bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of various nephrometric scoring system for nephrolithiasis to predict stone free status after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A comparative study
Authors: Chatterjee Souvik , Abhishek Anand , Samanta Kaniska , Ghosh Anupama , Mandal Soumendra Nath , Karmakar Dilip
Published: July 2021

Background:

The CROES Nephrolithometry nomogram, S.T.O.N.E. Nephrolithometry Score and Guy’s stone score were introduced for stratification of kidney stones disease on the basis of quantitative stone burden and its distribution. Till date there has been very limited data on head to head comparison of the existing scoring systems. Comparison and analyses among the scoring system helps in further refinement of these systems along with development of new more effective and broadly acceptable nomogram.

Objective:

Predictability of the stone-free status (SFS) and post-operative complication after PCNL by various scoring systems (The CROES nomogram, S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry score and Guy’s stone score).

Materials and Methods:

Total 100 adult patients underwent PCNL after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients underwent Preoperative NCCT scan, investigations of blood (Hb%, PCV, bleeding and coagulation profile, urea, and creatinine), and urine (RE/ME and C/S), Postoperative X ray KUB/NCCT.

Results:

ROC curves were developed for each scoring system to determine the accuracy to predict stone free status. We found CS had significantly higher AUC than other scoring systems [ p-value for CS vs GSS = 0.0091 & CS vs SS = 0.000]. So CS has higher accuracy to predict stone free status. None of the scoring system had shown significantly higher AUC than other scoring system in predicting complication.

Conclusion:

CROES Nephrolithometry nomogram is most accurate to predict preoperative stone-free rate. All scoring systems can equally predict perioperative complications and other variables.
Analysis and development of a roots-type air compressor with fixed internal compression for fuel cell system
Authors: Xing Linfen , Feng Jianmei , He Zhilong , Peng Xueyuan
Published: July 2021

The air compressor is a key component in the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell system and its performance has great impact on the electric power output from the system. Here, analysis was conducted firstly on the Roots-type compressor with fixed internal compression based on the volume reduction created by helical rotors. The built-in volume ratio variations with the wrap angle and the lobe numbers were calculated and discussed. Then a prototype of the Roots-type air compressor with 6 lobes was developed according to the outcomes of the research. The volumetric and isentropic efficiency of the prototype were measured under the discharge pressures from 0.11 MPa to 0.25 MPa while the rotation speeds from 10000 to 14000 rpm. Under the design conditions, the volumetric efficiency and isentropic efficiency of the Roots-type air compressor were 75.8% and 53.9% respectively. It was concluded that this kind of Roots-type air compressor is especially suitable for the fuel cell systems applied in the range extended electric vehicles.
Impact of legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying on the Use of Palliative Sedation in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Nolen Amy , Olwi Rawaa , Debbie Selby
Published: July 2021

Background:

Patients approaching end of life may experience intractable symptoms managed with palliative sedation. The legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada in 2016 offers a new option for relief of intolerable suffering, and there is limited evidence examining how the use of palliative sedation has evolved with the introduction of MAiD.

Objectives:

To compare rates of palliative sedation at a tertiary care hospital before and after the legalization of MAiD.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective chart analysis of all deaths of patients followed by the palliative care consult team in acute care, or admitted to the palliative care unit. We compared the use of palliative sedation during 1-year periods before and after the legalization of MAiD, and screened charts for MAiD requests during the second time period.

Results:

4.7% (n = 25) of patients who died in the palliative care unit pre-legalization of MAiD received palliative sedation compared to 14.6% (n = 82) post-MAiD, with no change in acute care. Post-MAiD, 4.1% of deaths were medically-assisted deaths in the palliative care unit (n = 23) and acute care (n = 14). For patients who requested MAiD but instead received palliative sedation, the primary reason was loss of decisional capacity to consent for MAiD.

Conclusion:

We believe that the mainstream presence of MAiD has resulted in an increased recognition of MAiD and palliative sedation as distinct entities, and rates of palliative sedation increased post-MAiD due to greater awareness about patient choice and increased comfort with end-of-life options.
Professionals’ Views on the Comparatively Low Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Spain
Authors: Castro Arabella , Lila Marisol , Gracia Enrique , Wemrell Maria
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to understand the reasons why Spain has one of the lowest prevalence rates of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) in the European Union. Using a qualitative and inductive research approach, a total of five focus groups ( n = 19) and 10 unstructured interviews with key informants were conducted. Three main categories were identified as possible explanations of the relatively low prevalence of IPVAW in Spain: law and policy, social awareness, and cultural patterns. Lessons learned and implications to improve future macrolevel intervention and prevention strategies are discussed.
The role of the clinical pharmacist in guiding adjuvant hormonal therapy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Pirolli Amanda V , Brusamarello Tatiana , Everton Stella S , Andrzejevski Vânia M S
Published: July 2021

