bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subaxial Cervical Pedicular Screw Insertion via the Nonanatomic Axis: Identification of Entry Point and Trajectory Based on a Radiographic Study and Workshop
Authors: Wang Yingbo , Hu Bo , Wu Jian , Chen Wei , Wang Zhong , Zhu Jun , Fan Weili , Liu Mingyong , Zhao Jianhua , Liu Peng
Published: February 2021

Study Design:

A radiological study and workshop.

Objective:

To propose a novel technique for subaxial cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion via the nonanatomic axis (nAA) and identify a new entry point (EP) and trajectory based on a radiological study.

Methods:

The new EP was determined to be the center of the upper half of the lateral mass, and the nAA was defined as the line connecting the EP and center of the pedicle. CT images of 493 subaxial cervical pedicles from 51 adults were utilized. The pedicle axis length (PAL/nPAL), pedicle transverse angle (PTA/nPTA), sagittal and transverse pedicle screw depth ratio (S-DO, T-DO), and sagittal and transverse angles (S-angle, T-angle) were measured in the anatomical axis (AA) and nAA. nAA-CPS insertions were conducted on dry specimens, and the positions of the screws were graded.

Results:

The nPTA (22.35° ± 1.57°), nPAL (23.75 ± 2.07 mm), T-DO (45.61% ± 3.10%), and S-DO (70.46% ± 4.44%) of the nAA-CPS were significantly different from the PTA (41.86° ± 2.77°), PAL (31.98 ± 2.40 mm), T-DO and S-DO of the AA-CPS (both 100% in ideal conditions), respectively ( P < .05). The T-angle and S-angle were 92.78° ± 3.07° and 92.18° ± 3.78°, respectively. A constant EP and consistent trajectory of the nAA-CPS identified by 2 perpendicular angles were summarized and utilized as the manipulation protocols of the workshop, and a perfect position was achieved in 80.00% (24/30) of screws.

Conclusion:

The nAA-CPS is a novel alternative to the classic CPS technique. A constant entry point and 2 perpendicular angles in the sagittal and transverse planes for identifying the trajectory of the nAA-CPS should be taken into account in the establishment of a manipulation protocol.
Correction to: A theoretical derivation of response to selection with and without controlled mating in honeybees
Authors: Du Manuel , Bernstein Richard , Hoppe Andreas , Bienefeld Kaspar
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Synthesis and accumulation of amylase-trypsin inhibitors and changes in carbohydrate profile during grain development of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Call Lisa , Haider Elisabeth , D’Amico Stefano , Reiter Elisabeth , Grausgruber Heinrich
Published: February 2021

Background

Recent studies indicate that amylase-trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) and certain carbohydrates referred to as FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols) play an important role in promoting wheat sensitivity. Hitherto, no study has investigated the accumulation of ATIs during the development of the wheat caryopsis. We collected caryopses of common wheat cv. ‘Arnold’ at eight different grain developmental stages to study compositional changes in ATI and FODMAP content.

Results

The harvested caryopses were analysed for their size, protein and carbohydrate concentrations. ATIs were further characterized by MALDI-TOF MS, and their trypsin inhibition was evaluated by an enzymatic assay. The results showed that ATI accumulation started about 1 week after anthesis and subsequently increased steadily until physiological maturity. However, the biological activity of ATIs in terms of enzyme inhibition was not detectable before about 4 weeks after anthesis. Carbohydrate analysis revealed the abundance of short-chain fructans in early stages of grain development, whereas non-water-soluble carbohydrates increased during later developmental stages.

Conclusions

The results provide new insights into the complex metabolisms during grain filling and maturation, with particular emphasis on the ATI content as well as the inhibitory potential towards trypsin. The time lag between ATI accumulation and development of their biological activity is possibly attributed to the assembling of ATIs to dimers and tetramers, which seems to be crucial for their inhibitory potential.
A case of recurrence of adult-onset Still’s disease in the third trimester: a case report and literature review
Authors: Hosoya Satoshi , Sadatsuki Miyuki , Izuka Shinji , Yamashita Hiroyuki , Oishi Hajime
Published: February 2021

Background

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a self-inflammatory disease showing macrophage and neutrophil activation by inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18. Although some cases with the flare of AOSD during pregnancy have been reported, most had flares in the first or second trimester and few had flares in the third trimester. In this report, we present the case of a patient with recurrent flare of AOSD in the third trimester and discuss the management of AOSD in the third trimester with the review of previous literatures.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old woman in complete AOSD remission without medication presented with impaired liver function, low platelet count, mild fever, abdominal pain, splenomegaly, and elevated ferritin and IL-18 levels at 30 gestational weeks. Although the laboratory data and physical examination finding suggested HELLP syndrome or acute fatty liver of pregnancy and we considered the termination of her pregnancy, her fetus was in a reactive status. Considering her fetal status, some specific findings of AOSD, and her AOSD history, we and rheumatologists diagnosed her with AOSD recurrence and started systemic steroid therapy. In her clinical course, three flares of AOSD occurred, twice in the third trimester and once in postpartum; twice systemic steroid pulse therapies were then needed. Ultimately, a healthy infant was delivered transvaginally at 36 gestational weeks spontaneously.

