bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in the QRS area after cardiac resynchronization therapy is associated with survival and echocardiographic response
Authors: Ghossein Mohammed A. , van Stipdonk Antonius M. W. , Plesinger Filip , Kloosterman Mariëlle , Wouters Philippe C. , Salden Odette A. E. , Meine Mathias , Maass Alexander H. , Prinzen Frits W. , Vernooy Kevin
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Recent studies have shown that the baseline QRS area is associated with the clinical response after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In this study, we investigated the association of QRS area reduction (∆QRS area) after CRT with the outcome. We hypothesize that a larger ∆QRS area is associated with a better survival and echocardiographic response.

Methods and Results

Electrocardiograms (ECG) obtained before and 2–12 months after CRT from 1299 patients in a multi‐center CRT‐registry were analyzed. The QRS area was calculated from vectorcardiograms that were synthesized from 12‐lead ECGs. The primary endpoint was a combination of all‐cause mortality, heart transplantation, and left ventricular (LV) assist device implantation. The secondary endpoint was the echocardiographic response, defined as LV end‐systolic volume reduction ≥ of 15%. Patients with ∆QRS area above the optimal cut‐off value (62 µVs) had a lower risk of reaching the primary endpoint (hazard ratio: 0.43; confidence interval [CI] 0.33–0.56, p < .001), and a higher chance of echocardiographic response (odds ratio [OR] 3.3;CI 2.4–4.6, p < .0001). In multivariable analysis, ∆QRS area was independently associated with both endpoints. In patients with baseline QRS area ≥109 µVs, survival, and echocardiographic response were better when the ∆QRS area was ≥62 µVs (p < .0001). Logistic regression showed that in patients with baseline QRS area ≥109 µVs, ∆QRS area was the only significant predictor of survival (OR: 0.981; CI: 0.967–0.994, p = .006).

Conclusion

∆QRS area is an independent determinant of CRT response, especially in patients with a large baseline QRS area. Failure to achieve a large QRS area reduction with CRT is associated with a poor clinical outcome.
Do psychological factors predict changes in oral health‐related quality of life and clinical status after periodontal treatment?
Authors: Rawlinson Andrew , Vettore Mario V. , Baker Sarah R. , Robinson Peter G.
Published: January 2021

Aims

To determine psychological factors predicting changes in OHRQoL and clinical status after periodontal treatment.

Methods

Cohort of 140 patients with chronic periodontitis receiving non‐surgical treatment consisting of scaling, root surface debridement and instruction in plaque control. Participants self‐completed questionnaires enquiring about sense of coherence, locus of control, self‐esteem and task‐specific self‐efficacy before treatment, and the Oral Health Impact Profile—14 before treatment, at oral hygiene review and end of study. Relationships among OHRQoL, clinical changes, individual factors (demographic and psychological) and environmental characteristics were analysed using latent growth curve modelling guided by the Wilson and Cleary model.

Results

OHRQoL and periodontal status improved after treatment. Being male and having a greater sense of coherence predicted better OHRQoL before treatment. Stronger internal dimension of locus of control predicted a greater rate of improvement in OHRQoL, whereas greater external dimensions predicted a slower rate of improvement. Greater task‐specific self‐efficacy predicted less gains in probing attachment and reductions in probing depth.

Conclusions

Knowledge of psychological factors may be helpful in explaining individual differences in OHRQoL and clinical responses to periodontal treatment, and in identifying where health‐promoting interventions may strengthen relevant factors to improve these outcomes.
Existential uncertainty in health care: A concept analysis
Authors: Dwan Conor , Willig Carla
Published: January 2021

Rationale, aims and objectives

According to an influential taxonomy of varieties of uncertainty in health care, existential uncertainty is a key aspect of uncertainty for patients. Although the term “existential uncertainty” appears across a number of disciplines in the research literature, its use is diffuse and inconsistent. To date there has not been a systematic attempt to define it. The aim of this study is to generate a theoretically‐informed conceptualisation of existential uncertainty within the context of an established taxonomy.

Method

Existential uncertainty was subjected to a concept analysis, which drew on existing uses of the term across multiple disciplines as well as insights from uncertainty theory more broadly and from the existential therapy literature to generate a tentative definition of the concept. Antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of existential uncertainty were also identified. A model case was described as well as a borderline case and a related case in order to illustrate and delineate the concept.

Results

Existential uncertainty is conceptualised as an awareness of the undetermined but finite nature of one's own being‐in‐the‐world, concerned primarily with identity, meaning, and choice. This awareness is fundamental and ineradicable, and manifests at different levels of consciousness.

