bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of radiographic measurement techniques for the Taylor spatial frame mounting parameters
Authors: Gessmann Jan , Frieler Sven , Königshausen Matthias , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Hanusrichter Yannik , Seybold Dominik , Baecker Hinnerk
Published: March 2021

Aim

The correction accuracy of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) fixator depends considerably on the precise determination of the mounting parameters (MP). Incorrect parameters result in secondary deformities that require subsequent corrections. Different techniques have been described to improve the precision of MP measurement, although exact calculation is reportedly impossible radiologically. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of intraoperative and postoperative radiographic measurement methods compared to direct MP measurement from TSF bone mounting.

Methods

A tibial Sawbone® model was established with different origins and reference ring positions. First, reference MPs for each origin were measured directly on the frame and bone using a calibrated, digital vernier calliper. In total 150 MPs measured with three different radiographic measurement techniques were compared to the reference MPs: digital radiographic measurements were performed using soft-copy PACS images without (method A) and with (method B) calibration and calibrated image intensifier images (method C).

Results

MPs measured from a non-calibrated X-ray image (method A) showed the highest variance compared to the reference MPs. A greater distance between the origin and the reference ring corresponded to less accurate MP measurements with method A. However, the MPs measured from calibrated X-ray images (method B) and calibrated image intensifier images (method C) were intercomparable (p = 0.226) and showed only minor differences compared to the reference values but significant differences to method A (p < 0,001).

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that MPs can be accurately measured with radiographic techniques when using calibration markers and a software calibration tool, thus minimizing the source of error and improving the quality of correction.
Cervical cancer in women under 30 years of age in Norway: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Gravdal Brit Helene , Lönnberg Stefan , Skare Gry Baadstrand , Sulo Gerhard , Bjørge Tone
Published: March 2021

Background

We compared women with incident cervical cancer under the age of 30 with older women with regard to stage, morphology, screening history and cervical cancer mortality in a population-based cohort study.

Methods

We included data from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Incidence rates (per 100,000 women-years) were calculated and joinpoint regression was used to analyse trends. The Nelson-Aalen cumulative hazard function for risk of cervical cancer death during a 15-year follow-up was displayed. The hazard ratios (HRs) of cervical cancer mortality with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from Cox regression models.

Results

The incidence of cervical cancer in women under the age of 30 has almost tripled since the 1950s, with the steepest increase during 1955–80 (with an annual percentage change (APC) of 7.1% (95%CI 4.4–9.8)) and also an increase after 2004 (3.8% (95%CI -1.3–9.2)). Out of 21,160 women with cervical cancer (1953–2013), 5.3% were younger than 30 years. A lower proportion of younger women were diagnosed at more advanced stages and a slightly higher proportion were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma comparing women above 30 years. The cumulative risk of cervical cancer death was lower for patients under the age of 30. However, the difference between the age groups decreased over time. The overall adjusted HR of cervical cancer mortality was 0.69 (95% CI 0.58–0.82) in women diagnosed under the age of 30 compared to older women.

Conclusion

There has been an increase in cervical cancer incidence in women under the age of 30. Cervical cancer in younger women was not more advanced at diagnosis compared to older women, and the cervical cancer mortality was lower.
Group meta-cognitive therapy and depression in women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zahedian Elham , Bahreini Masoud , Ghasemi Nezamaddin , Mirzaei Kamran
Published: March 2021

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Iranian women. They will experience a mental health problem like depression before, during or after treatment. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of group metacognitive therapy on depression, cognitive-emotional regulation, and meta-cognitive beliefs in women with breast cancer.

Methods

In this randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 24 depressed patients with breast cancer were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received meta-cognitive therapy in 8 weekly sessions, but the control group received treatment as usual. Beck Depressive Inventory, cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, and meta-cognitions questionnaire were completed before, after and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests.

Results

The mean score of depression in the experimental group was reduced from 21.6 ± 4.83 in the pre-test to 13.83 ± 8.12 in one-month follow-up (p = 0.16); however, there was no significant difference in the control group. The mean score of cognitive emotion regulation did not show a significant change in the two groups during the study and follow-up period. The mean score of meta-cognitive beliefs reached 68.75 ± 15.74 from 79.51 ± 10.72 in the experimental group during the follow-up period (p = 0.006); however, there was no significant difference in the control group in the score of metacognitive beliefs.

Conclusion

These findings support the efficacy of meta-cognitive therapy as a viable psychosocial intervention in depressed patients with breast cancer.

Trial registrationIRCT201606288473N5. Registered on: 05/09/2016https://www.irct.ir/trial/8946.
Complementary and alternative medicine use by pediatric oncology patients before, during, and after treatment
Authors: Lüthi Emmanuelle , Diezi Manuel , Danon Nadia , Dubois Julie , Pasquier Jérôme , Burnand Bernard , Rodondi Pierre-Yves
Published: March 2021

Background

The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and the modalities used by pediatric oncology patients vary widely across studies. In addition, the changes in the use of CAM over the course of treatment are understudied. Thus, this study aimed to explore (1) CAM use by pediatric oncology patients in relation to specific time intervals and (2) communication about CAM use between parents and oncologists.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children diagnosed with cancer at a Swiss pediatric hematology-oncology center by means of an online questionnaire. Questions were related to their child’s CAM use over different time intervals, sources of information about CAM use, and communication with the oncologists.