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women, affecting about 2.1 million worldwide and is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths among women. Approximately 80% of breast cancers express on the surface of hormone receptor cells, such as progesterone and estrogen. In these cases, Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy (AHT) is indicated for a period of five to ten years and consists of taking a daily oral pill. The two most used drugs in AHT are tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors. One of the issues most faced by individuals who are subjected to long periods of treatment is the lack of medication adherence and, consequently, therapeutic inefficiency. It is believed that the monitoring by the pharmacist can contribute to the reduction of errors inherent to the medication, making the treatment more effective and improving the patient's quality of life. The present study aimed to know the perception of patients who live with breast cancer and who do AHT in relation to the educational performance of the clinical pharmacist. This is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, carried out from March to October 2020, with 15 women undergoing treatment at the oncology unit of a tertiary-care hospital in south of Brazil. The data were obtained through a semi-structured interview using an instrument composed of two parts, one referring to the characterization of the participants and the other with the guiding question of the research: "How do you perceive the role of the pharmacist in relation to the guidelines for the use of adjuvant hormonal therapy?". The method of theoretical saturation was used to perform the sample closure and the thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The participants were between 32 and 74 years old, seven were on tamoxifen therapy and eight on anastrozole, ten were on the first year of treatment, two on the second and three on the third year. The themes that emerged were: pharmacist-patient interaction as a safety factor in hormone therapy; role of the pharmacist in the development of strategies for self-management of the patients during hormone therapy; and, challenges for the pharmacist in relation to hormone therapy through continued guidance. It was evident that the pharmacist's educational action encouraged the participants to carry out the treatment in a more confident and assertive manner according to their particularities and beliefs.
An implicit constitutive relation for describing the small strain response of porous elastic solids whose material moduli are dependent on the density
Authors: Rajagopal KR
Published: July 2021

In this short note, we develop a constitutive relation that is linear in both the Cauchy stress and the linearized strain, by linearizing implicit constitutive relations between the stress and the deformation gradient that have been put into place to describe the response of elastic bodies (Rajagopal, KR. On implicit constitutive theories. Applications of Mathematics 2003; 28: 279–319), by assuming that the displacement gradient is small. These implicit equations include the classical linearized elastic constitutive approximation as well as some classes of constitutive relations that imply limiting strain in tension, as special subclasses. Moreover, the constitutive relations that are developed allow the material moduli to depend on the density; thus, they can be used to describe the response of porous materials, such as porous metals, bone, rocks, and concrete undergoing small deformations.
Does firms’ CSR engagement support tourism sector development? Moderation effect of CSR committee and CEO duality
Authors: Uyar Ali , Kuzey Cemil , Kilic Merve , Karaman Abdullah S.
Published: July 2021

The study tests whether the hospitality and tourism (H&T) sector’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement supports tourism sector development and investigates whether CSR committee and CEO duality moderate this relationship. The data was retrieved from the Thomson Reuters Eikon and the World Bank databases covering the years between 2002 and 2019, and Fixed-Effects panel data regression analysis was executed. The results show that the environmental and social performance of H&T firms improves tourist arrivals and tourism receipts. Moreover, the first moderation analysis showed that CSR committees’ existence makes a significant difference in connecting only environmental practices to the tourism sector development. The second moderation analysis indicated that CEO duality moderates the association between CSR performance and the tourism sector development depending on the CSR dimension. While moderation does not exist for environmental indicators, it exists for social and governance indicators. The findings suggest several theoretical and practical implications for H&T firms and associated governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
18F-FDG PET/CT Parameters for Predicting Prognosis in Esophageal Cancer Patients Treated With Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lee Seokmo , Choi Yunseon , Park Geumju , Jo Sunmi , Lee Sun Seong , Park Jisun , Shim Hye-Kyung
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims:

This study evaluated the prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with integrated computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) performed before and after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in esophageal cancer.

Methods:

We analyzed the prognosis of 50 non-metastatic squamous cell esophageal cancer (T1-4N0-2) patients who underwent CCRT with curative intent at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital and Haeundae Paik Hospital from 2009 to 2019. Median total radiation dose was 54 Gy (range 34-66 Gy). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between PET/CT values and prognosis. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

The median follow-up period was 9.9 months (range 1.7-85.7). Median baseline maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) was 14.2 (range 3.2-27.7). After treatment, 29 patients (58%) showed disease progression. The 3-year PFS and overall survival (OS) were 24.2% and 54.5%, respectively. PFS was significantly lower ( P = 0.015) when SUVmax of initial PET/CT exceeded 10 (n = 22). However, OS did not reach a significant difference based on maximum SUV ( P = 0.282). Small metabolic tumor volume (≤14.1) was related with good PFS ( P = 0.002) and OS ( P = 0.001). Small total lesion of glycolysis (≤107.3) also had a significant good prognostic effect on PFS ( P = 0.009) and OS ( P = 0.025). In a subgroup analysis of 18 patients with follow-up PET/CT, the patients with SUV max ≤3.5 in follow-up PET/CT showed longer PFS ( P = 0.028) than those with a maximum SUV >3.5.

