bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvation dynamics in electronically polarizable solvents: Theoretical treatment using solvent-polarizable three-dimensional reference interaction-site model theory combined with time-dependent density functional theory
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Yoshida Norio
Published: January 2021

The theory of solvation structure in an electronically polarizable solvent recently proposed by us, referred to as the “solvent-polarizable three-dimensional reference interaction-site model theory,” is extended to dynamics in this study through the combination with time-dependent density functional theory. Test calculations are performed on model charge-transfer systems in water, and the effects of electronic polarizability on solvation dynamics are examined. The electronic polarizability slightly retards the solvation dynamics. This is ascribed to the decrease in the curvature of the nonequilibrium free energy profile along the solvation coordinate. The solvent relaxation is bimodal, and the faster and the slower modes are assigned to the reorientational and the translational modes, respectively, as was already reported by the surrogate theory combined with the site–site Smoluchowski–Vlasov equation. The relaxation path along the solvation coordinate is a little higher than the minimum free energy path because the translational mode is fixed in the time scale of the reorientational relaxation.
Vector measurements using all optical scalar atomic magnetometers
Authors: Zhang Rui , Mhaskar Rahul , Smith Ken , Balasubramaniam Easswar , Prouty Mark
Published: January 2021

Vector field measurement is demonstrated with an all-optical scalar atomic magnetometer using intrinsic parameters related to its scalar operation. The Bell-Bloom type atomic magnetometer measures the Larmor precession of cesium atoms through on-resonant absorption of a probe beam. While the AC component of the probe signal is used for the field magnitude measurement, the probe DC signal contains information about the polar angle, defined as the angle between the magnetic field and the probe beam. Additional polar angle information is obtained from the light-shift-induced magnetic field caused by the frequency modulation of the probe beam. With a measurement time of 100 ms, better than 0.02° sensitivity has been achieved using a commercial miniaturized sensor at the optimal sensor orientation. The angle measurement accuracy is checked against an optical encoder over the entire polar angle range of 0°–180°. Better than 1° error is recorded over most set polar angles. Azimuthal angle measurement is also exhibited with two orthogonally oriented sensors.
Fundamentos teóricos, neurológicos, psicológicos y lingüísticos del estudio de la competencia
humorística
Authors: Jiménez Ruiz Juan Luis , Palenzuela Sánchez Ángeles
Published: January 2021

Abstracta

El uso del lenguaje en los niños de edad escolar experimenta cambios cuantitativos y cualitativos. Entre los
cambios cualitativos se encuentra el desarrollo de la conciencia metapragmática, directamente implicada en la evolución del humor
verbal. En este trabajo realizamos una síntesis bibliográfica que ofrece el estado de la cuestión de la aproximación a la
competencia humorística como fenómeno transversal: neurológico, psicológico y lingüístico.
Implementation and validation of the relativistic transient absorption theory within the dipole approximation
Authors: Zapata Felipe , Vinbladh Jimmy , Lindroth Eva , Dahlström Jan Marcus
Published: January 2021

A relativistic transient absorption theory is derived, implemented and validated within the dipole approximation based on the time-dependent Dirac equation. In the non-relativistic limit, it is found that the absorption agrees with the well established non-relativistic theory based on the time-dependent Schrödringer equation. Time-dependent simulations have been performed using the Dirac equation and the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom in two different attosecond transient absorption scenarios. These simulations validate the present relativistic theory. The presented work can be seen as a first step in the development of a more general relativistic attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy method for studying heavy atoms, but it also suggests the possibility of studying relativistic effects, such as Zitterbewegung, in the time domain.
Expressibility of comb tensor network states (CTNS) for the P-cluster and the FeMo-cofactor of nitrogenase
Authors: Li Zhendong
Published: January 2021

Polynuclear transition metal complexes such as the P-cluster and the FeMo-cofactor of nitrogenase with eight transition metal centers represent a great challenge for current electronic structure methods. In this work, we initiated the use of comb tensor network states (CTNS), whose underlying topology has a one-dimensional backbone and several one-dimensional branches, as a many-body wavefunction ansatz to tackle these challenging systems. As an important first step, we explored the expressive power of CTNS with different underlying topologies. To this end, we presented an algorithm to express a configuration interaction (CI) wavefunction into CTNS based on the Schmidt decomposition. The algorithm was illustrated for representing approximate CI wavefunctions obtained from selected CI calculations for the P-cluster and the FeMo-cofactor into CTNS with three chemically meaningful comb structures, which successively group orbitals belonging to the same atom into branches. The conventional matrix product states (MPS) representation was obtained as a special case. We also discussed the insights gained from such decompositions, which shed some light on the future developments of efficient numerical tools for polynuclear transition metal complexes.
Effect of nanofiller morphology on the electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Fang Qichen , Lafdi Khalid
Published: January 2021