Conclusions

Specific findings of the flare of AOSD such as fever, splenomegaly, elevated ferritin and IL-18 levels, and fetal status could be useful findings for differentiation from HELLP syndrome and AFLP in the third trimester. With the careful management supported by rheumatologists, patients complicated with the flare of AOSD may continue their pregnancy longer than we expected.
Correction to: Optimization of pediatric CT scans in a developing country
Authors: Fotso Kamdem Eddy , Samba Odette Ngano , Takam Clemence Alla , Fotue Alain Jervé , Abogo Serge , Fai Cornellius Lukong
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Nutritional education during rehabilitation of children 6–24 months with acute malnutrition, under unavailability of therapeutic/supplementary foods: a retrospective study in rural Angola
Authors: Pietravalle Andrea , Scilipoti Martina , Cavallin Francesco , Lonardi Magda , Tshikamb Ivo Makonga , Robbiati Claudia , Trevisanuto Daniele , Putoto Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Background

Dietary counseling can play an important role in managing child malnutrition but is often inadequate or absent. Moreover, little emphasis is given to the usefulness of local available foods in the rehabilitation of malnourished children. This study aimed to evaluate the adherence and effectiveness of nutritional education during rehabilitation of children (6–24 months) with acute malnutrition, in a setting of unavailability of therapeutic/supplementary foods.

Methods

Retrospective observational study on the adherence to dietary counseling and the impact on growth in children 6–24 months who were referred for acute malnutrition at the Catholic Mission Hospital of Chiulo (Angola) from August 2018 to January 2019. Main outcome measures were change in dietary habits and growth gain.

Results

Sixty-four out of 120 children returned at first follow-up visit (default rate 47%). A change in dietary habits was reported in 32/64 (50%) children. Changing dietary habits was associated with an improved change in weight gain (MD 9.3 g/kg/day, 95%CI 4.2 to 14.3; p = 0.0005) and in weight/height ratio (MD 1.1 SD, 95%CI 0.7 to 1.4; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

A change in dietary habits after discharge was noted in only half of the patients who returned at first follow up visit, but it provided some advantages in term of weight gain and weight/height ratio. Further studies are needed to identify children at risk of low adherence to follow-up visits and low compliance to the nutritional recommendations, in order to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.
Associations between occupation and heavy alcohol consumption in UK adults aged 40–69 years: a cross-sectional study using the UK Biobank
Authors: Thompson Andrew , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: February 2021

Background

Understanding the relationship between occupation and alcohol use offers opportunities to provide health promotion programmes based on evidence of need. We aimed to determine associations between occupation and heavy alcohol consumption in working individuals aged 40–69 years.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using 100,817 people from the UK Biobank: 17,907 participants categorised as heavy drinkers, defined as > 35 units/week for women and > 50 units/week for men, and 82,910 drinking controls. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs were calculated for gender-specific heavy drinking in 353 occupations using Standard Occupational Classification, V.2000.

Results

Seventy-seven occupations were associated with level of alcohol consumption in drinkers. The largest ratios for heavy drinkers were observed for publicans and managers of licenced premises (PR = 2.81, 95%CI 2.52–3.14); industrial cleaning process occupations (PR = 2.09, 1.33–3.28); and plasterers (PR = 2.07, 1.66–2.59). Clergy (PR = 0.20, 0.13–0.32); physicists, geologists and meteorologists (PR = 0.40, 0.25–0.65); and medical practitioners (PR = 0.40, 0.32–0.50) were least likely to be heavy drinkers. There was evidence of gender-specific outcomes with the proportion of jobs associated with heavy drinking accounted for by skilled trade occupations being 0.44 for males and 0.05 for females, and 0.10 for males and 0.40 for females when considering managers and senior officials.

Conclusions

In the largest study of its kind, we found evidence for associations between a wider variety of occupations and the risk of heavy alcohol consumption than identified previously, particularly in females, although causality cannot be assumed. These results help determine which jobs and broader employment sectors may benefit most from prevention programmes.
Evaluating the integration of palliative care in national health systems: an indicator rating process with EAPC task force members to measure advanced palliative care development
Authors: Arias-Casais Natalia , Garralda Eduardo , Sánchez-Cárdenas Miguel Antonio , Rhee John Y. , Centeno Carlos
Published: February 2021

Background

Palliative care (PC) development cannot only be assessed from a specialized provision perspective. Recently, PC integration into other health systems has been identified as a component of specialized development. Yet, there is a lack of indicators to assess PC integration for pediatrics, long-term care facilities, primary care, volunteering and cardiology.

