ICL implantation group (V4 type group) and v4C type ICL implantation group (v4C type group), with 12 cases (12 eyes) in each group. Both groups were treated with pars plana vitrectomy; differences in postoperative ocular complications between the two groups were compared.
Results
The postoperative uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity for both groups were significantly higher than those preoperatively (P < 0.001); the same applied to the intraocular pressures (P < 0.05). Fluctuation in intraocular pressure was higher in the V4 group than in the v4C group (P < 0.05). The arch height, measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography on the first day after operation, was lower in the V4 group than in the v4C group (P < 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups before and after the operation (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
For patients with V4 type ICL implantation and mesh removal, stimulation of the ciliary body and the risk factors for pupil block caused by ciliary muscle spasm should be reduced as much as possible during pars plana vitrectomy. If postoperative complications such as decreased arch height and increased intraocular pressure occur, the application of compound tropicamide eye drops is an effective method to activate the pupil.
The Use of SBRT in the Management of Oligometastatic Gynecological Cancer: Report of Promising Results in Terms of Tolerability and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Cuccia Francesco , Pastorello Edoardo , Vitale Claudio , Nicosia Luca , Mazzola Rosario , Figlia Vanessa , Giaj-Levra Niccolò , Ricchetti Francesco , Rigo Michele , Attinà Giorgio , Ceccaroni Marcello , Ruggieri Ruggero , Alongi Filippo
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe use of stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) for oligometastases is supported by several literature studies, but in the setting of gynecological malignancies, this scenario remains quite unexplored. This study reports a preliminary assessment of clinical outcomes in a cohort of 40 patients with oligometastatic gynecological neoplasms. MethodsRadiotherapy was delivered in 3-10 fractions with VMAT-IGRT technique. Toxicity was retrospectively collected according to CTCAE v4.0. Data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for assessing any potential predictive factor for clinical outcomes. ResultsA total of 63 oligometastases were treated from December 2014 to February 2021. Median age was 63 years (range, 30-89). Most frequent primary tumors were ovarian cancer in 42.5% and endometrium cancer in 42.5%. With a median follow-up of 27 months (range, 6-69), no local failures were observed, our progression-free survival rates were 43.6% and 23% at one and 2 years, respectively, while 1- and 2-years overall survival rates were both 70%. No acute or late G≥2 adverse events were observed.ConclusionsIn our experience, SBRT for oligometastatic gynecological malignancies resulted in promising results in terms of clinical outcomes, with excellent local control and no evidence of severe toxicity, highilighting the effectiveness of this therapeutic option. Prospective studies to further explore this approach in this setting are advocated.
Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes and platelets (HALP) score is a useful predictor of survival in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan
Authors: Korkmaz Mustafa , Eryılmaz Melek Karakurt , koçak Mehmet zahid , Demirkıran Aykut , Karaağaç mustafa , araz murat , Artaç Mehmet
Published: August 2021

Purpose: We aimed to investigate whether the HALP score is a predictive marker in patients with recurrent GBM who were given bevacizumab plus irinotecan.Methods: We compared the survival of patients followed up in our clinic with the diagnosis of recurrent GBM and treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan, according to HALP score.Results: Median PFS and OS were 4.5 (0.9-14.9) and 8 (0.9-21.3) months, respectively. The median PFS of the low HALP score group was 1.85 (1.3-3.37) months, and of the high HALP score group was 4.96 (0.9-14.9) months (p=0.03). The OS of the high HALP score group (9.63 [7.28-11.9]) was statistically higher compared with low HALP score group (2.26 [0.88-3.65]) (p<0.001). In univariate analysis HALP score was a significant prognostic factor; patients with low HALP score had a poorer prognosis than high HALP score (HR: 0.063, p<0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that HALP score (p=0.003), and residual tumor (p=0.029) were significant prognostic factors. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, low HALP score was a significant poor prognostic factor for OS compared with high HALP score (HR: 0.063, p<0.001).Conclusion: We showed that the HALP score at the start of treatment is an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS in patients with recurrent GBM treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan. The HALP score, which can be easily calculated by routine tests before chemotherapy, can be used as a predictive marker for bevacizumab treatment decision.
Comparison of Sliding Window and Field-In-Field Techniques For Tangential Whole Breast Irradiation Using The Halcyon and Synergy Agility Systems
Authors: Richter Anne , Wegener Sonja , Breuer Kathrin , Razinskas Gary , Weick Stefan , Florian Exner , Klaus Bratengeier , Flentje Michael , Sauer Otto , Polat Bülent
Published: August 2021

