bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axillary Paget Disease with a Visible Satellite: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ji Wuyang , Luo Bin , Wang Xue-Wei , Xiao Ying , Tian Jin-Yi
Published: January 2021

Background : Extramammary Paget disease is an uncommon malignancy affecting apocrine gland–bearing skin, such as vulvar, perianal, axillary and penoscrotal areas. Paget cells are sometimes detected outside the clinical border in a phenomenon called subclinical extension. Satellite is one of the patterns of subclinical extension which is likely to be invisible. The standard management strategy for EMPD without distant metastasis is a complete surgical removal, sometimes called wide local excision. However, there is no consensus regarding surgical margin width to decrease the high recurrence rate. Here we describe the first macroscopically visible satellite of axillary EMPD and wide local excision of both main lesion and the satellite lesion with only 0.5cm margin, succeeded by a short review of the literature. Case presentation: A 48-year-old female with a red macule in the right axilla was presented to our clinic. A well-demarcated 4 cm×3 cm erythematous plaque was observed in the right axilla, and a similar lesion measuring 0.5 cm×0.3 cm was found 3.5 cm away from the primary site. Breast and axillary node examination was unremarkable. Biopsy of the large plaque revealed Paget disease, then we performed a local extended excision of both lesions with a 0.5cm margin, all margins negative indicated, by frozen pathology. Pathology revealed the nature of the satellite beside the main lesion also as Paget disease. The patient is currently followed-up for 20 months and has shown no signs of recurrence, with normal shoulder motor function. Conclusion: We have report the first visible satellite of extramammary Paget disease, indicating the necessity of an extended local resection of both the main leision and the satellite lesion. Considering the anatomical structure of axillary Paget disease, a 0.5cm negative surgical margin indicated by frozen pathology might be sufficient to sustain the shoulder motor function.
In-Situ Science on Phobos with the Raman spectrometer for MMX (RAX): Preliminary Design and Feasibility of Raman Measurements
Authors: Cho Yuichiro , Böttger Ute , Rull Fernando , Hübers Heinz-Wilhelm , Belenguer Tomàs , Börner Anko , Buder Maximilian , Bunduki Yuri , Dietz Enrico , Hagelschuer Till , Kameda Shingo , Kopp Emanuel , Lieder Matthias , Lopez-Reyes Guillermo , Moral Andoni , Mori Shoki , Ogura Jo Akino , Paproth Carsten , Canora Carlos Perez , Pertenais Martin , Peter Gisbert , Prieto-Ballesteros Olga , Rockstein Steve , Rodd-Routley Selene , Rodriguez Pablo Perez , Ryan Conor , Santamaria Pilar , Säuberlich Thomas , Schrandt Friedrich , Schröder Susanne , Stangarone Claudia , Ulamec Stephan , Usui Tomohiro , Weber Iris , Westerdorff Karsten , Yumoto Koki
Published: January 2021

Mineralogy is a key to understanding the origin of Phobos and its place in the context of the Solar System evolution. In-situ Raman spectroscopy on Phobos would be an important tool to achieve the science objectives of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission and maximize the science merit of sample return by characterizing the mineral composition and heterogeneity of the surface of Phobos. Conducting in-situ Raman spectroscopy under the harsh environment of Phobos requires a very sensitive, compact, lightweight, and robust Raman instrument that can be carried by the very compact MMX rover. In this context, a Raman spectrometer for MMX (RAX) is currently under development by an international collaboration between teams from Japan, Germany, and Spain. To demonstrate the capability of a compact Raman system like RAX, we built an instrument that reproduces most of the optical performance of the flight model using commercial off-the-shelf parts. Using this performance model, we measured mineral samples relevant to Phobos and Mars, such as anhydrous silicates, carbonates, and hydrous minerals. Our measurements of these samples indicate that such minerals can be measured and identified with a RAX-like Raman spectrometer with sufficiently high accuracy. We demonstrated a spectral resolution of approximately 10 cm-1 and high sensitivity of the Raman peak measurements (e.g. signal-to-noise ratios up to several 100). These results strongly suggest that the RAX instrument will be capable of determining the minerals expected on the surface of Phobos, adding valuable information to address the question on the moon’s origin, heterogeneity, and circum-Mars material transport.
Laboratory Investigation of Coupled Electrical Interaction of Fracturing Rock with Gases
Authors: Enomoto Yuji , Yamabe Tsuneaki , Sugiura Shigeki , Kondo Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

