bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of copanlisib in patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Panayiotidis Panayiotis , Follows George A. , Mollica Luigina , Nagler Arnon , Özcan Muhit , Santoro Armando , Stevens Don , Trevarthen David , Hiemeyer Florian , Garcia-Vargas Jose , Childs Barrett H. , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Dreyling Martin
Published: March 2021

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is challenging to treat, with many patients relapsing following initial treatment. We report the long-term efficacy and safety of copanlisib, a pan-class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, in the subset of 23 patients with relapsed/refractory MZL treated in the phase 2 CHRONOS-1 study (#NCT01660451, Part B; www.clinicaltrials.gov). Patients had a median of 3 prior lines of therapy, including rituximab and alkylating agents, and received IV copanlisib 60 mg on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles for a median of 23 weeks. The objective response rate was 78.3% (18/23; 3 complete responses and 15 partial responses). The median duration of response was 17.4 months (median follow-up, 9.4 months), and median time to response was 2.1 months. Median progression-free survival was 24.1 months (median follow-up, 10.3 months), and median overall survival was not reached (median follow-up, 28.4 months). The most common all-grade treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) included fatigue (52.2%, 12/23), diarrhea, and transient, infusion-related hyperglycemia (each 47.8%, 11/23). Nineteen patients (82.6%) had grade 3/4 TEAEs, most commonly transient, infusion-related hyperglycemia and hypertension (each 39.1%, 9/23). TEAEs led to dose reduction or dose interruptions /delays in 9 patients (39.1%) and 18 patients (78.3%), respectively. Patients with activated PI3K/B-cell antigen receptor signaling had improved response rates. Overall, copanlisib demonstrated strong efficacy, with a short time to objective response, improved objective response rate with longer treatment duration, durable responses, and manageable safety, in line with previous reports. These data provide rationale for long-term treatment with copanlisib in patients with relapsed/refractory MZL.
Association of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, mean diameter of coronary arteries, and uric acid level with coronary slow flow in isolated coronary artery ectasia
Authors: Yang Zhuoxuan , Yuan Jiansong , Cui JinGang , Guan Hao , Qiao Shubin
Published: March 2021

Background

The pathophysiology of isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) with the coronary slow flow (CSF) phenomenon is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for isolated CAE complicated with CSF.

Methods

A total of 126 patients with isolated CAE were selected retrospectively. The patients were grouped into the no CSF (NCSF) group (n = 55) and the CSF group (n = 71) according to the corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC). Data on demographics, laboratory measurements, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), CTFC and diameters of three coronary arteries were collected.

Results

The proportions of males (84.5% vs. 61.8%, p = 0.004) and patients with a smoking history (63.4% vs. 43.6%, p = 0.021) were higher in the CSF group than in the NCSF group. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (2.08(1.68–3.21) vs. 1.89 ± 0.58, p = 0.001), mean diameter of coronary arteries (mean D) (5.50 ± 0.85 vs. 5.18 ± 0.91, p < 0.001), and uric acid (URIC) level (370.78 ± 109.79 vs. 329.15 ± 79.71, p = 0.019) were significantly higher in the CSF group, while the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (4.81 ± 1.66 vs. 5.96 ± 1.75, p < 0.001) and albumin (ALB) level (44.13 ± 4.10 vs. 45.69 ± 4.11, p = 0.036) were lower. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that the LMR (odds ratio: 0.614, 95% CI: 0.464–0.814, p = 0.001), mean D (odds ratio: 2.643, 95% CI: 1.54–4.51, p < 0.001) and URIC level (odds ratio: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.001–1.012, p = 0.018) were independent predictors of CSF in CAE.

Conclusions

The LMR was a negative independent predictor of CSF in isolated CAE, while URIC level and mean D were positive independent predictors.
Quinolone resistant Salmonella species isolated from pediatric patients with diarrhea in central Iran
Authors: Abbasi Elnaz , Ghaznavi-Rad Ehsanollah
Published: March 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the frequency and the antibiotic resistance patterns ofSalmonellaspecies that were isolated from infectious diarrhea samples taken from pediatric patients in central Iran.

Methods

The study analyzed 230 stool specimens that were cultured on XLD, MacConkey agar and GN broth. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to identify theSalmonellagenus. The antibiotic resistance profiles and the frequency of quinolone and integron genes were obtained.

Results

Out of 230 samples of infectious diarrhea, 21 (9.1%) cases ofSalmonellaspp. were identified using culture methods. Another 28 (12.1%) samples had positive PCR results, withS.serovar Paratyphi B and C (9/21; 42.8%) andS.Typhi (3/21; 14.3%) being the most recognized. The highest antibiotic resistance rates were found for nalidixic acid (15/21; 71.4%), tetracycline (9/21; 42.8%). However, six (28.5%) of isolates were found resistant to cotrimoxazole, ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Among the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants,qnrS,qnrA, andqnrBwere positive in (9/15; 60%), (6/15; 40%) and (3/15; 20%) of the isolates, respectively. Class 1 and 2 integrons were identified in 15 (71.4%) and 3 (14.3%) isolates, respectively.

