bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical implications of differences between real world and clinical trial usage of left ventricular assist devices for end stage heart failure
Authors: Mezzacappa Catherine , Ravindra Neal G. , Caraballo Cesar , Chouairi Fouad , Miller P. Elliott , Clarke John-Ross D. , Gruen Jadry , Mori Makoto , McCullough Megan , Mullan Clancy , Geirsson Arnar , Rogers Joseph G. , Anwer Mohammad , Desai Nihar , Ahmad Tariq
Published: December 2020

Importance

Patient outcomes in heart failure clinical trials are generally better than those observed in real-world settings. This may be related to stricter inclusion and exclusion criteria in clinical trials.

Objective

We study sought to characterize the clinical implications of differences between patients in clinical trials and those in a real-world registry of patients receiving left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective cohort study included all patients in INTERMACS (the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) who were implanted with an axial flow LVAD from 2010 to 2015 to allow for equivalent comparisons.

Main outcomes and measures

Differences in patient characteristics and 2-year rates of adverse outcomes with those reported in the ENDURANCE and MOMENTUM 3 clinical trials. Survival analyses were used to assess the relationships between prespecified patient factors and clinical outcomes.

Results

Of the 10,937 LVAD recipients identified in INTERMACS between 2010–2015, 44% met at least 1 clinical trial exclusion criterion. The 2-year incidence of stroke and death amongst LVAD recipients in INTERMACS and the landmark clinical trials differed significantly (P<0.04, both). Nevertheless, patients who would have been excluded from the clinical trials did not have dramatically different 2-year mortality outcomes in INTERMACS [2y survival estimate: 66.4%, 95% CI (64.9–67.9%) versus 71.9%, 95% CI (70.6–73.1%)]. Clinical interventions driving a significantly increased risk of death were relatively rare (<5% of implants) and included mechanical ventilation, ECMO, severe thrombocytopenia, and dialysis.

Conclusions and relevance

Most exclusion criteria used in LVAD clinical trials did not afford a substantially greater risk to patients in the real-world setting. In the relatively infrequent cases of end stage renal disease, thrombocytopenia, respiratory failure, and need for ECMO, the risks and benefits of LVAD therapy need careful weighting and further study.
Principal component analysis of coronaviruses reveals their diversity and seasonal and pandemic potential
Authors: Konishi Tomokazu
Published: December 2020

Coronaviruses and influenza viruses have similarities and differences. In order to comprehensively compare them, their genome sequencing data were examined by principal component analysis. Coronaviruses had fewer variations than a subclass of influenza viruses. In addition, differences among coronaviruses that infect a variety of hosts were also small. These characteristics may have facilitated the infection of different hosts. Although many of the coronaviruses were conservative, those repeatedly found among humans showed annual changes. If SARS-CoV-2 changes its genome like the Influenza H type, it will repeatedly spread every few years. In addition, the coronavirus family has many other candidates for new pandemics.
Between-module functional connectivity of the salient ventral attention network and dorsal attention network is associated with motor inhibition
Authors: Hsu Howard Muchen , Yao Zai-Fu , Hwang Kai , Hsieh Shulan
Published: December 2020

The ability to inhibit motor response is crucial for daily activities. However, whether brain networks connecting spatially distinct brain regions can explain individual differences in motor inhibition is not known. Therefore, we took a graph-theoretic perspective to examine the relationship between the properties of topological organization in functional brain networks and motor inhibition. We analyzed data from 141 healthy adults aged 20 to 78, who underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and performed a stop-signal task along with neuropsychological assessments outside the scanner. The graph-theoretic properties of 17 functional brain networks were estimated, including within-network connectivity and between-network connectivity. We employed multiple linear regression to examine how these graph-theoretical properties were associated with motor inhibition. The results showed that between-network connectivity of the salient ventral attention network and dorsal attention network explained the highest and second highest variance of individual differences in motor inhibition. In addition, we also found those two networks span over brain regions in the frontal-cingulate-parietal network, suggesting that these network interactions are also important to motor inhibition.
Associations between objectively-measured and self-reported neighbourhood walkability on adherence and steps during an internet-delivered pedometer intervention
Authors: Consoli Anna , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Spence John C. , McHugh Tara-Leigh , Mummery Kerry , McCormack Gavin R.
Published: December 2020

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that the built environment is associated with physical activity. The extent to which the built environment may support adherence to physical activity interventions is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the neighbourhood built environment constrains or facilitates adherence and steps taken during a 12-week internet-delivered pedometer-based physical activity intervention (UWALK).

Method

The study was undertaken in Calgary (Canada) between May 2016 and August 2017. Inactive adults (n = 573) completed a telephone survey measuring sociodemographic characteristics and perceived neighbourhood walkability. Following the survey, participants were mailed a pedometer and instructions for joining UWALK. Participants were asked to report their daily pedometer steps into the online program on a weekly basis for 12 weeks (84 days). Walk Score® estimated objective neighbourhood walkability and the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale–Abbreviated (NEWS-A) measured participants self-reported neighbourhood walkability. Regression models estimated covariate-adjusted associations of objective and self-reported walkability with: 1) adherence to the UWALK intervention (count of days with steps reported and count of days with 10000 steps reported), and; 2) average daily pedometer steps.