Conclusion:

Maximum SUV of PET/CT is useful in predicting prognosis of esophageal cancer patients treated with CCRT. Efforts to find more effective treatments for patients at high risk of progression are still warranted.
Design and experiment of self-propelled straw forage crop harvester
Authors: Tian Fuyang , Xia Kelai , Wang Jin , Song Zhanhua , Yan Yinfa , Li Fade , Wang Fengde
Published: July 2021

The harvesting straw feed crops (silage corn, alfalfa, herbaceous mulberry, etc.) was tedious, high-labor-cost, and large-nutrient-loss. A self-propelled straw forage crop harvester, which could realize the integration of cutting, flattening and modulating, chopping, and throwing straw forage crops, was designed. The cutting angle could freely be adjusted between 0° and 8°. The max rotation speed of the flattening roller could reach 590 r/min and could be adjusted consecutively by the hydraulic control device. To verify the performance of this machine, several harvesting experiments of alfalfa, silage corn, and herbaceous mulberry with different moisture, were carried out on this machine. During the experiment, the average working speed of the machine was 1.6 m/s, the cutting height was 40–80 mm, and the flattening rate was 97.14%. It is determined that the suitable cutting speed for harvesting alfalfa is 2131 r/min; the suitable cutting speed for harvesting silage corn is 836 r/min; the suitable cutting speed for harvesting herb mulberry is 1045 r/min. The design of the machine can not only improve labor productivity and reduce the nutrient loss of forage crop but also support the silage harvesting machinery and equipment for forage crop.
Lifestyle factors and prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Wignall Daniel , Gkentzis Agapios
Published: July 2021

Background:

Increasing prostate cancer awareness has meant that more men are seeking out prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing than ever before. Prostate cancer is now the most common malignancy in men, affecting one in eight. This article addresses lifestyle factors that may elevate PSA readings.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed using Medline for studies examining the association of PSA and lifestyle factors, including exercise, diet, sexual function as well as medication use. Further resources were identified from the reference list of retrieved articles.

Results:

Minimal level 1 evidence on the association of PSA with lifestyle factors was identified. Weak and generally inconsistent evidence was found on the effect of cycling and sexual activity. Diabetes and obesity did have inversely proportional effects on PSA values in large cohort studies. There was no evidence for an independent effect of different types of food to PSA. With regard to medications, the greatest impact is from 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and these are used as a hair-loss treatment. Statins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics can also have a clinically significant impact on PSA levels but unlikely to alter management.

Discussion:

For a small group of patients, cautious counselling on the factors summarised here before they have their blood tests may prevent undue stress and anxiety, particularly in those with borderline PSA results. Due to the inconsistency of results and lack of level 1a evidence, if there is reasonable suspicion for prostate cancer, a patient should still always be referred to a specialist.

Level of evidence:

Level 4.
Taming Gaia 2.0: Earth system law in the ruptured Anthropocene
Authors: Kim Rakhyun E
Published: July 2021

If the Anthropocene is a rupture in planetary history, what does it mean for international environmental law? When the Earth System crosses irreversible tipping points and begins a forceful, nonlinear transformation into a hostile state which I call the ruptured Anthropocene, the concept of protecting the global environment from humans would lose its meaning. Not only the dichotomy between humans and nature becomes irrelevant, but the environment itself will no longer exist as an object for protection. I argue that, for international environmental law to stay relevant in the ruptured Anthropocene, it needs to shift away from its traditional focus on restoring the planetary past, and instead play an active role in the making of planetary futures. Its new purpose will need to be active planetary stewardship, whereby humans add self-awareness for deliberate self-regulation of the Earth System. Such an attempt at ‘taming’ the so-called Gaia 2.0 will, however, create winners and losers, and the new form of law will have to address fundamental questions of justice on a planetary scale. Building on the concept of earth system law emerging in the earth system governance literature, I draw the contours of international environmental law 2.0 for the ruptured Anthropocene and discuss the challenges of instituting active planetary stewardship.
Experts of the streets: The thoughts of experts by experience with a history of crime and substance abuse on working as a team with professionals
Authors: Lindström Janika , Rantanen Teemu
Published: July 2021

Expertise by experience has become increasingly significant in the various fields of social work. This study examines narratives told by experts by experience who have undergone an educational expert-by-experience program for people with a history of crime and substance abuse, with the main focus on the participants’ accounts of their expertise and how it is created when working as a team with a professional. The stories create an image of the expert by experience as an agent who is both an interpreter and an advocate advancing the mutual understanding between the client and the professional as well as someone who promotes the client’s status within the service system. However, the experts’ dual role makes it difficult for them to fully recognize their status and roles in the professional organizations. All in all, the study shows that expertise by experience has much use in social and personal services, including probation.
Theoretical analysis of SWCNT- MWCNT/H2O hybrid flow over an upward/downward moving rotating disk
Authors: Gowda R.J. Punith , Naveenkumar R. , Madhukesh J.K. , Prasannakumara B.C. , Gorla Rama Subba Reddy
Published: July 2021