Conclusion

High rates of quinolone resistant and low frequency of MDRSalmonellaspp. isolates were identified in central Iran, similar to findings in other parts of Asia. To prevent the spread of these resistant strains, the antimicrobial resistance ofSalmonellaspp. isolates should be under constant surveillance, and empiric antibiotic therapy should be adapted appropriately.
Exploring the extent of digital food and beverage related content associated with a family-friendly event: a case study
Authors: Amson Ashley , Remedios Lauren , Pinto Adena , Potvin Kent Monique
Published: March 2021

Background

Exposure to unhealthy food and beverage content is a contributing factor to the obesity epidemic. Youth are susceptible to unhealthy digital food marketing including content shared by their peers, which can be as influential as commercial marketing. Current Canadian regulations do not consider the threat digital food marketing poses to health. No research to date has examined the prevalence of food related posts on social media surrounding family-friendly events. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of food related content (including food marketing) and the marketing techniques employed in social media posts related to a family-friendly event in Canada.

Methods

In this case study, a content analysis of social media posts related to a family-friendly event on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram was conducted between January to February 2019. Each post containing food related content was identified and categorized by source and food category using a coding manual. Marketing techniques found in each food related post were also assessed.

Results

A total of 732 food and beverage related posts were assessed. These posts were most commonly promoted through Instagram (n = 561, 76.6%) with significantly more individual users (61.5%; p < 0.05) generating food and beverage related content (n = 198, 27%) than other post sources. The top most featured food category was fast food (n = 328, 44.8%) followed by dine-in restaurants (n = 126, 17.2%). The most frequently observed marketing techniques included predominantly featuring a child in the post (n = 124, 16.9%; p < 0.0001), followed by products intended for children (n = 118, 16.1%; p < 0.05), and the presence of family (n = 57, 7.8%; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The present study highlights the proliferation of unhealthy food and beverage content by individuals at a family-friendly event as well as the presence of food marketing. Due to the unfettered advertising found in digital spaces, and that they are largely unregulated, it is important for future policies looking to combat childhood obesity to consider incorporating social media into their regulations to safeguard family-friendly events. General awareness on the implications of peer to peer sharing of unhealthy food and beverage posts should also be considered.
Do-not-attempt-resuscitation orders: attitudes, perceptions and practices of Swedish physicians and nurses
Authors: Bremer Anders , Årestedt Kristofer , Rosengren Ewa , Carlsson Jörg , Sandboge Samuel
Published: March 2021

Background

The values and attitudes of healthcare professionals influence their handling of ‘do-not-attempt-resuscitation’ (DNAR) orders. The aim of this study was a) to describe attitudes, perceptions and practices among Swedish physicians and nurses towards discussing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and DNAR orders with patients and their relatives, and b) to investigate if the physicians and nurses were familiar with the national ethical guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study based on a questionnaire and was conducted at 19 wards in two regional hospitals and one county hospital.

Results

210 physicians and 312 nurses (n = 522) responded to the questionnaire. Every third (35%) professional had read the guidelines with a lower proportion of physicians (29%) compared to nurses (38%). Around 40% of patients had the opportunity or ability to participate in the DNAR discussion. The DNAR decision was discussed with 38% of patients and the prognosis with 46%. Of the patients who were considered to have the ability to participate in the discussion, 79% did so. The majority (81%) of physicians and nurses believed that patients should always be asked about their preferences before a DNAR decision was made.

Conclusions

Swedish healthcare professionals take a patient’s autonomy into account regarding DNAR decisions. Nevertheless, as 50% of patients were considered unable to participate in the DNAR discussion, questions remain about the timing of patient participation and whether more discussions could have been conducted earlier. Given the uncertainty about timing, the majority of patients deemed competent participated in DNAR discussions.
Influence of COVID-19 on lifestyle behaviors in the Middle East and North Africa Region: a survey of 5896 individuals
Authors:   EARG Collaborators, Abouzid Mohamed , El-Sherif Dina M. , Eltewacy Nael Kamel , Dahman Nesrine Ben Hadj , Okasha Salah A. , Ghozy Sherief , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected health and lifestyle behaviors of people globally. This project aims to identify the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle behavior of individuals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during confinement.

Methods

We conducted an online survey in 17 countries (Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Iraq, and Sudan) from the MENA region on August and September 2020. The questionnaire included self-reported information on lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, eating habits, smoking, watching television, social media use and sleep before and during the pandemic. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle behaviors.

Results

A total of 5896 participants were included in the final analysis and 62.8% were females. The BMI of the participants was 25.4 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Around 38.4% of the participants stopped practicing any physical activities during the confinement (P < 0.001), and 57.1% reported spending more than 2 h on social media (P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in smoking habits. Also, 30.9% reported an improvement in their eating habits compared with 24.8% reported worsening of their eating habits. Fast-food consumption decreased significantly in 48.8% of the study population. This direct/indirect exposure to COVID-19 was associated with an increased consumption of carbohydrates (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02–1.17; P = 0.01), egg (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.02–1.16; P = 0.01), sugar (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02–1.16; P = 0.02), meat, and poultry (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.06–1.20; P < 0.01). There was also associated increase in hours spent on watching television (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.02–1.12; P < 0.01) and social media (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.01–1.18; P = 0.03). However, our results showed a reduction in sleeping hours among those exposed to COVID-19 infection (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.77–0.94; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in food consumption and sedentary life. Being exposed to COVID-19 by direct infection or through an infected household is a significant predictor of amplifying these changes. Public health interventions are needed to address healthy lifestyle behaviors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Microbiome meta-analysis and cross-disease comparison enabled by the SIAMCAT machine learning toolbox
Authors: Wirbel Jakob , Zych Konrad , Essex Morgan , Karcher Nicolai , Kartal Ece , Salazar Guillem , Bork Peer , Sunagawa Shinichi , Zeller Georg
Published: March 2021