Conclusion

Humans rely on identity, worldview, and a sense of meaning in life as ways of managing the ineradicable uncertainty of our being‐in‐the‐world, and these can be challenged by a serious diagnosis. It is important that medical professionals acknowledge issues around existential uncertainty as well as issues around scientific uncertainty, and recognise when patients might be struggling with these. Further research is required to identify ways of measuring existential uncertainty and to develop appropriate interventions, but it is hoped that this conceptualisation provides a useful first step towards that goal.
The 2014 Tokwe‐Mukorsi floods: Were the civil protection authorities in Zimbabwe prepared for the disaster?
Authors: Mavhura Emmanuel
Published: January 2021

Flood preparedness involves building capacities that enable minimising losses through effective response and recovery. While there are many preparedness assessments at household and community level, very few have been conducted at institutional level. This study assessed the households' perspectives of the preparedness of civil protection institutions in Zimbabwe during the 2014 Tokwe‐Mukorsi flood disaster and identified the capacity building needs of the civil protection institutions. It used a 5‐point Likert scale to measure six preparedness indicators: emergency plans, early warning systems, evacuation, resources, disaster knowledge, and relocation camp management. Data came from a cross‐sectional survey involving 656 household‐heads who were randomly selected among the affected villagers of Tokwe‐Mukorsi. The findings revealed various gaps in preparedness both at indicator and at variable level. While some indicators showed incipient levels of development in all their variables, others had a combination of low and developed variables. The preparedness elements that critically need immediate attention include the development of emergency plans, evacuation of populations at risk and the prepositioning of resources. However, it is pertinent to mention that civil protection systems in Zimbabwe need to strengthen most of their preparedness elements. As such, this study recommends strengthening preparedness activities in civil protection systems.
Synbiotics supplement is effective for Melasma improvement
Authors: Piyavatin Piyanat , Chaichalotornkul Sirinthip , Nararatwanchai Thamthiwat , Bumrungpert Akkarach , Saiwichai Tawee
Published: January 2021

Background

Melasma is a disorder of melanogenesis among humans causing localized, chronic acquired hypermelanosis of the skin requiring a combination of treatments. Related studies have shown probiotics contribute distinct advantages for skin disorders possibly including melasma because of its anti‐inflammatory activities, anti‐oxidation properties, ultraviolet protection, and tyrosinase activity inhibition.

Aims

The study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotics supplement on improving melasma (evaluated from mMASI score).

Methods

This research comprised an experimental study employing a prospective, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial among 57 Thai participants divided in 2 groups (29 for the experimental and 28 for the placebo groups). The participants were aged 30‐50 years old, had Fitzpatrick skin type III–VI, with facial melasma on both sides of the face and attending Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, Bangkok from January‐December 2019. Participants were randomly treated with oral synbiotics or placebo, 1 sachet daily for 12 weeks. Melasma severity and skin health were evaluated at 4 visits for each participant (baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively).

Results

Severity of melasma scored by mMASI of the synbiotics group was 7.54 ± 0.79, 7.36 ± 0.80, 7.16 ± 0.73, and 6.98 ± 0.72 at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively, and 7.51 ± 0.86, 7.52 ± 0.88, 7.54 ± 0.86, and 7.54 ± 0.89 at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively, in the placebo group. Comparing between two groups at week 12, melasma score in the synbiotics supplement group was significantly lower than that in the placebo group (P = .008).

Conclusion

Oral synbiotics supplementation for 12 weeks improved the severity of melasma score.
Relationships among sex, empowerment, workplace bullying and job turnover intention of new graduate nurses
Authors: Favaro Aaron , Wong Carol , Oudshoorn Abe
Published: January 2021

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was twofold: examine the relationships among new graduate nurses’ (NGNs) structural empowerment, experience of workplace bullying, and their job turnover intention and assess the relationships between sex, workplace bullying, and job turnover intention.

Background

Nursing research has highlighted the issue of workplace bullying and its negative impacts. Despite increased awareness, male nurses and their responses to bullying have not been a significant focus of study.

Design

A secondary analysis of data collected from a random sample of 1008 Canadian NGNs from the following: Starting Out: A time‐lagged Study of New Graduate Nurses’ Transition to Practice.

Methods

All data were analysed using SPSS, and the study model was tested using the SPSS PROCESS macro, specifically Model 4 (for simple mediation). This paper is compliant with the STROBE reporting guideline for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

Structural empowerment significantly predicted workplace bullying and job turnover intention. Workplace bullying significantly predicted job turnover intention. Structural empowerment mediated job turnover intention through workplace bullying. Male new graduate nurses reported significantly higher workplace bullying than female NGNs yet lower job turnover intention.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate the positive effects of structural empowerment on both decreasing workplace bullying and job turnover intention. Furthermore, findings showed the influence of sex on workplace bullying and job turnover intention. The findings contribute to literature on male NGNs and suggest that they experience significantly higher rates of workplace bullying than their female counterparts. The findings suggest differences exist in the workplace experience for male and female NGNs that future research may help reveal.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings suggest structural empowerment may be used to reduce bullying prevalence and reduce job turnover intention consequently. The findings also suggest that some measures are needed to address the higher frequency of bullying experienced by male NGNs.
Treatment Fidelity: What It Is and Why It Matters
Authors: Sanetti Lisa M. H. , Cook Bryan G. , Cook Lysandra
Published: January 2021