The flow-through various disk movement has wide range of applications in manufacturing processes like, computer storage equipment’s, rotating machines, electronic and various types of medical equipment’s. Inspired from these applications, here we scrutinised the consequences of homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions and uniform heat source/sink on the three-dimensional (3D) hybrid SWCNT-MWCNT’s flow on time dependent moving upward/downward rotating disk. The renowned innovation of this paper is the application of the hybrid nanofluid made up of SWCNT and MWCNT’s. Heat generation/absorption effect for the disk that does not move up or down creates a dual flow on the disk. Alternatively, the rotation and upright motion of the disk creates a 3D flow on the surface which has not been considered in the open literature. The modelled PDE’s are reduced in to ODE’s by opting suitable similarity variables and boundary constraints. Here, we used RKF-45 method to obtain the numerical approximations by adopting shooting technique. The analysis of rate of heat transfer is done through graphs. Further, change in velocity, thermal and concentration profiles for various non-dimensional parameters are deliberated briefly and illustrated with the help of suitable plots. The results reveal that, the, rise in values of homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction parameters improve the rate of reaction which results in reduction of the distribution rate and diminishes the concentration gradient. An increase in expansion/contraction parameter enhances the velocity and thermal gradients.
High-Performance Anodic Vulcanization-Pretreated Gated P+–π–M–N+ InAs/GaSb Superlattice Long-Wavelength Infrared Detector
Authors: Sun Ju , Li Nong , Jia Qing-Xuan , Zhang Xuan , Jiang Dong-Wei , Wang Guo-Wei , Niu Zhi-Chuan
Published: July 2021

The InAs/GaSb superlattice infrared detector has been developed with tremendous effort. However, the performance of it, especially long-wavelength infrared detectors (LWIR), is still limited by the electrical performance and optical quantum efficiency (QE). Forcing the active region to be p-type through proper doping can highly improve QE, and the gating technique can be employed to greatly enhance electrical performance. However, the saturation bias voltage is too high. Reducing the saturation bias voltage has broad prospects for the future application of gate voltage control devices. In this paper, we report that the gated P+–π–M–N+ InAs/GaSb superlattice long-wavelength infrared detectors exhibit different π region doping levels that have a reduced minimum saturation bias at − 10 V with a 200-nm SiO2 layer after a simple and effective anodic vulcanization pretreatment. The saturation gate bias voltage is much lower than − 40 V that reported with the same thickness of a 200-nm SiO2 passivation layer and similar structure. The optical and electrical characterization indicates that the electrical and optical performance of the device would be weakened by excessive doping concentration. At 77 K, the 50% cutoff wavelength of the device is about 8 µm, the 100% cutoff wavelength is 10 µm, the maximum quantum efficiency is 62.4%, the maximum of responsivity is 2.26 A/W at 5 µm, and the maximum RA of the device is 1259.4 Ω cm2. Besides, the specific detectivity of Be 780 °C-doped detector without gate electrode exhibits a peak of 5.6 × 1010 cm Hz1/2/W at 5 µm with a 70-mv reverse bias voltage, which is more than three times that of Be 820 °C-doped detector. Moreover, the peak specific detectivity could be further increased to 1.3 × 1011 cm Hz1/2/W at 5 µm with a 10-mv reserve bias voltage that has the bias of − 10 V at the gate electrode.
Using carrot centromeric repeats to study karyotype relationships in the genus Daucus (Apiaceae)
Authors: Kadluczka Dariusz , Grzebelus Ewa
Published: July 2021

Background

In the course of evolution, chromosomes undergo evolutionary changes; thus, karyotypes may differ considerably among groups of organisms, even within closely related taxa. The genusDaucusseems to be a promising model for exploring the dynamics of karyotype evolution. It comprises some 40 wild species and the cultivated carrot, a crop of great economic significance. However,Daucusspecies are very diverse morphologically and genetically, and despite extensive research, the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships between them have still not been fully resolved. Although several molecular cytogenetic studies have been conducted to investigate the chromosomal structure and karyotype evolution of carrot and otherDaucusspecies, detailed karyomorphological research has been limited to carrot and only a few wild species. Therefore, to better understand the karyotype relationships withinDaucus, we (1) explored the chromosomal distribution of carrot centromeric repeats (CentDc) in 34 accessions ofDaucusand related species by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and (2) performed detailed karyomorphological analysis in 16 of them.

Results

We determined the genomic organization of CentDc in 26 accessions ofDaucus(belonging to bothDaucusI and II subclades) and one accession of closely related species. The CentDc repeats were present in the centromeric regions of all chromosomes of 20 accessions (representing 11 taxa). In the otherDaucustaxa, the number of chromosome pairs with CentDc signals varied depending on the species, yet their centromeric localization was conserved. In addition, precise chromosome measurements performed in 16 accessions showed the inter- and intraspecific karyological relationships among them.

