bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived quality of life and associated factors among patients with severe mental illness in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shumye Seid , Amare Tadele , Derajew Habtamu , Endris Merdia , Molla Wondwosen , Mengistu Nebiyu
Published: October 2021

Background

Severe mental illness is strongly associated with an impaired quality of life. This intern can affect the treatment adherence and outcomes of the illness. However, there are insufficient studies in the literature pertaining to the quality of life of patients with severe mental illness in Ethiopia. Therefore, assessing the quality of life of patients with severe mental illness and its correlates is a yardstick measure of the effectiveness of the mental health service.

Methods

An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 16, 2019 at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to get a total number of 387 samples. Data were collected using interview-administered questionnaires; World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, Morisky Medication Adherence Screening Tool, Oslo Social Support Scale, and Jacoby Stigma Scale. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the contributing factors of quality of life in the participants and B coefficient with 95% CI confidence interval was used. The statistical significance was accepted at p value < 0.05.

Results

The result showed that the Mean quality of life score of patients with severe mental illness for each domain (mean ± SD) was 41.3 ± 7.5, 42.8 ± 8.2, 38.9 ± 8.9, and 41.8 ± 6.5 for physical, psychological, social and environmental, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that age of participants was strongly positively correlated with all domains of quality of life. It predicts above 45% of the variability in each domain. Social support is also another strong predictor which was negatively correlated with all domains of quality of life, except physical.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the mean score quality of life of patients with severe mental illness in each domain was low. This demonstrates a need for improving the quality of life of people with severe mental illness by integration of a positive mental health approach and bio-psychosocial view with biological treatment of severe mental illness. Moreover, in Collaboration with medical professionals, people with severe mental illness should screen and managed for any comorbid medical conditions.
Beneficial effect of gelatin on iron gall ink corrosion
Authors: Gimat Alice , Michelin Anne , Massiani Pascale , Rouchon Véronique
Published: October 2021

Iron gall Inks corrosion causes paper degradation (browning, embrittlement) and treatments were developed to tackle this issue. They often include resizing with gelatin to reinforce the paper and its cellulosic fibers (of diameter approx. 10 µm). This work aimed at measuring the distribution of ink components at the scale of individual paper fibers so as to give a better understanding of the impact of gelatin (re-)sizing on iron gall ink corrosion. For this purpose, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) was used at the Canadian light source synchrotron (CLS, Saskatoon). This technique combines nano-scale mapping (resolution of 30 nm) and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) analysis. Fe L-edge measurements enabled to map iron distribution and to locate iron(II) and iron(III) rich areas. N K-edge measurement made it possible to map gelatin distribution. C K-edge measurements allowed mapping and discrimination of cellulose, gallic acid, iron gall ink precipitate and gelatin. Three fibers were studied: an inked fiber with no size, a sized fiber that was afterwards inked and an inked fiber sprayed with gelatin. Analysis of gelatin and ink ingredients distribution indicated a lower amount of iron inside the treated cellulosic fiber, which may explain the beneficial effect of gelatin on iron gall ink corrosion.
Computed tomographic assessment of lung aeration at different positive end-expiratory pressures in a porcine model of intra-abdominal hypertension and lung injury
Authors: Regli Adrian , Ahmadi-Noorbakhsh Siavash , Musk Gabrielle Christine , Reese David Joseph , Herrmann Peter , Firth Martin Joseph , Pillow J. Jane
Published: October 2021

Background

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. High positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) can reverse lung volume and oxygenation decline caused by IAH, but its impact on alveolar overdistension is less clear. We aimed to find a PEEP range that would be high enough to reduce atelectasis, while low enough to minimize alveolar overdistention in the presence of IAH and lung injury.

Methods

Five anesthetized pigs received standardized anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. Peritoneal insufflation of air was used to generate intra-abdominal pressure of 27 cmH2O. Lung injury was created by intravenous oleic acid. PEEP levels of 5, 12, 17, 22, and 27 cmH2O were applied. We performed computed tomography and measured arterial oxygen levels, respiratory mechanics, and cardiac output 5 min after each new PEEP level. The proportion of overdistended, normally aerated, poorly aerated, and non-aerated atelectatic lung tissue was calculated based on Hounsfield units.

Results

PEEP decreased the proportion of poorly aerated and atelectatic lung, while increasing normally aerated lung. Overdistension increased with each incremental increase in applied PEEP. “Best PEEP” (respiratory mechanics or oxygenation) was higher than the “optimal CT inflation PEEP range” (difference between lower inflection points of atelectatic and overdistended lung) in healthy and injured lungs.