Treatment fidelity refers to the extent to which an intervention is implemented as planned. If researchers do not assess and report treatment fidelity, or if treatment fidelity is shown to be low, findings from intervention studies are difficult to interpret, because the intervention may not have been implemented as planned. In this article, our aim is to inform research consumers by discussing treatment fidelity and its primary dimensions, providing guidelines for interpreting treatment fidelity, considering implications of treatment fidelity for research and practice, and illustrating how fidelity is reported in two recent studies. Our take‐home message is that when one is interpreting intervention studies, it is important to consider whether the interventions were applied as planned, or with fidelity.
Population genetics reveals global and regional history of the apex predator Galeocerdocuvier (carcharhiniformes) with comments on mitigating shark attacks in north‐eastern brazil
Authors: Andrade Flávia R.S. , Afonso André S. , Hazin Fábio H.V. , Mendonça Fernando F. , Torres Rodrigo A.
Published: January 2021

The knowledge of the population structure of a given species is of great importance for its conservation and for the management of its fishing exploitation, especially for sharks. The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier Péron&Lesueur, 1822) is an apex predator species that is currently listed as “Near Threatened” on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. In this study, the tiger shark's genetic structure in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (MRR) and oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha (FN) was investigated based on one mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA markers. In addition, sequenced data from other geographic sites were added into the mitochondrial analysis. The data showed moderate‐to‐high genetic diversity, and it is consistent with good resilience of G. cuvier in ecological terms. The structuring tests reinforced a global distinction of the species in two lineages, one being from the Indo‐Pacific and the other from the North Atlantic. Also, this analysis showed the close relationship between tiger sharks from Indo‐Pacific and South‐eastern coast of Brazil. The Bayesian and AMOVA tests indicated that tiger sharks from FN and MRR are genetically similar, forming a cohesive population. These analyses support live specimen translocations from beaches (where the attacks occur) to distant marine areas given we detected a historical cohesive population occurring between those beaches from MRR and FN Islands where the sharks migrate. This research is the first that has validated individual translocations as a green strategy in South‐western Atlantic.
Disseminated cryptococcosis and anti‐granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor autoantibodies: An underappreciated association
Authors: Viola George M. , Malek Alexandre E. , Rosen Lindsey B. , DiNardo Andrew R. , Nishiguchi Tomoki , Okhuysen Pablo C. , Holland Steven M. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: January 2021

The development of disseminated cryptococcosis has historically occurred in patients living with advanced human immunodeficiency virus or other immunosuppressive conditions affecting T‐cell function. Recently, patients with anti‐cytokine neutralising autoantibodies have been recognised to be at risk for disseminated infections by opportunistic intracellular pathogens, including Cryptococcus species. Herein, we present a previously healthy 26‐year‐old man who was evaluated with disseminated cryptococcosis involving the bone, lung, mediastinum and brain. The patient's serum cryptococcal antigen titres were >1:1,100,000, and evaluation for an underlying immunodeficiency revealed high titres for anti‐granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) autoantibodies. We also review the literature of all published cases of disseminated cryptococcosis associated with the presence of anti‐GM‐CSF autoantibodies. Clinicians should have a heightened awareness of anti‐cytokine autoantibodies in patients without a known immunodeficiency and development disseminated infections by opportunistic intracellular pathogens.
The Arabidopsis condensin CAP‐D subunits arrange interphase chromatin
Authors: Municio Celia , Antosz Wojciech , Grasser Klaus D. , Kornobis Etienne , Van Bel Michiel , Eguinoa Ignacio , Coppens Frederik , Bräutigam Andrea , Lermontova Inna , Bruckmann Astrid , Zelkowska Katarzyna , Houben Andreas , Schubert Veit
Published: January 2021

Condensins are best known for their role in shaping chromosomes. Other functions such as organizing interphase chromatin and transcriptional control have been reported in yeasts and animals, but little is known about their function in plants.

To elucidate the specific composition of condensin complexes and the expression of CAP‐D2 (condensin I) and CAP‐D3 (condensin II), we performed biochemical analyses in Arabidopsis. The role of CAP‐D3 in interphase chromatin organization and function was evaluated using cytogenetic and transcriptome analysis in cap‐d3 T‐DNA insertion mutants.

CAP‐D2 and CAP‐D3 are highly expressed in mitotically active tissues. In silico and pull‐down experiments indicate that both CAP‐D proteins interact with the other condensin I and II subunits. In cap‐d3 mutants, an association of heterochromatic sequences occurs, but the nuclear size and the general histone and DNA methylation patterns remain unchanged. Also, CAP‐D3 influences the expression of genes affecting the response to water, chemicals, and stress.