Conductive polymers and nanocomposites have attracted great attention in industry and academia for their tremendous potential applications. Most of the research was focused on the type and amount of nano-additives used and fewer on their morphology which is critical in forming the conductive network. In this paper, a detailed investigation of the effect nanomaterial’s morphology was carried out to study their electrical conductivity properties. Silver nanowire (AgNW) nanocomposite and silver nanoparticle (AgNP) nanocomposite were fabricated. The morphology, crystallinity, and orientation of various silver nanofillers were characterized. AgNW based nanocomposites have shown a lower percolation threshold. A conductive unit based model was established to explain the evolution of the conductive network and aggregation. The aggregation geometry of nanofiller appeared as a dominant factor in altering the percolation behavior.
Aspiration Before Tissue Filler—An Exercise in Futility and Unsafe Practice
Authors: Goodman Greg J , Magnusson Mark R , Callan Peter , Roberts Stefania , Hart Sarah , Lin Frank , Rahman Eqram , McDonald Cara B , Liew Steven , Porter Cath , Corduff Niamh , Clague Michael
Published: January 2021

Background

Aesthetic physicians rely on certain anecdotal beliefs regarding the safe practice of filler injections. These include a presumed safety advantage of bolus injection after a negative aspiration.

Objectives

The authors sought to review and summarize the published literature on inadvertent intravascular injection of hyaluronic acid and to investigate whether the technique of aspiration confers any safety to the practitioner and the patient.

Methods

Pertinent literature was analyzed and the current understanding of the safety of negative and positive aspiration outlined.

Results

The available studies demonstrate that aspiration cannot be relied on and should not be employed as a safety measure. It is safer to adopt injection techniques that avoid injecting an intravascular volume with embolic potential than utilize an unreliable test to permit a risky injection.

Conclusions

To prevent intravascular injection, understanding “injection anatomy” and injection plane and techniques such as slow, low-pressure injection are important safety measures. Assurance of safety when delivering a bolus after negative aspiration does not appear to be borne out by the available literature. If there is any doubt about the sensitivity or reliability of a negative aspiration, there is no role for its utilization. Achieving a positive aspiration would just defer the risk to the next injection location where a negative aspiration would then be relied on.

Level of Evidence: 4
BioCommons: a robust java library for RNA structural bioinformatics
Authors: Zok Tomasz
Published: January 2021

Motivation

Biomolecular structures come in multiple representations and diverse data formats. Their incompatibility with the requirements of data analysis programs significantly hinders the analytics and the creation of new structure-oriented bioinformatic tools. Therefore, the need for robust libraries of data processing functions is still growing.

Results

BioCommons is an open-source, Java library for structural bioinformatics. It contains many functions working with the 2D and 3D structures of biomolecules, with a particular emphasis on RNA.

Availability and implementation

The library is available in Maven Central Repository and its source code is hosted on GitHub: https://github.com/tzok/BioCommons

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MultiNanopolish: refined grouping method for reducing redundant calculations in Nanopolish
Authors: Hu Kang , Huang Neng , Zou You , Liao Xingyu , Wang Jianxin
Published: January 2021

Motivation

Compared with the second-generation sequencing technologies, the third-generation sequencing technologies allows us to obtain longer reads (average ∼10 kbps, maximum 900 kbps), but brings a higher error rate (∼15% error rate). Nanopolish is a variant and methylation detection tool based on hidden Markov model, which uses Oxford Nanopore sequencing data for signal-level analysis. Nanopolish can greatly improve the accuracy of assembly, whereas it is limited by long running time since most executive parts of Nanopolish is a serial and computationally expensive process.

Results

In this paper, we present an effective polishing tool, Multithreading Nanopolish (MultiNanopolish), which decomposes the whole process of iterative calculation in Nanopolish into small independent calculation tasks, making it possible to run this process in the parallel mode. Experimental results show that MultiNanopolish reduces running time by 50% with read-uncorrected assembler (Miniasm) and 20% with read-corrected assembler (Canu and Flye) based on 40 threads mode compared to the original Nanopolish.

Availability and implementation

MultiNanopolish is available at GitHub: https://github.com/BioinformaticsCSU/MultiNanopolish

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Interaction between prenatal and postnatal provisioning in a subsocial bug
Authors: Kudo Shin-Ichi , Baba Narumi , Mukai Hiromi , Hironaka Mantaro , Tanaka Keita D
Published: January 2021

When females provide different types of parental provisioning sequentially, earlier provisioning can affect later provisioning. In variable environments, selection will favour the optimal combination of prenatal and postnatal maternal effects. In the burrower bug Adomerus triguttulus, females have two types of provisioning: trophic eggs, which are deposited on clutches before hatching and are consumed immediately by hatchlings, and Lamium nutlets, which are delivered progressively to the brood after hatching. A previous study showed that the female alters trophic egg allocation according to resource conditions before oviposition. Different amounts of maternal trophic egg provisioning and consumption by offspring might affect subsequent maternal brood care, including nutlet provisioning. To examine the effect of trophic egg supply on brood care, we adjusted the number of trophic eggs available to hatchlings. When trophic eggs were removed experimentally, the females attended broods for longer and provisioned them with more nutlets. In contrast, when trophic eggs were added, females did not change the duration of care, but they provided fewer nutlets than control females. This finding provides new insights into the adaptive significance of trophic eggs.
Sex disparity in secondary prevention pharmacotherapy and clinical outcomes following acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Dagan Misha , Dinh Diem T , Stehli Julia , Tan Christianne , Brennan Angela , Warren Josephine , Ajani Andrew E , Freeman Melanie , Murphy Alexandra , Reid Christopher M , Hiew Chin , Oqueli Ernesto , Clark David J , Duffy Stephen J
Published: January 2021