Background: To develop a tangential treatment technique for whole breast irradiation using the Varian Halcyon and to compare it with Elekta Synergy Agility plans.Methods: For 20 patients two comparable treatment plans with respect to dose coverage and normal tissue sparing were generated. Tangential field-in-field treatment plans (Pinnacle/Synergy) were replanned using the sliding window technique (Eclipse/Halcyon). Plan specific QA was performed using the portal Dosimetry and the ArcCHECK phantom. Imaging and treatment dose were evaluated for treatment delivery on both systems using a modified CIRS Phantom.Results: The mean number of monitor units for a fraction dose of 2.67 Gy was 515 MUs and 260 MUs for Halcyon and Synergy Agility plans, respectively. The homogeneity index and dose coverage were similar for both treatment units. The plan specific QA showed good agreement between measured and calculated plans. All Halcyon plans passed portal dosimetry QA (3%/2 mm) with 100% points passing and ArcCheck QA (3%/2 mm) with 99.5%. Measurement of the treatment and imaging dose with the CIRS phantom resulted in lower dose to the contralateral breast for the Halcyon plans.Conclusions: For the Varian Halcyon a plan quality similar to the Elekta Synergy device was achieved. For the Halcyon plans the dose contribution from the treatment fields to the contralateral breast was even lower due to less interleaf transmission of the Halcyon MLC and a contribution of scattered dose from the collimator system.
Malaria Associated Risk Factors Among Adolescent Living in Areas With Persisting Transmission in Senegal: a Case Control Study.
Authors: TAIROU FASSIATOU OLUWATOSIN , Diallo Abdoulaye , Sy Ousmane , Kone Aminatou , Manga Isaac Akhenaton , Sylla Khadim , Lelo Souleye , Fall Cheikh Binetou , Sow Doudou , Ndiaye Magatte , Faye Babacar , Tine Roger C K
Published: August 2021

Background: In Senegal, malaria morbidity has shapely felt down over these past years. However, malaria epidemiology remains heterogeneous with persisting transmission in the southeastern part of the country and more important number of cases arising among older children and adolescents. Little is known about factors associated with clinical malaria among this group. A better understanding of malaria transmission among this new vulnerable group will guide future interventions targeting these key populations. This study aimed to identify factors associated with clinical malaria among adolescents in Senegal. Methods: A case control study was conducted from November to December 2020 in four health posts located in Saraya district. Cases were defined as adolescents (10-19 years) with uncomplicated malaria episode with fever (Temperature>37.5°) or history of fever and a positive malaria RDT. Controls were from the same age group, living in the neighborhood of the case, presenting a negative RDT. A standardized, pre-tested questionnaire was administered to each participant followed by home visit to assess participant’s living conditions. Factors associated with clinical malaria was assessed using a Stepwise Logistic regression analysis.Results: In total, 492 individuals were recruited (246 cases and 246 controls). In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with clinical malaria included non-use of bed net (aOR=2.65; 95% CI =1.58 - 4.45), non-use of other preventive measures (aOR=2.51; 95% CI=1.53 - 4.11) and indoor sleeping (aOR=3.22; 95%CI =1.66- 6.23). Protective factors included age of 15-19 years (aOR=0.38; 95% CI 0.23 - 0.62), absence of stagnant water around the house (aOR=0.27; 95% CI=0.16 - 0.44), having a female as head of household (aOR=0.47; 95% CI=0.25 - 0.90), occupation such as apprentice (OR=0.24; 95%CI=0.11 - 0.52).Conclusions: The study revealed that environmental factors and non-use of malaria preventive measures are the main determinant of malaria transmission among adolescents living in areas with persisting malaria transmission in Senegal. Strategies aiming at improving disease awareness and access to health care interventions such as LLIN are thus needed to improve malaria control and prevention among these vulnerable groups.
Different Clinical Characteristics and Impacts of Carbapenem-Resistance on Outcomes Between Acinetobacter Baumannii and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacteraemia: A Multicentre Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Lee Chan Mi , Kim Young-Jun , Jung Sook-In , Kim Seong Eun , Park Wan Beom , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Chung-Jong , Choi Hee Jung , Lee Shinwon , Lee Sun Hee , Jung Younghee , Bang Ji Hwan , Cheon Shinhye , Kwak Yee Gyung , Kang Yu Min , Park Kyung-Hwa , Song Kyoung-Ho , Kim Hong Bin
Published: August 2021