Conclusions

Our findings in a large animal model suggest that titrating a PEEP to respiratory mechanics or oxygenation in the presence of IAH is associated with increased alveolar overdistension.
Earth-affecting solar transients: a review of progresses in solar cycle 24
Authors: Zhang Jie , Temmer Manuela , Gopalswamy Nat , Malandraki Olga , Nitta Nariaki V. , Patsourakos Spiros , Shen Fang , Vršnak Bojan , Wang Yuming , Webb David , Desai Mihir I. , Dissauer Karin , Dresing Nina , Dumbović Mateja , Feng Xueshang , Heinemann Stephan G. , Laurenza Monica , Lugaz Noé , Zhuang Bin
Published: October 2021

This review article summarizes the advancement in the studies of Earth-affecting solar transients in the last decade that encompasses most of solar cycle 24. It is a part of the effort of the International Study of Earth-affecting Solar Transients (ISEST) project, sponsored by the SCOSTEP/VarSITI program (2014–2018). The Sun-Earth is an integrated physical system in which the space environment of the Earth sustains continuous influence from mass, magnetic field, and radiation energy output of the Sun in varying timescales from minutes to millennium. This article addresses short timescale events, from minutes to days that directly cause transient disturbances in the Earth’s space environment and generate intense adverse effects on advanced technological systems of human society. Such transient events largely fall into the following four types: (1) solar flares, (2) coronal mass ejections (CMEs) including their interplanetary counterparts ICMEs, (3) solar energetic particle (SEP) events, and (4) stream interaction regions (SIRs) including corotating interaction regions (CIRs). In the last decade, the unprecedented multi-viewpoint observations of the Sun from space, enabled by STEREO Ahead/Behind spacecraft in combination with a suite of observatories along the Sun-Earth lines, have provided much more accurate and global measurements of the size, speed, propagation direction, and morphology of CMEs in both 3D and over a large volume in the heliosphere. Many CMEs, fast ones, in particular, can be clearly characterized as a two-front (shock front plus ejecta front) and three-part (bright ejecta front, dark cavity, and bright core) structure. Drag-based kinematic models of CMEs are developed to interpret CME propagation in the heliosphere and are applied to predict their arrival times at 1 AU in an efficient manner. Several advanced MHD models have been developed to simulate realistic CME events from the initiation on the Sun until their arrival at 1 AU. Much progress has been made on detailed kinematic and dynamic behaviors of CMEs, including non-radial motion, rotation and deformation of CMEs, CME-CME interaction, and stealth CMEs and problematic ICMEs. The knowledge about SEPs has also been significantly improved. An outlook of how to address critical issues related to Earth-affecting solar transients concludes this article.
Masting effect on alpha and beta avian diversity in fragmented forests of relict-endangered Mexican Beech (Fagus grandifolia subsp. mexicana)
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramírez Ernesto C. , Camacho-Islas Levinn , Martínez-Falcón Ana Paola , Luna-Vega Isolda , Carbó-Ramírez Pilar
Published: October 2021

Background

Tropical montane cloud forests are one of the most important hotspots on Earth and show presence of relict-endemic and endangered species, representing about 14% of the total tropical forest worldwide. Synchronous seed production or masting in tropical montane cloud tree species is a widespread reproductive strategy of deciduous and evergreen broad-leaved tree associations to decrease costs of reproduction and ensure offspring. Masting event maintains a high avian diversity, which can be modified by phenological process (seed production and non-seed production).

Methods

The main aim of this study was to assess alpha and beta avian diversity and whether the composition of the trophic guild modifies among phenological processes and between two fragmented relict-endangered Mexican Beech (Fagus grandifoliasubsp.mexicana) forests (Medio Monte and El Gosco) in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. In addition, we evaluated beechnut production.

Results

We recorded 36 bird species, 11 of them included in some conservation risk status, and 5 endemic species. Alpha diversity values were dissimilar in avian richness (q = 0) among phenological processes and between fragmented beech forests. Avian communities among three phenological processes and between fragmented forests were structurally similar, dominated during immature seeds the Brown-backed Solitaire (granivores–insectivores–frugivores); during mature seeds the White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis, granivores–frugivores); and the Dwarf Jay (Cyanolyca nana, insectivores) was abundant during low seed quality. The complementarity index was high among phenological processes and low between forests. We found a high bird turnover value between immature seeds—mature seeds and during mature seeds—low seed quality. Furthermore, a similar pattern was recorded between the two study forests. Seed production showed a high number of undamaged beechnuts in Medio Monte, while in El Gosco beechnuts were attacked by insects.

Conclusions

Our results reflect that masting phenological process and contrasting study forests’ structure influence the shifts in alpha and beta diversity of seed and non-seed bird consumers. Our study reaffirms the importance of continuing studies throughout masting in all the Mexican Beech forests to address regional efforts in preserving the relict-ecological interactions.
Chronic systemic capillary leak syndrome associated with an intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in a patient undergoing hemodialysis: a case report with literature review
Authors: Sunohara Keisuke , Shimizu Rie , Yasuda Kazushi , Owaki Akiko , Nagaya Hiroshi , Kajiguchi Tomohiro , Inaba Shinichiro
Published: October 2021