Aims

We sought to investigate if sex disparity exists for secondary prevention pharmacotherapy following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and impact on long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

We analysed data on medical management 30-day post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ACS in 20 976 patients within the multicentre Melbourne Interventional Group registry (2005–2017). Optimal medical therapy (OMT) was defined as five guideline-recommended medications, near-optimal medical therapy (NMT) as four medications, sub-optimal medical therapy (SMT) as ≤3 medications. Overall, 65% of patients received OMT, 27% NMT and 8% SMT. Mean age was 64 ± 12 years; 24% (4931) were female. Women were older (68 ± 12 vs. 62 ± 12 years) and had more comorbidities. Women were less likely to receive OMT (61% vs. 66%) and more likely to receive SMT (10% vs. 8%) compared to men, P < 0.001. On long-term follow-up (median 5 years, interquartile range 2–8 years), women had higher unadjusted mortality (20% vs. 13%, P < 0.001). However, after adjusting for medical therapy and baseline risk, women had lower long-term mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–0.98; P = 0.02]. NMT (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.31; P = 0.004) and SMT (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.55–2.07; P < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of long-term mortality.

Conclusion

Women are less likely to be prescribed optimal secondary prevention medications following PCI for ACS. Lower adjusted long-term mortality amongst women suggests that as well as baseline differences between gender, optimization of secondary prevention medical therapy amongst women can lead to improved outcomes. This highlights the need to focus on minimizing the gap in secondary prevention pharmacotherapy between sexes following ACS.
Limiting transpiration rate in high evaporative demand conditions to improve Australian wheat productivity
Authors: Collins Brian , Chapman Scott , Hammer Graeme , Chenu Karine
Published: January 2021

Limited-transpiration rate at high evaporative demand (‘LTR’ trait) has potential to improve drought adaptation, crop water productivity and food security. The quantification of the implications of LTR for water consumption, biomass accumulation and yield formation requires the use of dynamic crop modelling to simulate physiological and environmental processes and interactions in target environments. Here, a new transpiration module was developed for the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM NextGen) and used to simulate atmospheric and edaphic water stress on wheat crops. This module was parameterized with (i) data from a lysimeter experiment assessing genotypic variability in the LTR trait for four genotypes contrasting in transpiration efficiency, and with (ii) a more pronounced response to high evaporative demand. The potential of the LTR trait for improving crop productivity was investigated across the Australian wheatbelt over 1989–2018. The LTR trait was simulated to allow an increase in national yield by up to 2.6 %, mostly due to shift in water use pattern, alleviation of water deficit during grain filling period and a higher harvest index. Greatest productivity gains were found in the north-east (4.9 %, on average) where heavy soils allow the conserved water with the LTR trait to be available later at more critical stages. The effect of the LTR trait on yield was enhanced under the future climate scenario, particularly in the north-east. Limiting transpiration at high evaporative demands appears to be a promising trait for selection by breeders, especially in drought-prone environments where crops heavily rely on stored soil moisture.
Multiwavelength monitoring of NGC 1275 over a decade: evidence of a shift in synchrotron peak frequency and long-term multiband flux increase
Authors: Gulati Sanna , Bhattacharya Debbijoy , Bhattacharyya Subir , Bhatt Nilay , Stalin C S , Agrawal V K
Published: January 2021

We carried out a detailed study of the temporal and broad-band spectral behaviour of one of the brightest misaligned active galaxies in γ-rays, NGC 1275, utilizing 11 years of Fermi data and the available Swift and AstroSat observations. Based on the cumulative flux distribution of the γ-ray light curve, we identified four distinct activity states and noticed an increase in the baseline flux during the first three states. A similar nature of increase in the average flux was also noticed in the X-ray and UV bands. Strong flaring activity in γ-rays was noticed in the fourth state. The source was observed twice by AstroSat for shorter intervals (∼days) during longer observing (∼years) states 3 and 4. During the AstroSat observing periods, the source γ-ray flux was higher than the average flux observed during longer duration states. The increase in average baseline flux from state 1 to state 3 can be explained by considering a corresponding increase of jet particle normalization. The inverse Comptonization of synchrotron photons explained the average X-ray and γ-ray emission by jet electrons during the first three longer duration states. However, during the shorter duration AstroSat observing periods, a shift of synchrotron peak frequency was noticed, and the synchrotron emission of jet electrons explained the observed X-ray flux well.
On the Central Case Methodology in Discrimination Law
Authors: Atrey Shreya
Published: January 2021