The human microbiome is increasingly mined for diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers using machine learning (ML). However, metagenomics-specific software is scarce, and overoptimistic evaluation and limited cross-study generalization are prevailing issues. To address these, we developed SIAMCAT, a versatile R toolbox for ML-based comparative metagenomics. We demonstrate its capabilities in a meta-analysis of fecal metagenomic studies (10,803 samples). When naively transferred across studies, ML models lost accuracy and disease specificity, which could however be resolved by a novel training set augmentation strategy. This reveals some biomarkers to be disease-specific, with others shared across multiple conditions. SIAMCAT is freely available fromsiamcat.embl.de.
The global dissemination of hospital clones of Enterococcus faecium
Authors:   Enterococcal Group, van Hal Sebastiaan J. , Willems Rob J. L. , Gouliouris Theodore , Ballard Susan A. , Coque Teresa M. , Hammerum Anette M. , Hegstad Kristin , Westh Hendrik T. , Howden Benjamin P. , Malhotra-Kumar Surbhi , Werner Guido , Yanagihara Katsunori , Earl Ashlee M. , Raven Katherine E. , Corander Jukka , Bowden Rory
Published: March 2021

Background

The hospital-adapted A1 group ofEnterococcus faeciumremains an organism of significant concern in the context of drug-resistant hospital-associated infections. How this pathogen evolves and disseminates remains poorly understood.

Methods

A large, globally representative collection of short-read genomic data from the hospital-associated A1 group ofEnterococcus faeciumwas assembled (n = 973). We analysed, using a novel analysis approach, global diversity in terms of both the dynamics of the accessory genome and homologous recombination among conserved genes.

Results

Two main modes of genomic evolution continue to shapeE. faecium: the acquisition and loss of genes, including antimicrobial resistance genes, through mobile genetic elements including plasmids, and homologous recombination of the core genome. These events lead to new clones emerging at the local level, followed by the erosion of signals of clonality through recombination, and in some identifiable cases producing new clonal clusters. These patterns lead to new, emerging lineages which are able to spread globally over relatively short timeframes.

Conclusions

The ability of A1E. faeciumto continually present new combinations of genes for potential selection suggests that controlling this pathogen will remain challenging but establishing a framework for understanding genomic evolution is likely to aid in tracking the threats posed by newly emerging lineages.
Effect of speed and gradient on plantar force when running on an AlterG® treadmill
Authors: Thomson Athol , Whiteley Rodney , Hansen Clint , Welzel Julius , Racinais Sebastien , Wilson Mathew G.
Published: March 2021

Background

Anti-gravity treadmills are used to decrease musculoskeletal loading during treadmill running often in return to play rehabilitation programs. The effect different gradients (uphill/downhill running) have on kinetics and spatiotemporal parameters when using an AlterG® treadmill is unclear with previous research focused on level running only.

Methods

Ten well-trained healthy male running athletes ran on the AlterG® treadmill at varying combinations of bodyweight support (60, 80, and 100% BW), speed (12 km/hr., 15 km/hr., 18 km/hr., 21 km/hr., and 24 km/hr), and gradients (− 15% decline, − 10, − 5, 0, + 5, + 10 + 15% incline), representing a total of 78 conditions performed in random order. Maximum plantar force and contact time were recorded using a wireless in-shoe force sensor insole system.

Results

Regression analysis showed a linear relationship for maximum plantar force with bodyweight support and running speeds for level running (p < 0.0001, adj. R2 = 0.604). The linear relationship, however, does not hold for negative gradients at speeds 12 & 15 km/h, with a relative ‘dip’ in maximum plantar force across all assisted bodyweight settings.

Conclusions

Maximum plantar force peaks are larger with faster running and smaller with more AlterG® assisted bodyweight support (athlete unweighing). Gradient made little difference except for a downhill grade of − 5% decreasing force peaks as compared to level or uphill running.
Cardiac failure and pulmonary hypertension secondary to renal arteriovenous malformation: a case report
Authors: Albak Laura J. , Shah Ashish H. , Tam James W.
Published: March 2021

Background

Heart failure is usually associated with a low-cardiac-output state; however, a minority of these patients are characterized by a high-output cardiac state, described as a cardiac index of > 4 L/minute/m2. Usually such circulation is associated with low systemic vascular resistance or arteriovenous malformation (AVM), resulting in depressurized circulation and a high-output cardiac state. Treating physicians should be cognizant of such pathology when investigating patients with heart failure. As an example, renal arteriovenous malformations are a rare vascular phenomena that are typically the result of iatrogenic, traumatic or congenital etiology. Generally, non-salient, most are detected as an incidental finding.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old Afro-Caribbean man with multiple comorbidities presented to the emergency department with a 6-month history of heart failure symptoms. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated a giant right renal AVM leading to a significant left-to-right, post-tricuspid shunt that was treated with transcatheter coiling.