Background: Carbapenem-resistance (CR) causes poor clinical outcomes and has limited treatment options. We aim to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics and impact of carbapenem-resistance on outcomes between Acinetobacter baumannii (ABA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAE) bacteraemia. Methods: We prospectively identified all patients with ABA and PAE bacteraemia in 10 hospitals over a 1-year period and collected their detailed clinical information. Treatment failure was defined as all-cause 30-day mortality, persistent bacteraemia, or recurrence within 30 days.Results: We included 304 ABA and 241 PAE bacteraemia cases. CR was detected in 216 ABA (71%) and 55 PAE (23%). Treatment failure was significantly higher in CR-ABA than in CR-PAE (60.6% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.001). Multivariate analyses were stratified by patient data according to CR and the appropriateness of empirical therapy. For ABA patients, severe sepsis or septic shock and high Pitt bacteraemia score were independent risk factors for treatment failure in the inappropriate empirical antibiotics group. Pneumonia was a significant risk factor in the appropriate group. For PAE patients, hospital-acquired infection and high Pitt bacteraemia score were independent risk factors for treatment failure in both groups. CR was an independent risk factor in ABA for treatment failure in both the inappropriate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-33.75, P = 0.036) and appropriate empirical treatment groups (aOR: 4.15, 95% CI: 1.16-14.84, P = 0.029), but not for patients with PAE bacteraemia. Conclusions: We demonstrated significant differences in the clinical characteristics and impact of CR on the clinical outcomes between ABA and PAE bacteraemia. Our findings suggest that different approaches may be needed to treat ABA and PAE bacteraemia.
Susceptibility Profile of Antimicrobial Agents Used Against Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Clinical Specimens in Abuth Zaria.
Authors: AREMU OLATUNJI KAYODE , Chibueze JAMES Igwe
Published: August 2021

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a multifaceted and vicious pathogen in humans. It has been deftly established as a clinical and epidemiological pathogen and serves as the genesis of infections in many parts of the body. This research work carried out bacteria ecosystem surveillance in S. aureus using selected antimicrobial agents and also assessed the impact of combined antimicrobial therapy.One hundred and seventy seven (177) Staphylococcal isolates were obtained from various specimens submitted to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika over a cumulative period of eight months. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using ten antimicrobial discs in solid media by disc agar diffusion method. The antimicrobial discs chosen belong to five antimicrobial agents’ classes namely; Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Quinolones, Sulphonamides and Glycopeptides. The susceptibility profile in this research work showed that only 1.4% of the isolates were susceptible to all the five classes of antimicrobial agent used. This is highly suggestive of the high antibiotic selective pressure ongoing in the environment where the research was carried out. It was also discovered that conventional antimicrobial agents like Amoxi-clav were resistant to the clinical isolates when used alone. Quinolones and Sulphonamides were only marginally susceptible. However, higher percentage susceptibility were obtained when varying number of other antimicrobial agents were combined with Vancomycin.
Are magicians specialists at identifying deceptive motion? The role of expertise in being fooled by sleight of hand.
Authors: Garcia-Pelegrin Elias , Wilkins Clive , Clayton Nicola
Published: August 2021

The use of magic effects to investigate the blind spots in the attention and perception and roadblocks in the cognition of the spectator has yielded thought-provoking results elucidating how these techniques operate. However, little is known about the interplay between experience practising magic and being deceived by magic effects. In this study, we performed two common sleight of hand effects and their real transfer counterparts to non-magicians, and to magicians with a diverse range of experience practising magic. Although, as a group, magicians identified the sleights of hand as deceptive actions significantly more than non-magicians; this ability was only evidenced in magicians with more than 5 years in the craft. However, unlike the rest of the participants, experienced magicians had difficulty correctly pinpointing the location of the coin in one of the real transfers presented. We hypothesise that this might be due to the inherent ambiguity of this transfer, in which, contrary to the other real transfer performed, no clear perceptive clue is given about the location of the coin. We suggest that extensive time practising magic might have primed experienced magicians to anticipate foul play when observing ambiguous movements, even when the actions observed are genuine.
Impact of COVID-19 on routine malaria indicators in Uganda: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Namuganga Jane Frances , Briggs Jessica , Roh Michelle E , Okiring Jaffer , Kisambira Yasin , Sserwanga Asadu , Kapisi James Apollo , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Ebong Chris , Ssewanyana Isaac , Greenhouse Bryan , Maiteki-Ssebuguzi Catherine , Kamya Moses R , Staedke Sarah G , Dorsey Grant , Nankabirwa Joaniter I
Published: August 2021