The central case methodology captures the features that something must have in order for it to be that thing. As applied to the field of discrimination law, the methodology helps identify both the central cases of discrimination as well as the key features of discrimination law which address such discrimination. Theorists typically conceive central cases of discrimination law from norms prohibiting discrimination on particular grounds, such as race or sex. This gives the impression that discrimination based on more than one ground is not a central case of discrimination or not prohibited by discrimination law. This article challenges that impression. It argues that, although discrimination based on a combination of grounds (‘intersectional discrimination’) is considered no more than a peripheral case in discrimination law, it should actually be considered ‘more than’ a central case itself. This is because it is epistemically able to capture discrimination in a wider sense. With this, the article seeks to orientate the theoretical discourse in discrimination law to the correct application of the central case methodology which necessitates the consideration of intersectional discrimination.
An atypical presentation ofSalmonella entericaser Dublin in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Janvier Adrien L , Ehsan Amrat , Shah Sajid H
Published: January 2021

Mycotic aneurysms of the carotid artery are a rare entity that can be fatal if not diagnosed promptly. We present a 60-year-old man with a tender left-sided neck mass due to a ruptured aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery. Cultures taken intraoperatively grew Salmonella enterica ser Dublin.
Pivotal role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in a new case of Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Almasi Simin , Asadian Sanaz , Tabesh Faezeh , Rabiei Parham , Rezaeian Nahid
Published: January 2021

Takayasu arteritis (TA), also known as the pulseless disease, is a form of vasculitis of unknown cause that chiefly affects the aorta and its major branches, most frequently in young women. The earliest detectable abnormality in TA is a thickening of the vessel wall, but diffuse aortic wall calcification is very rare and is a late manifestation. Besides, the involvement of the coronary arteries is not a common finding in TA and frequently involves the right coronary artery (RCA). Multi-modality imaging has a fundamental role in the diagnosis of vasculitis and its complications. In this report, we want to present an unusual case with TA, diffuse aortic wall calcification and left main coronary artery ostial lesion, which is a rare combination.
Deep learning quantified mucus-tumor ratio predicting survival of patients with colorectal cancer using whole-slide images
Authors: Zhao Ke , Wu Lin , Huang Yanqi , Yao Su , Xu Zeyan , Lin Huan , Wang Huihui , Liang Yanting , Xu Yao , Chen Xin , Zhao Minning , Peng Jiaming , Huang Yuli , Liang Changhong , Li Zhenhui , Li Yong , Liu Zaiyi
Published: January 2021

Background

In colorectal cancer (CRC), mucinous adenocarcinoma differs from other adenocarcinomas in gene-phenotype, morphology, and prognosis. However, mucinous components are present in a large number of adenocarcinomas, and the prognostic value of mucus proportion has not been investigated. Artificial intelligence provides a way to quantify mucus proportion on whole-slide images (WSIs) accurately. We aimed to quantify mucus proportion by deep learning and further investigate its prognostic value in two CRC patient cohorts.

Methods

Deep learning was used to segment WSIs stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Mucus-tumor ratio (MTR) was defined as the proportion of mucinous component in the tumor area. A training cohort (N = 419) and a validation cohort (N = 315) were used to evaluate the prognostic value of MTR. Survival analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Result

Patients were stratified to mucus-low and mucus-high groups, with 24.1% as the threshold. In the training cohort, patients with mucus-high had unfavorable outcomes (hazard ratio for high vs. low 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.18–2.99, P = 0.008), with 5-year overall survival rates of 54.8% and 73.7% in mucus-high and mucus-low groups, respectively. The results were confirmed in the validation cohort (2.09, 1.21–3.60, 0.008; 62.8% vs. 79.8%). The prognostic value of MTR was maintained in multivariate analysis for both cohorts.

Conclusion

The deep learning quantified MTR was an independent prognostic factor in CRC. With the advantages of advanced efficiency and high consistency, our method is suitable for clinical application and promotes precision medicine development.
Pre-Outpatient Group Education and Assessment in Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mullins Cormac Francis , Bak Braydon , Moore David
Published: January 2021

Background

Pre-outpatient interventions in chronic pain have the potential to improve patient self-management earlier in primary or secondary care, which may minimize pain chronicity and negative health outcomes. The literature for this is sparse, and there are no existing systematic reviews on this topic.

Methods

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the evidence for pre-outpatient group interventions in chronic pain.

Results

We identified four studies that looked at this: two randomized control trials, one prospective observational study, and one descriptive study. We identified high-quality evidence that a pre-outpatient group intervention reduces waiting times, moderate-quality evidence that it results in reduced costs per patient, very low-quality evidence that it reduces health care utilization, and very low-quality evidence that it improves service throughput. There were moderate-to-low levels of participant engagement with the initiative, which varied across the included studies. For patient outcome measures, we found no evidence that a pre-outpatient group intervention improves pain intensity, very low-quality evidence that it improves pain-related interference, low-quality evidence that it increases use of pain management strategies and produces high satisfaction levels, low-quality evidence that it improves pain self-efficacy, and no evidence that it improves psychological distress.