Background

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disorder characterized by hypotension, hemoconcentration, and hypoalbuminemia associated with increased capillary endothelium permeability. Patients with a chronic form of SCLS present with persistent and progressive generalized edema. However, there have been no reports of chronic SCLS in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Herein, we report a case of chronic SCLS associated with an intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) in a patient undergoing hemodialysis.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old male had been on hemodialysis for five years due to diabetic nephropathy. Difficulty in body fluid removal was observed during hemodialysis, and the patient was admitted to our hospital due to exacerbated weight gain and lower limb edema. He had elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and thrombocytopenia. His blood pressure was low, and his serum brain natriuretic peptide level was relatively low, despite the increase in body fluid volume. His clinical characteristics suggested a chronic form of SCLS. Random skin biopsy revealed IVLBCL; however, the association between IVLBCL and chronic SCLS remained unclear. He underwent chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone, followed by rituximab. After the treatment, his serum LDH level decreased, and the difficulty in body fluid removal during hemodialysis improved. The patient’s chronic SCLS seemed to be complicated by IVLBCL.

Conclusions

Patients with chronic SCLS who are undergoing hemodialysis seem to present with difficulties in fluid removal. The frequency of SCLS complications in cases with malignant lymphomas, including IVLBCL, is considered to be extremely low. However, clinicians should be aware of SCLS as a complication of malignant lymphomas.
Ameliorative activity of medicinal plant fraction for neuroprotection against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster—a comparative study
Authors: Pratap G. K. , Ananda Danagoudar , Joshi Chandrashekhar G. , Shantaram Manjula
Published: October 2021

Background

Medicinal plant extracts used in folk medicine seem to be crucial since those are generally accepted by people without worrying about the toxicity. In our present study, we have compared the neuroprotective role of the rhizome of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. and leaf extracts of Olea dioica Roxb., against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.

Results

In-vivo neurotoxic study was carried out using 7-day-old flies (wild-type D. melanogaster). Prior to co-after exposing the flies with acrylamide (8 mM) along with or without OLE-2 and CU-3 fractions (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% w/v), the heads of flies of both the control and treated groups were homogenized for biochemical assay. ACR-treated groups have shown higher elevation in AChE, SOD, LPO, and CAT activity when compared to control and treated (plant fraction) groups. Biochemical and histopathology studies show that both the plant fractions (OLE-2 and CU-3) have neuroprotective action against acrylamide.

Conclusion

The present study has demonstrated that dietary supplementation with plant fraction of OLE-2 and CU-3 has increased antioxidant enzymes and decreased AChE activity in D. melanogaster. This activity could be part of the probable mechanisms of action by which OLE-2 and CU-3 fractions have extended the lifespan and locomotory activity in fruit flies. These fruit flies continue to provide an exciting system for metabolic studies and should be more extensively exploited. Based on these results, further studies on the identified bioactive compounds from these two plants are being planned.
Gene cloning, recombinant expression, and bioassay of an allatotropin in Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Mamtha R. , Kiran Tannavi , Chaitra B. S. , Saraswathi Saraswathi , Sowrabha R. , Rao Karthik V. , Manjulakumari D.
Published: October 2021

Background

Allatotropin, a neuropeptide found in several invertebrates indirectly regulates vitellogenesis by stimulating juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata. Here, we cloned and expressed the gene encoding allatotropin ofSpodoptera litura(tobacco cutworm), a polyphagous pest in the Asian tropics. This study is aimed at studying the effect of recombinant protein on egg-laying in females ofS. lituraas it could be used as a method to control the pests from a reproductive perspective.

Results

The protein encodes a full-length open reading frame consisting of 173 amino acids and was rich in arginine (10%) and glutamic acid (9.3%). The theoretical pI of the protein was 5.47 and a hydrophobic signal peptide of 22 residues was predicted. The recombinant allatotropin was expressed inEscherichia coliBL21 (DE3) and purified by nickel exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of the recombinant protein was about 37 kDa and expression levels up to 5.3 mg/ml were achieved. Injection assay in vitro indicated that allatotropin induces egg-laying during the first scotophase after treatment in females ofSpodoptera litura.

Conclusion

Allatotropin induces egg-laying in female moths and could be a potential molecule for the development of control strategies againstSpodoptera litura. In this strategy, the protein if delivered to the females before mating may lead to accelerated egg deposition much before she encounters the male moths, thus the population being checked as the eggs deposited by the females are unfertilized. Thus, the present work could lead to the development of a protein based biopesticide resulting into a species-specific and an eco-friendly way of pest control.
Microbial taxa in dust and excreta associated with the productive performance of commercial meat chicken flocks
Authors: Bindari Yugal Raj , Moore Robert J. , Van Thi Thu Hao , Walkden-Brown Stephen W. , Gerber Priscilla F.
Published: October 2021

Background

A major focus of research on the gut microbiota of poultry has been to define signatures of a healthy gut and identify microbiota components that correlate with feed conversion. However, there is a high variation in individual gut microbiota profiles and their association with performance. Population level samples such as dust and pooled excreta could be useful to investigate bacterial signatures associated with productivity at the flock-level. This study was designed to investigate the bacterial signatures of high and low-performing commercial meat chicken farms in dust and pooled excreta samples. Poultry house dust and fresh pooled excreta were collected at days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 of age from 8 farms of two Australian integrator companies and 389 samples assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. The farms were ranked as low (n = 4) or high performers (n = 4) based on feed conversion rate corrected by body weight.