Conclusions

We present this case to emphasize the significance of a detailed workup in a patient with heart failure symptoms.
Adoption analysis of agricultural technologies in the semiarid northern Ethiopia: a panel data analysis
Authors: Gebru Menasbo , Holden Stein T. , Alfnes Frode
Published: March 2021

Agricultural technology change is required in developing countries to increase the robustness to climate-related variability, feed a growing population, and create opportunities for market-oriented production. This study investigates technological change in the form of adoption of improved wheat, drought-tolerant teff, and cash crops in the semiarid Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. We analyze three rounds of panel data collected from smallholder farms in 2005/2006, 2009/2010, and 2014/2015 with a total sample of 1269 households. Double-hurdle models are used to assess how the likelihood (first hurdle) and intensity of technology adoption (second hurdle) are affected by demographic, weather, and market factors. The results indicate that few smallholders have adopted the new crops; those that have adopted the crops only plant small shares of their land with the new crops, and that there has been only a small increase in adoption over the 10-year period. Furthermore, we found that high population density is positively associated with the adoption of improved wheat, and previous period’s rainfall is positively associated with the adoption of drought-tolerant teff. The adoption of cash crops is positively associated with landholding size and access to irrigation. The policy implications of these results are that the government should increase the improved wheat diffusion efforts in less dense population areas, make sure that drought-tolerant teff seed is available and affordable after droughts, and promote irrigation infrastructure for production of cash crops.
Amyloid pathology arrangements in Alzheimer’s disease brains modulate in vivo seeding capability
Authors: Duran-Aniotz Claudia , Moreno-Gonzalez Ines , Gamez Nazaret , Perez-Urrutia Nelson , Vegas-Gomez, Laura , Soto Claudio , Morales Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Amyloid-β (Aβ) misfolding is one of the hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD can manifest with diverse symptomatology including variable rates of cognitive decline, duration of clinical disease, and other detrimental changes. Several reports suggest that conformational diversity in misfolded Aβ is a leading factor for clinical variability in AD, analogous to what it has been described for prion strains in prion diseases. Notably, prion strains generate diverse patterns of misfolded protein deposition in the brains of affected individuals. Here, we tested the in vivo prion-like transmission features of four AD brains displaying particular patterns of amyloidosis. AD brains induced different phenotypes in recipient mice, as evaluated by their specific seeding activity, as well as the total amount of Aβ deposited surrounding vascular structures and the reactivity of amyloid pathology to thioflavin S. Our results support the notion that AD-subtypes are encoded in disease-associated Aβ. Further research exploring whether AD include a spectrum of different clinical conditions or syndromes may pave the way to personalized diagnosis and treatments.
The number of intracorneal ring segments in asymmetric and central cones
Authors: Utine Canan Asli , Özizmirliler Denizcan , Kayabaşı Mustafa , Günenç Üzeyir
Published: March 2021

Background

To compare the results of single versus double intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) (KeraRing) implantation in keratoconus with respect to different cone locations.

Methods

Twenty-two eyes of 18 patients with totally asymmetric cones (20–80% or 0–100% distribution along steep axis) were implanted with single ICRS (Group 1), 38 eyes of 32 patients with central or partially asymmetric cones (50–50% or 40–60% distribution along steep axis) were implanted with double ICRS (Group 2), at a depth of 80% of the site of implantation, in channels created with femtosecond laser device. All patients had uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA and CDVA, respectively) of ≤ 0.3 Snellen lines.

Results

In both groups, patients had median UDVA and CDVA gain of 3 Snellen lines (P > 0.05). Postoperative improvement in indices of vertical asymmetry and height decentration in Group 1; simulated keratometry, corneal astigmatism and anterior corneal asphericity values in Group 2 were greater (P < 0.05). A total of 10 eyes (45.5%) in Group 1 were recommended double ring implantation by the manufacturer’s nomogram, but underwent single ICRS implantation and achieved visual, refractive, tomographic outcomes comparable to that in Group 2, although corneal cylindrical correction was less and final topographic astigmatism was greater.

Conclusion

Double ICRS implantation seems to be superior in terms of keratometry, corneal astigmatism and anterior corneal asphericity improvement. Single ICRS implantation in totally asymmetric cones seems to provide satisfactory visual, refractive and tomographic results, similar to double ICRS implantation in central and partially asymmetric cones, by inducing central shift of the cone.
Piloting an ICU follow-up clinic to improve health-related quality of life in ICU survivors after a prolonged intensive care stay (PINA): study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rohr M. , Brandstetter S. , Bernardi C. , Fisser C. , Drewitz K. P. , Brunnthaler V. , Schmidt K. , Malfertheiner M. V. , Apfelbacher C. J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) survivors often suffer from cognitive, physical and mental impairments, known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). ICU follow-up clinics may improve aftercare of these patients. There is a lack of evidence whether or which concept of an ICU follow-up clinic is effective. Within the PINA study, a concept for an ICU follow-up clinic was developed and will be tested in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT), primarily to evaluate the feasibility and additionally the potential efficacy.

Methods/design

Design: Pilot RCT with intervention and control (usual care) arms plus mixed-methods process evaluation. Participants: 100 ICU patients (50 per arm) of three ICUs in a university hospital (Regensburg, Germany), ≥ 18 years with an ICU stay of > 5 days, a sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score > 5 during the ICU stay and a life expectancy of more than 6 months.

Intervention: The intervention will contain three components: information, consultation and networking. Information will be available in form of an intensive care guide for patients and next of kin at the ICU and phone support during follow-up. For consultation, patients will visit the ICU follow-up clinic at least once during the first 6 months after discharge from ICU. During these visits, patients will be screened for symptoms of PICS and, if required, referred to specialists for further treatment. The networking part (e.g. special referral letter from the ICU follow-up clinic) aims to provide a network of outpatient care providers for former ICU patients. Feasibility Outcomes: Qualitative and quantitative evaluation will be used to explore reasons for non-participation and the intervention´s acceptability to patients and caregivers. Efficacy Outcomes: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) will be assessed as primary outcome by the physical component score (PCS) of the Short-Form 12 Questionnaire (SF-12). Secondary outcomes encompass further patient-reported outcomes. All outcomes are assessed at 6 months after discharge from ICU.