Conclusions

Group interventions before individual appointments have the potential to provide important improvements in service delivery, including improvements in waiting times and cost per patient. Benefits for patient outcome measures are less clear. Clinical heterogeneity and high levels of bias existed in the included studies. Further research is required so that meaningful conclusions can be made about these interventions.
A clinical audit into the adherence of foot health management standards of rheumatoid arthritis compared with the foot health management standards of diabetes mellitus in North-East London
Authors: Joyce Christopher , Rajak Rizwan
Published: January 2021

Objectives

RA has an affinity for smaller joints, thus its effect on the foot/ankle is widely known. Despite this, there is lack of adherence to foot management standards by podiatrists. This research aimed to audit the adherence to these standards and compare them with well-established adherence to management standards in the diabetic foot.

Methods

In this clinical audit, data were obtained via six National Health Service (NHS) podiatry departments in North-East London on service provision, management, treatment and professional development on both RA and diabetic foot health via foot management clinical audit tools. Descriptive analyses were conducted and analysed to identify patterns and trends, with set standard compliance conditions calculated on the Net Promotor Score (NPS) metric to allow for multi-comparison.

Results

All areas of RA foot health management were found to have poor compliance when compared with diabetes foot health management. When using NPS, no trust audited met the majority of foot health standards in RA, with only two having a positive score (meeting the minimum standards), compared with all trusts posting a positive NPS on diabetes foot health standards.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that poor compliance to RA foot health standards is prevalent across the audited region and might be resulting in worsening foot outcomes despite a paradigm shift in other areas of RA management. Enhanced training and knowledge are required for better adherence to the standards set out and to improve foot health management in RA.
Choosing Wisely For Critical Care: The Next Five
Authors: Zimmerman Jerry J. , Harmon Lori A. , Smithburger Pamela L. , Chaykosky Darlene , Heffner Alan C. , Hravnak Marilyn , Kane Jason M. , Kayser Joshua B. , Lane-Fall Meghan B. , Matos Renee I. , Mauricio Riza V. , Murphy David J. , Nurok Michael , Reddy Anita J. , Ringle Eric , Seferian Edward G. , Smalls-Mantey Norma M. , To Kathleen B. , Kaplan Lewis J.
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES:

To formulate new “Choosing Wisely” for Critical Care recommendations that identify best practices to avoid waste and promote value while providing critical care.

DATA SOURCES:

Semistructured narrative literature review and quantitative survey assessments.

STUDY SELECTION:

English language publications that examined critical care practices in relation to reducing cost or waste.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Practices assessed to add no value to critical care were grouped by category. Taskforce assessment, modified Delphi consensus building, and quantitative survey analysis identified eight novel recommendations to avoid wasteful critical care practices. These were submitted to the Society of Critical Care Medicine membership for evaluation and ranking.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Results from the quantitative Society of Critical Care Medicine membership survey identified the top scoring five of eight recommendations. These five highest ranked recommendations established Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Next Five “Choosing” Wisely for Critical Care practices.

CONCLUSIONS:

Five new recommendations to reduce waste and enhance value in the practice of critical care address invasive devices, proactive liberation from mechanical ventilation, antibiotic stewardship, early mobilization, and providing goal-concordant care. These recommendations supplement the initial critical care recommendations from the “Choosing Wisely” campaign.
An Unusual Case of Gordonia sputi Cerebral Infection
Authors: Santoiemma Phillip P. , Oyon Daniel E. , Tate Matthew C. , Bolon Maureen K.
Published: January 2021

Gordonia sputi is an aerobic, gram-positive, weakly acid fast rod found in soil and water. We present the first known case of G. sputi cerebral infection as a consequence of iatrogenic intrathecal chemotherapy through an Ommaya reservoir. The patient was successfully treated with a 14-day course of antibiotics without any further complications. There is sparse information on both infections due to and treatment of G. sputi. We present our case report as well as a review of the literature on the epidemiology, susceptibility, and treatment recommendations for G. sputi infections.
Possible Neurological Toxicity of Ceftazidime/Avibactam in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Aucoin Alexander , Higuita Nelson Iván Agudelo , White Bryan Pinckney
Published: January 2021

As emerging therapies to combat the rise of antimicrobial resistance develop, one of the welcome addition is ceftazidime/avibactam, a novel β-lactamase inhibitor combined with a third-generation cephalosporin. Although the addition of avibactam increases activity against highly resistant organisms, adverse effects associated with ceftazidime can still occur. Ceftazidime has been implicated in the development of a wide range of neurotoxicities, predominately in individuals with renal insufficiency and when extended infusion is used. In this case report, we describe a patient receiving ceftazidime/avibactam for a multidrug-resistant polymicrobial infection. The patient developed an acute kidney injury followed by life-threatening neurotoxicity. This report provides further evidence and reminds practitioners of the importance of closely monitoring the renal function when prescribing ceftazidime/avibactam.
Distribution of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes, Subgenotypes, and Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Mutations in Untreated Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B From Mekong Delta
Authors: Nguyen Yen Thi Hai , Diep Yen Ngoc , Huynh Yen Kim , Pham Tam Thi , Nguyen Thang , Tran Dung Thi Ngoc , Tran Le Thi Nhu , Trinh Cua Thi Hong , Cao Nga Minh , Nguyen Bao Thanh
Published: January 2021