Results

Permutational analysis of variance based on Bray–Curtis dissimilarities using abundance data for bacterial community structure results showed that company explained the highest variation in the bacterial community structure in excreta (R2 = 0.21, p = 0.001) while age explained the highest variation in the bacterial community structure in dust (R2 = 0.13, p = 0.001). Farm performance explained the least variation in the bacterial community structure in both dust (R2 = 0.03, p = 0.001) and excreta (R2 = 0.01, p = 0.001) samples. However, specific bacterial taxa were found to be associated with high and low performance in both dust and excreta. The bacteria taxa associated with high-performing farms in dust or excreta found in this study were Enterococcus and Candidatus Arthromitus whereas bacterial taxa associated with low-performing farms included Nocardia, Lapillococcus, Brachybacterium, Ruania, Dietzia, Brevibacterium, Jeotgalicoccus, Corynebacterium and Aerococcus.

Conclusions

Dust and excreta could be useful for investigating bacterial signatures associated with high and low performance in commercial poultry farms. Further studies on a larger number of farms are needed to determine if the bacterial signatures found in this study are reproducible.
Reduced receptor for advanced glycation end products is associated with α-SMA expression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and mice
Authors: Baek Hyosin , Jang Soojin , Park Jaehyun , Jang Jimin , Lee Jooyeon , Hong Seok-Ho , Kim Woo Jin , Park Sung-Min , Yang Se-Ran
Published: October 2021

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease. Despite alveolar epithelial cells is crucial role in lung, its contribution and the associated biomarker remain unknown in the pathogenesis of IPF. Recently, environmental factors including stone dust, silica and cigarette smoking were found as risk factors involved in IPF. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a member of the immunoglobulin super family of cell surface receptors. It has been shown that interaction between RAGE and its ligands on immune cells mediates cellular migration and regulation of pro-inflammation. RAGE is highly expressed in the lung, in particular, alveolar epithelial cells. Therefore, we determined whether RAGE expression is associated with fibrosis-associated genes in patients with IPF and mice.

Results

When bleomycin (BLM) was intratracheally administered to C57BL/6 mice for 1, 2 weeks, macrophage and neutrophils were significantly increased. The fibrotic nodule formed and accumulation of collagen was determined after BLM injection in H&E- and Masson’s trichrome staining. Levels of elastin, Col1a1 and fibronectin were increased in quantitative real-time PCR and protein levels of α-SMA was increased in western blot analysis. In the lung tissues of 1 mg/kg BLM-induced mice, RAGE expression was gradually decreased in 1- and 2 weeks in immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis, and 3 mg/kg of BLM-induced mice exhibited decreased RAGE levels while α-SMA expression was increased. We next determined RAGE expression in the lungs of IPF patients using immunohistochemistry. As a result, RAGE expression was decreased, while α-SMA expression was increased compared with non-IPF subjects.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that reduced RAGE was associated with increased fibrotic genes in BLM-induced mice and patients with IPF. Therefore, RAGE could be applied with a biomarker for prognosis and diagnosis in the pathogenesis of IPF.
FLAIR vascular hyperintensity, an early sign of stroke (case report)
Authors: Kamr Wael Hamza , Almalki Mohannad Saeed , Saadawy Amr M. Ismaeel , El-Tahan Ayman
Published: October 2021

Background

Generally, Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) is known to be more sensitive in diagnosis of acute stroke than other MR sequences. However, fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MR sequence founded to be sometimes more sensitive compared to DWI for the diagnosis of hyperacute stroke.

Case presentation

An 84 years old female patient brought to ER by ambulance due to loss of speech, dizziness and confusion. Neurological examination showed that the patient can raise her left hand and leg while partially moving her right hand and right leg. The patient had slurred speech. Provisional diagnosis was acute stroke and the patient admitted in the hospital. Non contrast CT scan of the brain was done, was negative for stroke. Then MRI was done showed no areas of restricted diffusion at the DWI sequence or ADC map. Prominent high signal vessels at the left temporal region and on Sylvian fissure were noticed on FLAIR sequence that might have suggested early sign of ischemic vascular insult.

Conclusions

Arterial hyperintensity on FLAIR images can precede diffusion abnormalities and may provide a clue to the early detection of impending infarction.
Negative effects of psychotherapy: estimating the prevalence in a random national sample
Authors: Strauss Bernhard , Gawlytta Romina , Schleu Andrea , Frenzl Dominique
Published: October 2021

Background

Negative or adverse effects of psychological treatments are increasingly a focus of psychotherapy research. Yet, we still know little about the prevalence of these effects.

Aims

Starting from a representative national sample, the prevalence of negative effects and malpractice was determined in a subsample of individuals reporting psychotherapy currently or during the past 6 years.