Background

In March 2020, the government of Uganda implemented a strict lockdown policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed an interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) to assess whether major changes in healthcare seeking behavior, malaria burden, and case management occurred after the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Methods

Individual level data from all outpatient visits occurring from April 2017 through March 2021 at 17 facilities were analyzed. Outcomes included total outpatient visits, malaria cases, non-malarial visits, proportion of visits with suspected malaria, proportion of patients tested using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and proportion of malaria cases prescribed artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Pre-COVID trends measured over a three-year period were extrapolated into the post-COVID period (April 2020- March 2021) using Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations or fractional regression. Effects of COVID-19 were estimated over the 12-month post-COVID period by dividing observed values by the predicted values and expressed as ratios.
Results

A total of 1,442,737 outpatient visits were recorded. Malaria was suspected in 55.3% of visits and 98.8% of these had a malaria diagnostic test performed. ITSA showed no differences in the observed versus predicted total outpatient visits, malaria cases, non-malarial visits, or proportion of visits with suspected malaria. However, in the second six months of the post-COVID period, there was a smaller mean proportion of patients tested with RDTs compared to predicted (Relative Prevalence Ratio (RPR) = 0.87, CI [0.78, 0.97]) and a smaller mean proportion of malaria cases prescribed AL (RPR = 0.94, CI [0.90, 0.99].
Conclusions

There was evidence for a modest decrease in the proportion of RDTs used for malaria diagnosis and the proportion of patients prescribed AL in the second half of the post-COVID year, while other malaria indicators remained stable. Continued surveillance will be essential to monitor for changes in trends in malaria indicators so that Uganda can quickly and flexibly respond to challenges imposed by COVID-19.
Vertebral fracture as a risk factor for self-harm: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Prior James A , Crawford-Manning Fay , Whittle Rebecca , Abdul-Sultan Alyshah , Chew-Graham Carolyn A. , Muller Sara , Shepherd Tom A. , Sumathipala Athula , Mallen Christian D. , Paskins Zoe
Published: August 2021

Background

The prevention of self-harm is an international public health priority. It is vital to identify at-risk populations, particularly as self-harm is a risk factor for suicide. This study aims to examine the risk of self-harm in people with vertebral fractures
Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Patients with vertebral fracture were identified within the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and matched to patients without fracture by sex and age. Incident self-harm was defined by primary care record codes following vertebral fracture. Overall incidence rates (per 10,000 person-years (PY)) were reported. Cox regression analysis determined risk (hazard ratios (HR), 95% confidence interval (CI)) of self-harm compared to the matched unexposed cohort. Initial crude analysis was subsequently adjusted and stratified by median age and sex.
Results

The number of cases of vertebral fracture was 16,293, with a matched unexposed cohort of the same size. Patients were predominantly female (70.1%), median age was 76.3 years. Overall incidence of self-harm in the cohort with vertebral fracture was 12.2 (10.1, 14.8) /10,000 PY. There was an initial crude association between vertebral fracture and self-harm, which remained after adjustment (HR 2.4 (95%CI 1.5, 3.6). Greatest risk of self-harm was found in those with vertebral fractures who were aged below 76.3 years (3.2(1.8, 5.7)) and male (3.9(1.8, 8.5)).
Conclusions