In the coupled electric interaction of rock fractures and gas invasion, that is, when gases interact with newly created cracked surfaces, the unpaired electrons within the rock crystal defects are thermally stimulated, released into the crack due to the temperature rise at the crack tip via plastic work, and attached to ambient gas molecules to electrify them in a negative state. Using a working hypothesis that this mechanism is the source mechanism of seismo-electromagnetic phenomena, we conducted laboratory experiments in which rocks were fractured with pressurized N2, CO2, CH4, and hot water vapour. Fractures were induced by a flat-ended indenter equipped with a flow channel, which was loaded against blocks of quartz diorite, gabbro, basalt, and granite. Fracture-induced negatively electrified gas currents at ̴25 °C and ̴160 °C were successfully measured for approximately a hundred microseconds or more after full development of the crack. The peak electric currents were as high as 0.05–3 mA, depending on the rock species and interaction area of fractured rock and gas and to a lesser extent on the gas species and temperature. The peak current from fracturing granite, which showed higher g-ray activity, was at least 10 times higher than that from fracturing gabbro, quartz diorite, and basalt. The results supported the validity of the present working hypothesis, that coupled interaction of fracturing rock with deep Earth gases during quasi-static rupture of rocks in the focal zone of a fault might play an important role in the generation of pre- and co-seismic electromagnetic phenomena.
Changes of Bile Acids and Energy Expenditure after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Yin Haixin , Chen Weijie , Dong Liangbo , Zhou Shengnan , Qu Qiang , Zhang Ning , He Xiaodong
Published: January 2021

Background and aims: Our aims were to investigate changes of bile acids and resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and the role in metabolic homeostasis.Methods: From December 2019 to May 2020, a total of 77 T2DM patients with gallbladder polyps were included in our study. Among them, 40 patients who underwent LC were enrolled into cholecystectomy group, 37 patients who did not undergo LC were enrolled into control group. Preoperative and 6-months postoperative demographic data, body weight, food intake, effects on diabetes control, and biomedical variables were recorded and compared.Results: The mean level of total bile acids (TBA) was higher than that in control group (P=0.033) and increased significantly after LC compared to baseline (P=0.029). The resting energy expenditure (REE) level in cholecystectomy group was higher than that in control group (P=0.032) and increased compared to the baseline (P=0.011). The utilization of carbohydrate increased significantly after LC (P<0.001) while the utilization of fat decreased (P<0.001). The mean level of FPG (P=0.004), A1C (P<0.001) and HOMA-IR (P=0.045) decreased after LC, as defined, the total effectiveness rate was 45%. The mean level of total cholesterol (P=0.003) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased (P= 0.021), whereas the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased (P<0.001). Conclusions: The level of REE and TBA increased after LC in patients with T2DM, the glucose and lipid metabolism improved.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900027823. Registered 30 November 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
SPO2/FiO2 as a predictor of high-flow nasal cannula outcomes in children with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: A retrospective study
Authors: Kim Ga Eun , Choi Sun Ha , Park Mi Reu , Jung Jae Hwa , Lee Myeongjee , Kim Soo Yeon , Kim Min Jung , Kim Yoon Hee , Kim Kyung Won , Sohn Myung Hyun
Published: January 2021

Background: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a useful treatment modality for respiratory distress in children, as it provides effective oxygenation and reduces the work required for breathing. This study aimed to determine whether the oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (S/F) is a better predictor of HFNC outcomes than the arterial oxygen partial pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (P/F) in children with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF).Methods: This study included children treated with HFNC for AHRF between April 2013 and March 2019 at the Severance Children’s Hospital in Korea. HFNC failure was defined as the need for mechanical ventilation due to worsening respiratory distress, whereas HFNC success was defined as the improvement of respiratory distress. We analyzed trends in S/F and P/F during HFNC oxygen therapy. A nomogram was constructed based on predictive factors identified via univariate analysis, and was externally validated using independent data.Results: A total of 139 patients with arterial blood gas data were included in the S/F and P/F analysis. There was a good correlation between S/F and P/F (P<0.001). The S/F at HFNC initiation was <230 and showed a high prediction accuracy for HFNC failure (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.751). Univariate analyses identified S/F <230 at HFNC initiation, S/F <200 at 2 h (odds ratio, 12.83; 95% confidence interval, 5.06-35.84), and hemato-oncologic disease (odds ratio, 3.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-12.78) as significant predictive factors for HFNC failure. These factors were used to construct a nomogram, which was shown to be highly predictive of HFNC outcomes; the concordance index of the exploratory and validation groups were 0.765 and 0.831, respectively.Conclusions: S/F may be used as a predictor of HFNC outcomes. Our nomogram with S/F for HFNC failure within 2 h may be used to prevent delayed intubation in children with AHRF.
Risk factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and clinical implications
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Ho James Chung-man , Tam Chi Chun Terence , Ip Sau Man Mary , Lam David Chi-Leung
Published: January 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the commonest bacteria colonizing the airway in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization is associated with poor outcomes in patients with bronchiectasis, including rapid decline in lung function, exacerbation frequency and hospitalization.Methods: A cross-sectional study in Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong that included 350 Chinese patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis to investigate the risk factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and clinical implications on disease outcomes.Discussion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization was more commonly found in patients with longer duration of bronchiectasis and those on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with adjusted ORs of 1.066 (95% CI = 1.036 – 1.096, p < 0.001) and 2.815 (95% CI = 1.307 – 6.064, p = 0.008) respectively. Patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization have more extensive lung involvement and higher risks of exacerbation requiring hospitalization with adjusted ORs of 2.445 (95% CI = 1.283 – 4.657, p = 0.007) and 2.745 (95% CI = 1.012 – 7.449, p = 0.047) respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization is more common among patients with longer duration of bronchiectasis and those on PPI. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization is associated with more extensive lung involvement and higher risks of exacerbation requiring hospitalization.
Reconfigurable magnonic mode-hybridisation and spectral control in a bicomponent artificial spin ice
Authors: Gartside Jack , Vanstone Alex , Dion Troy , Stenning Kilian , Arroo Daan , Kurebayashi Hidekazu , Branford Will
Published: January 2021