Results

On average, participants undertook 8565 (SD = 3030) steps per day, reported steps on 67 (SD = 22.3) of the 84 days, and achieved ≥10000 steps on 22 (SD = 20.5) of the 84 days. Adjusting for covariates, a one-unit increase in self-reported walkability was associated on average with 45.76 (95CI 14.91, 76.61) more daily pedometer steps. Walk Score® was not significantly associated with steps. Neither objective nor self-reported walkability were significantly associated with the UWALK adherence outcomes.

Conclusion

The neighbourhood built environment may support pedometer-measured physical activity but may not influence adherence to pedometer interventions. Perceived walkability may be more important than objectively-measured walkability in supporting physical activity during pedometer interventions.
The effect of area deprivation on COVID-19 risk in Louisiana
Authors: K. C. Madhav , Oral Evrim , Straif-Bourgeois Susanne , Rung Ariane L. , Peters Edward S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Louisiana in the summer of 2020 had the highest per capita case count for COVID-19 in the United States and COVID-19 deaths disproportionately affects the African American population. Neighborhood deprivation has been observed to be associated with poorer health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and COVID-19 in Louisiana.

Methods

The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was calculated and used to classify neighborhood deprivation at the census tract level. A total of 17 US census variables were used to calculate the ADI for each of the 1148 census tracts in Louisiana. The data were extracted from the American Community Survey (ACS) 2018. The neighborhoods were categorized into quintiles as well as low and high deprivation. The publicly available COVID-19 cumulative case counts by census tract were obtained from the Louisiana Department of Health website on July 31, 2020. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were performed.

Results

Neighborhoods in Louisiana were substantially different with respect to deprivation. The ADI ranged from 136.00 for the most deprived neighborhood and –33.87 in the least deprived neighborhood. We observed that individuals residing in the most deprived neighborhoods had almost a 40% higher risk of COVID-19 compared to those residing in the least deprived neighborhoods.

Conclusion

While the majority of previous studies were focused on very limited socio-environmental factors such as crowding and income, this study used a composite area-based deprivation index to examine the role of neighborhood environment on COVID-19. We observed a positive relationship between neighborhood deprivation and COVID-19 risk in Louisiana. The study findings can be utilized to promote public health preventions measures besides social distancing, wearing a mask while in public and frequent handwashing in vulnerable neighborhoods with greater deprivation.
Effect of chromium (VI) toxicity on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield, and yield components of two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties
Authors: Singh Deepti , Sharma Nithi Lal , Singh Chandan Kumar , Sarkar Susheel Kumar , Singh Ishwar , Dotaniya Mohan Lal
Published: December 2020

The ever-increasing industrial activities over the decades have generated high toxic metal such as chromium (Cr) that hampers the crop productivity. This study evaluated the effect of Cr on two chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) varieties, Pusa 2085 and Pusa Green 112, in hydroponic and pot-grown conditions. First, growth parameters (seed germination, seedling growth, and biomass production) and physio-biochemical parameters (oxidative stress and the content of antioxidants and proline) were measured to evaluate the performance of both varieties grown hydroponically for 21 days at concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 μM Cr in the form of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). In both varieties, significantly deleterious effects on germination and seedling growth parameters were observed at 90 and 120 μM, while growth was stimulated at 30 μM Cr. Significant increases in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content and electrolyte leakage demonstrated enhanced oxidative injury to seedlings caused by higher concentrations of Cr. Further, increasing concentrations of Cr positively correlated with increased proline content, superoxide dismutase activity, and peroxide content in leaves. There was also an increase in peroxisomal ascorbate peroxidase and catalase in the leaves of both varieties at lower Cr concentrations, whereas a steep decline was recorded at higher Cr concentrations. In the pot experiments conducted over two consecutive years, growth, yield, yield attributes, grain protein, and Cr uptake and accumulation were measured at different Cr concentrations. Pusa Green 112 showed a significant reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll content, grain protein, pod number, and grain yield per plant when compared with Pusa 2085. Overall, our results indicate that Pusa 2085 has a higher Cr tolerance than Pusa Green 112. Therefore, Pusa 2085 could be used to further elucidate the mechanisms of Cr tolerance in plants and in breeding programmes to produce Cr-resistant varieties.
Assessing the quality of antenatal corticosteroids in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Mosoro Euodia , Wilson Alyce N. , Homer Caroline S. E. , Vogel Joshua P.
Published: December 2020

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the administration of intramuscular antenatal corticosteroids to women at risk of preterm birth to prevent preterm-associated neonatal mortality and morbidity. Poor quality medicines are a major problem for health services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), however the quality of antenatal corticosteroids is not well understood. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of available studies describing the quality of recommended injectable antenatal corticosteroids (dexamethasone or betamethasone) in LMICs.