Method

Out of an initial representative sample of 5562 individuals, 244 were determined to have had psychotherapy within the past 6 years. Besides answering questions related to treatment, its effects and the therapists, patients filled out the Negative Effects Questionnaire, items of the Inventory of Negative Effects of Psychotherapy reflecting malpractice and the Helping Alliance Questionnaire, and rated psychotherapeutic changes in different areas.

Results

Rates of positive changes related to therapy varied between 26.6% (relationship to parents) and 67.7% (improvement in depressed mood). Deteriorations were most commonly related to physical well-being (13.1%), ability to work (13.1%) and vitality (11.1%). Although patients generally reported a positive helping alliance, many of them reported high rates of negative effects (though not always linked to treatment). This was especially true of the experience of unpleasant memories (57.8%), unpleasant feelings (30.3%) and a lack of understanding of the treatment/therapist (19.3/18.4%). Indicators of malpractice were less common, with the exception that 16.8% felt violated by statements of their therapist.

Conclusions

This study helps to better estimate aspects of negative effects in psychotherapy ranging from deteriorations, specific effects and issues of malpractice that should be replicated and specified in future studies.
Sex and age differences in ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD: An analysis of four general population samples
Authors: McGinty Grainne , Fox Robert , Ben-Ezra Menachem , Cloitre Marylène , Karatzias Thanos , Shevlin Mark , Hyland Philip
Published: October 2021

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is traditionally understood as a disorder that occurs more commonly in women than in men, and in younger age groups than in older age groups. The objective of this study was to determine if these patterns are also observed in relation to International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD).

Methods

Secondary data analysis was performed using data collected from three nationally representative samples from the Republic of Ireland (N = 1,020), the United States (N = 1,839), and Israel (N = 1,003), and one community sample from the United Kingdom (N = 1,051).

Results

Estimated prevalence rates of ICD-11 PTSD were higher in women than in men in each sample, and at a level consistent with existing data derived from Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-based models of PTSD. Furthermore, rates of ICD-11 PTSD were generally lower in older age groups for men and women. For CPTSD, there was inconsistent evidence of sex and age differences, and some indication of a possible interaction between these two demographic variables.

Conclusions

Despite considerable revisions to PTSD in ICD-11, the same sex and age profile was observed to previous DSM-based models of PTSD. CPTSD, however, does not appear to show the same sex and age differences as PTSD. Theoretical models that seek to explain sex and age differences in trauma-related psychopathology may need to be reconsidered given the distinct effects for ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD.
Identifying Strategies for Robust Survivorship Program Implementation: A Qualitative Analysis of Cancer Programs
Authors: Hwang Soohyun , Bozkurt Burcu , Huson Tamara , Asad Sarah , Richardson Lauren , Ogbansiegbe Joseph Amarachi , Viera Laura , Buse Caroline , James Ted A. , Mayer Deborah K. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Birken Sarah A.
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE:

The Commission on Cancer seeks to promote robust survivorship programs among accredited cancer programs. In practice, cancer programs' survivorship programs range from cursory (eg, developing care plans without robust services) to robust (eg, facilitating follow-up care). To inform cancer programs' future efforts, in this study, we identified the implementation strategies that cancer programs used to achieve robust survivorship programs, distinguishing them from cursory programs.

METHODS:

We sampled 39 cancer programs across the United States with approaches to survivorship program implementation ranging from cursory to robust on the basis of LIVESTRONG survivorship care consensus elements. Within sampled cancer programs, we conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with a total of 42 health care professionals. We used template analysis to distinguish implementation strategies used in cancer programs with robust survivorship programs from strategies that yielded cursory survivorship programs.

RESULTS:

Cancer programs with robust survivorship programs established clear systems survivorship care and formal committees to improve the survivorship care processes. They sought buy-in from multiple stakeholders to leverage cancer program resources and defined clear roles with shared accountability among multidisciplinary groups. By contrast, cancer programs with cursory survivorship programs reported less consistency in survivorship care processes and lacked buy-in from key stakeholders. They had limited resources, faced persistent structural concerns, and had insufficient clarity in roles among team members.

CONCLUSION:

Accrediting bodies may consider incorporating the implementation strategies that robust survivorship programs have used as guidance for supporting cancer programs in operationalizing survivorship care and evaluating the use of these strategies during the accreditation and review process.
Association Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Progression-Free Survival in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of SWOG Clinical Trials
Authors: Hui David , Darke Amy K. , Guthrie Katherine A. , Subbiah Ishwaria M. , Unger Joseph M. , Hershman Dawn L. , Krouse Robert S. , Bakitas Marie , O'Rourke Mark A.
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE:

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an established prognostic factor for mortality; however, it is unclear if HRQOL is predictive of time to disease progression, a particularly meaningful outcome for patients. We examined the association between HRQOL and progression-free survival (PFS) in SWOG Cancer Research Network clinical trials.