Aim

To identify and design indicators capable of exploring national-level integration of PC into the areas mentioned above.

Methods

A process composed of a desk literature review, consultation and semi-structured interviews with EAPC task force members and a rating process was performed to create a list of indicators for the assessment of PC integration into pediatrics, long-term care facilities, primary care, cardiology, and volunteering. The new indicators were mapped onto the four domains of the WHO Public Health Strategy.

Results

The literature review identified experts with whom 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted. A total of 34 new indicators were identified for national-level monitoring of palliative care integration. Ten were for pediatrics, five for primary care, six for long-term care facilities, seven for volunteering, and six for cardiology. All indicators mapped onto the WHO domains of policy and education while only pediatrics had an indicator that mapped onto the domain of services. No indicators mapped onto the domain of use of medicines.

Conclusion

Meaningful contributions are being made in Europe towards the integration of PC into the explored fields. These efforts should be assessed in future regional mapping studies using indicators to deliver a more complete picture of PC development.
MEBO versus topical Diltiazem versus a combination of both ointments in the treatment of acute anal fissure: a randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: El Charif Mohamad Hadi , Doughan Samer , Kredly Rawya , Kassas Sara , Azab Rayan , Sbaity Eman
Published: February 2021

Background

Anal fissure is a common complication of the anorectal region and one of the most reported causes of anal pain. Acute anal fissure can be cured by surgery or medical treatment. There is an increase in the use of topical therapy for the treatment of anal fissures. A common topical drug used is Diltiazem (DTZ), a calcium-channel blocker, which relaxes the anal sphincter and thus promotes healing of the anal fissure. Moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) is an ointment that is effective for the treatment of burns and wound healing and is becoming popular in the treatment of anal fissures.

Methods

This is a 1:1:1 randomized, controlled, parallel design, with endpoint measures of change in pain score, wound healing, defecation strain score and patient’s global impression of improvement. The study will be conducted at AUBMC over a 10-week period. Patients will be randomized to three treatment arms: MEBO, Diltiazem, and a combination of MEBO and Diltiazem ointments.

Discussion

The results of this study will allow physicians to assess the efficacy and safety of MEBO in the treatment of acute anal fissure, and also in comparison to Diltiazem. This trial will generate evidence-based conclusions regarding the use of a herbal/natural-based product (MEBO ointment) for the treatment of anal fissures.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04153032. Clinical Trial Registration Date: 06-NOVEMBER-2019.
Medical students attitudes toward and intention to work with the underserved: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Leaune Edouard , Rey-Cadilhac Violette , Oufker Safwan , Grot Stéphanie , Strowd Roy , Rode Gilles , Crandall Sonia
Published: February 2021

Background

Experts in the field of medical education emphasized the need for curricula that improve students’ attitudes toward the underserved. However, some studies have shown that medical education tends to worsen these attitudes in students. We aimed at systematically reviewing the literature assessing the change in medical students’ attitudes toward the underserved and intention to work with the underserved throughout medical education, the sociodemographic and educational factors associated with favorable medical student attitudes toward and/or intention to work with the underserved and the effectiveness of educational interventions to improve medical student attitudes toward and/or intention to work with the underserved.

Method

We conducted a systematic review on MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Three investigators independently conducted the electronic search. We assessed the change in medical students attitudes toward the underserved by computing a weighted mean effect size of studies reporting scores from validated scales. The research team performed a meta-analysis for the sociodemographic and educational factors associated with medical students attitudes toward and/or intention to work with the underserved.

Results

Fifty-five articles met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 109,647 medical students. The average response rate was 73.2%. Most of the studies were performed in the USA (n = 45). We observed a significant decline of medical students attitudes toward the underserved throughout medical education, in both US and non-US studies. A moderate effect size was observed between the first and fourth years (d = 0.51). Higher favorable medical students attitudes toward or intention to work with the underserved were significantly associated with female gender, being from an underserved community or ethnic minority, exposure to the underserved during medical education and intent to practice in primary care. Regarding educational interventions, the effectiveness of experiential community-based learning and curricula dedicated to social accountability showed the most positive outcome.

Conclusions

Medical students attitudes toward the underserved decline throughout medical education. Educational interventions dedicated to improving the attitudes or intentions of medical students show encouraging but mixed results. The generalizability of our results is impeded by the high number of studies from the global-North included in the review.
Sexual violence in medical students and specialty registrars in Flanders, Belgium: a population survey
Authors: Geldolf M. , Tijtgat J. , Dewulf L. , Haezeleer M. , Degryse N. , Pouliart N. , Keygnaert I.
Published: February 2021

Background

Sexual violence has globally been recognized as harmful to young people’s health. In medical school, which is a highly competitive environment, the risk is supposedly even bigger. In this study we firstly aimed to investigate the magnitude and precipitating factors of sexual violence in medical students and specialty registrars in Flanders, Belgium. Secondly, we wanted to assess the reactive behaviours as well as the knowledge of possible types of bystander reactions as well as potential support resources for victims of sexual violence.