Results

Among 140 respondents, CAM was used by 54.3% of patients before diagnosis and 69.3% of patients after diagnosis. During each defined time interval, between 50 and 58.8% of the patients used at least one CAM. Homeopathy was the most popular CAM modality used during oncology treatment, during the first year after treatment, and between 1 and 5 years after the end of treatment. Osteopathy was the most popular CAM ≥5 years after the end of oncology treatment. Forty percent of respondents did not discuss CAM with their oncologist.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of CAM use and the different trends of use during the oncology care pathway and afterward underline the need to increase communication about CAM in the pediatric oncology setting, notably regarding benefits and risks of interaction with oncology treatment.
The effectiveness of implementation strategies for promoting evidence informed interventions in allied healthcare: a systematic review
Authors: Goorts Kaat , Dizon Janine , Milanese Steve
Published: March 2021

Background

Evidence based practice in health care has become increasingly popular over the last decades. Many guidelines have been developed to improve evidence informed decision making in health care organisations, however it is often overlooked that the actual implementation strategies for these guidelines are as important as the guidelines themselves. The effectiveness of these strategies is rarely ever tested specifically for the allied health therapy group.

Methods

Cochrane, Medline, Embase and Scopus databases were searched from 2000 to October 2019. Level I and II studies were included if an evidence informed implementation strategy was tested in allied health personnel.

The SIGN method was used to evaluate risk of bias. The evidence was synthesised using a narrative synthesis. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) model was applied to evaluate the grade for recommendation.

Results

A total of 490 unique articles were identified, with 6 primary studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Three different implementation strategies and three multi-faceted components strategies were described. We found moderate evidence for educational meetings, local opinion leaders and patient mediated interventions. We found stronger evidence for multi-faceted components strategies.

Conclusion

Few studies describe the effectiveness of implementation strategies for allied healthcare, but evidence was found for multi-faceted components for implementing research in an allied health therapy group population. When considering implementation of evidence informed interventions in allied health a multi-pronged approach appears to be more successful.
A feasibility study using time-driven activity-based costing as a management tool for provider cost estimation: lessons from the national TB control program in Zimbabwe in 2018
Authors: Chirenda J. , Nhlema Simwaka B. , Sandy C. , Bodnar K. , Corbin S. , Desai P. , Mapako T. , Shamu S. , Timire C. , Antonio E. , Makone A. , Birikorang A. , Mapuranga T. , Ngwenya M. , Masunda T. , Dube M. , Wandwalo E. , Morrison L. , Kaplan R.
Published: March 2021

Background

Insufficient cost data and limited capacity constrains the understanding of the actual resources required for effective TB control. This study used process maps and time-driven activity-based costing to document TB service delivery processes. The analysis identified the resources required to sustain TB services in Zimbabwe, as well as several opportunities for more effective and efficient use of available resources.

Methods

A multi-disciplinary team applied time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to develop process maps and measure the cost of clinical pathways used for Drug Susceptible TB (DS-TB) at urban polyclinics, rural district and provincial hospitals, and community based targeted screening for TB (Tas4TB). The team performed interviews and observations to collect data on the time taken by health care worker-patient pairs at every stage of the treatment pathway. The personnel’s practical capacity and capacity cost rates were calculated on five cost domains. An MS Excel model calculated diagnostic and treatment costs.

Findings

Twenty-five stages were identified in the TB care pathway across all health facilities except for community targeted screening for TB. Considerable variations were observed among the facilities in how health care professionals performed client registration, taking of vital signs, treatment follow-up, dispensing medicines and processing samples.

The average cost per patient for the entire DS-TB care was USD324 with diagnosis costing USD69 and treatment costing USD255. The average cost for diagnosis and treatment was higher in clinics than in hospitals (USD392 versus USD256). Nurses in clinics were 1.6 time more expensive than in hospitals. The main cost components were personnel (USD130) and laboratory (USD119). Diagnostic cost in Tas4TB was twice that of health facility setting (USD153 vs USD69), with major cost drivers being demand creation (USD89) and sputum specimen transportation (USD5 vs USD3).

Conclusion

TDABC is a feasible and effective costing and management tool in low-resource settings. The TDABC process maps and treatment costs revealed several opportunities for innovative improvements in the NTP under public health programme settings. Re-engineering laboratory testing processes and synchronising TB treatment follow-up with antiretroviral treatments could produce better and more uniform TB treatments at significantly lower cost in Zimbabwe.
Genome-wide long noncoding RNA and mRNA expression profiles demonstrate associations between exposure to inorganic elements and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fang Zan-Xi , Niu Jian-Jun , Liu Ping-Guo , Lin Yong
Published: March 2021

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study conducted a genome-wide microarray analysis and qPCR validation to obtain comprehensive insights into this issue.