Background

Drug resistance has become a major concern for antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), leading to an increased risk of treatment failure. We aimed to identify the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase mutations and to determine the frequency of HBV genotypes and subgenotypes in treatment-naive patients with CHB in Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

Methods

Of the 550 drug-naive CHB patients from Mekong Delta, their serum samples were analyzed for HBV DNA mutations, genotypes, and subgenotypes using polymerase chain reaction sequencing.

Results

Of the 550 patients who were infected with either HBV genotype B (72.9%) or genotype C (27.1%), the frequencies of subgenotypes were 19% B1, 3.6% B2, 10.3% B3, 39.8% B4, 0.4% C1, and 26.9% C2. The only mutation that was detected in 54 patients (10.7%) was rtV207M. The rtV207M mutation was found among 13.9% (51/368) of genotype B and among 2.2% (3/137) of genotype C (P < 0.0001).

Discussion

Genotype B and subgenotype B4 are predominant in Mekong Delta. Only 1 mutation rtV207M is discovered in our study. These findings suggest that it is unnecessary to test for HBV resistance mutation before delivering antiviral therapy.
Ursodeoxycholic acid improves pregnancy outcome in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy
Authors: Wang Yan , Peng Xiabiao , Zhang Yongyuan , Yang Qiuchen , Xiao Yuhong , Chen Yuezhou
Published: January 2021

Background:

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a common complication in the third trimester of pregnancy, which may result in premature delivery, fetal distress, stillbirth, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a first-line treatment for ICP and has been controversial in improving adverse pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this protocol is to systematically evaluate the effect of UDCA on pregnancy outcomes in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy.

Methods:

To search the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, CBMDIsc by computer, then to include randomized controlled clinical studies on UDCA for treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy from the establishment of the database to October 1, 2020. Two researchers independently extract and evaluate the data of the included studies, and meta-analysis is conducted on the included literatures using RevMan5.3 software.

Results:

This protocol evaluates the outcome of UDCA in improving ICP by incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women preterm birth rates meconium contamination rate in amniotic fluid incidence of fetal distress scale of newborns scoring <7 in 5-min Apgar incidence of neonatal admission to neonatal intensive care unit.

Conclusion:

This protocol will provide an evidence-based basis for clinical use of UDCA in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy.

Ethics and dissemination:

Private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval was not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605 / OSF.IO / BE67H.
Low PRRX1 expression and high ZEB1 expression are significantly correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Ruixue , Liu Yuanqun , Wang Yufei , Wang Xiaolin , Ci Hongfei , Song Chao , Wu Shiwu
Published: January 2021

Background:

Paired related homeobox 1 (PRRX1) and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) have been observed to play a vital role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in different types of cancer. The microvessel density (MVD) is the most common indicator used to quantify angiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate expression of PRRX1 and ZEB1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to explore associations between these factors and tumor prognosis, EMT markers and angiogenesis.

Methods:

Data for a total of 111 surgically resected NSCLC cases from January 2013 to December 2014 were collected. We used an immunohistochemical method to detect expression levels of PRRX1, ZEB1, and E-cadherin, and to assess MVD (marked by CD34 staining). SPSS 26.0 was employed to evaluate the connection between these factors and clinical and histopathological features, overall survival (OS) and tumor angiogenesis.

Results:

PRRX1 expression was obviously lower in tumor samples than in control samples. Low expression of PRRX1, which was more common in the high-MVD group than in the low-MVD group (P = .009), correlated positively with E-cadherin expression (P < .001). Additionally, we showed that ZEB1 was expressed at higher levels in tumor samples than in normal samples. High expression of ZEB1 was associated negatively with E-cadherin expression (P < .001) and positively associated with high MVD (P = .001). Based on Kaplan-Meier and multivariate survival analyses, we found that PRRX1, ZEB1, E-cadherin and the MVD had predictive value for OS in NSCLC patients.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that PRRX1 and ZEB1 may serve as novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
The effect of thermal mineral waters on pain relief, physical function and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Ma Tianwen , Song Xiaopeng , Ma Yuanqiang , Hu Hailong , Bai Hui , Li Yue , Gao Li
Published: January 2021

Background:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thermal mineral waters therapy for pain relief, and functional improvement, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:

Cochrane Library, Web of science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials. Study inclusion criteria included assessment of the visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores and the lequesne index to evaluate the effects of thermal mineral waters on pain relief and functional improvement. Also, studies that used the European quality of life 5-dimension scale and health assessment questionnaire to assess the impact of thermal mineral waters therapy on improving QoL were included.