Methods

Structured search strategy was applied to six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Global Index Medicus, WHO Medicines Quality Database), without year or language restrictions. Any primary study reporting any medicine quality parameter (Active Pharmacological Ingredient, pH and sterility) for injectable dexamethasone or betamethasone was eligible. Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data on included studies and applied Medicine Quality Assessment Reporting Guidelines tool to assess study quality. Results were reported narratively, stratified by country of manufacture, organisation type and level of care.

Results

In total, 15,547 citations were screened with two eligible studies identified that focussed on dexamethasone quality (no studies of betamethasone were identified). One study included 19 samples from 9 LMICs, and the other included “less than 100 samples” from India. The prevalence of failed dexamethasone samples ranged from 3.14% to 32.2% due to inadequate Active Pharmacological Ingredient. A higher prevalence of failed dexamethasone samples were seen at the point of care and the public sector.

Conclusions

Poor quality maternal and newborn health medicines can endanger women and newborns. Though available evidence on antenatal corticosteroids quality in LMICs is limited, results suggested poor quality dexamethasone may be prevalent in some countries. More primary studies are required to confirm these findings and guide policymakers on procurement of good-quality maternal and newborn health medicines.
HEK293 cell response to static magnetic fields via the radical pair mechanism may explain therapeutic effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields
Authors: Pooam Marootpong , Jourdan Nathalie , El Esawi Mohamed , Sherrard Rachel M. , Ahmad Margaret
Published: December 2020

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) stimulation has been used for therapeutic purposes for over 50 years including in the treatment of memory loss, depression, alleviation of pain, bone and wound healing, and treatment of certain cancers. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms mediating these effects have remained poorly understood. In particular, because magnetic field pulses will induce electric currents in the stimulated tissue, it is unclear whether the observed effects are due to the magnetic or electric component of the stimulation. Recently, it has been shown that PEMFs stimulate the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in human cell cultures by a mechanism that requires cryptochrome, a putative magnetosensor. Here we show by qPCR analysis of ROS-regulated gene expression that simply removing cell cultures from the Earth’s geomagnetic field by placing them in a Low-Level Field condition induces similar effects on ROS signaling as does exposure of cells to PEMF. This effect can be explained by the so-called Radical Pair mechanism, which provides a quantum physical means by which the rates and product yields (e.g. ROS) of biochemical redox reactions may be modulated by magnetic fields. Since transient cancelling of the Earth’s magnetic field can in principle be achieved by PEMF exposure, we propose that the therapeutic effects of PEMFs may be explained by the ensuing modulation of ROS synthesis. Our results could lead to significant improvements in the design and therapeutic applications of PEMF devices.
Changes in corneal astigmatism and near heterophoria after smartphone use while walking and sitting
Authors: Leung Tsz Wing , Chan Chui-Ting , Lam Chi-Hin , Tong Yuk-Kwan , Kee Chea-Su
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims

Smartphone use has become an indispensable part of our daily life. The handy design and powerful processor allow smartphone users to perform diversified tasks even when walking. This study aimed to investigate and compare the optical aftereffect and vergence adaptation of using a smartphone while walking and sitting.

Methods

Twenty-nine young healthy adults (aged 19 to 24 years old) with normal binocular and accommodative functions were recruited. Participants were asked to watch a movie for 30 minutes using a smartphone while either walking on a treadmill or sitting on a chair. Corneal aberrations and near heterophoria were measured before and after smartphone use by a corneal topographer and modified Thorington heterophoria test, respectively.

Results

Using the smartphone while walking induced a change in corneal H/V astigmatism, becoming 0.11±0.03 μm less negative (two-way ANOVA repeated measures, Bonferroni post-hoc test, p = 0.001). This optical aftereffect was significantly higher than after smartphone use while sitting by 0.10±0.03 μm (paired t-test, p = 0.003). Although smartphone use did not result in a significant change in near heterophoria (Bonferroni post-hoc test, p > 0.15), the vergence adaptation showed relatively more eso- or less exo-deviation by 0.79±0.36Δ in the walking than the sitting condition (paired t-test, p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Eyecare practitioners should be cautious of the potential optical after effect and vergence adaptation after prolonged smartphone usage.
The effect of TEE on treatment change in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Specktor Polina , Yalonetsky Sergey , Agmon Yoram , Sprecher Elliot , Ali Faten Haj , Telman Gregory
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Ischemic stroke is a widespread disease carrying high morbidity and mortality. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered an important tool in the work-up of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients; its utility is limited by a semi-invasive nature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the probability of treatment change due to TEE findings (yield) in the work-up of AIS and TIA patients.

Methods

Retrospective data on patients with AIS or TIA who underwent TEE examination between 2000–2013 were collected from the institutional registry.