Methods

This study was initiated and coordinated by the Flemish medical student representation organisation (VGSO). A survey containing demographic and behaviour-specific questions based on the UNMENAMAIS and SAS-V questionnaire was sent to all undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students of the 5 medical schools in Flanders. Participants were asked to limit their responses to internship-related events. Further questions concerning reactions to sexual violence, assailants, bystander reactions and general knowledge concerning support after sexual violence were asked.

Results

We received 3015 valid responses to our survey, obtaining a response rate of 29% in the potential target population. Within the total study population, 1168 of 3015 participants (38,73%) reported having been victim of at least one type of sexual violence as explored by our survey. This percentage was the highest in GP specialty registrars (53%), followed by specialty registrars (50%) and master students (39%). Assailants of sexual violence varied, most often they were medical staff members, students or patients. In most types of sexual violence, nobody reacted to this behaviour. Women (57.3%) talked about what happened afterwards more often than men (39.7%). When asked about their knowledge of possible bystander reactions and support services for sexual violence, 60% of the respondents did not know about their existence.

Conclusions

Sexual violence is still a relatively frequent issue in medical students and specialty registrars. Patients form an important part of the assailants. In a third of reported sexual violence cases, nobody reacted. In addition, male victims seem to underreport. There is still much need for sensitisation on support mechanisms and centres for victims and witnesses of sexual violence.
Clinical data mining on network of symptom and index and correlation of tongue-pulse data in fatigue population
Authors: Shi Yulin , Hu Xiaojuan , Cui Ji , Cui Longtao , Huang Jingbin , Ma Xuxiang , Jiang Tao , Yao Xinghua , Lan Fang , Li Jun , Bi Zijuan , Li Jiacai , Wang Yu , Fu Hongyuan , Wang Jue , Lin Yanting , Bai Jingxuan , Guo Xiaojing , Tu Liping , Xu Jiatuo
Published: February 2021

Background

Fatigue is a kind of non-specific symptom, which occurs widely in sub-health and various diseases. It is closely related to people's physical and mental health. Due to the lack of objective diagnostic criteria, it is often neglected in clinical diagnosis, especially in the early stage of disease. Many clinical practices and researches have shown that tongue and pulse conditions reflect the body's overall state. Establishing an objective evaluation method for diagnosing disease fatigue and non-disease fatigue by combining clinical symptom, index, and tongue and pulse data is of great significance for clinical treatment timely and effectively.

Methods

In this study, 2632 physical examination population were divided into healthy controls, sub-health fatigue group, and disease fatigue group. Complex network technology was used to screen out core symptoms and Western medicine indexes of sub-health fatigue and disease fatigue population. Pajek software was used to construct core symptom/index network and core symptom-index combined network. Simultaneously, canonical correlation analysis was used to analyze the objective tongue and pulse data between the two groups of fatigue population and analyze the distribution of tongue and pulse data.

Results

Some similarities were found in the core symptoms of sub-health fatigue and disease fatigue population, but with different node importance. The node-importance difference indicated that the diagnostic contribution rate of the same symptom to the two groups was different. The canonical correlation coefficient of tongue and pulse data in the disease fatigue group was 0.42 (P < 0.05), on the contrast, correlation analysis of tongue and pulse in the sub-health fatigue group showed no statistical significance.

Conclusions

The complex network technology was suitable for correlation analysis of symptoms and indexes in fatigue population, and tongue and pulse data had a certain diagnostic contribution to the classification of fatigue population.
Bringing two worlds closer together: a critical analysis of an integrated approach to guideline development and quality assurance schemes
Authors: Piggott Thomas , Langendam Miranda , Parmelli Elena , Adolfsson Jan , Akl Elie A. , Armstrong David , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Brignardello-Petersen Romina , Brozek Jan , Gore-Booth Jolanta , Follmann Markus , Leś Zbigniew , Meerpohl Joerg J , Neamţiu Luciana , Nothacker Monika , Qaseem Amir , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Saz-Parkinson Zuleika , van der Wees Philip , Schünemann Holger J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Although quality indicators are frequently derived from guidelines, there is a substantial gap in collaboration between the corresponding parties. To optimise workflow, guideline recommendations and quality assurance should be aligned methodologically and practically. Learning from the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer (ECIBC), our objective was to bring the key knowledge and most important considerations from both worlds together to inform European Commission future initiatives.

Methods

We undertook several steps to address the problem. First, we conducted a feasibility study that included a survey, interviews and a review of manuals for an integrated guideline and quality assurance (QA) scheme that would support the European Commission. The feasibility study drew from an assessment of the ECIBC experience that followed commonly applied strategies leading to separation of the guideline and QA development processes. Secondly, we used results of a systematic review to inform our understanding of methodologies for integrating guideline and QA development. We then, in a third step, used the findings to prepare an evidence brief and identify key aspects of a methodological framework for integrating guidelines QA through meetings with key informants.