Results:

Sixteen studies were included. A meta-analysis showed that thermal mineral waters therapy could significantly reduce pain as measured visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities assessments (P < .001). Thermal mineral waters significantly reduced the lequesne index (P < .001) and improved joint function. Finally, compared with a control group, European quality of life 5-dimension scale and health assessment questionnaire improved significantly in patients with OA receiving thermal mineral waters therapy (P 
< .05). There is no evidence that thermal mineral waters is unsafe for treating OA.

Conclusion:

Thermal mineral waters therapy is a safe way to relieve pain, improve physical functions, and QoL in patients with OA.
Prognostic factors for postoperative survival in melanoma patients with bone metastasis
Authors: Wang Yucheng , Ren Shihong , Gong Xiaokang , Wang Jiacheng , Zhu Ning , Cai Danyang , Ruan Jianwei
Published: January 2021

Melanoma can spread to the bone by metastasis and is relevant to a poor outcome. However, because of the rarity of melanoma patients with bone metastasis, the prognostic postoperative survival factors of them have not been elucidated. The aim of this special population-based cohort was to elucidate the prognostic factors associated with postoperative survival. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to extract postoperative survival data relating to patients with melanoma and bone metastasis at diagnosis between 2010 and 2016, along with data on a range of potential postoperative prognostic factors. We then investigated the potential postoperative prognostic roles of these factors using a Cox regression model and the Kaplan-Meier analysis. In all, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database included 186 cases. Regarding overall survival, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates for the entire cohort were 36.2%, 15.4%, and 9.5%, respectively. Regarding cancer-specific survival, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 42.0%, 23.2%, and 16.6%, respectively. Within a cohort of melanoma patients with bone metastasis after surgery, our analysis showed that a smaller tumor size and the lack of metastases at other sites were predictors of survival.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in Children With Sickle Cell Disease: Case Series From Oman
Authors: Al Sabahi Amal , Al Maskari Nawal , Al Busaidi Ibrahim , Albiroty Khalil A. , Alkhamisy Ahmed , Al Hinai Karima , Al Hinai Mohammed , Al Mashaikhi Nawal , Alkendi Jalila
Published: January 2021

Background:

In March 2020, WHO announced Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. During this pandemic, patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have been placed in the “high-risk” category of the population. Although there are numerous publications describing COVID-19 in adult patients, pediatric data are still limited.

Observation:

Herein, we report case series of 5 sickle cell disease Omani children who got infected with COVID-19; illustrating their different ways of presentation, management and highlighting the outcomes.

Conclusion:

Although SCD patients are considered as a high-risk group, all of the observed patients, and whose cases are reported here, have recovered. A large scale of SCD cases should be studied to reach more conclusive results.
Parental sleep after induction therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Steur Lindsay M.H. , Rensen Niki , Grootenhuis Martha A. , van Eijkelenburg Natasha K.A. , van der Sluis Inge M. , Dors Natasja , van den Bos Cor , Tissing Wim J.E. , Kaspers Gertjan J.L. , van Litsenburg Raphaële R.L.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Parents of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are at risk for developing sleep problems. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of parental sleep problems after induction, the most intensive treatment phase, and identify predictors of poor sleep—as substantiated by a proposed conceptual model.

Methods:

Parents completed the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale, Distress Thermometer for Parents, and a sociodemographic questionnaire approximately 4 months after their child's diagnosis. Clinically relevant sleep problems were defined as a sum score >1 SD above the reference's mean, and severe problems as >2 SD. Clinical distress was defined according to the pre-established cut-off of ≥4. Pediatric patients wore an actigraph for 7 days to assess sleep efficiency, total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and wake after sleep onset. Predictive determinants of parental sleep (sociodemographic, psychosocial, actigraphic estimates of child sleep) were assessed with multiple linear regression.

Results:

Questionnaires were available from 123 parents (77% mothers). Their children (n = 120, median age 5.5 years, 60% boys) were on average 4.7 ± 1.3 months from diagnosis. The prevalence of parental sleep problems was 51%; half of this group reported severe problems. Identified predictors were clinical distress (bèta .35, P = .002), insufficient social support (bèta .26, P = .020), more “wake after sleep onset” of the child (bèta .22, P = .042), and chronic illness in the parent (bèta .18, P = .097). Explained variance was 39%.

Conclusions:

Parents of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia commonly report sleep problems after their child's induction treatment. Enhancing parental well-being benefits the whole family. Hence, early attention to sleep is warranted.
Clinical Evaluation of MR-Gated Respiratory Motion Correction in Simultaneous PET/MRI
Authors: Li Hui , Meng Xiangxi , Guan Xiangping , Zhou Nina , Liu Hui , Zhang Yan , Yu Boqi , Zhu Hua , Li Nan , Yang Zhi
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The recently available gated T1-weighted imaging with the Dixon technique enables the synchronized gating signal for both MR acquisition and PET reconstruction. Herein, we evaluated the clinical value of this MR-gated PET reconstruction in the thoracic-abdominal PET/MRI compared with non–MR-gated method.