Results

The average age of 1284 patients who were included in the study was 57±10.4, 66% of patients were male. The most frequent TEE findings included aortic plaques in 54% and patent foramen ovale (PFO) in 15%. TEE findings led to treatment change in 135 (10.5%) patients; anticoagulant treatment was initiated in 110 of them (81%). Most common etiology for switch to anticoagulation was aortic plaques (71 patients); PFO was second most common reason (26 patients). Significant TEE findings (thrombus, endocarditis, tumor) were found in 1.9% of patients, they were more common in young patients (<55; 56% of the patients).

Conclusions

The beginning of anticoagulation treatment in patients with thick and complicated plaques was found frequently in our study. Significant TEE findings, were infrequent, constituted an absolute indication for treatment change and were more common in younger patients.
Pharmacological inhibition of hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 positively regulates T-cell function
Authors: Wang Yun , Zhang Kelvin , Georgiev Peter , Wells Steven , Xu Haiyan , Lacey Brian M. , Xu Zangwei , Laskey Jason , Mcleod Robbie , Methot Joey L. , Bittinger Mark , Pasternak Alexander , Ranganath Sheila
Published: December 2020

Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1), a hematopoietic cell-specific Ste20-related serine/threonine kinase, is a negative regulator of signal transduction in immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells (DCs). In mice, HPK1 deficiency subverts inhibition of the anti-tumor immune response and is associated with functional augmentation of anti-tumor T cells. We have used a potent, small molecule HPK1 inhibitor, Compound 1, to investigate the effects of pharmacological intervention of HPK1 kinase activity in immune cells. Compound 1 enhanced Th1 cytokine production in T cells and fully reverted immune suppression imposed by the prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and adenosine pathways in human T cells. Moreover, the combination of Compound 1 with pembrolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), demonstrated a synergistic effect, resulting in enhanced interferon (IFN)-γ production. Collectively, our results suggest that blocking HPK1 kinase activity with small molecule inhibitors alone or in combination with checkpoint blockade may be an attractive approach for the immunotherapy of cancer.
Community perceptions on causes of high dizygotic twinning rate in Igbo-Ora, South-west Nigeria: A qualitative study
Authors: Omonkhua Akhere A. , Okonofua Friday E. , Ntoimo Lorretta F. C. , Aruomaren Austin I. , Adebayo Ayodeji M. , Nwuba Roseangela
Published: December 2020

Background

Dizygotic (DZ, non-identical) twinning rates vary widely across different regions in the world. With a DZ twinning rate of 45 per 1000 live births, Igbo-Ora Community in South-west Nigeria has the highest dizygotic (DZ) twinning rate in the world. Although several postulations exist on the causes of high DZ twinning rates in Igbo-Ora, no study has yet been conclusive on a definite causative agent.

Objective

Using qualitative methods, this study explored the perceptions and beliefs of Igbo-Ora residents about the causes of high DZ twinning rates.

Methods

Focus group discussion sessions and key informant interviews were organized among fathers and mothers of twins, those without twins, and health care providers. Key informant interviews were also held with persons considered to be custodians of culture who may have knowledge relevant to twinning such as traditional rulers, and traditional birth attendants; as well as health care providers, mothers and fathers of twins, and adult twins.

Results

The results showed three factors featuring as the leading perceived causes of twinning in the community. These included twinning being an act of God, hereditary, and being due to certain foods consumed in the community. Contrary to reports that the consumption of a species of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) may be responsible for the DZ twinning in this Community; yam was not prioritized by the respondents as associated with twinning. In contrast, participants repeatedly mentioned the consumption of “ilasa” a soup prepared with okra leaves (Abelmoschus esculenta) with water that is obtained from the community, and “amala” a local delicacy produced from cassava (Manihot esculenta) as the most likely dietary factors responsible for twinning in the community.

Conclusion

Since the same foods are consumed in neighboring communities that have lower rates of twinning, we conjecture that nutritional and other environmental factors may produce epigenetic modifications that influence high DZ twinning rates in Igbo-Ora community. We conclude that more directed scientific studies based on these findings are required to further elucidate the etiology of the high rate of DZ twinning in Igbo-Ora.
Agent-based simulation for reconstructing social structure by observing collective movements with special reference to single-file movement
Authors: Koda Hiroki , Arai Zin , Matsuda Ikki
Published: December 2020

Understanding social organization is fundamental for the analysis of animal societies. In this study, animal single-file movement data—serialized order movements generated by simple bottom-up rules of collective movements—are informative and effective observations for the reconstruction of animal social structures using agent-based models. For simulation, artificial 2-dimensional spatial distributions were prepared with the simple assumption of clustered structures of a group. Animals in the group are either independent or dependent agents. Independent agents distribute spatially independently each one another, while dependent agents distribute depending on the distribution of independent agents. Artificial agent spatial distributions aim to represent clustered structures of agent locations—a coupling of “core” or “keystone” subjects and “subordinate” or “follower” subjects. Collective movements were simulated following two simple rules, 1) initiators of the movement are randomly chosen, and 2) the next moving agent is always the nearest neighbor of the last moving agents, generating “single-file movement” data. Finally, social networks were visualized, and clustered structures reconstructed using a recent major social network analysis (SNA) algorithm, the Louvain algorithm, for rapid unfolding of communities in large networks. Simulations revealed possible reconstruction of clustered social structures using relatively minor observations of single-file movement, suggesting possible application of single-file movement observations for SNA use in field investigations of wild animals.
The effect of platelet-rich plasma on the fusion rate and clinical outcome of spinal fusion surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cai Ying-feng , Tian Tian-Zhao , Chen Li-Ye , Liu Bao-Xin , Zhou Jian-Peng , Shi Min , Liang Hao-Dong
Published: December 2020

Background

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in many orthopedic surgeries and spinal disease treatments; however, the effect of PRP on spinal fusion remains controversial.