Strongly-interacting nanomagnetic arrays are finding increasing use as model host systems for reconfigurable magnonics. The strong inter-element coupling allows for stark spectral differences across a broad microstate space due to shifts in the dipolar field landscape. While these systems have yielded impressive initial results, developing rapid, scaleable means to access abroad range of spectrally-distinct microstates is an open research problem.We present a scheme whereby square artificial spin ice is modified by widening a ‘staircase’ subset of bars relative to the rest of the array, allowing preparation of any ordered vertex state via simple global-field protocols. Available microstates range from the system ground-state to high-energy ‘monopole’ states, with rich and distinct microstate-specific magnon spectra observed. Microstate-dependent mode-hybridisation and anticrossings are observed at both remanence and in-field with dynamic coupling strength tunable via microstate-selection. Experimental coupling strengths are found up to g/2π = 0.15 GHz. Microstate control allows fine mode-frequency shifting, gap creation and closing, and active mode number selection
Hierarchical Non-Negative Matrix Factorization Using Clinical Information for Microbial Communities.
Authors: Abe Ko , Hirayama Masaaki , Ohno Kinji , Shimamura Teppei
Published: January 2021

Background: The human microbiome forms very complex communities that consist of hundreds to thousands of different microorganisms that not only affect the host, but also participate in disease processes. Several state-of-the-art methods have been proposed for learning the structure of microbial communities and to investigate the relationship between microorganisms and host environmental factors. However, these methods were mainly designed to model and analyze single microbial communities that do not interact with or depend on other communities. Such methods therefore cannot comprehend the properties between interdependent systems in communities that affect host behavior and disease processes. Results: We introduce a novel hierarchical Bayesian framework, called BALSAMICO (BAyesian Latent Semantic Analysis of MIcrobial COmmunities), which uses microbial metagenome data to discover the underlying microbial community structures and the associations between microbiota and their environmental factors. BALSAMICO models mixtures of communities in the framework of nonnegative matrix factorization, taking into account environmental factors. This method first proposes an efficient procedure for estimating parameters. A simulation then evaluates the accuracy of the estimated parameters. Finally, the method is used to analyze clinical data. In this analysis, we successfully detected bacteria related to colorectal cancer. These results show that the method not only accurately estimates the parameters needed to analyze the connections between communities of microbiota and their environments, but also allows for the effective detection of these communities in real-world circumstances.
Effect of Streptococcus anginosus on biological response of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Xu Yuan , Jia Yuhuan , Chen Liang , Gao Jing , Yang Deqin
Published: January 2021