METHODS:

For this secondary analysis, we reviewed all completed SWOG clinical trials to identify those for patients with advanced cancer that incorporated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) questionnaires at baseline. FACT-Trial Outcome Index (FACT-TOI) was the primary independent variable. Associations between FACT-TOI and other FACT subscores with PFS and overall survival were evaluated via log-rank test and multivariable Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS:

Three clinical trials met our inclusion criteria: S0027 and S9509 for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer and S0421 for hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Of the 1,527 enrolled patients, 1,295 (85%) had both HRQOL and survival outcomes data available and were included in this analysis. In univariable analysis, we observed a statistically significant gradient effect in all three trials, with higher baseline FACT-TOI scores corresponding to better PFS (S0027, P < .001; S9509, P = .02; and S0421, P < .001). In multivariable analysis, FACT-TOI was significantly associated with PFS in S0027 (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.00) but not in S9509 (HR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.05) or S042 (HR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.01). FACT-TOI was significantly associated with overall survival in multivariable analysis ( P < .005 in all three trials).

CONCLUSION:

The association between baseline FACT-TOI scores and survival underscores their potential as a stratification factor in clinical trials.
Bulk Heterojunction Optoelectrical Switching Devices Fabricated Using Nonfullerene Acceptor Y6: Aggregation-Induced Emission Polymer Blend Active Layers
Authors: Zhao Kejia , Huang Yuelin , El-Khouly Mohamed E , Liu Jiaxuan , Zhang Bin , Zou Yingping , Chen Yu
Published: October 2021

By using poly {[9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene]-alt-(1,1,2,2-tetra-phenylethene)} (POFTPE) as an electron donor, and Y6 (or C60) as electron acceptor, solution-processed bulk heterojunction optoelectronic switching devices with a configuration of ITO/POFTPE:Y6(C60)/ITO, which can respond to both the optical and electrical stimuli, have been successfully fabricated. Both the electron transfer and energy transfer from POFTPE to Y6 will occur simultaneously in the blends system under light illumination, while no energy transfer between POFTPE and C60 occurs, expect for electron transfer. Both the ITO/POFTPE:Y6/ITO and ITO/POFTPE:C60/ITO devices show typical nonvolatile rewritable memory effect in the dark or under light illumination. Upon illumination with different wavelength lights, the switching bias window (Δ|VON-VOFF|), switching-on voltage and the ON/OFF current ratio of the ITO/POFTPE:Y6(5:1)/ITO device decrease with decreasing the incident light wavelength due to the increased free charge carrier concentration caused by light illumination. In contrast to the POFTPE:Y6 blends, the POFTPE:C60 blends-based device measured in the dark shows smaller switch-on voltage, ON/OFF current ratio and switching bias window under the same experimental conditions. This work shows one of the very promising strategies for exploring the nonvolatile multilevel storage by tailoring optoelectronic switching and memory performance of the materials via illumination with different wavelength lights.
Prospective study for commercial and low-cost hyperspectral imaging systems to evaluate thermal tissue effect on bovine liver samples
Authors: Aref Mohamed , Hussein Abdallah , Youssef Abou-Bakr , Aboughaleb Ibrahim , Sharawi Amr , Saccomandi Paola , El-Sharkawy Yasser
Published: October 2021