Discussion

The PINA study will determine feasibility and potential efficacy of a complex intervention in a pilot RCT to enhance follow-up care of ICU survivors. The pilot study is an important step for further studies in the field of ICU aftercare and especially for the implementation of a pragmatic multi-centre RCT.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04186468. Submitted 2 December 2019
Chest CT manifestations with emphasis on the role of CT scoring and serum ferritin/lactate dehydrogenase in prognosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: El Bakry Rehab Abdel Rahman , Sayed Ayman Ibrahim Tharwat
Published: March 2021

Background

In March 2020, the World Health Organization announced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic, and because of the primary pulmonary manifestations of the disease, chest CT is essential in the evaluation of those patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of chest CT findings and chest CT scoring along with serum ferritin and LDH in the prognosis of COVID-19 patients in a cohort of the Egyptian population.

Results

This retrospective study included 250 patients with positive RT-PCR for COVID-19, 138 males [55.2%] and 112 females [44.8%], age range 17–82 years with median 49.5. Two hundred patients had a positive significant correlation between age, serum ferritin, serum LDH, and CT score. Bilateral affection was 88% while unilaterality was 12%, and peripheral chest CT findings were stratified as follows: mild [score from 1 to 10], 114 patients [57%]; moderate [score from 11 to 19], 65 patients [32.5%]; and severe [score from 20 to 25], 21 patients [10.5%]. In severe cases, males constitute 85.7% while females were only 14.3%. Statistical and central distribution was 67%, peripheral was 31%, and central was 2%. Ground glass opacity (GGO) was the highest pattern 39.2%, consolidation 31.2%, fibrosis 15.2%, and CP 13.7%, with lymph nodes only 0.6%. Fifteen cases [6%] were critical; all showed severe scores ranging from 21 to 23 with three times increase in serum ferritin and four times increase in LDH. A follow-up study done to 8 cases [3.2%] showed an increase in CT scoring, serum ferritin, and serum LDH.

Conclusion

Chest CT findings are crucial for early diagnosis of COVID-19 disease especially for asymptomatic patients with old age and male sex considered risk factors for poor prognosis. Chest CT score, serum ferritin, and serum LDH help in predicting the short-term outcome of the patients aiming to decrease both morbidity and mortality.
Analysis on components of characteristic X-ray yield of pure thick targets by positron impact near threshold energy
Authors: Ke Z. X. , Wu Y. , Pan M. , Liang S. , Xu M. X. , Zhao Z. , Wang B. Y. , Zhang P.
Published: March 2021

In the process of low-energy positron impact with pure thick target, the atomic inner-shell ionization is induced by not only the incident positrons whose energy is completely deposited in the target but also the other particles produced during positron-target collision, namely, the backscattered positrons that deposited part of their energy before escaping the target, the annihilation photons and the secondary electrons. In this paper, the W-M

characteristic X-ray yields of two pure thick targets with different diameters impacted by a positron accelerated by the negative high voltage to 5–9 keV have been measured. The contributions from annihilation photons, secondary electrons, backscattered positrons, and the non-uniform electromagnetic field in the target chamber to the characteristic X-ray yields have been evaluated by the realistic Monte Carlo simulation. Besides, Nagashima et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., 92 (2004) 223201) neglected the contribution from annihilation photons, secondary electrons and backscattered positrons to the yields when calculating the cross-section by the characteristic X-ray yields of thick target impacted by a positron. Here we also caculated the contribution share of the above particles to the Cu-K and the Ag-L characteristic X-ray yields of pure thick target impact by positrons below 30 keV. The results show that the contributions from the above components are non-negligible. Hence, it is necessary to modify the experimental yields for obtaining the accurate yields of pure thick targets by non-backscattered positron impact.
Magnetic, dielectric and optical properties of Al-, Mg-, Co- and Zn-ion–doped CuCrO2
Authors: Apostolova I. N. , Apostolov A. T. , Wesselinowa J. M.
Published: March 2021

The effects of Al, Mg, Co and Zn ion doping on different properties of multiferroic CuCrO2 are studied using a microscopic model and the Green's function technique. The temperature dependence of the dielectric constant

shows a kink near T

N
. For Al ion doping

decreases, for Co it increases, whereas for Mg it has a maximum for

.

decreases with increasing magnetic field h

ab
. The magnetization M is reduced with enhancing the Al and Zn doping concentration, whereas by Mg doping M shows a maximum at

. The band gap E

g
increases weakly for Zn doping. It decreases strongly with increasing Co and slightly with increasing Mg doping, which is in good quantitative agreement with the experimental data.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy Associated with Survival Benefit Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K. , White Steven A. , Naffouje Samer A. , Salti George I , Dahdaleh Fadi
Published: March 2021

Background

Data supporting the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) compared with no AC (noAC) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are lacking. This study aimed to determine whether AC improves long-term survival in patients receiving NAC and resection.

Methods

Patients receiving resection for PDAC following NAC from 2004 to 2016 were identified from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Patients with a survival rate of < 6 months were excluded to account for immortal time bias. Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression analysis were performed to account for selection bias and analyze the impact of AC on overall survival.

Results

Of 4449 (68%) noAC patients and 2111 (32%) AC patients, 2016 noAC patients and 2016 AC patients remained after PSM. After matching, AC was associated with improved survival (median 29.4 vs. 24.9 months; p < 0.001), which remained after multivariable adjustment (HR 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–0.88; p < 0.001). On multivariable interaction analyses, this benefit persisted irrespective of nodal status: N0 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.80, 95% CI 0.72–0.90; p < 0.001), N1 (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67–0.86; p < 0.001), R0 margin status (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75–0.89; p < 0.001), R1 margin status (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64–0.93; p = 0.007), no neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NART; HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.96; p = 0.009), and use of NART (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.73–0.88; p < 0.001). Stratified analysis by nodal, margin, and NART status demonstrated consistent results.