The expression and composition of the condensin complexes in Arabidopsis are similar to those in other higher eukaryotes. We propose a model for the CAP‐D3 function during interphase in which CAP‐D3 localizes in euchromatin loops to stiffen them and consequently separates centromeric regions and 45S rDNA repeats.
Tracking unstable states: ecosystem dynamics in a changing world
Authors: Arumugam Ramesh , Lutscher Frithjof , Guichard Frédéric
Published: January 2021

Ecological systems can show complex and sometimes abrupt responses to environmental change, with important implications for their resilience. Theories of alternate stable states have been used to predict regime shifts of ecosystems as equilibrium responses to sufficiently slow environmental change. The actual rate of environmental change is a key factor affecting the response, yet we are still lacking a non‐equilibrium theory that explicitly considers the influence of this rate of environmental change. We present a metacommunity model of predator–prey interactions displaying multiple stable states, and we impose an explicit rate of environmental change in habitat quality (carrying capacity) and connectivity (dispersal rate). We study how regime shifts depend on the rate of environmental change and compare the outcome with a stability analysis in the corresponding constant environment. Our results reveal that in a changing environment, the community can track states that are unstable in the constant environment. This tracking can lead to regime shifts, including local extinctions, that are not predicted by alternative stable state theory. In our metacommunity, tracking unstable states also controls the maintenance of spatial heterogeneity and spatial synchrony. Tracking unstable states can also lead to regime shifts that may be reversible or irreversible. Our study extends current regime shift theories to integrate rate‐dependent responses to environmental change. It reveals the key role of unstable states for predicting transient dynamics and long‐term resilience of ecological systems to climate change.
New concepts in pediatric rhinitis
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Aggelides Xenophon , Stamataki Sofia , Prokopakis Emmanuel , Katotomichelakis Michael , Xepapadaki Paraskevi
Published: January 2021

Rhinitis—and especially allergic rhinitis (AR)—remains the most frequent hypersensitivity condition, affecting up to a quarter of the population and impacting the quality of life of individual patients and the health economy. Data, especially with respect to underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, mainly derive from studies on adults and are subsequently extrapolated to the pediatric population. Therapeutic algorithms for children with rhinitis are long based on the same principles as in adults. We explore and describe novel aspects of rhinitis, ranging from mechanisms to disease classification, phenotypes, diagnostic and monitoring tools, and the use of treatments, with a focus on the traits of pediatric age groups.
Neonatal jaundice, phototherapy and childhood allergic diseases: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuniyoshi Yasutaka , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Banno Masahiro , Taito Shunsuke , Ariie Takashi
Published: January 2021

Background

Neonatal jaundice and phototherapy have been associated with the development of allergic diseases. It has been suggested, however, that effect estimates of the associations might be smaller than expected. We sought to update the evidence of their associations including recently published large longitudinal studies.

Methods

We sought published and unpublished observational studies through the major databases. We used a random‐effect meta‐analysis model weighted by the inverse variance estimate, the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool to assess the methodological quality for each study, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of evidence (COE).

Results

Nineteen studies were enrolled in the qualitative syntheses, and fourteen studies were synthesized in the meta‐analyses. Neonatal jaundice was associated with a higher risk of childhood‐onset asthma (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.39‐1.53; COE, moderate), atopic dermatitis (AD; OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.57; COE, moderate), and allergic rhinitis (AR; OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 0.8810.30; COE, low). Neonatal phototherapy was also associated with a higher risk of childhood‐onset asthma (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.11‐1.38; COE, moderate), AD (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.24‐1.39; COE, moderate), and AR (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.93‐2.04; COE, very low). There were no studies that reported effect estimates of the associations between childhood‐onset food allergies and neonatal jaundice and phototherapy.

Conclusion

Neonatal jaundice and phototherapy were probably a prognostic factor of childhood‐onset allergic diseases; however, the associations were likely to be smaller than previously estimated.
First‐line atezolizumab monotherapy in patients with advanced BRAFV600 wild‐type melanoma
Authors: de Azevedo Sergio Jobim , de Melo Andreia Cristina , Roberts Louise , Caro Ivor , Xue Cloris , Wainstein Alberto
Published: January 2021

Anti‐programmed death‐1 agents are an established option for advanced melanoma, but the anti‐programmed death‐ligand 1 (anti‐PD‐L1) antibody atezolizumab, an agent approved for the treatment of multiple solid tumors, was not previously evaluated. This phase 1b study cohort (NCT03178851; cohort C) evaluated first‐line atezolizumab 1,200 mg every 3 weeks in adults with BRAFV600 wild‐type, histologically confirmed, advanced or metastatic melanoma. The co‐primary end points were confirmed objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 and disease control rate (DCR = complete response [CR] +partial response [PR] +stable disease [SD] at 16 weeks). Of 52 enrolled patients, most had lactate dehydrogenase levels lower than the upper limit of normal (77%) and PD‐L1‐positive tumors (55%). Investigator‐assessed confirmed ORR was 35% (95% CI, 22%‐49%) and included three CRs (6%) and 15 PRs (29%); DCR was 46%. Median investigator‐assessed progression‐free survival was 3.7 months (95% CI, 2.1–7.3). The most common any‐grade adverse events were anemia (27%), headache (19%), hypertension (19%), constipation (17%), diarrhea (17%), hypothyroidism (17%), asthenia (15%), and pain in extremity (15%). First‐line atezolizumab monotherapy is safe and tolerable and has antitumor activity in patients with BRAFV600 wild‐type advanced or metastatic melanoma.
Differential expression and prediction of function of lncRNAs in the ovaries of low and high fecundity Hanper sheep
Authors: Liu Aiju , Liu Menghe , Li Yuexin , Chen Xiaoyong , Zhang Limeng , Tian Shujun
Published: January 2021