Background: Streptococcus anginosus(S.anginosus) was reported increased in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of oral cancer cells in the biological characteristics evoked by the S.anginosus and investigate its potential mechanisms.Methods: The growth curve and concentration standard curve of S.anginosus were determined , and a series of concentrations of S.anginosus supernatant were applied to OSCC cell lines SCC15,then selected an optimal time and concentration by CCK-8 assay. Then autophagic response, proliferative activity, cell cycle and apoptosis, invasion and migration abilities were evaluated in SCC15.Results: The results showed that when the ratio of S.anginosus supernatant to cell culture medium was 1:1 and the co-culture time was 16h, the inhibitory effect on SCC15 was the most obvious; Furthermore, the supernatant of Streptococcus upregulated the autophagy activity of SCC15, thus significantly inhibiting its proliferation, migration and invasion ability. Compared with control groups, the cell cycle showed G1 arrest, S and G2 / M phases decreased, and the percentage of apoptotic cells relatively increased(P<0.05).Conclusion: S.anginosus reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC15 cells and promoted cell apoptosis; Moreover, autophagy may be one of the mechanisms in this process.
Prognostic impact of the prognostic nutritional index in cases of resected oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Abe Atsushi , Hayashi Hiroki , Ishihama Takanori , Furuta Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Background: The systemic inflammatory response and nutritional status of patients with malignant tumors are related to postoperative results. We examined the usefulness of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as a prognostic tool in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical surgery. Methods: From 2008 to 2019, 102 patients (73 males, 29 females; age, 65.6 ± 9.8 years) who visited our hospital and underwent surgical therapy were included in this study. The endpoint was the total survival period, and the evaluation markers included the lymphocyte count and albumin level in peripheral blood obtained 4 weeks preoperatively, age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking history, site of the tumor, pathological stage, and surgery status. The PNI was calculated using serum albumin levels and the peripheral blood lymphocyte count. The relationship between the PNI and patient characteristics were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate the survival rate. The survival periods were compared using the log-rank method. We evaluated the prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a logistic regression model.Results: The tumor sites included the maxilla (n = 12), buccal mucosa (n = 11), mandible (n = 17), floor of the mouth (n = 9), and tongue (n = 53). The number of patients with stage I, II, III, and IV oral cancers was 28 (27.5%), 34 (27.5%), 26 (33.3%), and 14 (13.7%), respectively. During the observation period, 21 patients died of head and neck cancer. The optimal cut-off PNI value was 42.9, according to the receiver operating characteristic analysis. The proportion of patients with a short OS was lower in those with PNI higher than 42.9, and the 5-year OS in patients with PNI higher and lower than the cut-off value was 62.3% and 86.0%, respectively (P = 0.0105).Conclusions: The OS of patients with PNI < 42.9 was lower than that of patients with PNI ≥ 42.9. The PNI, which is a preoperative head-to-foot inflammatory marker, can help in estimating the prognosis of oral cancer.
Mental health among displaced and non-displaced populations in Valledupar, Colombia: Do inequalities continue?
Authors: Monsalve Sonia Diaz , Vargas-Monroy Angélica María , Ariza Jannethe Esmeral , Cuello Ana Maria Oñate , Vera Ana Rosa Ropero , Cuello Juan Carlos Bermudez , Zuleta Lina Arzuaga , Novella Andrés Felipe Cubillos , Quintero Enrique Peñaloza , Ortiz Yesika Natali Fernández , Kroeger Axel
Published: January 2021

Background: During the long-lasting civil war in Colombia, the year 2002 marked a peak of violent activities displacing thousands of people mainly from rural to urban areas, causing social disruption and prolonged poverty. In 2015, the Colombian national survey on mental health included a first overview of mental health problems of victimized families. The here presented study aimed at analysing the traumatic experience many years ago on the current psycho-emotional status of displaced families as well as the ongoing inequalities regarding displaced and non-displaced populations in one of the most affected areas by the armed conflict. Methods: An interview survey was conducted among 211 displaced families and 181 non-displaced families in 2 adjacent compounds with several five-storey buildings in the outskirts of Valledupar, the capital of Cesar State in Colombia. The questionnaires were developed together with and applied by staff of the health and social services of the departmental secretary of health. The 15 interviewers conducted additionally in-depth interviews and participant observations. Results: The living conditions of the displaced community were precarious (lack of security, noise, drug trafficking, poor public transport). As a consequence of the past traumatic events about 16 to 18 years ago and current difficult living conditions, psycho-emotional problems were more frequent among the displaced compared to the non-displaced neighbourhood. The displaced had experienced more violent acts (intended murder, threat, murder of a family member and kidnapping) and had subsequently a larger number of emotional symptoms (fright, headache, nervousness, depression, sleeplessness). Other stress factors like economic problems, severe disease or death of family members and unemployment prevailed among displaced persons compared to the non-displaced. The non-displaced lived in a more protected environment with less exposure to violence and stress, although belonging to a similarly low socio-economic stratum. Those previously displaced respondents now living in the non-displaced community still suffered similar emotional symptoms as the displaced respondents living in the displaced community. It is recommended to take measures for a better protection of the displaced community, improve their access to the job market, offer different leisure activities (sports club, art, women’s club) and facilitate public transport.
Impact of Free Newborn Care Service package on Out of Pocket Expenditure-Evidence from a multicentric study in Nepal.
Authors: Sunny Avinash K , Basnet Omkar , Acharya Ankit , Paudel Prajwal , Målqvist Mats , KC Ashish
Published: January 2021