Conclusion

AC following NAC and resection is associated with improved survival, even in margin-negative and node-negative disease. These findings suggest completing planned systemic treatment should be considered in all resected PDACs previously treated with NAC.
A Computational Study on Reduction Mechanism of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis
Authors: Okumoto Satoshi , Kitagawa Yasutaka
Published: March 2021

The redox reaction pathway of silver nanocluster formation in the polyol method is investigated by density functional theory calculation. It is suggested that the formation of Ag2(0) cluster with silver acetate dimer and glycol is more likely to occur via the Ag–carbon bond intermediate rather than via concerted double proton transfer or Ag-alkoxide intermediate. The aldehyde produced from glycol acts as a stronger reducing agent in the reaction. This mechanism provides important insights for controlling the reaction of the polyol process.
Risk-Based Selection in Unemployment Insurance: Evidence and Implications
Authors: Landais Camille , Nekoei Arash , Nilsson Peter , Seim David , Spinnewijn Johannes
Published: March 2021

This paper studies whether adverse selection can rationalize a universal mandate for unemployment insurance (UI). Building on a unique feature of the unemployment policy in Sweden, where workers can opt for supplemental UI coverage above a minimum mandate, we provide the first direct evidence for adverse selection in UI and derive its implications for UI design. We find that the unemployment risk is more than twice as high for workers who buy supplemental coverage. Exploiting variation in risk and prices, we show how 25–30 percent of this correlation is driven by risk-based selection, with the remainder driven by moral hazard. Due to the moral hazard and despite the adverse selection we find that mandating the supplemental coverage to individuals with low willingness-to-pay would be suboptimal. We show under which conditions a design leaving choice to workers would dominate a UI system with a single mandate. In this design, using a subsidy for supplemental coverage is optimal and complementary to the use of a minimum mandate. (JEL D82, G22, J65)
When Does Regulation Distort Costs? Lessons from Fuel Procurement in US Electricity Generation: Comment
Authors: Han Jin Soo , Houde Jean-François , van Benthem Arthur A. , Abito Jose Miguel
Published: March 2021

We revisit one of the results in Cicala (2015) and show that the previously estimated large and significant effects of US electricity restructuring on fuel procurement are not robust to the presence of outliers. Using methodologies from the robust statistics literature, we estimate the effect to be less than one-half of the previous estimate and not statistically different from zero. The robust methodology also identifies as outliers the plants owned by a single company whose coal contracts were renegotiated before discussions about restructuring even started. (JEL D83, O13, O33, Q16)
Oil, Equities, and the Zero Lower Bound
Authors: Datta Deepa D. , Johannsen Benjamin K. , Kwon Hannah , Vigfusson Robert J.
Published: March 2021

From late 2008 to 2014, oil and equity returns were more positively correlated than in other periods. In addition, we show that both oil and equity returns became more responsive to macroeconomic news. We provide empirical evidence that these changes resulted from the zero lower bound (ZLB) on nominal interest rates, consistent with the theoretical predictions of a model that includes the ZLB. Although the ZLB alters the economic environment in theory, supportive empirical evidence has been lacking. Our paper provides clear evidence of the ZLB altering the economic environment. (JEL E12, E32, E43, G12, G14, Q43)
Development and Validation of a Functional Capacity Test for Collegiate Dancers
Authors: Seifert Allison M. , Mullin Elizabeth M. , Zehnder Sarah , Paolone Vincent J.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to design and validate a peak functional capacity test that is physiologically comprehensive and appropriate in movement for dancers with broad dance backgrounds. The Seifert Assessment of Functional Capacity for Dancers (SAFD) employs commonly utilized
dance movements in progressively intense 3-minute stages, continued until volitional exhaustion. A convenience sample of 13 female collegiate dancers completed a familiariza- tion trial of the SAFD, an SAFD trial, a peak treadmill test, and a second SAFD trial. Time to exhaustion, peak oxygen
consumption (VO2 peak), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured with each trial. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess test-retest reliability, while concurrent validity was
analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlations (PPMCs). Strong ICCs were found between the SAFD trials for time to exhaustion, VO2 peak, HR, and RPE, providing evidence of test-retest reliability of the SAFD. Significant positive relationships were found between time to exhaustion,
VO2 peak, HR, BLa, and RPE for the SAFD and the treadmill test, providing evidence of concurrent validity of the SAFD. The data reported in the study provide initial evidence of reliability and validity for the SAFD.
Perfectionism Among Young Female Competitive Irish Dancers - Prevalence and Relationship with Injury Responses
Authors: Pentith Rebecca , Moss Samantha Louise , Lamb Kevin , Edwards Carmel
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the prevalence of perfectionism among young female competitive Irish dancers and examined the relationships between perfectionistic tendencies and coping strategies used when experiencing injury. Sixty-eight female dancers (Mean age: 14 ± 2.3 years) completed
the Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire and provided a record of injuries incurred during their championship careers. Participants reported 189 injuries, mostly involving the lower extremities. Seventy-nine percent of dancers reported perfectionistic tendencies
(mixed perfectionism 40%, pure self-oriented perfectionism 29%, pure socially prescribed perfectionism 10%), and most frequently adopted "planful problem-solving," "seeking social support," "distancing," and "self-controlling" strategies to cope with injury. Perfectionism and two coping strategies
were found to be significantly related (p = 0.03); "planful problem-solving" was typically used "quite a bit or a great deal" by the mixed perfectionism group, but only "somewhat" by the non-perfectionism group, whereas "confrontive coping" was typically not used by the non-perfectionism group
but was used "somewhat" by the mixed perfectionism group. Given the presence of such a large degree of perfectionism and the simultaneous employment of problem- and emotion-focused strategies when coping with injuries, it is suggested that medical practitioners acknowledge such tendencies
when supporting their dancers in order to reduce the likelihood of negative psychological impact.
Συσχέτιση της ανοσοτροποποιητικής δράσης των πολυακόρεστων λιπαρών οξέων μακράς αλύσου με τον πολυμορφισμό -1082 A/G της ιντερλευκίνης 10 σε παιδιά με τροφική αλλεργία
Authors: Νεδελκοπούλου Ναταλία
Published: March 2021