Contents

Litter size is an important trait that determines the production efficiency of sheep bred for meat. Its detailed investigation can reveal the molecular mechanisms that control the fecundity of sheep and possibly accelerate the breeding process of new varieties of sheep that have high prolificacy. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have proven to be an important factor in the regulation of follicular development. However, the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate litter size in sheep remain unclear. In the present study, ovarian tissues from the follicular (F) or luteal phase (L) of Hanper sheep that were either monotocous (M) or polytocous (P; FM, FP, LM and LP groups) were collected and sequenced to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and predict their function. The results indicate that the number of up‐ and down‐regulated lncRNAs in the follicular phase (FM vs. FP) was 95 and 111 and 109 and 49, respectively, in the luteal phase (LM vs. LP). The functional enrichment of the different lncRNAs coexpressed with mRNA was analysed. The results demonstrated that the KISS1‐GnRH‐LH/FSH‐E2 and EGF‐EGFR‐RAS‐PI3K signalling pathways promoted the initiation of the primordial period, follicular development and ovulation in the follicular phase (FM vs. FP). During the luteal phase (LM vs. LP), the production and development of the corpus luteum in ewes was influenced by the KITLG‐KIT/FGF‐FGFR/HGF‐MET‐RAS‐ERK signalling pathway. STEM clustering functional enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed lncRNAs indicated that profile11 was principally enriched in the Cytokine‐Jak‐STAT, PDGF‐PDGFR‐PI3K and KITLG‐KIT‐RAS‐ERK signalling pathways. By analysis of the differential expression of the lncRNAs and their expression in each group, lncRNAs Xist (loc101112291) and Gtl2 (loc101123329) were found to be highly expressed, suggesting that regulation of follicular development was mediated through methylation processes.
Understanding the Links Between Climate Change Risk Perceptions and the Action Response to Inform Climate Services Interventions
Authors: Steynor Anna , Pasquini Lorena , Thatcher Andrew , Hewitson Bruce
Published: January 2021

Understanding what motivates people to act on climate change provides an opportunity to design more effective interventions, in particular, climate services interventions, by aligning them with factors that strongly influence action. Climate change risk perceptions have been shown to underlie action on climate change. Therefore, this study performs exploratory research to understand how various determinants of risk perceptions contribute and interact to influence climate change risk perceptions and professional action on climate change in East Africa, in order to inform the context‐specific design of climate services. Using data collected through a region‐wide survey, a model to risk perceptions and professional action was constructed through structural equation modeling. The model elucidates the cascading effects of variables such as age, gender, education, and personal values on action. In particular, it highlights a split in motivating factors among individuals with higher levels of self‐enhancing values versus those with higher levels of self‐transcending values. The model also highlights the prominent role that experience of extreme weather events, psychological proximity of climate change, climate change risk perceptions, and social norms play in motivating action. The model, therefore, offers a framework for prioritizing the various factors that motivate people to take adaptation action, which, in turn, provides a basis for informing climate services development going forward.
Two new HLA alleles, HLA‐B*15:583 and DRB1*11:279, detected in individuals from the Irkutsk region
Authors: Loginova Maria , Makhova Olga , Kutyavina Svetlana , Paramonov Igor , Zarubin Maksim
Published: January 2021

The new HLA‐B*15:583 and DRB1*11:279 alleles identified in Buryat and Russian individuals, respectively.
A multicenter report on the safety and efficacy of plerixafor based stem cell mobilization in children with malignant disorders
Authors: Bhunia Nabanita , Abu‐Arja Rolla , Stanek Joseph R. , Mehyar Lubna S. , Shaw Peter J. , Kang Hyoung Jin , Stein Jerry , O'Brien Tracey A. , Roberts Catherine H. , Lee Anselm Chi‐wai , Loeb David M. , Ozkaynak Mehmet F. , Dalal Jignesh D. , Strahlendorf Caron , Goyal Rakesh K. , Shenoy Shalini S. , Rangarajan Hemalatha G.
Published: January 2021

Background

Pleraxifor for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization in children with malignancies is often given following failure of standard mobilization (SM) rather than as a primary mobilizing agent.

Study Design and Methods

In this retrospective multicenter study, we report the safety of plerixafor‐based PBSC mobilization in children with malignancies and compare outcomes between patients who received plerixafor upfront with SM (Group A) with those who received plerixafor following failure of SM (Group B). In the latter pleraxifor was given either following a low peripheral blood (PB) CD34 (<20 cells/cu.mm) (Group B1) or as a second collection process due to an unsuccessful yield (CD34 + < 2 × 106/kg) (Group B2) following failed SM and first apheresis attempts.