Primary care patients with vertebral fracture are at increased risk of self-harm compared to people without these fractures. Male patients aged below 76 years of age appear to be at greatest risk of self-harm. Clinicians need to be aware of the potential for self-harm in this patient group.
Differences in activity limitations and participation restrictions between young adults with cancer and older age groups: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Andersen Nanna Hejselbaek , Christiansen Josephine Aagesen , Cour Karen la , Aagesen Maria , Tang Lars Hermann , Joergensen Dorthe Soested , Pilegaard Marc Sampedro
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To explore whether young adults with cancer have different activity limitations and participation restrictions compared to older age groups with cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 654 people with cancer participating in a rehabilitation stay. Participants were in the age groups: 1) Young adults (n=121) = 18-39 years; 2) Middle-aged (n=406) = 40-64 years; and 3) older people (n=127) = ≥65 years. Outcomes were activity limitations and participation restrictions encompassing physical, role, social, and cognitive functioning, measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core 30. Mean differences between age groups were calculated using linear regression analyses. Results: Young adults had a mean age of 32.1 years (SD = 5.1); middle-aged adults 53.4 years (SD = 6.8); and the older people 71.1 years (SD = 4.8). The majority of the participants were women (81.9%) with breast cancer (42.9%). Young adults had a statistically significant higher physical functioning compared to those middle-aged (-3.90: (95% CI: -6.84; -0.95)) and the older age group (-7.63: (95% CI: -11.29; -3.96)). Young adults had statistically significant lower role functioning (7.11: (95% CI: 1.13; 13.08)) and cognitive functioning (13.82: (95% CI: 7.35; 20.29)) compared to older people. There was no statistically significant difference in social functioning between the age groups. Conclusion: Young adults had different activity limitations and participation restrictions compared with higher age groups. Our findings suggest the need for further research and an increased clinical rehabilitation focus on different activity and participation challenges across age groups.
Customer incivility and employees’ turnover intention in China’s hotel: a chain Mediating model
Authors: Pu Bo , Ji Siyu , Sang Wenyuan
Published: August 2021

This study explores the relationship between customer incivility and hotel employees’ turnover intention in China. The mediating effects of emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction and professional identity were also investigated. The proposed research framework was tested using data from 500 hotel employees who responded to an online questionnaire. The results show that customer incivility affects employees’ turnover intention by affecting emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction and professional identity. Among the three mediating variables, the mediating effect of emotional fatigue is the most obvious. When hotel employees encounter customer incivility, it improves their emotional exhaustion, which will reduce job satisfaction, weaken professional identity, and finally lead to the enhancement of turnover intention. This study proposes a conceptual model of experience development and testing, which enhances the understanding of the relationship between customer incivility and employees’ turnover intention and enriches the research on customer incivility.
Group-Based Nutrition Interventions to Promote Health and Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Teggart Kylie , Ganann Rebecca , Sihota Davneet , Moore Caroline , Keller Heather , Senson Christine , Phillips Stuart M. , Neil-Sztramko Sarah E.
Published: August 2021

Objective: To identify the efficacy of group-based nutrition interventions to increase healthy eating, reduce nutrition risk, improve nutritional status, and improve physical mobility among community-dwelling older adults.Design: Systematic review. Electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts were searched on July 15, 2020, for studies published in English since January 2010. Study selection, critical appraisal (using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal tools), and data extraction were performed in duplicate by two independent reviewers.Setting: Nutrition interventions delivered to groups in community-based settings were eligible. Studies delivered in acute or long-term care settings were excluded.Participants: Community-dwelling older adults aged 55+ years. Studies targeting specific disease populations or promoting weight loss were excluded.Results: Thirty-one experimental and quasi-experimental studies with generally unclear-high risk of bias were included. A broad range of interventions were identified, including nutrition education with behaviour change techniques (e.g., goal setting, interactive cooking demonstrations) (n=21), didactic nutrition education (n=4), interactive nutrition education (n=2), food access (n=2), and nutrition education with behaviour change techniques and food access (n=2). Group-based nutrition education with behaviour change techniques demonstrated the most promise in improving food and fluid intake, nutritional status, and healthy eating knowledge compared to baseline or control. The impact on mobility outcomes was unclear. Conclusions: Our findings should be interpreted with caution related to generally low certainty, unclear-high risk of bias, and high heterogeneity across interventions and outcomes in this body of literature. Quality research in group-based nutrition education for older adults is needed.
Farm Type and High Tunnel Management: Connections between Farm Characteristics and High Tunnel Outcomes in Indiana
Authors: Bruce Analena B. , Maynard Elizabeth T. , Valliant Julia C.D. , Farmer James R.
Published: August 2021