H παρούσα μελέτη αποτελεί την πρώτη «in vitro μελέτη» σε παιδιά με τροφική αλλεργία και υγιείς μάρτυτες που διερεύνησε την άμεση επίδραση των πολυακόρεστων λιπαρών οξέων μακράς αλύσου (LCPUFA) σε καλλιέργειες λεμφοκυτάρων και στην παραγωγή της IL-­10, η οποία αποτελεί την κύρια κυτταροκίνη που παράγουν τα επαγώγιμα Τregs. Επιπρόσθετα, για πρώτη φορά μελετήθηκε η συσχέτιση της επίδρασης ενός γονιδιακού πολυμορφισμού της IL-­10, του ‐1082A/G, που βρίσκεται στην περιοχή του εκκινητή του γονιδίου της IL-­10, με την ανοσοτροποποιητική δράση των LCPUFA. Την ομάδα μελέτης αποτέλεσαν 62 παιδιά ηλικίας 1-5 ετών με επιβεβαιωμένη IgE- μεσολαβούμενη τροφική αλλεργία. Στην ομάδα ελέγχου συμμετείχαν 92 παιδιά ηλικίας 1-7.5 ετών με αρνητικό ιστορικό ατοπίας και αρνητικό εργαστηριακό έλεγχο για κοινά τροφικά αντιγόνα. Η μελέτη περιλαμβάνει δύο στάδια. Κατά το πρώτο στάδιο πραγματοποιήθηκε η απομόνωση του DNA και ο προσδιορισμός του γονιδιακού πολυμορφισμού -1082A/G της IL-10 με τη μέθοδο Sanger στην ομάδα μελέτης και τους υγιείς μάρτυρες. Κατά το δεύτερο στάδιο της μελέτης, πραμγατοποιήθηκαν καλλιέργειες λεμφοκυττάρων και μελετήθηκε η ανοσοτροποποιητική επίδραση των LCPUFA στον αριθμό των Τ ρυθμιστικών λεμφοκυττάρων, αλλά και τη λειτουργικότητά τους που εκτιμήθηκε με τον προσδιορισμό της παραγωγής της IL-10. Επιπλέον, διερευνήθηκε κατά πόσον η πιθανή ανοσοτροποιητική επίδραση των LCPUFA μπορεί να τροποποιείται σε άτομα που φέρουν το γονιδιακό πολυμορφισμό -1082 Α/G. Η παρούσα μελέτη και τα in vitro πειράματα που πραγματοποιήθηκαν επιβεβαιώνουν την ανοσοτροποποιητική δράση των ω-3 και ω-6 λιπαρών οξέων αναφορικά με τον αριθμό των T ρυθμιστικών λεμφοκυττάρων,το επίπεδο της IL-10 και την έκφραση του υποδοχέα της IL-10. Η ανοσορυθμιστική δράση των LCPUFA φαίνεται ότι εξαρτάται τόσο από το ανοσολογικό υπόβαθρο των ατόμων, όσο και τη γενετική ποικιλομορφία.
Cosmological aspects of unified theories
Authors: Λυμπέρης Ανδρέας
Published: March 2021

Στη παρούσα διατριβή, μελετάμε κοσμολογικές πτυχές ορισμένων από τα γνωστά μοντέλα σκοτεινής ενέργειας, επεκτείνοντας την έρευνά μας στις Ενοποιημένες Θεωρίες. Εξετάζουμε την ύπαρξη γεωδαισιακά πλήρων ανωμαλιών στα quintessence και βαθμοτανυστικά quintessence μοντέλα χρησιμοποιώντας αναλυτικές εκφράσεις για τον συντελεστή κλίμακας και το βαθμωτό πεδίο. Στη συνέχεια, χρησιμοποιώντας την εντροπία Tsallis και εφαρμόζοντας τον πρώτο νόμο της θερμοδυναμικής κατασκευάζουμε νέα κοσμολογικά σενάρια σκοτεινής ενέργειας. Το Σύμπαν εμφανίζει τη συνηθισμένη θερμική ιστορία, με την ακολουθία της εποχής της ύλης και σκοτεινής ενέργειας, και σύμφωνα με την τιμή της μη εκτατής παραμέτρου δ η καταστατική εξίσωση σκοτεινής ενέργειας μπορεί να είναι quintessence, phantom-like, ή να βιώνει το phantom-divide crossing κατά τη διάρκεια της εξέλιξης. Στην περίπτωση όπου έχουμε απουσία της κοσμολογικής σταθεράς, το σενάριο μπορεί να μιμηθεί πολύ καλά την ΛCDM Κοσμολογία, σε εξαιρετική συμφωνία με τα παρατηρησιακά δεδομένα Supernovae Ia. Τέλος, επανεξετάζουμε τον πληθωρισμό με μη κανονικά βαθμωτά πεδία. Ένα σημαντικό πλεονέκτημα αυτής της προσέγγισης είναι ότι οι ελεύθερες παράμετροι, όπως ο εκθέτης μη κανονικότητας δεν χρειάζεται να λαμβάνει αφύσικες τιμές. Το σενάριο που προκύπτει μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε πληθωριστικές παρατηρήσιμες ποσότητες οι οποίες βρίσκονται σε αξιοσημείωτη συμφωνία με τις παρατηρήσεις.
Ο ρόλος της μαγνητικής τομογραφίας καρδιάς στη μελέτη, εκτίμηση και διαχείριση ασθενών με πνευμονική υπέρταση
Authors: Καλλιφατίδης Αλέξανδρος
Published: March 2021