Conclusions

The presence of the CentDc repeats in the genomes of taxa belonging to bothDaucussubclades and one outgroup species indicated the ancestral status of the repeat. The results of our study provide useful information for further evolutionary, cytotaxonomic, and phylogenetic research on the genusDaucusand may contribute to a better understanding of the dynamic evolution of centromeric satellites in plants.
Optimisation of sample storage and DNA extraction for human gut microbiota studies​
Authors: Kazantseva Jekaterina , Malv Esther , Kaleda Aleksei , Kallastu Aili , Meikas Anne
Published: July 2021

Background

New developments in next-generation sequencing technologies and massive data received from this approach open wide prospects for personalised medicine and nutrition studies. Metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota is paramount for the characterization of human health and wellbeing. Despite the intensive research, there is a huge gap and inconsistency between different studies due to the non-standardised and biased pipeline. Methodical and systemic understanding of every stage in the process is necessary to overcome all bottlenecks and grey zones of gut microbiota studies, where all details and interactions between processes are important.

Results

Here we show that an inexpensive, but reliable iSeq 100 platform is an excellent tool to perform the analysis of the human gut microbiota by amplicon sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene. Two commercial DNA extraction kits and different starting materials performed similarly regarding the taxonomic distribution of identified bacteria. DNA/RNA Shield reagent proved to be a reliable solution for stool samples collection, preservation, and storage, as the storage of faecal material in DNA/RNA Shield for three weeks at different temperatures and thawing cycles had a low impact on the bacterial distribution.

Conclusions

Altogether, a thoroughly elaborated pipeline with close attention to details ensures high reproducibility with significant biological but not technical variations.
Cytotype distribution and chloroplast phylogeography of the Actinidia chinensis complex
Authors: Wang Zhi , Zhong Caihong , Li Dawei , Yan Chunlin , Yao Xiaohong , Li Zuozhou
Published: July 2021

Background

Plant phylogeographic studies of species in subtropical China have mainly focused on rare and endangered species, whereas few studies have been conducted on taxa with relatively wide distribution, especially polyploid species. We investigated the cytotype and haplotype distribution pattern of theActinidia chinensiscomplex, a widespread geographically woody liana with variable ploidy in subtropical China comprising two varieties, with three chloroplast fragments DNA (ndhF-rpl132,rps16-trnQ andtrnE-trnT). Macroevolutionary, microevolutionary and niche modeling tools were also combined to disentangle the origin and the demographic history of the species or cytotypes.

Results

The ploidy levels of 3338 individuals from 128 populations sampled throughout the species distribution range were estimated with flow cytometry. The widespread cytotypes were diploids followed by tetraploids and hexaploids, whereas triploids and octoploids occurred in a few populations. Thirty-one chloroplast haplotypes were detected. The genetic diversity and genetic structure were found to be high between varieties (or ploidy races)chinensisanddeliciosa. Our results revealed that these two varieties inhabit significantly different climatic niche spaces. Ecological niche models (ENMs) indicate that all varieties’ ranges contracted during the Last Inter Glacial (LIG), and expanded eastward or northward during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Conclusions

Pliocene and Plio-Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and vicariance appear to have played key roles in shaping current population structure and historical demography in theA. chinensiscomplex. The polyploidization process also appears to have played an important role in the historical demography of the complex through improving their adaptability to environmental changes.
High-fat diet attenuates the improvement of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice during reoxygenation
Authors: Sugimoto Koichi , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Misaka Tomofumi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: July 2021

Background

It is widely recognized that metabolic disorder is associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). It is known that hypoxia-induced elevated pulmonary artery pressure in mice returns to normal pressure during reoxygenation. However, it is still unclear how metabolic disorder affects the reverse remodeling of pulmonary arteries. In this study, we investigated the effects of high-fat diet (HFD) on the decrease in pulmonary artery pressure and reverse remodeling of pulmonary arteries in mice with hypoxia-induced PH.

Methods

We used female C57BL/6 mice aged 8 weeks. After being exposed to hypoxia (10% oxygen for four weeks) to induce PH, the mice were returned to normoxic conditions and randomized into a normal diet (ND) group and HFD group. Both groups were fed with their respective diets for 12 weeks.

Results

The Fulton index and right ventricular systolic pressure measured by a micro-manometer catheter were significantly higher in the HFD group than in the ND group at 12 weeks after reoxygenation. The medial smooth muscle area was larger in the HFD group. Caspase-3 activity in the lung tissue of the HFD group was decreased, and the apoptosis of pulmonary smooth muscle cells was suppressed after reoxygenation. Moreover, the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and apelin were lower in the HFD group than in the ND group.