Results

Seven key themes emerged to be taken into account for integrating guidelines and QA schemes: (1) evidence-based integrated guideline and QA frameworks are possible, (2) transparency is key in clearly documenting the source and rationale for quality indicators, (3) intellectual and financial interests should be declared and managed appropriately, (4) selection processes and criteria for quality indicators need further refinement, (5) clear guidance on retirement of quality indicators should be included, (6) risks of an integrated guideline and QA Group can be mitigated, and (7) an extension of the GIN-McMaster Guideline Development Checklist should incorporate QA considerations.

Discussion

We concluded that the work of guideline and QA developers can be integrated under a common methodological framework and we provided key findings and recommendations. These two worlds, that are fundamental to improving health, can both benefit from integration.
Influence of the capping of biogenic silver nanoparticles on their toxicity and mechanism of action towards Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Guilger-Casagrande Mariana , Germano-Costa Taís , Bilesky-José Natália , Pasquoto-Stigliani Tatiane , Carvalho Lucas , Fraceto Leonardo F. , de Lima Renata
Published: February 2021

Background

Biogenic nanoparticles possess a capping of biomolecules derived from the organism employed in the synthesis, which contributes to their stability and biological activity. These nanoparticles have been highlighted for the control of phytopathogens, so there is a need to understand their composition, mechanisms of action, and toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the importance of the capping and compare the effects of capped and uncapped biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized using the filtrate of Trichoderma harzianum against the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Capping removal, investigation of the composition of the capping and physico-chemical characterization of the capped and uncapped nanoparticles were performed. The effects of the nanoparticles on S. sclerotiorum were evaluated in vitro. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the nanoparticles on different cell lines and its effects on nontarget microorganisms were also investigated.

Results

The capped and uncapped nanoparticles showed spherical morphology, with greater diameter of the uncapped ones. Functional groups of biomolecules, protein bands and the hydrolytic enzymes NAGase, β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase and acid protease from T. harzianum were detected in the capping. The capped nanoparticles showed great inhibitory potential against S. sclerotiorum, while the uncapped nanoparticles were ineffective. There was no difference in cytotoxicity comparing capped and uncapped nanoparticles, however higher genotoxicity of the uncapped nanoparticles was observed towards the cell lines. Regarding the effects on nontarget microorganisms, in the minimal inhibitory concentration assay only the capped nanoparticles inhibited microorganisms of agricultural importance, while in the molecular analysis of the soil microbiota there were major changes in the soils exposed to the uncapped nanoparticles.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the capping played an important role in controlling nanoparticle size and contributed to the biological activity of the nanoparticles against S. sclerotiorum. This study opens perspectives for investigations concerning the application of these nanoparticles for the control of phytopathogens.
Retention in the Austrian opioid agonist treatment system: a national prospective cohort study
Authors: Busch Martin , Klein Charlotte , Uhl Alfred , Haltmayer Hans , Cabanis Maurice , Westenberg Jean Nicolas , Vogel Marc , Krausz R. Michael
Published: February 2021

Background

Retention in care is a prerequisite for successful recovery, especially for a chronic condition like opioid dependence. Though retention varies greatly depending on the different substitution medication and treatment model, treatment retention is used as an indicator of treatment quality and effectiveness of care on a system and individual level. To monitor the overall quality of the Austrian opioid agonist treatment (OAT) system and to monitor patient satisfaction within the system, a new online-based registry called “eSuchmittel” was introduced in Austria at the beginning of 2011. The objective of this study is to analyze retention rates within the Austrian treatment system and to identify patient characteristics associated with retention, using data collected by the substitution registry.

Methods

The complete Austrian sample of 4778 registered patients starting treatment between 1.1.2011 to 31.12.2012 were included in the prospective cohort study using data from the Austrian substitution registry. For the statistical analysis, multivariate Cox Regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate retention in treatment.

Results

The retention rate of the total cohort after two years was around 61%. Retention rates were significantly lower for men (exp(B) = .806, 95% CI 0.714–0.908) and significantly higher for patients aged 30 and older (exp(B) = 1.155, 95% CI 1.044–1.279), among patients located in Vienna (exp(B) = 1.439, 95% CI 1.273–1.626) and among patients prescribed oral slow-release morphine (SROM) (exp(B) = 2.141, 95% CI 1.885–2.430).

Conclusions

Average retention in the Austrian system is high in comparison to international retention rates. Nationally, SROM demonstrates higher treatment retention when compared to other available substitution medications. Sociodemographic and regional indicators also contribute to higher retention in care. A systematic monitoring of retention rates within a national registry is an important tool helping to evaluate the quality of care. In this study, the Austrian OAT system proves very high retention in care, an important success criterion.
Changes in newly notified cases and control of tuberculosis in China: time-series analysis of surveillance data
Authors: Wang Ye-Sheng , Zhu Wen-Long , Li Tao , Chen Wei , Wang Wei-Bing
Published: February 2021

Background

China has made progress in tuberculosis control, but this disease remains a burden in many regions of China. We performed time-series analysis to examine changes in the rates of newly notified and newly smear-positive cases of tuberculosis in different regions of China from 1997 to 2018 and assessed the effect of the current control program.