Results

The study cohort (n = 47) with a median age of 8 (range 0.6‐21) year, comprised 19 (40%) Group A and 28 (60%) Group B patients (B1 = 12 and B2 = 16). Pleraxifor mobilization was successful in 87.2% of patients, similar between Groups A and B (84.2% vs 89.2%) and resulted in a median 4‐fold increase in PB CD34. Median number of apheresis attempts was 2 in Groups A and B1 but 4 in Group B2. In Group B2, median total CD34+ yield post‐plerixafor was 9‐fold higher than after SM (P = .0013). Mild to moderate transient adverse events affected 8.5% of patients. Among patients who proceeded to autologous transplant (n = 39), all but one engrafted.

Conclusion

Plerixafor‐based PBSC collection was safe and effective in our cohort and supports consideration as a primary mobilizing agent in children with malignancies.
Clinical, CT, and ultrasonographic features of canine and feline pleural and peritoneal carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis
Authors: Weston Philippa J , Baines Stephen J , Finotello Riccardo , Mortier Jeremy R
Published: January 2021

Carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis describe the widespread dissemination of metastatic neoplastic cells throughout the body. Studies describing their clinical and imaging features in veterinary patients are limited. The objective of this retrospective, multicenter, cross‐sectional study is to describe the clinical, ultrasonographic, and CT features of pleural and peritoneal carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis in dogs and cats to aid detection and differentiation of these lesions. Medical records and CT and ultrasonographic images were reviewed. Although a large degree of overlap was observed between the imaging features and clinical signs of canine and feline carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis, some distinguishing features were observed. Dogs were significantly more likely to present with abdominal pain compared to cats (P = .022), whereas cats more commonly presented with inappetence (P = .019). Dogs with sarcomatosis had a significantly heavier bodyweight than dogs with carcinomatosis (P = .005), largely due to a higher prevalence of splenic hemangiosarcoma in this patient cohort. Peritoneal effusion was more frequently observed in dogs with carcinomatosis compared to dogs with sarcomatosis (P = .021). Imaging and clinical features observed in this study may help to distinguish sarcomatosis and carcinomatosis lesions. Due to the large degree of overlap observed, cytological or histopathological analysis is recommended for definitive diagnosis.
Does vitamin D deficiency predispose to keloids via dysregulation of koebnerisin (S100A15)? A case‐control study
Authors: El Hadidi Heba H. , Sobhi Rehab M. , Nada Ahmed M. , AbdelGhaffar Mariam M. M. , Shaker Olfat G. , El‐Kalioby Mona
Published: January 2021

Keloids result from uncontrolled inflammation and fibrosis during wound healing. Vitamin D can regulate skin proliferation and inflammation. Fibroblasts are vitamin D‐responsive target cells and are source of koebnerisin (an antimicrobial peptide released during inflammation and wound healing). This study aimed to assess the levels and correlations between the serum and tissue 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D, tissue vitamin D receptors, and serum and tissue koebnerisin (S100A15) in patients with keloids. Nineteen patients with keloids and 20 matched controls were recruited. From each keloid patient, a serum sample and two biopsies were taken from the keloid (lesional) (Tissue A) and from normal skin (non‐lesional) (Tissue B). From controls, a serum sample and a tissue biopsy from normal skin were taken. Serum and tissue 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D, tissue vitamin D receptors, and serum and tissue koebnerisin were measured in retrieved samples using ELISA. Results revealed a significantly lower serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D, tissue vitamin D receptors, as well as, serum and tissue koebnerisin in keloid patients compared to controls. Tissue 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D was significantly lower in keloidal skin biopsy (Tissue A) compared to non‐lesional normal skin biopsy (Tissue B). Tissue koebnerisin showed a significant positive correlation with tissue vitamin D receptors, and a significant negative correlation with tissue 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D. There was a significant negative correlation between serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D and duration of keloid. Accordingly, low serum and tissue 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D and deficient tissue vitamin D receptors contribute to the pathogenesis of keloids. This can be partly mediated by dysregulation of the antimicrobial peptide; koebnerisin. Artificial antimicrobial peptides and koebnerisin‐modifying drugs, for example, vitamin D and TNF‐α inhibitors can have a role in keloid prevention and treatment.
Insights into the phylogeny of three systematically controversial subfamilies of urostylid ciliates based on rDNA
Authors: Chen Xumiao , Li Ju , Xu Kuidong
Published: January 2021