Background: Sustainable Development Goal ( SDG) aspires to improve universal health coverage through reduction of Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) and improving the quality of care. In the last two decades, there have been several efforts to reduce the OOPE for maternal and newborn care. In this paper, we evaluate the change in the OOPE for treatment of sick newborn at hospital before and after implementation of a free newborn care (FNC) program in hospitals of Nepal. Methods: Ministry of Health and Population implemented a free newborn care program which reimbursed the cost of treatment for all sick newborns admitted in public hospitals in Nepal from November 2017. We conducted this pre-post quasi-experimental study with four months of pre-implementation and 12 months of post-implementation of the program in 12 hospitals of Nepal. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney test was applied for continuous variables to determine statistically significant differences between pre- and post- intervention period. Results: A total of 353 sick newborns were admitted into these hospitals before implementation of the FNC program while 1122 sick newborns were admitted after the implementation. Before implementation, 17% of mothers paid for sick newborn care while after implementation 15.3% mothers (p-value=0.59) paid for care. The OOPE for treatment of sick newborn at hospital before implementation was Mean±SD: US dollar 14.3+12.1 and after implementation was Mean±SD: USD 13.0±9.6 (p-value=0.71). There were no significant differences in neonatal morbidity after the implementation of the FNC program. The stay in a hospital bed (in days) decreased after the implementation of FNC program (p-value<0.001) while the cost for medicine increased (p-value=0.02). The duration of hospital stay (in days) of sick newborns significantly decreased for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) (p-value=0.04) and neonatal sepsis (p-value<0.001) after the FNC program was implemented. Conclusion: We found no change in the OOPE for sick newborn care following implementation of the FNC Program. There is a need to revisit the FNC program by the type of morbidity and duration of stay. Further studies will be required to explore the health system adequacy to implement such programs in hospitals of Nepal.
Relationship Between the Higher Inflammatory Cytokines Level in the Aqueous Humor of Fuchs Uveitis Syndrome and the Presence of Cataract
Authors: Wang Hui , Tao Yong
Published: January 2021

Background This study aims to compare the levels of intraocular cytokines between Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS) eyes and the senile cataract eyes. The association between inflammatory cytokine levels and cataract severity in FUS is evaluated to find the possible mechanism of cataract in FUS eyes.Methods A retrospective study of 28 eyes with FUS was performed. Auxiliary examinations were performed, including ophthalmic examinations, laser flare-cell photometry, and levels of inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor were measured. The control group included 25 eyes with senile cataract. Data on the aqueous humor inflammatory cytokines were compared between the two groups. The association between the aqueous humor cytokine levels and severity of posterior subcapsular cataract was assessed.Results There were 28 eyes with FUS in 27 patients. Unilateral involvement was noted in 26 patients (96.30%). Stellate keratic precipitates (KPs) were noted in 16 eyes (57.14%). Heterochromia was observed in 21.43% of affected eyes. Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) was observed in 16 of the 28 eyes. Eyes with FUS had significantly higher aqueous humor (AH) cytokine levels (VEGF, bFGF, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) compared with the control eyes (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the severity of cataract and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the AH (τ = 0.664 and 0.634, respectively; P = 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively).Conclusions Expression of VEGF, bFGF, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in the AH of FUS patients was significantly higher than in senile cataract eyes, and the aqueous humor levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly positively associated with the severity of posterior subcapsular cataract. Our results imply that an inflammation mechanism may be involved in the early development of cataract in FUS.
Prevalence And Predictors Of Diabetes Mellitus Among Persons Living With HIV: A Retrospective Cohort Study Conducted In 4 Public Healthcare Facilities In Kwazulu-Natal
Authors: Umar David Mohammed , Naidoo Panjasaram
Published: January 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic non-infectious medical condition which is evident by raised levels of glucose in the blood, because the body cannot produce any or enough of the hormone insulin or use insulin effectively. Diabetes, if not well managed leads to complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy which can be fatal. Some of the factors that predisposes to diabetes include older age, higher body mass index, heredity and hypertension. With the availability of HAART for managing HIV/AIDS infection, life span of persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) has increased significantly. With increased longevity, the aging population of PLWHIV also face chronic diseases such as diabetes in addition to HIV. The burden of both HIV and diabetes is high in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Nevertheless, the prevalence of diabetes among PLWHIV in KwaZulu-Natal and its predictors is not well understood. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence, predictors of diabetes and the outcome of managing diabetes among PLWHIV.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in four public health care facilities in KwaZulu-Natal with a total sample size of 1203 after ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. A pretested questionnaire and hospital patient charts were used to collect data. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the data using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of diabetes among PLWHIV was 9%. Just over 47% of those who had diabetes, had uncontrolled blood sugar, with a mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 11.7 mmol/L. The predictors of diabetes among PLWHIV were male gender and older age. Male PLWHIV had 65% less chances of having diabetes and those who were between the ages of 18 and 48 years were 88% less probable to have diabetes compared to those who were older than 48 years. Conclusion: Public sector health care facilities in KwaZulu-Natal need to do much more to manage diabetes in PLWHIV in order to prevent diabetic complications and possible negative impact on the outcome of HIV management.
The prevalence of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-confirmed paediatric poisoning at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Washaya Norbertta , Evans Alicia , Muloiwa Rudzani , Smith Peter , Buys Heloise
Published: January 2021