Methods

National and provincial notification data on tuberculosis from 1997 to 2018, which covers 31 provinces in the mainland of China, were extracted from the Chinese public health science data center. The annual percentage changes in newly notified and smear-positive cases were analyzed using a joinpoint regression method.

Results

There were 18 646 672 newly notified tuberculosis cases from 1997 to 2018, with the greatest number in 2005. A total of 6 605 414 of these cases (35.42%) were smear-positive cases. The number of newly notified cases in China overall decreased (96.88–59.27 cases per 100 000) significantly during the most recent years. The decline during this period ranged from −3.9% (95% CI −5.7 to −2.9) in the western region to −4.3% (95% CI −4.8 to −3.7) in the eastern region. Most provinces had significant declines in newly notified and smear-positive cases, whereas the decline of newly smear-positive cases in Xinjiang was about half of that observed during the same period in China overall (−4.1% vs −9.9%). In addition to disparities in annual percentage changes, the rate of newly notified cases was higher in the western region than in the eastern and central regions.

Conclusions

The burden of tuberculosis has been on declining throughout China during recent years, but tuberculosis in western China continues to be a public health emergency that needs to be urgently addressed. Effective prevention and control strategies are needed for regions with high disease burdens and those with increasing or unchanging numbers of newly notified and smear-positive cases of tuberculosis.
Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Arisaema (Areaceae): a review
Authors: Ali Heena , Yaqoob Ubaid
Published: February 2021

Background

The genus Arisaema (Areaceae), popularly known as cobra lilies and jack in pulpit is mainly found in temperate to tropical areas of all continents except South America, Europe and Australia and contain about more than 250 species. Arisaema genus is being used by the different folks of human populations for medicinal as well as food purposes. Arisaema plants are used for the treatment of different types of diseases. There have been several attempts to highlight different aspects of genus Arisaema by describing it in terms of phytochemistry and medicinal uses. The present study is, however, an attempt to put together all the former data available related to the phytochemistry and medicinal uses of genus Arisaema.

Main body

The phytochemicals of the plant include alkaloids, phenols, terpenes, flavonoids, lectins, saponins, glycosides, triterpenoids, stigmasterols, n-alkanes, n-alkanols sitosterols, campesterol, oxalates, coumarins, tannins etc. Moreover, the properties such as antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, nematocidal, antiallergic antitumour and anticancer activities are also shown by the plants belonging to genus Arisaema. Arisaema plants have been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as resolving phlegm, dampness, and to treat asthma, bronchitis, cold, cough, and laryngitis etc. It has been found that there are several species which are toxic by nature. The development of clinical applications of arisaematis rhizomes had been seriously constrained due to its toxic properties like, mouth and lingua pain, even respiration slowing and suffocation, mucous membrane and skin irritation etc. and this toxicity of arisaematis rhizomes is due to raphide components.

Conclusions

The collection of data available on the phytochemistry of genus Arisaema is not sufficient as further work is required to do on phytochemical and medicinal basis. The data available on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the plants belonging to genus Arisaema throws light on various species of Arisaema which are medicinally important and have been exploited to treat different types of diseases in the world.
Nonstationary local time-frequency transform
Authors: Chen Yangkang
Published: February 2021

Time-frequency analysis is a fundamental approach to many seismic problems. Time-frequency decomposition transforms input seismic data from the time domain to the time-frequency domain, offering a new dimension to probe the hidden information inside the data. Considering the nonstationary nature of seismic data, time-frequency spectra can be obtained by applying a local time-frequency transform (LTFT) method that matches the input data by fitting the Fourier basis with nonstationary Fourier coefficients in the shaping regularization framework. The key part of LTFT is the temporal smoother with a fixed smoothing radius that guarantees the stability of the nonstationary least-squares fitting. We have developed a new LTFT method to handle the nonstationarity in all time, frequency, and space ( x and y) directions of the input seismic data by extending fixed-radius temporal smoothing to nonstationary smoothing with a variable radius in all physical dimensions. The resulting time-frequency transform is referred to as the nonstationary LTFT method, which could significantly increase the resolution and antinoise ability of time-frequency transformation. There are two meanings of nonstationarity, i.e., coping with the nonstationarity in the data by LTFT and dealing with the nonstationarity in the model by nonstationary smoothing. We evaluate the performance of our nonstationary LTFT method in several standard seismic applications via synthetic and field data sets, e.g., arrival picking, quality factor estimation, low-frequency shadow detection, channel detection, and multicomponent data registration, and we benchmark the results with the traditional stationary LTFT method.
Reflectivity decomposition: Theory and application
Authors: Liang Chen , Castagna John , Benabentos Marcelo
Published: February 2021