The family Pseudokeronopsidae Borror & Wicklow, 1983 has an extensive history of iterative revisions regarding phylogenetic relationships of its members and some related taxa from the order Urostylida. The accumulation of morphological and multigene data has provided the opportunity to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their systematic and evolutionary relationship. We conducted phylogenetic analyses of multiple molecular markers and predicted secondary structures of SSU rRNA and ITS regions by adding 14 new sequences. The results demonstrate that: (1) all the present phylogenetic analyses support the transfer of the subfamily Thigmokeronopsinae from the family Pseudokeronopsidae to the family Urostylidae; (2) the monophyly of two subfamilies Pseudokeronopsinae and Nothoholostichinae is substantiated with high support values of the SSU rDNA, LSU rDNA and the concatenated rDNA loci; (3) the monophyly of Pseudokeronopsidae is substantiated of the LSU rDNA only, and the AU tests do not reject the possibilities of Anteholosticha pulchra in this family; (4) phylogenetic trees based on the ITS region do not support the monophylies of the Pseudokeronopsidae and Nothoholostichinae, but the AU tests do not reject their possibilities; and (5) even though Pseudokeronopsis is morphologically well‐defined, it is very likely a paraphyletic genus in which both Antiokeronopsis and Uroleptopsis could be included. Moreover, this study reveals that the V2 and V4 regions of the SSU rRNA molecule are rather conserved at genus level and could be used to distinguish different subfamilies and families. Although they are less stable than the Watson–Crick complementarities, the GU appositions often occur in the ITS transcripts, which are much more variable at genus level than the V2 and V4 regions of the SSU rRNA molecule.
Barriers and facilitators to general practitioners participating in implementation research: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Sargent Lucy , Taylor Jane , Lowe John
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The aim of the review is to critically appraise and synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence on the barriers and facilitators to general practitioners participating in implementation research for the purposes of evaluating translation of evidence into practice.

Introduction:

General practice is a distinct medical specialty that requires its own specific research; therefore, general practitioner participation in research is key in translating new knowledge into practice. However, recruiting general practitioners to research as participants is challenging. Understanding general practitioner behavior in relation to their participation in implementation research is critical.

Inclusion criteria:

Implementation studies that include general practitioners in primary health care settings will be considered. This review will consider quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies from developed countries investigating barriers and facilitators to general practitioners participating in implementation research.

Methods:

The review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews. The main databases accessed will be MEDLINE and Scopus, and include studies published in English between 2008 and the present. Two independent reviewers will read and screen relevant articles, assess for quality, extract study characteristics, and synthesize data. This review is taking an integrated approach involving transformed quantitative data. Primary outcome measures will include study details and outcomes related to the research question. Qualitative and transformed quantitative data will be mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework at extraction phase. Synthesis will include identified barriers and facilitators categorized using the Theoretical Domains Framework indicators to provide future research and implementation recommendations for recruiting general practitioners to implementation research.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO (CRD42020176759)
Fear-of-falling activity-avoidance behavior in people with Parkinson's disease: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Rider John V. , Longhurst Jason K.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The objective of this review is to explore existing literature related to fear of falling activity avoidance behavior and identify what is known about this phenomenon in people with Parkinson's disease.

Introduction:

Falling and fear of falling are significant concerns for persons with Parkinson's disease. Fear of falling is a significant problem over and above falling itself and can lead to activity avoidance. Activity-avoidance behavior is a risk factor for increased falls and can lead to further functional decline. A better understanding of the fear of falling and the associated avoidance behavior can inform screening, evaluation, and interventions to decrease fall risk and improve activity engagement and quality of life for persons with Parkinson's disease.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies published in English that include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease experiencing fear of falling that impacts activity engagement with no limit on participant age or time of publication.

Methods:

JBI methodology will be used to conduct this scoping review. A three-step search strategy will be utilized. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), APA PsycINFO (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), Papers First (OCLC), and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest). Two independent reviewers will screen the titles, abstracts, and full text of the selected studies. Data collection will be performed with a tool developed by the researchers based on the standardized tool from JBI SUMARI. Data will be presented in a comprehensive narrative summary.
Synergistic interaction of nerve growth factor and glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor in muscular mechanical hyperalgesia in rats
Authors: Murase Shiori , Kobayashi Kimiko , Nasu Teruaki , Kihara Chiaki , Taguchi Toru , Mizumura Kazue
Published: January 2021

Key points

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are essential for neuronal development and survival in embryo. However, after birth they play pivotal roles in the generation of hyperalgesia in many painful conditions.

Both factors are believed to act on different groups of primary afferents, but interaction between them has not yet been studied. Here we show a synergism between the two factors. Intramuscular injection of a mixture of both factors at a low concentration, each of which alone had no effect, induced a significant muscular mechanical hyperalgesia in rats.

We show that synergism occurs in the primary afferent neurons and find that about 25% primary afferents innervating the muscle express both TrkA (NGF receptor) and GFRα1 (GDNF receptor).

We show by pharmacological means that afferent neurons with TrkA and GFRα1 express both TRPV1 and ASICs.

Our data establish a basis for synergism between NGF and GDNF.