Background Paediatric poisoning is a common presentation to emergency departments worldwide. There is a paucity of data on the role of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in the management of paediatric poisoning in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). In high-income countries, most studies are retrospective, and few include children.Objective The study describes the prevalence of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirmed paediatric poisoning at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.Methods Children admitted with suspected poisoning between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017, were recruited. All patients had a urine and/or blood sample sent for LC-MS/MS toxicology. Data collected included demographic data, clinical features, investigations, management, outcome and social interventions. Results 152 children, with median age of 39 (IQR 25 -61) months were enrolled of which 128 (84%) were poisoning cases. Of the 128 poisoning cases, 88 (69%) presented with a history of ingesting a known substance, 16 (12%) an unknown substance and 24 (19%) were cases of occult poisoning. LC-MS/MS was able to identify a substance in 92% of the cases of occult poisoning. In those who had presented with a seemingly known substance, LC-MS/MS found a different substance in 15 cases. LC-MS/MS was also able to detect multiple drugs in 40 patients. Of the poisoning cases, six (5%) cases were attempted homicide cases and 5 (4%) cases were attempted suicide cases. No children died. Individualized social interventions were instituted in poisoning cases. Emergency placement safety reasons was required in 6 children. Conclusion When the limitations are known, LC-MS/MS is useful in identifying cases of occult poisoning, identifying patients who have ingested multiple substances and/or an unknown substance and when targeted towards child protection. As LC-MS/MS is an expensive test, it should be used judiciously in LMICs.
Is coracoclavicular reconstruction necessary in hook plate fixation for acute unstable acromioclavicular dislocation?
Authors: Chen Yu-Ta , Wu Kuan-Ting , Jhan Shun-Wun , Hsu Shan-Ling , Liu Hao-Chen , Wang Ching-Jen , Ko Jih-Yang , Chou Wen-Yi
Published: January 2021

Background:Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is a relatively common shoulder injury. For the treatment of cases of severe ACJ dislocation (Rockwood type III–V), hook plate fixation is a neasy-to-master and minimally-invasive approach to surgical intervention. Over stress on the acromion following hook plate fixation often leads to acromial complications such as osteolysis and loss of reduction. We hypothesized that suspensory reconstruction a longside hook plate fixation might provide a superior stability and reduce complications as compared with hook plate fixation alone. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of these two surgical modalities.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 49 patients with acute ACJ dislocation from May 2010 to December 2018. Among them, nineteen patients received hook plate fixation only (HP group), and 19 underwent concomitant hook plate fixation and loop suspension fixation with two mersilene sutures (HM group). The demographic data of the patients were recorded and analyzed. All patients underwent a shoulder x-ray initially, immediately postoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6 and12 months to measure the relative coracoclavicular distance (rCCD). Clinical assessment of shoulder function outcome was conducted using the Constant Murley Score (CMS); the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score was also measured at the latest follow-up.Results: There were no significant differences in the demographic data between the two groups. With regards to the CMS and the UCLA score, the HM group and HP group both had excellent outcomes, and no significant differences in scores were observed between groups (CMS: 93.90±6.16 versus 94.47±7.26, p=0.47; UCLA score: 32.84±2.91 versus 34.32±1.16, p=0.07). However, the HM group demonstrated substantial superiority in terms of maintenance of the rCCD over the HP group (91.47±27.47 versus 100.75±48.70, p=0.015). In addition, there was less subacromial osteolysis in the HM group than the HP group (52.6% versus 15.8%, p=0.038).Conclusion: Both fixations yielded excellent functional outcomes. However, concomitant hook plate fixation with loop suspensory reconstruction demonstrated the fewer acromion complications and statistical differences in reduction maintenance with less clinical significance.
Evaluation of the Solar Quiet Reference Field (SQRF) Model for Space Weather Applications in the South America Magnetic Anomaly
Authors: Chen Sony Su , Denardini Clezio Marcos , Resende Láysa C. A. , Chagas Ronan A. J. , Moro Juliano , Silva Régia P. , Carmo Carolina S. , Picanço Giorgio A. S.
Published: January 2021