Conclusions

The results suggest that metabolic disorder may suppress pulmonary artery reverse remodeling in mice with hypoxia-induced PH during reoxygenation.
Factors associated to functioning and health in relation to home rehabilitation in Sweden: a non-randomized pre-post intervention study
Authors: Johansson Anette , Ernsth Bravell Marie , Fransson Eleonor I. , Fristedt Sofi
Published: July 2021

Background

Home rehabilitation is a growing rehabilitation service in many countries, but scientific knowledge of its components and outcomes is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate; 1) which changes in functioning and self-rated health could be identified in relation to a home rehabilitation program in a population of community-dwelling citizens, and 2) how socio-demographic factors, health conditions and home rehabilitation interventions were associated to change in functioning and self-rated health after the home rehabilitation program.

Method

The sample consisted of participants in a municipal home rehabilitation project in Sweden and consisted of 165 community-dwelling citizens. General Linear Models (ANOVA repeated measures) was used for identifying changes in rehabilitation outcomes. Logistic regressions analysis was used to investigate associations between rehabilitation outcomes and potential factors associated to outcome.

Result

Overall improvements in functioning and self-rated health were found after the home rehabilitation program. Higher frequencies of training sessions with occupational therapists, length of home rehabilitation, and orthopaedic conditions of upper extremities and spine as the main health condition, were associated with rehabilitation outcomes.

Conclusion

The result indicates that the duration of home rehabilitation interventions and intensity of occupational therapy, as well as the main medical condition may have an impact on the outcomes of home rehabilitation and needs to be considered when planning such programs. However, more research is needed to guide practice and policymaking.
Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacteriosis and fungemia after second delivery in a patient with MonoMAC syndrome/GATA2 mutation: a case report
Authors: Haraguchi Mizuki , Harada Norihiro , Watanabe Junko , Yoshikawa Hitomi , Shirai Yukina , Komura Moegi , Koyama Mika , Ito Jun , Tsukune Yutaka , Horimoto Yoshiya , Hayashi Takuo , Nagaoka Tetsutaro , Uekusa Toshimasa , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: July 2021

Background

Heterozygous mutations in the transcription factor GATA2 result in a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes, including monocytopenia andMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) infection (MonoMAC) syndrome. Patients with MonoMAC syndrome typically are infected by disseminated nontuberculous mycobacteria, fungi, and human papillomavirus, exhibit pulmonary alveolar proteinosis during late adolescence or early adulthood, and manifest with decreased content of dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes, and B and natural killer (NK) cells.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old woman was diagnosed with MonoMAC syndrome postmortem. Although she was followed up based on the symptoms associated with leukocytopenia that was disguised as sarcoidosis with bone marrow involvement, she developed disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, fungemia, and MonoMAC syndrome after childbirth. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation in GATA2 (c.1114G > A, p.A372T). Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry showed the disappearance of DCs and decreased frequency of NK cells in the bone marrow, respectively, after childbirth.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting that MonoMAC syndrome can be exacerbated after childbirth, and that immunohistochemistry of bone marrow sections to detect decreased DC content is useful to suspect MonoMAC syndrome.
Hepatitis B virus infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women living with or at risk for HIV: a cross sectional study in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Olusegun A. , Mitchell Andrew , Shutt Ashley , Crowell Trevor A. , Ndembi Nicaise , Kokogho Afoke , Ramadhani Habib O. , Robb Merlin L. , Baral Stefan D. , Ake Julie A. , Charurat Manhattan E. , Peel Sheila , Nowak Rebecca G. ,   on behalf of the TRUST/RV368 study group, Charurat Manhattan , Ake Julie , Abayomi Aka , Adebajo Sylvia , Baral Stefan , Crowell Trevor , Eluwa George , Gaydos Charlotte , Kokogho Afoke , Malia Jennifer , Makanjuela Olumide , Michael Nelson , Ndembi Nicaise , Nowak Rebecca , Olawore Oluwasolape , Parker Zahra , Peel Sheila , Ramadhani Habib , Robb Merlin , Rodriguez-Hart Cristina , Sanders-Buell Eric , Tovanabutra Sodsai , Vasan Sandhya
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite the development of a safe and efficacious hepatitis B vaccine in 1982, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to shared risk factors for virus acquisition, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) living with HIV are at increased risk of HBV. We estimated the prevalence of HBV and associated factors for MSM and TGW living with or without HIV in Nigeria.

Methods

Since March 2013, TRUST/RV368 has recruited MSM and TGW in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria using respondent driven sampling. Participants with HIV diagnosis, enrollment as of June 2015, and available plasma were selected for a cross-sectional study and retrospectively tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV DNA. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with prevalent HBV infection.

Results

A total of 717 MSM and TGW had a median age of 25 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 21–27), 5% self-reported HBV vaccination, 61% were living with HIV, 10% had prevalent HBV infection and 6% were HIV-HBV co-infected. HIV mono-infected as compared to HIV-HBV co-infected had a higher median CD4 T cell count [425 (IQR: 284–541) vs. 345 (IQR: 164–363) cells/mm3, p = 0.03] and a lower median HIV RNA viral load [4.2 (IQR: 2.3–4.9) vs. 4.7 (IQR: 3.9–5.4) log10copies/mL, p < 0.01]. The only factor independently associated with HBV was self-report of condomless sex at last anal intercourse (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3, 3.6). HIV infection was not independently associated with HBV (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7–1.6).