Questions/Purposes

To assess the fusion rate and clinical results of PRP compared with non-PRP administration in the treatment of spinal fusion with regard to decreasing pain and improving healing and function.

Patients and methods

Studies comparing PRP to non-PRP treatment with respect to the fusion rate and clinical outcome in patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery were included.

Result

Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 7 prospective cohort studies were identified. The spinal fusion rate was not significantly different between the groups in all RCTs or cohort studies at the final follow-up. In comparison, PRP significantly reduced pain after surgery as evaluated in the RCT analysis and the complication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

According to the available studies, PRP does not contribute to the union rate, relieve pain or increase the complication rate in spinal fusion surgery. As clinical heterogeneity exists in these studies, further large, well-designed RCTs that focus on the standard assessment of PRP are needed.
Do I trust you when you smile? Effects of sex and emotional expression on facial trustworthiness appraisal
Authors: Galinsky Dina F. , Erol Ezgi , Atanasova Konstantina , Bohus Martin , Krause-Utz Annegret , Lis Stefanie
Published: December 2020

Background

Trust is a prerequisite for successful social relations. People tend to form a first impression of people‘s trustworthiness based on their facial appearance. The sex of the judging person and its congruency with the sex of the judged people influence these appraisals. Moreover, trustworthiness and happiness share some facial features, which has led to studies investigating the interplay between both social judgments. Studies revealed high correlation in judging happiness and trustworthiness across different facial identities. However, studies are missing that investigate whether this relationship exists on a within-subject level and whether in-group biases such as the congruency between the sex of the judging and judged individual influence this relationship. In the present study, we addressed these questions.

Methods

Data were collected in an online-survey in two separate samples (N = 30, German sample, N = 107 Dutch sample). Subjects assessed the intensity of happiness and trustworthiness expressed in neutral and calm facial expression of the same characters (50% males, 50% females). Statistical analyses comprised rm-Anova designs based on rating scores and estimates of within-subject associations between both judgments.

Results

Our findings replicate high correlations between happiness and trustworthiness ratings across facial identities based on average scores across participants. However, the strength of this association was strongly dependent on the methodological approach and inter-subject variability was high. Our data revealed an in-group advantage for trustworthiness in women. Moreover, the faces’ sex and emotional expressions differentially influenced the within-subject correlation between both judgments in men and women.

Conclusion

Our findings replicate previous studies on the association between happiness and trustworthiness judgments. We extend our understanding of the link between both social judgments by uncovering that within-subject variability is high and influenced by sex and the availability and appraisal of positive emotional facial cues.
Association between low muscle mass and metabolic syndrome in elderly Japanese women
Authors: Nomura Kazushi , Eto Masato , Ogawa Sumito , Kojima Taro , Iijima Katsuya , Nakamura Tetsuro , Araki Atsushi , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Akishita Masahiro
Published: December 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important predictor of mortality in older adulthood, but it is not reliably related to measures of body composition such as body mass index in older adults, as opposed to those in earlier life stages. Previous research suggests that skeletal muscle mass is related to cardiovascular risk in older adulthood, but it is difficult to measure muscle mass accurately and independently of body fat. This study aimed to examine the relationship between body composition and cardiovascular risk factors among women in older adulthood. A cross-sectional observational clinical study was conducted at a single medical clinic in Tokyo, Japan. Participants included 90 healthy Japanese women aged 65 years and older. MetS risk factors were assessed. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed using dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry. Visceral fat area (VFA) was measured using computed tomography. VFA positively correlated with ASM and MetS, whereas ASM and MetS did not correlate with each other. Using VFA and ASM data in a MetS multiple linear regression model, the association between VFA and MetS remained positive, whereas a significant negative relationship emerged between ASM and MetS. Lower muscle mass was independently associated with higher cardiovascular risk after controlling for VFA. Clinical interventions to reduce muscle loss in older adulthood may be beneficial for reducing the risk of MetS and improving cardiovascular health.
Preoperative bevacizumab does not increase complications following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: King Bradley H. , Baumgartner Joel M. , Kelly Kaitlyn J. , Marmor Rebecca A. , Lowy Andrew M. , Veerapong Jula
Published: December 2020

Background

Preoperative bevacizumab has been reported to increase postoperative complication risk following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). We sought to review our experience with preoperative bevacizumab in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancy.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients who received neoadjuvant systemic therapy with or without bevacizumab prior to CRS/HIPEC at a high-volume academic center from 2007–2018.