In the present work, we evaluate the accuracy of the Solar Quiet Reference Field (SQRF) model for estimating and predicting the geomagnetic solar quiet (Sq) daily field variation in the South America Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA) region. This model is based on the data set of fluxgate magnetometers from 12 magnetic stations of the Embrace Magnetometer Network (Embrace MagNet) from 2010 to 2018. The model predicts the monthly average horizontal field of the geomagnetic quiet (Sq-H) daily variation solving a set of equations for the specified geographic coordinates in terms of the solar cycle activity, the day of the year, and the universal time. We carried out two comparisons between the prediction and observational data of the Sq-H field. The first part attempts to evaluate the accuracy for estimating the Sq-H field over Medianeira (MED, 25.30°S, 54.11°W, dip angle: -33.45°) by using linear interpolation on the SQRF coefficients and compared it with the data collected from April to December in 2018. It worth mentioning that none of the datasets collected at MED is part of the dataset used to build the SQRF model, hence the need to do interpolation. The second part of the analysis attempts to evaluate the accuracy for predicting the quiet daily field variation over Cachoeira Paulista (CXP, 22.70°S, 45.01°W, dip angle: -38.48°). The dataset collected at CXP prior to the period analyzed in the present work is part of the dataset used to build the SQRF model. Thus, the accuracy of the prediction is tested using magnetic data outside the time interval considered in the model. The results of the prediction for both locations show that the outputs from this empirical model present a good agreement with the Sq-H field obtained from the magnetic field data. The accuracy of the SQRF model (high correlation, r>0.9) provides a high potential for estimating and predicting geomagnetic quiet daily field variation for space weather applications, improving the scientific insight and capability of space weather prediction centers to predict the variability of the regular solar quiet field variation as reference conditions, which may include areas with no measurements.
Associations between developmental timing of child abuse and conduct problem trajectories in a UK birth cohort
Authors: Bauer Andreas , Hammerton Gemma , Fraser Abigail , Fairchild Graeme , Halligan Sarah L.
Published: January 2021

Background Although there is strong evidence for a relationship between child abuse and neglect and conduct problems, associations between child abuse experienced at different developmental stages and developmental trajectories of conduct problems have not been examined. We sought to investigate effects of timing of child abuse on conduct problem trajectories in a large UK birth cohort study. Methods We applied latent class growth analysis to identify conduct problem trajectories in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, using parent-rated conduct problems from ages 4-17 years (N=10648). Childhood-only and adolescence-only abuse, in addition to abuse in both developmental periods (‘persistent’ abuse), were assessed by retrospective self-report at age 22 years (N=3172). Results We identified four developmental trajectories: early-onset persistent (4.8%), adolescence-onset (4.5%), childhood-limited (15.4%), and low (75.3%) conduct problems. Childhood-only abuse and ‘persistent’ abuse were associated with increased odds of being on the early-onset persistent and adolescence-onset conduct problem trajectories compared to the low conduct problems trajectory. Adolescence-only abuse was not predictive of trajectory membership. There were no associations between abuse and childhood-limited trajectory membership.Conclusions Early-onset persistent and adolescence-onset conduct problems showed similar patterns of association with abuse exposure, challenging developmental theories that propose qualitative, as opposed to quantitative, differences in environmental risk factors between these trajectories. The results also highlight that childhood-only and ‘persistent’ abuse were more strongly linked to elevated conduct problem trajectories than adolescence-only abuse, and that ‘persistent’ abuse is particularly detrimental.
Nitration of Jharia Basin Coals, India: a study of structural modifications by XRD and FTIR Techniques
Authors: Boral Prabal , Varma Atul K. , Maity Sudip
Published: January 2021

Four coal samples from Jharia basin, India are treated with nitric acid in glacial acetic acid and aqueous media to find out the chemical, petrographic and spatial structure of the organic mass by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques.X-ray parameters of coal like interlayer spacing (d002), crystallite size (Lc), aroamticity (fa), average number of aromatic layers (Nc), and coal rank (I26/I20) have been determined using profile-fitting software. Considerable variation is observed in treated coals in comparison to the demineralized coals. The d002 values of treated coals have increased in both the media showing increase in disordering of organic moieties. A linear relationship has been observed between d002 values with the volatile matter of the coals. Similarly, the d002 values show linear relationship with Cdmf contents for demineralized as well as for the treated coals in both the media. The Lc and Nc values have decreased in treated coals corresponding to demineralized coals. The present study shows that nitration in both the media is capable of removing the aliphatic side chains from the coals and aromaticity (fa) increases with increase in rank and shows a linear relationship with the vitrinite reflectance. The corresponding I26/I20 values are least for treated coals in glacial acetic acid medium followed by raw and then to treated coals in aqueous medium.FTIR studies show that coal arenes of the raw coals are converted into nitro-arenes in structurally modified coals (SMCs) in both the media, the corresponding bands at 1550 – 1490 cm-1 and 1355 – 1315 cm-1 respectively. FTIR study confirms that nitration is the predominant phenomenon, though, oxidation and nitration phenomena takes place simultaneously during treatment with nitric acid to form SMCs. In comparison to raw coals, the SMCs show higher aromaticity and may be easily converted to coal derived products like activated carbon and specialty carbon materials.
How cognitive loads modulate the postural control of older women with low back pain ?
Authors: Ge Le , Yu Qiuhua , Wang Chuhuai , Huang Huanjie , Li Xin , Zhang ShanShan , Zhang SiYun
Published: January 2021