Σκοπός της διατριβής ήταν η εκτίμηση της επιπρόσθετης συνεισφοράς των παραμέτρων που προκύπτουν από την ποσοτικοποίηση της παραμόρφωσης της δεξιάς κοιλίας και του δεξιού κόλπου, με τη χρήση προχωρημένων τεχνικών μαγνητικής τομογραφίας καρδιάς, στην πρόγνωση ασθενών με πνευμονική υπέρταση. Το global longitudinal strain (GLS) έχει αναδειχθεί βιβλιογραφικά από τους σημαντικότερους παράγοντες εξ αυτών. Παρομοίως στα πλαίσια της μελέτης μας, δόθηκε ιδιαίτερη έμφαση σε αυτή την παράμετρο, όπως αυτή ποσοτικοποιείται με την νεότερη τεχνική CMR-feature tracking, τόσο στην δεξιά κοιλία όσο και στο δεξιό κόλπο. Το κύριο εύρημα της παρούσας μελέτης είναι ότι οι παράμετροι παραμόρφωσης του δεξιού κόλπου (RA) και της δεξιάς κοιλίας (RV) επηρεάζονται σημαντικά στους ασθενείς των ομάδων πνευμονικής υπέρτασης που μελετήσαμε σε σύγκριση με υγιή δείγματα ελέγχου. Η ελάττωση του RV και RA GLS σχετίστηκε σημαντικά με αυξημένο κίνδυνο κλινικής επιδείνωσης, ενώ είχε επιπρόσθετη αξία στην πρόγνωση κλινικής επιδείνωσης σε ένα πολυπαραγοντικό μοντέλο που συμπεριλάμβανε τη λειτουργική κατάταξη κατά WHO και τις τιμές NT-proBNP. Η παρούσα μελέτη καταδεικνύει την συνεισφορά της εκτίμησης της πρώιμης έκπτωσης των παραγόντων παραμόρφωσης, ιδιαίτερα της δεξιάς κοιλίας, στην πρόγνωση ασθενών με πνευμονική υπέρταση, όσο και τον σημαντικό ρόλο της διατήρησης της συσταλτικότητας του δεξιού κόλπου σ’ αυτή την κατηγορία των ασθενών.
Σταθερότητα και αλλαγή των αναπαραστάσεων για τον δεσμό: η επίδραση της επιληψίας στην ποιότητα του δεσμού τον πρώτο χρόνο μετά τη διάγνωση
Authors: Δημάτης Κωνσταντίνος , Βορριά Παναγιώτα
Published: March 2021

A secure mother-child attachment early in life promotes healthy socio-emotional development. Security of attachment can be maintained through positive parental care over time. Life stresses can impact on maternal availability and sensitivity and lead to changes in attachment quality towards insecure patterns of attachment. The present study, which is part of a larger research project, aims to explore for the first time in a Greek population of preschool- and school-aged children and their mothers the impact of pediatric illness on stability and change of mother-child attachment representations. Twenty-five children, 9 boys and 16 girls, 4-9 years old with a recent diagnosis of epilepsy, were assessed using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task (MCAST) at two time points, T1 and T2. Participants’ mothers completed the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) at both times (Τ1, Τ2). The results seem to confirm the stability and change of attachment representations during the first year after the diagnosis of epilepsy. The importance of perceived social support by mothers for positive change of mother-child attachment representations is also stressed by the authors.
Μια σύντομη εκδοχή του Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ-SF): έλεγχος των ψυχομετρικών χαρακτηριστικών σε νεαρούς/ές ενήλικες
Authors: Διαμαντοπούλου Γεωργία , Πλατσίδου Μαρία
Published: March 2021

In the last two decades, there has been a growing interest in short versions of questionnaires for measuring several psychological constructs. Focusing on identity development, in the present study, we extracted and tested the psychometric properties of the EIPQ-SF, a short version of the EIPQ scale for measuring identity according to Marcia’s identity statuses (achieved, foreclosed, moratorium and diffused identity). The data of our study derived from a sample of 210 college students aged 18-25 years. For extracting the EIPQ-SF, we first tested the content of the items of the original EIPQ and then we performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We evaluated the predictive validity of the EIPQ-SF by comparing the levels of self-esteem among participants with achieved, foreclosed, moratorium and diffused identity. The results of our study indicate that EIPQ-SF has a good factor structure and adequate validity and reliability; therefore, it can be used as a short scale for measuring identity in typical samples of young adults (university students). The advantages, applications as well as the limitations of the EIPQ-SF are thoroughly discussed.