Methods

Twenty patients (28 hypermetabolic target lesions) underwent PET/MRI. Four types of PET images were reconstructed: non–MR-gating + gated attenuation correction (AC) (group A), MR-gating + gated AC (group B), non–MR-gating + breath-hold (BH) AC (group C), and MR-gating + BH AC (group D). A 4-point objective scale (from well match to obvious mismatch was scored from 3 to 0) was proposed to evaluate the mismatch. The detection rate and quantitative metrics were also evaluated.

Results

In the patient-based analysis, for groups A through D, the detection rates were 90%, 100%, 85%, and 90% as well as 95%, 100%, 85%, and 85%, assessed by readers 1 and 2, respectively, and significant difference of mismatch score was observed with the highest proportion of 3 points in group B (85%, 90%, 35%, and 40%, and 80%, 90%, 35%, and 20%, assessed by readers 1 and 2, respectively). The lesion-based analysis demonstrated significant differences in quantitative metrics for groups A through D (all P’s < 0.05), with the highest quantitative metrics in group B (SUVmax: 7.49 ± 3.37, 8.45 ± 3.82, 6.90 ± 3.24, and 7.69 ± 3.50; SUVmean: 3.90 ± 1.60, 4.34 ± 1.84, 3.67 ± 1.61, and 4.03 ± 1.81; SUVpeak: 5.60 ± 2.50, 6.10 ± 2.80, 5.22 ± 2.40, and 5.65 ± 2.68; signal-to-noise ratio: 136.06 ± 90.58, 136.24 ± 81.63, 99.52 ± 53.16, and 107.57 ± 69.05).

Conclusions

The MR-gated reconstruction using gated AC reduced the mismatch between MR and PET images and improved the thoracic-abdominal PET image quality in simultaneous PET/MRI systems.
Covid-19 positive test cycle threshold trends predict covid-19 mortality in Rhode Island
Authors: Bostom Andrew G. , Kenyon Todd , Eaton Charles B.
Published: January 2021

The cycle thresholds (Cts) at which reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) tests for covid-19 become positive are intimately associated with both viral load, and covid-19 infectiousness (i.e., ability to culture live virus). Clinical data indicate lower Cts—and hence larger viral loads—independently predict greater covid-19 mortality when patients are hospitalized for symptomatic covid-19 pneumonia. We merged public covid-19 mortality data from the Rhode Island Department of Health with a de-identified dataset of n=5036 positive rtPCR test Cts from the Rhode Island Department of Health State Laboratory to explore the potential relationship between positive covid-19 test Ct distribution trends, and covid-19 mortality in the state of Rhode Island, from March through early to mid-June, 2020. Mean daily covid-19 positive test Ct data were compiled, and 7-day rolling average covid-19 mortality was offset by 21-days, given the lag between infection and death. We divided the Ct data into three strata, >32, 28-32, and <28, which were operationally defined as “not infectious,” “maybe infectious,” and “infectious,” respectively. Between late March and June, mean daily Ct values rose linearly (R-squared=0.789) so that by early June, as the covid-19 pandemic ebbed in severity, all means reached the noninfectious (Ct >32) range. Most notably, this May-June trend for Cts was accompanied by a marked, steady decline in Rhode Island’s daily covid-19 mortality. Our results suggest that monitoring, and public reporting of mean population covid-19 test Cts over time is warranted to gauge the vacillations of covid-19 outbreak severity, including covid-19 mortality trends.
The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction and its associated factors in patients with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Hasan Md Mehedi , Tamanna Naima Ahmed , Jamal Mohammad Nasimul , Uddin Md Jamal
Published: January 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence of olfactory dysfunctions, mainly, anosmia and to identify its associated factors in patients with COVID-19 infection.

Study design

A hospital-based prospective observational cohort study

Setting

A COVID dedicated hospital, Square Hospitals Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methods

We collected patients’ information including laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 test results. We used Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression model to assess the associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and olfactory outcomes.

Results

Out of 600 COVID-19 positive patients, 38.7% were diagnosed with olfactory dysfunction. Our analyses showed that patients’ age, smoking status, cough, dyspnea, sore throat, asthenia, and nausea or vomiting were significantly associated with the anosmia. We observed the risk of developing anosmia was greater in younger patients than in older patients, and this risk decreased as age increased [odds ratio (OR) range for different age groups: 1.26 to 1.08]. Smoking patients were 1.73 times more likely to experience anosmia than non-smoking patients [OR=1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.98]. In addition, patients complained asthenia had a significantly double risk of developing the anosmia [OR = 1.96, CI = 1.23-3.06].

Conclusions

Our study shows that about 39% of patients diagnosed with olfactory dysfunction. Patients’ age, smoking status, and asthenia are significantly positively associated with the anosmia. Since anosmia can be a significant marker for the diagnosis of COVID-19, we suggest regular screening of olfactory dysfunction in patients with early symptoms of COVID-19, particularly younger patients, smoker, and complained asthenia.