Results

Of 499 patients, a total of 88 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (n = 34) or in combination with bevacizumab (n = 54) within 3 months prior to CRS/HIPEC. No differences existed in 60-day major morbidity (17.6 vs. 16.7%, p = 0.81) or 60-day mortality (0 vs. 0%) between the two cohorts, and neoadjuvant bevacizumab was not associated with increased odds of overall complications (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.35–2.09, p = 0.73) or major morbidity (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.24–3.00, p = 0.81). Stratifying patients by primary tumor origin and post-operative complications did not reveal any significant differences between the two treatment groups. In addition, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar in both cohorts.

Conclusions

Preoperative bevacizumab is not associated with increased morbidity or mortality following CRS/HIPEC. Neoadjuvant therapy employing this biologic agent is safe and should not be a deterrent for aggressive cytoreduction with curative intent.
Characteristics associated with COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses’ infections at a single-center emergency department
Authors: Bouzid Donia , Mullaert Jimmy , Le Hingrat Quentin , Laurent Odile , Duval Xavier , Lescure Xavier , Timsit Jean-François , Descamps Diane , Montravers Philippe , Choquet Christophe , Lucet Jean-Christophe , Casalino Enrique , Visseaux Benoit ,   ED influenza study group
Published: December 2020

Background

Rapid identification of patients with high suspicion of COVID-19 will become a challenge with the co-circulation of multiple respiratory viruses (RVs). We have identified clinical or biological characteristics to help distinguish SARS-CoV-2 from other RVs.

Methods

We used a prospective cohort including all consecutive patients admitted through the emergency department’s (ED) and presenting respiratory symptoms from November 2019 to April 2020. Patients were tested for RV using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR.

Results

203/508 patients were positive for an RV during the non-SARS-CoV-2 epidemic period (November to February), and 268/596 patients were SARS-CoV-2 positive during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic (March to April). Younger age, male gender, fever, absence of expectoration and absence of chronic lung disease were statistically associated with SARS-CoV-2 detection. Combining these variables allowed for the distinguishing of SARS-CoV-2 infections with 83, 65, 75 and 76% sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients’ characteristics associated with a positive PCR are common between SARS-CoV-2 and other RVs, but a simple discrimination of strong SARS-CoV-2 suspicion with a limited set of clinical features seems possible. Such scoring could be useful but has to be prospectively evaluated and will not eliminate the need for rapid PCR assays.
Changes to the sample design and weighting methods of a public health surveillance system to also include persons not receiving HIV medical care
Authors: Johnson Christopher H. , Beer Linda , Harding R. Lee , Iachan Ronaldo , Moyse Davia , Lee Adam , Kyle Tonja , Chowdhury Pranesh P. , Shouse R. Luke
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The Medical Monitoring Project (MMP) is a public health surveillance system that provides representative estimates of the experiences and behaviors of adults with diagnosed HIV in the United States. In 2015, the sample design and frame of MMP changed from a system that only included HIV patients to one that captures the experiences of persons receiving and not receiving HIV care. We describe methods investigated for calculating survey weights, the approach chosen, and the benefits of using a dynamic surveillance registry as a sampling frame.

Methods

MMP samples adults with diagnosed HIV from the National HIV Surveillance System, the HIV case surveillance registry for the United States. In the methodological study presented in this manuscript, we compared methods that account for sample design and nonresponse, including weighting class adjustment vs. propensity weighting and a single-stage nonresponse adjustment vs. sequential adjustments for noncontact and nonresponse. We investigated how best to adjust for non-coverage using surveillance data to post-stratify estimates.

Results

After assessing these methods, we chose as our preferred procedure weighting class adjustments and a single-stage nonresponse adjustment. Classes were constructed using variables associated with respondents’ characteristics and important survey outcomes, chief among them laboratory results available from surveillance that served as a proxy for medical care.

Conclusions

MMPs weighting procedures reduced sample bias by leveraging auxiliary information on medical care available from the surveillance registry sampling frame. Expanding MMPs population of focus provides important information on characteristics of persons with diagnosed HIV that complement the information provided by the surveillance registry. MMP methods can be applied to other disease registries or population-monitoring systems when more detailed information is needed for a population, with the detailed information obtained efficiently from a representative sample of the population covered by the registry.
CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis of OsERA1 confers enhanced responses to abscisic acid and drought stress and increased primary root growth under nonstressed conditions in rice
Authors: Ogata Takuya , Ishizaki Takuma , Fujita Miki , Fujita Yasunari
Published: December 2020

Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling components play an important role in the drought stress response in plants. Arabidopsis thaliana ENHANCED RESPONSE TO ABA1 (ERA1) encodes the β-subunit of farnesyltransferase and regulates ABA signaling and the dehydration response. Therefore, ERA1 is an important candidate gene for enhancing drought tolerance in numerous crops. However, a rice (Oryza sativa) ERA1 homolog has not been characterized previously. Here, we show that rice osera1 mutant lines, harboring CRISPR/Cas9-induced frameshift mutations, exhibit similar leaf growth as control plants but increased primary root growth. The osera1 mutant lines also display increased sensitivity to ABA and an enhanced response to drought stress through stomatal regulation. These results illustrate that OsERA1 is a negative regulator of primary root growth under nonstressed conditions and also of responses to ABA and drought stress in rice. These findings improve our understanding of the role of ABA signaling in the drought stress response in rice and suggest a strategy to genetically improve rice.
Preoperative CT anthropometric measurements and pancreatic pathology increase risk for postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Roh Yun Hwa , Kang Bo Kyeong , Song Soon-Young , Lee Chul-Min , Jung Yun Kyung , Kim Mimi
Published: December 2020

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, risk factors for this complication remain controversial. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 107 patients who underwent PD. POPF was diagnosed in strict accordance with the definition of the 2016 update of pancreatic fistula from the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for POPF. A total of 19 (17.8%) subjects of pancreatic fistula occurred after PD, including 15 (14.1%) with grade B POPF and 4 (3.7%) with grade C POPF. There were 33 (30.8%) patients with biochemical leak. Risk factors for POPF (grade B and C) were larger area of visceral fat (odds ratio [OR], 1.40; p = 0.040) and pathology other than pancreatic adenocarcinoma or pancreatitis (OR, 12.45; p = 0.017) in the multivariate regression analysis. This result could assist the surgeon to identify patients at a high risk of developing POPF.
Cuando la memoria se hace opaca y solo el dolor fulgura: abordaje sanitario del fenómeno suicida en Las vírgenes suicidas (1999) de Sofia Coppola
Authors: Castillo-Bolio Lourdes Eugenia , Dzul-Suárez Adriana Sofía , Martínez-Díaz Lourdes Alejandra , Pacheco-Naal Mariana Guadalupe , Viana-Vivanco Estefany , Janssen-Aguilar Reinhard , Méndez-Domínguez Nina
Published: December 2020

En la década de 1970, en una ciudad norteamericana, cinco hermanas entre los trece y los diecisiete años cometieron suicidio, comenzado por Cecilia, la menor de las hermanas Lisbon. Una ola de tristeza plagada de interrogantes inundó las mentes de aquellos que convivieron con ellas y de todos aquellos fueron testigos de cómo poco a poco fueron perdiendo su alegría, sus motivaciones y su esencia hasta convertirse en sombras inexpresivas de lo que una vez fueron. Ante las peculiaridades descritas entre las muertes de las hermanas en las Vírgenes suicidas de Sofía Coppola 1999, el espectador puede plantearse diversas cuestiones relacionadas con el manejo sanitario adecuado y el papel del personal de salud para abordar de manera óptima la salud mental durante la adolescencia y de las medidas de prevención recomendables tanto en lo individual como en lo colectivo. El presente artículo se ofrece como un análisis a propósito de las conductas suicidas ficticias reportadas en el filme, como si de algún modo, las hermanas Lisbon pudiesen atenderse con los recursos y conocimientos que tienen en la actualidad los médicos contemporáneos a través del sistema sanitario, sin pasar por alto las condiciones en las cuales sucedieron sus trágicas muertes.
Cinemeducation: a rigorous method to teach pharmacovigilance procedures in clinical pharmacology
Authors: Cambra-Badii Irene , De Lluc Francés Maria , Farré Magí , Baños Josep-E
Published: December 2020

The use of commercial films in medical education is an increasingly widespread pedagogical resource, and particularly the Cinemeducation method provides a theoretical basis as well as documented background on this pedagogical innovation. In this paper, we propose the use of a commercial film for teaching pharmacology, particularly pharmacovigilance and adverse effects of drugs, topics that are usually very complex for medical students. The rigorous method followed in the choice of the film and its scenes is detailed, as well as the methodological sequence of its use in class. The selected film, La fille de Brest by Emmanuelle Bercot, is based on the true story of Irène Frachon, a French doctor who begins to detect cases of cardiotoxicity associated with the consumption of a drug and undertakes a legal battle against the pharmaceutical company that produces and distributes it. The film reveals in detail the epidemiological study carried out at Brest Hospital and also the role of safety, pharmacovigilance and public health agencies in a complex plot that allows key aspects of pharmacovigilance to be discussed with medical students.
A Kárpátokon túli román fejlődés eredeti jellegzetességeiről
Authors: Miskolczy Ambrus
Published: December 2020