In some inflammatory conditions both nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are upregulated and play pivotal roles in inducing hyperalgesia. However, their interaction has not been studied. We examined whether and where interaction between both neurotrophic factors occurs in SD rats. Intramuscular injection to gastrocnemius muscle (GC) of a mixture of NGF (0.1 µm) and GDNF (0.008 µm), which alone had no effect, induced a significant mechanical hyperalgesia (F(6,30) = 13.62, P = 0.0001), demonstrating synergism between the two factors. Phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK) immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) induced by compression of GC increased after injection of the mixture (P = 0.028, compared with PBS); thus the interaction of NGF and GDNF could occur at the primary afferent level. An in situ hybridization study (n = 4) demonstrated that 23.7–29.2% of GC‐innervating DRG neurons coexpressed TrkA (NGF receptor) and GFRα1 (GDNF receptor). The cell size of the coexpressing GC DRG neurons showed no skewing towards the small size range but was distributed widely from the small to the large size ranges. Therefore, some of the coexpressing neurons with thin axons are thought to contribute to this mechanical hyperalgesia. The hyperalgesia was reversed by both amiloride (F(1,13) = 5.056, P = 0.0425, compared with PBS) and capsazepine (F(1,10) = 8.402, P = 0.0159, compared with DMSO), suggesting that the primary afferents sensitized by the mixture express both TRPV1 and ASICs. These results showed a basis of synergism between NGF and GDNF.
Phenomenological Analysis of the Cured Kinetics in the Order n of the Reaction as a Function of the Temperature of an EPDM Polymer
Authors: Gómez-Jimenez S. , Becerra-Ferreiro A. M. , Jareño-Betancourt E. , Vázquez-Penagos J.
Published: January 2021

The fabrication of rubber products involves a complex chemical process, which is invariably assisted by temperature and pressure. Obviously, the curing process specifications have a strong impact on the quality and mechanical properties of the final product. Mechanistic kinetic models and phenomenological or empirical models have been used to describe the cure behavior of rubber. The empirical models ignore the chemical details and fit the data to a mathematic functional form where the constants of the model are determined based on experimental procedures such as rheometry. In this paper, we present the phenomenological characterization of the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) synthetic elastomer by mobile die rheometer (MDR). The kinetic parameters were calculated from Kamal-Ryan, Sestak-Berggren, and the Isayev-Deng methods at different temperatures. An Arrhenius-type function for the order of reaction n is introduced to improve the fit. Finally, Sesták–Berggren and Isayev-Denǵs empirical models were compared in order to determine which best describes the behavior including the proposed expression. The graphical and analytical description of the cure kinetics for the EPDM rubber was obtained consistently. The expression proposed to describe the order of the reaction is predicted to give a better establishment of processing time. It was noted that for EPDM at higher temperatures, the increase of the rate of reaction occurs in short period of time, which could cause premature curing if the supply system is inadequate.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Prediction of Energetic Performance of a Hybrid System Consisting of an Earth-Air Heat Exchanger and a Building-Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal System
Authors: Shahsavar Amin , Bagherzadeh Seyed Amin , Afrand Masoud
Published: January 2021

In this study, an attempt is made to assess the feasibility of several machine learning techniques for forecasting the energetic performance of a hybrid renewable energy unit consisting of an earth-air heat exchanger (EAX) and a building-integrated photovoltaic thermal (BPV/T) unit. The unit provides preheating/precooling of outdoor air in cold/warm days and generates electricity throughout the year. The employed methods are artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine network (SVMN), and fuzzy network (FN). These techniques are employed to develop a relationship between the input and output parameters of the unit. The annual total energy output of the unit is taken as the essential output of the unit, while the input parameters were the length, depth, and width of the BPV/T unit, the air mass flowrate, and length and diameter of the EAX unit. The results indicated that all the methods are successful at the prediction of the annual total energy output of the unit; however, the SVMN outperforms other methods in the test phases where the non-trained data sets are examined. Finally, it is demonstrated that the SVMN model can successfully predict the output for any arbitrary combination of the inputs within the training intervals.
Experimental Study for Convection Heat Transfer From Helical Coils With the Same Outer Surface Area and Different Coil Geometry
Authors: Hassaan Amr M. , Mostafa Hesham M.
Published: January 2021

An experimental study is done to study the convection heat transfer from the outer surface of a group of helical coils that have the same external surface area which is 0.1 m2. These coils are wrapped to form different helical coils with different geometrical dimensions. Five pipe diameters are used in this study also; the pipes are wrapped by different values of coil diameter ranges 75–300 mm. The effect of the coil pitch on the heat transfer process has been studied, to reach the value that gives the best performance for each coil. The heat source is steam flowing inside the coil. These coils are tested at different airspeeds inside the wind tunnel, which made the Reynolds number (Re) changes from 239 to 3990. The obtained results showed that the Nusselt number enhances with the increase of D/do and P/do to reach the maximum value at the optimum values of D/do and P/do, and then, the Nusselt number begins to decrease. The Nusselt number increases with the increase of Reynolds number under all conditions. A correlation for Nusselt number as a function of Reynolds number and the other studied operating parameters is reported. By comparing this work with literature, one can find an acceptable agreement in the results.