Thermal ablation modalities, for example radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation, are intended to prompt controlled tumour removal by raising tissue temperature. However, monitoring the size of the resulting tissue damage during the thermal removal procedures is a challenging task. The objective of this study was to evaluate the observation of RFA on an ex vivo liver sample with both a commercial and a low-cost system to distinguish between the normal and the ablated regions as well as the thermally affected regions. RFA trials were conducted on five different ex vivo normal bovine samples and monitored initially by a custom hyperspectral (HS) camera to measure the diffuse reflectance (Rd) utilising a polychromatic light source (tungsten halogen lamp) within the spectral range 348–950 nm. Next, the light source was replaced with monochromatic LEDs (415, 565 and 660 nm) and a commercial charge-coupled device (CCD) camera was used instead of the HS camera. The system algorithm comprises image enhancement (normalisation and moving average filter) and image segmentation with K-means clustering, combining spectral and spatial information to assess the variable responses to polychromatic light and monochromatic LEDs to highlight the differences in the Rd properties of thermally affected/normal tissue regions. The measured spectral signatures of the various regions, besides the calculation of the standard deviations (δ) between the generated six groups, guided us to select three optimal wavelengths (420, 540 and 660 nm) to discriminate between these various regions. Next, we selected six spectral images to apply the image processing to (at 450, 500, 550, 600, 650 and 700 nm). We noticed that the optimum image is the superimposed spectral images at 550, 600, 650 and 700 nm, which are capable of discriminating between the various regions. Later, we measured Rd with the CCD camera and commercially available monochromatic LED light sources at 415, 565 and 660 nm. Compared to the HS camera results, this system was more capable of identifying the ablated and the thermally affected regions of surface RFA than the side-penetration RFA of the investigated ex vivo liver samples. However, we succeeded in developing a low-cost system that provides satisfactory information to highlight the ablated and thermally affected region to improve the outcome of surgical tumour ablation with much shorter time for image capture and processing compared to the HS system.
Perfil e fatores associados ao uso de anticoncepcionais orais combinados em mulheres férteis atendidas em um centro de planejamento familiar
Authors: Santos Deborah Costa de Jesus dos , Rohweder Mayla , Takenami Iukary
Published: October 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil e os fatores associados ao uso de anticoncepcionais orais combinados (AOC) em regimes de pausa (intermitente) ou estendido (contínuo) em mulheres férteis atendidas em um centro de planejamento familiar. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado no Centro de Pesquisa e Assistência em Reprodução Humana (CEPARH), Salvador, Bahia. Resultados: Entre julho e setembro de 2017, 210 mulheres atendidas, consecutivamente, no CEPARH foram entrevistadas. Dessas, 69 (32,8%) fazem uso de algum AOC, das quais 32 (46,4%) utilizam-no em regimes estendidos. Mulheres que trabalham têm 1,89 vezes mais chances de usarem AOC do que as que não trabalham (IC95%: 1,04-3,42; p=0,039). Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada nas características entre as que fazem uso de AOC em regime de pausa ou estendido (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que mulheres que trabalham adiam a concepção e utilizam com mais frequência a pílula contraceptiva, independentemente da forma de administração (forma contínua ou intermitente). Ademais, não há nenhum fator que contribua, significativamente, para que as mulheres façam uso estendido das cartelas de AOC.
Performing post-genome-wide association study analysis: overview, challenges and recommendations
Authors: Adam Yagoub , Samtal Chaimae , Brandenburg Jean-tristan , Falola Oluwadamilare , Adebiyi Ezekiel
Published: October 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide  huge information on statistically significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with various human complex traits and diseases. By performing GWAS studies, scientists have successfully identified the association of hundreds of thousands to  millions of SNPs to a single phenotype. Moreover, the association of some SNPs with rare diseases has been intensively tested. However, classic GWAS studies have not yet provided solid, knowledgeable insight into functional and biological mechanisms underlying phenotypes or mechanisms of diseases. Therefore, several post-GWAS (pGWAS) methods have been recommended. Currently, there is no simple scientific document to provide a quick guide for performing pGWAS analysis. pGWAS is a crucial step for a better understanding of the biological machinery beyond the SNPs. Here, we provide an overview to performing pGWAS analysis and demonstrate the challenges behind each method. Furthermore, we direct readers to key articles for each pGWAS method and present the overall issues in pGWAS analysis.  Finally, we include a custom pGWAS pipeline to guide new users when performing their research.
“At first, I was very afraid”—a qualitative description of participants’ views and experiences in the first Human Infection Study in Malawi
Authors: Mtunthama Toto Neema , Gooding Kate , Kapumba Blessings M. , Jambo Kondwani , Rylance Jamie , Burr Sarah , Morton Ben , Gordon Stephen B. , Manda-Taylor Lucinda
Published: October 2021

Background: Human infection studies (HIS) involve deliberately infecting healthy volunteers with a pathogen in a controlled environment to understand infection and support the development of effective vaccines or treatments. HIS research is expanding to many low and middle-income settings to accelerate vaccine development. Given the implementation of the first HIS research to establish the experimental human pneumococcal carriage model’s feasibility, we sought to understand the participant’s opinions and experiences.

Methods: We used a qualitative, descriptive approach to understand participants perceptions and experiences on HIS participation. Sixteen healthy adult participants were invited to participate in in-depth exit interviews to discuss their experiences, motivations and concerns.

Results: Our findings showed that the likelihood of participation in HIS research rests on three essential conditions: motivation to participate, compensation and advocacy. The motivation and decision to participate was based on reasons including altruism, patriotism, monetary and material incentives, and while compensation was deemed appropriate, concerns about unanticipated research-related risks were raised. Participant advocate groups were recommended for increasing awareness and educating others in the broader community about HIS research.

Conclusions: Participants’ experiences of HIS in Malawi provide the basis of what can be acceptable in HIS research in lower-income countries and areas where study procedures could be adjusted.
Determinant Indonesian Islamic Rural Bank's Characteristics on Implementing Financial Technology for Their Business
Authors:   School of Business and Management, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Indonesia, Priyo Ahsanul Hadi , Arsyianti Laily Dwi , Ascarya Ascarya
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Indonesian Islamic rural bank or usually called Bank Pembiayaan Rakyat Syariah (BPRS) conducts business in Indonesia in activities based on sharia principles and providing banking services. The challenging business of BPRS right now is facing the Financial Technology (Fintech) business that grows very fast. Current market conditions request transactions simpler and easier, and the financial industry must be changed to accommodate this condition. To be able to compete with Fintech company, BPRS must be changed to adapt to the customer's needs by implemented Fintech in their business. The study aims to determinant the issues on implementing Fintech for BPRS. This study applies by using the Delphi method combined with the Likert scale. Data was obtained by an in-depth interview with three groups of experts as respondents including BPRS practitioners, Fintech practitioners, and experts. The result of this study shows Fintech is needed by BPRS to simplify the registration process, assess the quality of financing, expand their market share, and adopt ecosystem processes. This study has resulted in BPRS should develop Fintech by their resource, then collaborate with Fintech company on the Fintech area that can't be developed by BPRS. Keywords: BPRS, Collaboration, Delphi, Ecosystem, Fintech
ОПЫТ ПРЕПОДАВАНИЯ МЕТОДОВ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ НАПРЯЖЕННОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ В ДЕТАЛЯХ ОБОРУДОВАНИЯ
Authors: Sverdlik Grigory I. , Ataeva Anzhela Y.
Published: October 2021