The question how to describe the Romanian development beyond the Carpathians lost his old ideological content. Before 1989 the communist historians fought for feudal system because the transition from one mode of production to the other legitimated the communism. Therefore the concept of Tributary Mode of Production had a kind of anti-communist sous-entendu. It was a disciple of the so called monographic school of sociology, H. H. Stahl, who described how the concept of the tributary mode of production did work in the Romanian world. When Samir Amin and John Haldon identified this concept with that of feudalism, Stahl accentuated its parasitic character. Daniel Chirot brushed up Stahls theory. Today this this conceptual way of thinkig is out of mode. Nevertheless if we want to understand the past the work of Stahl remained pertinent. It gives an ansver to the question of Lucian Boia: Why Romania is other?
Termékek és szolgáltatások vásárlása on-line. Vajon mások az elvárások?
Authors: Kemény Ildikó , Simon Judit
Published: December 2020

Az on-line vásárlás a kiskereskedelem napjaink egyik legdinamikusabban fejlődő területe. Az elmúlt években számos tanulmány foglalkozott az elektronikus kiskereskedelem marketingszempontú vizsgálatával, azonban ez idáig kevesen foglalkoztak a termékeket és szolgáltatásokat vásárlók elkülönült vizsgálatával. A szerzők célja, hogy egy kvantitatív kutatás alapján a minőségészleléssel és elégedettséggel összefüggésben megvizsgálják az újravásárlási, illetve a továbbajánlási szándék alakulását konkrét e-kiskereskedelmi vásárlások – termékek vagy szolgáltatások vásárlása – esetében. Eredményeik alapján megállapítható, hogy a szolgáltatást on-line vásárlók esetében az elégedettség hatása a továbbajánlási és újravásárlási szándékra alacsonyabb szintet mutat, mint a terméket vásárlók esetében. A minőségészleléshez kapcsolódó dimenziók között is megfigyelhető egy releváns eltérés: a terméket vásárlók esetében az ügyfélszolgálat relevanciájában a minőségészlelés során, kvázi, azokban az esetekben, amikor a vásárlás után hátra van még a tényleges kiszállítás vagy kézhezvétel. A rendelkezésükre álló minta nagysága miatt elemzésük során a varianciaalapú modellezést (PLS-SEM) használták.
A vezetői szerepek és a szervezeti kultúra hatása a klasztersiker érettségi modelljére
Authors: Lippert Róbert , Gaál Zoltán , Kovács Tamás
Published: December 2020

A klaszterek fejlesztésének elősegítése a gazdaságfejlesztés egyik lehetséges iránya. A piaci szereplők és a nonprofit szervezetek egymást kiegészítő kompetenciáinak összekapcsolásával megnő az innovációs potenciál és fontosak a gazdaságosabb működés céljai is. A bemutatott kutatás fókuszában egy különleges vezetői kihívást rejtő tevékenység vizsgálata, a klasztermenedzser szerepe áll. A kutatás célja megérteni a klaszterek működésének belső motivációit és feltárni a vezetőnek az eredményes és fenntartható működésben betöltött szerepét. A szerzők klasztermenedzserek és tagszervezetek körében végeztek átfogó kérdőíves felmérést és kvalitatív kutatást Magyarországon. Azonosították a klaszter sikerét leíró determináns faktorokat, majd kidolgoztak egy új, a klaszterek sikerének jellemzésére alkalmas háromdimenziós érettségi modellt. A vizsgálat eredményeként bemutatják, hogy milyen kapcsolatot találtak a puha vezetői tulajdonságok és a klaszter sikere között.
Energy-Mass Cycle
Authors: Shiwhae Vichar
Published: December 2020

Law of Space, in the refrance of Time, Mass & Energy, (Energy-Mass Turning Point), Secret of Space Antropy and layer of Space Time which turned Energy into Mass
Innovative Approaches to the Management of Commercial and Economic Activities of Environmental Enterprise - “Spicy Pack”
Authors: ARANCHIY Valentyna , YASNOLOB Ilona , DEMIANENKO Nataliia , BEZKROVNYI Oleksandr , MYKHAILOVA Olena , PYSARENKO Svitlana , CHIP Liudmyla , ARESTOV Oleksandr , HORBATIUK Liudmyla
Published: December 2020

The comparison of eco-friendliness of paper packaging materials from wood and alternative raw materials (straw, fallen leaves, etc.) with polyethylene packaging was made. The analysis was conducted according to the following criteria: consumption of raw materials, electricity, rubbish formation, and price of selling products. Advantages and drawbacks of each raw material type were characterized. It has been mentioned that polymers make a considerable and increasing part in manufacturing packaging materials. The prospects of producing paper bags from leaves and their sales prices were analyzed. The terms of degradation of packages made from different materials were analyzed. The conclusion has been made that paper from fallen leaves is not cheap, but it is important considering its environmental safety. 

SWOT analysis of “Spicy pack” enterprise’s activity was analyzed (it will be engaged in manufacturing spicy packages for food products from innovative raw materials). The expediency of making spicy packages for food products was substantiated. In particular, ‘Spicy pack” logo consisting of only eco-paper (made from fallen leaves) and spices was suggested. Such packaging will help prolong 4 times food products’ suitability. 

Such spices as cloves, rosemary, oregano, curcuma, and sage having antiseptic properties will be added to packages and napkins. These products will be reused for two-three weeks, then spices vanish, and the paper can be processed.