Sparse reflectivity inversion of processed reflection seismic data is intended to produce reflection coefficients that represent boundaries between geologic layers. However, the objective function for sparse inversion is usually dominated by large reflection coefficients, which may result in unstable inversion for weak events, especially those interfering with strong reflections. We have determined that any seismogram can be decomposed according to the characteristics of the inverted reflection coefficients that can be sorted and subset by magnitude, sign, and sequence, and new seismic traces can be created from only reflection coefficients that pass the sorting criteria. We call this process reflectivity decomposition. For example, original inverted reflection coefficients can be decomposed by magnitude, large ones removed, the remaining reflection coefficients reconvolved with the wavelet, and this residual reinverted, thereby stabilizing inversions for the remaining weak events. As compared with inverting an original seismic trace, subtle impedance variations occurring in the vicinity of nearby strong reflections can be better revealed and characterized when only the events caused by small reflection coefficients are passed and reinverted. When we apply reflectivity decomposition to a 3D seismic data set in the Midland Basin, seismic inversion for weak events is stabilized such that previously obscured porous intervals in the original inversion can be detected and mapped, with a good correlation to the actual well logs.
MGMT promoter gene methylation and neurological scale improvement in glioma: a cohort study
Authors: Gunawan Pricilla Yani , Islam Andi Asadul , July Julius , Patelongi Ilhamjaya , Bukhari Agussalim , Massi Muhammad Nasrum
Published: February 2021

Background: Glioma is one of the most common primary brain tumours and conveys a dismal prognosis despite aggressive treatment. Several biomarkers have been studied in the hope of yielding better diagnostic accuracy and improving patient management. Besides survival, functional and neurological disability are concerns that have no lesser importance. In 2017, a disease-specific assessment tool – the Neurologic Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (NANO) scale – was developed to measure neurologic function in neuro-oncology cases. We sought to determine biomarkers that might be associated with neurological scale improvement in glioma patients. 

Methods: Glioma grade II-IV patients were recruited from three major hospitals in Jakarta-Tangerang. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter gene methylation were tested, as well as patients’ neurological function before surgery and three months after. Improvement in neurological scale (NANO scale) was considered positive if there was a decrement of ≥1 of the scale. 

Results: There were 54 patients included in the study. Mean age was 43.63 (14.723) years old, and 61.1% were male. As much as 16 (29.6%) carried a mutation in codon 132 of the IDH1 gene, and 33 (61.1%) were MGMT methylated. Median NANO scale score before and three months after surgery was 4 (0-12) and 3 (0-12), respectively. Neurological improvement was found in 44 (81.5%) of the patients. Among patients with MGMT promoter gene methylation, 90.9% showed neurological improvement (p=0.035; OR=5; 95%CI 1.122-22.272). 

Conclusions: Gliomas with MGMT promoter gene methylation are more likely to show neurological improvement three months after surgery.
Pessaries for POP and SUI: Their fitting, care, and effectiveness in various disorders
Authors: Lerner Henry M.
Published: February 2021

A refresher on how to fit a pessary, instructions for patients, goals for pessary aftercare visits, and the various conditions for which pessaries may or may not be effective
Is it safe to be pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Malavika Prabhu Malavika Prabhu
Published: February 2021

Expert answers to 8 of your most pressing questions about coronavirus disease 2019 and pregnancy, including vaccination
Programa Academia da Cidade do Recife: análise da contratransferência de política
Authors: Nascimento Érica Maria , Guarda Flavio Renato Barros da , Santos Francisco de Assis da Silva , Feitosa Wallacy  Milton do Nascimento
Published: February 2021

Este estudo tem o objetivo de analisar o processo de contratransferência de política envolvendo oPrograma Academia da Cidade do Recife. Estudo com abordagem qualitativa. Foi realizada análise documental a partir de relatórios, avaliações, Portarias e Resoluções, Notas Técnicas, Diários Oficiais doMunicípio, Estado e da União, como também os Planos Municipais de Saúde do município de Recife.Para a definição da quantidade final dos participantes da pesquisa foi utilizado o critério de amostra porsaturação. Todos os participantes concordaram e contribuíram na pesquisa. Não houveram desistênciasdurante o processo da pesquisa. Participaram da pesquisa seis importantes sujeitos-chave, dentre eles,gestores, coordenadores, formuladores e profissionais envolvidos no Programa Academia da Cidade doRecife e em programas congêneres. Os dados foram analisados com base no modelo de condensaçãode significados. A contratransferência é identificada posteriormente ao processo de transferência e estárelacionada a uma retroalimentação que pode ser percebida a partir da identificação do recebimento derecursos para além do âmbito financeiro. Foi identificada a contratransferência de política envolvendo o PAC e o Programa Estadual Academias das Cidades do Governo do Estado de Pernambuco e o ProgramaFederal Academia da Saúde. Podemos considerar que o PAC Recife, devido a sua formulação e implantação exitosa, foi alvo do processo de transferência e de contratransferência de política.
Enabling Entrepreneurial Choice
Authors: Agrawal Ajay , Gans Joshua S. , Stern Scott
Published: February 2021