Background: The capacity of postural control is a key factor related to falling in older people, particularly in older women with low back pain (LBP). Cognitive involvement in postural control increases with age. However, most scholars have not considered different difficulty levels of cognitive loads when exploring the effects of cognition on postural control in older patients with LBP. The present study is to investigate how different levels of cognitive loads modulate postural control in older women with LBP.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Twenty older women with LBP were recruited into the LBP group, and 20 healthy older women without the history of LBP were recruited into the healthy control group. Balance parameters were computed to quantify postural control. All participants underwent the balance test , which required the participant to maintain stability during standing on a force platform with or without a concurrent cognitive task. The balance test included three levels of difficulties of posture tasks (eyes-open vs. eyes-closed vs. one-leg stance) and three cognitive tasks (without cognitive task vs. auditory arithmetic task vs. serial-7s arithmetic task). Results: A repeated-measure analysis of variance (3 postural tasks × 3 congnitive tasks× 2 groups) testing the effects of the different congnitive task levels on the performance in different postural conditions.Older women with LBP had worse postural control (as reflected by larger center of pressure (COP) parameters) than control group regardless of postural or cognitive difficulties. Compared with the single task, the COP parameters of participants with LBP were larger during dual tasks, even though the difficulty level of the cognitive task was low. Larger COP parameters were shown only if the difficulty level of the cognitive task was high in control group. Correlations between sway area/sway length and the number of falls were significant in dual tasks.Conclusion: Our findings shed light on how cognitive loads modulate postural control for older women with LBP. Compared with control group, cognitive loads showed more disturbing effects on postural control in older women with LBP, which was associated with falling.
Neuroprotective Effects Of The Inert Gas Argon Onexperimental Traumatic Brain Injury In Vivo With The Controlled Cortical Impact Model In Mice
Authors: Schneider Fritz I. , Krieg Sandro M , Lindauer Ute , Stoffel Michael , Ryang Yu-Mi
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: Argon has shown neuroprotective effects after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebral ischemia in vitro and in focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. The purpose of this study is to show if Argon beneficially impacts brain contusion volume (BCV) as the primary outcome parameter as well as secondary outcome parameters such as brain edema, intracranial pressure (ICP), neurological outcome, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in an in vivo model.METHODS: Subjects were randomly assigned to either argon treatment or room air. After applying controlled cortical impact (CCI) onto the dura with 8 m/s (displacement 1 mm, impact duration 150 ms), treatment was administered by a recovery chamber with 25%, 50%, or 75% argon and the rest being oxygen for 4 h after trauma. Two control groups received room air for 15 min and 24 h, respectively. Neurological testing and ICP measurements were performed 24 h after trauma, and brains were removed to measure secondary brain damage. RESULTS: The primary outcome parameter BCV and the secondary outcome parameter brain edema were not significantly reduced by argon treatment at any concentration, respectively. There was a highly significant decrease in ICP at 50% argon (p=0.001), and significant neurological improvement (beamwalk missteps) at 25% and 50% argon (p=0.01; p=0.049 respectively) compared to control.CONCLUSIONS: Similar to prior in vitro studies argon exerts its best neuroprotective effects with regard to neurological outcome and ICP at a concentration of 50%. Furthermore, a significant improvement in neurological outcome was observed at an argon concentration of 25%. There was no significant reduction of BCV as the primary outcome parameter.
Multi-State Analysis of the Impact of Childhood Starvation on the Healthy Life Expectancy of the Elderly in China
Authors: Dong Huiling , Wu Bingyi , Wu Qunhong
Published: January 2021

Background: Child malnutrition is not only common in developing countries, but also an important issue faced by developed countries. This study aimed to explore the influence and degree of childhood starvation on the health of the elderly, which providing a reference for formulating health-related policies under the concept of full-life cycle health. Methods: Based on Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2008, 2011 and 2014, this paper took a total of 13,185 elderly people aged 65-99 years as the target population. By IMaCH software, with age, gender, and income level as the control variables, and the average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy of the elderly was measured. The test was used to explore the differences in socio-economic status of elderly people with or without starvation in childhood. The paired t test was used to analyze the difference both average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. Results: (1) Transition probabilities in health-disability, health-death, and disability-death all showed an upward trend with age(P<0.05), where the elderly who experienced starvation in childhood were higher than those without such an experience(P<0.05). However, the probability of disability-health recovery showed a downward trend with age(P<0.05), whereas the elderly who experienced starvation in childhood were lower than those without starvation(P<0.05).(2) For the elderly who experienced starvation in childhood, the health indicators of the average life expectancy, healthy life expectancy, and healthy life expectancy proportion accounted for the remaining life were lower than those of the elderly without childhood starvation (P<0.05).Conclusions: The negative impact of childhood starvation on health through the life course till old age, has a persistent negative cumulative effect on the quantity and quality of life for the elderly. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the nutritional status of children in poor families from the perspective of social policy-making.