Conclusion

HBV prevalence was moderately high but did not differ by HIV in this cohort of MSM and TGW. Recent condomless sex was associated with elevated HBV risk, reinforcing the need to increase communication and education on condom use among key populations in Nigeria. Evaluating use of concurrent HIV antiretroviral therapy with anti-HBV activity may confirm the attenuated HBV prevalence for those living with HIV.
Chemotherapy in the treatment of different histological types of appendiceal cancers: a SEER based study
Authors: Wang Gang , Li Qiken , Chen Weiping
Published: July 2021

Background

Due to its rarity and high heterogeneity, neither established guidelines nor prospective data are currently available for using chemotherapy in the treatment of appendiceal cancer. This study was to determine the use of chemotherapy and its potential associations with survival in patients with different histological types of the cancer.

Methods

Patients with histologically different appendiceal cancers diagnosed during 1998–2016 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The role and effect of chemotherapy were examined in the treatment of the disease. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to construct survival curves and significance was examined by Log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the impact of chemotherapy and other variables on survival in these patients.

Results

A total of 8733 appendiceal cancer patients were identified from the database. Chemotherapy was administrated at highly variable rates in different histological types of appendiceal cancer. As high as 64.0% signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC), 46.4% of mucinous adenocarcinomas (MAC), 40.6% of non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (NMAC) and 43.9% of mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) were treated with chemotherapy, whereas only 14.7% of goblet cell carcinoma (GCC), 5% neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and 1.6% carcinomas (NEC) received chemotherapy. In all patients combined, chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival during the entire study period and cancer-specific survival was improved during in cases from 2012–2016. Further multivariate analysis showed that both cancer-specific and overall survival was significantly improved with chemotherapy  in patients with MAC, NMAC and SRCC, but not for patients with GCC, MiNENs, NETs and NECs. Number (> 12) of lymph node sampled was associated with survival of patients with most histological types of cancer under study. Other prognostic factors related to individual histological types were identified.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy is administrated at highly variable rates in different histological types of appendiceal cancer. Efficacy of chemotherapy in the treatment of these cancers has been improved in recent years and is significantly associated with better survival for patients with NMAC, MAC, and SRCC. Adequate lymph node sampling may result in a survival benefit for most of these patients.
Molecular identification of an immunity- and Ferroptosis-related gene signature in non-small cell lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Taisheng , Luo Honglian , Zhang Jinye , Hu Xiaoshan , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2021

Background

Lung cancer is one of the dominant causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, plays a key role in cancer immunotherapy. However, the role of immunity- and ferroptosis-related gene signatures in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear.

Methods

RNA-seq data and clinical information pertaining to NSCLC were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify ferroptosis-related genes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) model was established for sensitivity and specificity evaluation. Gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed to explore the function roles of differentially expressed genes.

Results

A signature composed of five ferroptosis-related genes was established to stratify patients into high- and low-risk subgroups. In comparison with patients in the low-risk group, those in the high-risk one showed significantly poor overall survival in the training and validation cohorts (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated risk score to be an independent predictor of overall survival (P < 0.01). Further, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year ROCs were 0.623 vs. 0.792 vs. 0.635, 0.644 vs. 0.792 vs. 0.634, and 0.631 vs. 0.641 vs. 0.666 in one training and two validation cohorts, respectively. Functional analysis revealed that immune-related pathways were enriched and associated with abnormal activation of immune cells.

Conclusions

We identified five immunity- and ferroptosis-related genes that may be involved in NSCLC progression and prognosis. Targeting ferroptosis-related genes seems to be an alternative to clinical therapy for NSCLC.
Characterization of urinary cotinine concentrations among non-smoking adults in smoking and smoke-free homes in the Korean national environmental health survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3 (2015–2017)
Authors: Kim Jeonghoon , Shim In-Keun , Won Soo Ran , Ryu Jungmin , Lee Jongchun , Chung Hyen-Mi
Published: July 2021

Background

Although many indoor public places have implemented smoke-free regulations, private homes have remained sources of tobacco smoke pollutants. This study examined differences in urinary cotinine concentrations in the Korean non-smoking adult population between living in smoking and smoke-free homes, and the relationship of urinary cotinine concentrations with socio-demographic factors in smoke-free homes.

Methods

Samples from 2575 non-smoking adults (≥19 years old) in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey cycle 3 (2015–2017), a representative Korean study, were used. Smoking and smoke-free homes were defined based on whether there were smokers at homes. Weighted linear regression models were used to determine urinary cotinine concentrations and identify factors associated with urinary cotinine.