Аннотация. В технических вузах преподаются дисциплины, связанные с исследованиями оборудования, в которых имеется раздел об исследованиях напряженного состояния в деталях машин. Задачей статьи является изложение методики преподавания одного из разделов дисциплины «Исследование металлургических машин и оборудования» в Северо-Кавказском горно-металлургическом институте (государственном технологическом университете).
Цель. Обмен опытом преподавания дисциплины «Исследование металлургических машин и оборудования», одним из разделов которой является «Методы исследования напряженного состояния в деталях оборудования».
Актуальность работы состоит в полезности обмена опытом, анализе работ по преподаванию технических дисциплин, возможности распространения приведенного опыта на преподавание других технических дисциплин и получения отзывов на методику преподавания с целью совершенствования процесса преподавания.
Методика проведения работы. Обобщение опыта преподавания вышеуказанной дисциплины, состоящее в раскрытии содержания этапов:
1. Теоретическое изучение методов определения напряжений и деформаций: метода хрупких тензочувствительных покрытий, поляризационно-оптического метода, метода определения напряжений и деформаций по измерениям в отдельных точках с применением тензодатчиков. 2. Изучение тензометрических методов в лабораторных условиях с изучением конструкций тензодатчиков и месдоз на примере их применения для измерения усилия на валки прокатного стана при прокатке. Кроме того рассмотрен пример применения тензодатчиков для определения крутящего момента на шпинделе лабораторного прокатного стана и приведены темы лабораторных работ. При описании лабораторных работ освещены методики их выполнения 3. Методы контроля усвоения студентами полученной информации и критерии оценки выполненных лабораторных работ.
Обсуждение результатов. Сделан вывод, что преподавание методов исследования напряженного состояния в деталях оборудования направлено на получение студентами знаний о данных методах и освоение умения пользоваться аппаратурой для исследований. При этом происходит закрепление знаний, полученных при изучении дисциплин «Физика», «Сопротивление материалов», «Электротехника» об эффектах, лежащих в основе методологии исследований.
Заключение. Рассмотренный опыт может быть полезен при преподавании дисциплин вида «Исследование металлургических машин и оборудования», а также других технических дисциплин, в которых изучается материал по исследованию напряженного состояния в деталях оборудования. Результативность обучения студентов по рассматриваемой дисциплине состоит в приобретении возможности использования студентами полученных знаний и умений в производственной деятельности по конструированию и эксплуатации металлургических машин и оборудования.
National Asthma Education and Prevention Program 2020 Guidelines: What’s Important for Primary Care
Authors: Murphy
Published: October 2021

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• The 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines: A Report from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Expert Panel Working Group provides updated recommendations for 6 topics related to the management of individuals with asthma.
• The classification of asthma severity and asthma control, as well as the concept of utilizing a stepwise approach to pharmacologic treatment, were not updated from the Expert Panel Report 3, released in 2007.
• However, important updates in preferred therapies for intermittent and persistent asthma at treatment steps 1 through 5 were suggested.
• Recommendations regarding biologic therapy were not included in the 2020 update, as only evidence and US Food and Drug Administration approvals through October 2018 were considered.
• The most recent 2021 Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines are not included in this
review but can be used in a complementary manner to assist primary care clinicians to optimize decisions regarding the care of patients with asthma.
Obesity 2021: Current Clinical Management of a Chronic, Serious Disease
Authors: Kushner
Published: October 2021

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the activity, participants will be able to:
• Recognize obesity as a chronic, relapsing, serious disease warranting long-term management and early intervention to minimize disease burden and decrease associated morbidity and mortality.
• Destigmatize obesity to initiate and enhance patient engagement.
• Apply guideline-recommended care for screening, diagnosis, and individualized treatment of adults and others with obesity.
• Incorporate practical practice management strategies.
Utilizing CGM Ambulatory Glucose Profiles to Optimize Diabetes Management
Authors: Miller
Published: October 2021

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the activity, participant will be able to:
• Identify patients who could benefit from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) vs fingerstick blood glucose monitoring.
• List the types of information provided by CGM systems.
• Interpret CGM data using the ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) to assess if the patient is achieving targets established by the International Consensus on Time in Range.
• Modify the treatment plan based on CGM data to improve patient outcomes.