Entrepreneurs must choose between alternative strategies for bringing their idea to market. They face uncertainty regarding both the quality of their idea as well as the efficacy of each strategy. Although entrepreneurs can reduce this uncertainty by conducting tests, any single test conflates the signal of the efficacy of the particular strategy and the quality of the idea. Resolving this conflation requires exploring multiple strategies. Consequently, entrepreneurial choice is enhanced by finding ways to lower the cost of testing multiple strategies, receiving guidance as to the types of tests likely to reduce signal conflation, and optimally sequencing tests based on previous beliefs. This creates a role for judgment that may be provided by trusted third parties such as mentors and investors. We hypothesize that institutions that lower the cost of transmitting and aggregating judgment spur entrepreneurial performance.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, Special Section of Management Science: 65th Anniversary.
Feasible Bases for a Polytope Related to the Hamilton Cycle Problem
Authors: Kalinowski Thomas , Mohammadian Sogol
Published: February 2021

We study a certain polytope depending on a graph G and a parameter β ∈ (0,1) that arises from embedding the Hamiltonian cycle problem in a discounted Markov decision process. Literature suggests a conjecture a lower bound on the proportion of feasible bases corresponding to Hamiltonian cycles in the set of all feasible bases. We make progress toward a proof of the conjecture by proving results about the structure of feasible bases. In particular, we prove three main results: (1) the set of feasible bases is independent of the parameter β when the parameter is close to one, (2) the polytope can be interpreted as a generalized network flow polytope, and (3) we deduce a combinatorial interpretation of the feasible bases. We also provide a full characterization for a special class of feasible bases, and we apply this to provide some computational support for the conjecture.
Branch-Price-and-Cut Algorithms for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Stochastic and Correlated Travel Times
Authors: Rostami Borzou , Desaulniers Guy , Errico Fausto , Lodi Andrea
Published: February 2021

Accounting for travel time correlations when dispatching a fleet of vehicles
UTILIZAÇÃO DOS MODELOS ARIMA PARA PREVISÃO DA TAXA DE CHURN: ESTUDO DE CASO PARA UMA EMPRESA DE E-COMMERCE
Authors: Torres Eduardo Dabul , Silva João Marcos Gomes da , Provenza Marcello Montillo , Lima Igor Campos de Almeida , Goulart Jorge Luiz de Jesus
Published: February 2021

A taxa de Churn, ou simplesmente Churn, calcula o número de usuários que se desconectam dos serviços de uma empresa em um período de tempo específico. Para alguns setores, esta é uma métrica básica para avaliar o sucesso do negócio, já que apresenta impacto direto no faturamento. Neste trabalho, projeta-se a curto prazo o Churn de uma empresa de e-commerce com base no histórico de seus dados. Para isso, utilizam-se as séries temporais para a previsão desses dados, o modelo Autorregressivo Integrado Médias Móveis (ARIMA). O trabalho passou por todas as etapas do ciclo iterativo de um processo de previsão dos dados, começando do estudo e análise da base de dados, passando pela escolha e validação dos parâmetros do modelo até chegar a projeção dos dados. O teste Dickey-Fuller mostrou que a série é estacionária, o melhor modelo encontrado foi o AR(1) e os resíduos seguem uma distribuição normal.
Resenha de "A natureza primordial"
Authors: Santos Renato Dos
Published: February 2021

Resenha do livroSILVA, C. A. F. A natureza primordial: Merleau-Ponty e o 'logos do mundo estético'. 2. ed. Cascavel, PR: Edunioeste, 2019. 234p.
Sobre o paradoxo da iniquidade: por uma crítica da razão teodiceica em tempos de coronavírus
Authors: Cabral Alexandre Marques
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo almeja interpretar a fenômeno do mal em meio ao atual quadro pandêmico, lavando em consideração a hipótese segundo a qual, hegemonicamente, o mal aparece na contemporaneidade como iniquidade e esta se apresente por meio de dois vetores, que assinalam um paradoxo. O primeiro deles insere o mal em uma dinâmica (devir) sistemática de produção de vidas descartáveis. Já o segundo diz respeito a uma estrutura histórica possuidora de certa estabilidade, a qual naturaliza o espaço suhumanizador de certos grupos que acabam por viver verdadeiros “mundos de morte” (Mbembe). Isso se apresenta claramente no Brasil e, em especial, no contexto da pandemia do novo coronavírus. O artigo pretende dar conta dessa realidade, por meio de um diálogo crítico e fenomenológico com Santo Agostinho, Hannah Arendt e com o pensamento decolonial.