High tunnels are a low-cost technology that can strengthen local and regional food systems and have been shown to help farmers extend the growing season and increase the yield and shelf life, and improve the quality of their crops. This study addresses a need for a better understanding of farmers’ experience with integrating high tunnels into their operations, to understand the human dimensions of high tunnel management. We present an analysis of survey and interview data to examine how farm characteristics affect the outcomes of growing specialty crops in high tunnels. Our findings show that farmers managing different types of farms have taken distinct approaches to integrating and managing high tunnels on their farms, with important implications for farm-level outcomes. We identify three types of farms commonly adopting high tunnels in Indiana: 1) alternative food and agriculture enterprises (AFAEs) are consumer-oriented, small-scale farms that sell their products directly to their customers in relationship-based market networks such as farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture; 2) mixed enterprise farmers have larger operations and sell into both conventional commodity markets and direct markets; and 3) side enterprise farmers operate small-scale enterprises and their primary household income comes from off-farm employment or another business. Farm type is associated with divergent levels of time and labor investment, resulting in higher capacity use of high tunnels and greater financial return for AFAE farmers who make high tunnels central to their business, compared with mixed and side enterprise farmers who invest less time and labor into their high tunnels. We explain how farm characteristics and approaches to adopting the infrastructure shape farmers’ success and high-capacity use of high tunnels.
Impact of climate change on water resources and crop yield in the Middle Egypt region
Authors: Mostafa Soha M. , Wahed Osama , El-Nashar Walaa Y. , El-Marsafawy Samia M. , Abd-Elhamid Hany F.
Published: August 2021

Egypt's water resources are already limited. Moreover, climate change will put greater pressure on these resources. This research aims to assess the impact of climate change on the water demands for one of the most important Egyptian food crops which is the wheat crop. In addition, a number of adaptation strategies were tested to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on wheat productivity and its water relations. The current study was carried out in the Middle Egypt region. Two models were used, the first is the climate model (MAGICC/SCENGEN), which is used to simulate the impact of global greenhouse gas emissions on the rate of rise in temperature at the regional level. The second is the irrigation model (CROPWAT8.0), which is used to simulate the irrigation water requirements under current and likely climate change conditions. The results indicated that the increase in greenhouse gas emissions will cause the temperature to rise over the study area by about 2.12 °C in 2050 and 3.96 °C by 2100. As a result, the irrigation water needs for wheat crop are likely to increase by 6.2 and 11.8% in 2050 and 2100, respectively. In addition, wheat productivity will decline by 8.6 in 2050 and 11.1% in 2100.
Molecular prevalence and subtype distribution ofBlastocystissp. in Asia and in Australia
Authors: Nemati Sara , Zali Mohammad Reza , Johnson Paul , Mirjalali Hamed , Karanis Panagiotis
Published: August 2021

Blastocystis is a prevalent protozoan parasite reported in humans, animals, and environmental samples. Over the past decade, numerous studies have investigated the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. alongside with its genetic and biochemical features. However, studies on subtype distribution of this protozoan in humans, animals, and environmental samples represent the potential transmission routes. In this review, we evaluated studies performed in Asian countries and in Australia to provide an overview of environmental factors on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. among humans, animals, and the environment.
Lives em cartaz
Authors: Lewitzki Taisa
Published: August 2021

Ensaio visual não exige resumo.
A Diversidade como arma
Authors: Lima Alef de Oliveira
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo parte de uma série de notícias, reportagens e materiais etnográficos retirados da minha pesquisa de tese para apontar e refletir, a partir de uma mirada antropológica, a existência de um jogo marcial de ataques e resistências no campo da educação, em que a questão dos valores, ideologias e formas de representação social da diversidade se chocam dentro da conjuntura político-social atual. Esses conflitos são tomados enquanto campos de batalha assimétricos e vistos por um conceito de Guerra cultural. Minorias políticas, de gênero, raça, classe e diferentes atores sociais marginalizados e estigmatizados se colocam no frame de resistências simbólicas-materiais frente às práticas conservadores do Estado brasileiro na contemporaneidade. Tal processo instrumentaliza a diversidade não apenas de maneira conceitual-descritiva, mas como produto performático de poder e rebeldia. A diversidade, nesse sentido, se apresenta por perspectivas e escalas conflitantes: instrumento de pânico moral, pauta progressista, modo de construção de identidades sociais, critério de autopromoção política, chave de debates pedagógicos.