Results

The geometric mean of urinary cotinine concentrations for non-smoking adults living in smoking homes was 2.1 μg/L (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8–2.4), which was significantly higher than the mean of 1.3 μg/L (95% CI = 1.2–1.4) for those living in smoke-free homes. Urinary cotinine concentrations were different significantly by home smoking status in most socio-demographic subgroups. Data from smoke-free home showed urinary cotinine concentration in adults was significantly higher in those who lived in homes with ventilation duration < 30 min/day, those who spent more time indoors at home, those who spent less time outdoors, and those who worked in non-manual or manual occupations.

Conclusions

The urinary cotinine concentration in Korean non-smoking adults living in smoking homes was higher than that in adults living in smoke-free homes. Even in smoke-free homes, home-related factors, such as ventilation duration and time spent indoors, were associated with urinary cotinine concentration. Further study is warranted to examine potential sources of tobacco smoke pollution in smoke-free homes.
Associations of musculoskeletal disorders with occupational stress and mental health among coal miners in Xinjiang, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Xue , Yang Xu , Sun Xuemei , Xue Qiaoyun , Ma Xiaofan , Liu Jiwen
Published: July 2021

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), a common type of occupational diseases, have become the main cause of absenteeism and early retirement in the occupational population, as well as a major risk factor for occupational disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of occupational stress and mental health on MSDs in coal miners in Xinjiang, China, to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the incidence of MSDs in coal miners and improving their physical and mental health.

Methods

In this study, stratified cluster random sampling was used to randomly select six coal mining companies in Xinjiang, and 1675 coal miners were surveyed by questionnaire. The status of occupational stress, mental health and MSDs among coal miners was investigated by means of the Effort–Reward Imbalance questionnaire (ERI), Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90), and Musculoskeletal disorders scale (MSDs) questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of MSDs among coal miners was higher, and there were statistical differences among different sexes, ages, working years, shifts, types of work, educational level and monthly income (P < 0.001). The prevalence of MSDs in different body parts in the occupational stress group and mental disorder group was higher than that in the normal group. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that females had an increased risk of developing MSDs (OR = 2.23, 95%CI.:1.50,3.33). The risk of MSDs was higher with age < 30 years (30-39 years,OR = 2.39, 95%CI.,1.68,3.40; 40-49 years,OR = 2.15, 95%CI.:1.52,3.04; 50-60 years:OR = 3.25, 95%CI.:2.09,5.07), and the longer the working years, the higher the risk of MSDs (OR = 1.90, 95%CI.:1.38,2.62). The two shifts group (OR = 2.18, 95%CI.:1.59,2.98) had an increased risk of developing MSDs compared with the fixed day shift group. The risk of MSDs was lower in heading drivers (OR = 0.41, 95%CI.:0.29,0.60,) and transport workers (OR = 0.30, 95%CI.:0.20,0.43). The higher the education level, the lower the risk of MSDs (high school:OR = 0.46, 95%CI.:0.34,0.62, junior college and above:OR = 0.12, 95%CI.:0.08,0.17), and the higher the monthly income, the lower the risk of MSDs (OR = 0.50, 95%CI.:0.34,0.74). Occupational stress (OR = 1.32, 95%CI.:1.05,1.67) and mental disorder(OR = 2.94, 95%CI.:2.25,3.84) increased the risk of MSDs. A Bayesian network diagram showed that occupational stress and MSDs have direct effects on mental disorders, and occupational stress can have indirect effects on mental disorders through MSDs.

Conclusion

Our research shows that MSDs are common among coal miners. Occupational stress and psychological disorders can increase the incidence of MSDs.
Are all MVPA minutes equal? Associations between MVPA characteristics, independent of duration, and childhood adiposity
Authors: Miatke Aaron , Maher Carol , Fraysse François , Dumuid Dot , Olds Tim
Published: July 2021

Background

The inverse relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration and childhood adiposity is well established. Less is known about how characteristics of MVPA accumulation may be associated with adiposity, independent of MVPA duration. This study aimed to investigate how the MVPA characteristics of children, other than duration (bout length, time of day, day-to-day consistency, intensity), were associated with adiposity.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of the Australian arm of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) (participants: n = 424, age range 9–11, 44% male). Adiposity was determined by percent body fat via bioelectrical impedance. MVPA duration and characteristics (bout length, time of day, consistency, intensity) were derived from 7-day, 24-h accelerometry. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine the individual and multivariate associations between MVPA characteristics and adiposity.

Results

Univariate analyses showed that higher MVPA duration (β range = − 0.26,-0.15), longer bouts of MVPA (β range = 0.15,0.22) and higher MVPA intensity (β range = − 0.20,-0.13) were all inversely associated with adiposity (all p < 0.05). When models were adjusted for MVPA duration, only MVPA intensity (β range = − 0.16,-0.04) showed consistent significant associations with adiposity.

Conclusions

Characteristics of MVPA other than duration and intensity appear to be unrelated to adiposity.