Methods

Thirty male HCC patients with chronic HBV infection were included in the present study. Primary HCC tissue and normal tissue were collected. Double-stranded complementary DNA synthesized from 10 pairs of samples was labeled and hybridized to a microarray chip. Further analyses, such as hierarchical clustering, gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses, were performed. In addition, qPCR validation was performed on tissue samples and additional serum samples.

Results

The microarray analysis identified 946 upregulated and 571 downregulated lncRNAs and 1720 upregulated and 1106 downregulated mRNAs. Among these RNAs, ENST00000583827.1 (fold change: 21) and uc010isf.1 (fold change: 18) were the most over- and underexpressed lncRNAs in the HCC tissues, respectively. For the mRNAs, KIF20A (fold change: 26) and HEPACAM (fold change: 50) were the most over- and underexpressed in the HCC tissues, respectively. The GO analysis demonstrated that the most differentially expressed mRNAs were related to the response of metal ions. The pathway analysis also suggested that the most enriched pathway was mineral absorption.

Conclusions

The subsequent qPCR validation exhibited high consistency with the microarray analysis, except for three lncRNAs. The qPCR analysis also demonstrated that TCONS_00008984 had a 767-fold overexpression level in HCC tissues when compared with normal tissues, and this finding was confirmed in the serum samples; therefore, TCONS_00008984 has the potential to serve as a diagnostic marker or prognostic indicator. The GO and pathway analyses indicated that exposure to inorganic elements may be involved in HCC risk.
Microbial glycoconjugates in organic pollutant bioremediation: recent advances and applications
Authors: Bhatt Pankaj , Verma Amit , Gangola Saurabh , Bhandari Geeta , Chen Shaohua
Published: March 2021

The large-scale application of organic pollutants (OPs) has contaminated the air, soil, and water. Persistent OPs enter the food supply chain and create several hazardous effects on living systems. Thus, there is a need to manage the environmental levels of these toxicants. Microbial glycoconjugates pave the way for the enhanced degradation of these toxic pollutants from the environment. Microbial glycoconjugates increase the bioavailability of these OPs by reducing surface tension and creating a solvent interface. To date, very little emphasis has been given to the scope of glycoconjugates in the biodegradation of OPs. Glycoconjugates create a bridge between microbes and OPs, which helps to accelerate degradation through microbial metabolism. This review provides an in-depth overview of glycoconjugates, their role in biofilm formation, and their applications in the bioremediation of OP-contaminated environments.
Polymorphism of winter phenotype in Siberian hamster: consecutive litters do not differ in photoresponsiveness but prolonged acclimation to long photoperiod inhibits winter molt
Authors: Przybylska-Piech Anna S. , Wojciechowski Michał S. , Jefimow Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

Background

The theory of delayed life history effects assumes that phenotype of adult individual results from environmental conditions experienced at birth and as juvenile. In seasonal environments, being born late in the reproductive season affects timing of puberty, body condition, longevity, and fitness. We hypothesized that late-born individuals are more prone to respond to short photoperiod (SP) than early born ones. We used Siberian hamstersPhodopus sungorus, a model species characterized by high polymorphism of winter phenotype. We experimentally distinguished the effect of litter order (first or third) from the effect of exposure to long photoperiod (LP) before winter (3 months or 5 months) by manipulating the duration of LP acclimation in both litters. We predicted that, irrespective of the litter order, individuals exposed to long photoperiod for a short time have less time to gather energy resources and consequently are more prone to developing energy-conserving phenotypes. To assess effect of litter order, duration of acclimation to long days, and phenotype on basal cost of living we measured basal metabolic rate (BMR) of hamsters.

Results

Individuals born in third litters had faster growth rates and were bigger than individuals from first litters, but these differences vanished before transfer to SP. Litter order or duration of LP acclimation had no effects on torpor use or seasonal body mass changes, but prolonged acclimation to LP inhibited winter molting both in first and third litters. Moreover, individuals that did not molt had significantly higher BMR in SP than those which molted to white fur. Although one phenotype usually predominated within a litter, littermates were often heterogeneous. We also found that over 10% of individuals presented late response to short photoperiod.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that duration of postnatal exposure to LP may define propensity to photoresponsiveness, regardless of the litter in which animal was born. Existence of littermates presenting different phenotypes suggests a prudent reproductive strategy of investing into offspring of varied phenotypes, that might be favored depending on environmental conditions. This strategy could have evolved in response to living in stochastic environment.
Effect of ‘hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles’ on hemiplegia patients with ‘qi deficiency and blood stasis’ syndrome in the convalescent stage of Ischaemic stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fang Wei-Hao , Wang Gui-Ling , Liu Qiang , Ding Xiao , Wang Zhen-Yao , Wang Xin-Wei , Yang Xiao-Wei , Yang Yang , Zhang Da-Wei , Wei Qing , Zhang Hu
Published: March 2021

Background

Hemiplegia is a common sequela after stroke, and acupuncture is one of the most common physical therapies used to treat hemiplegia during the recovery stage after ischaemic stroke. ‘Hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles’ is an acupuncture treatment performed after stroke. The principal objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of ‘hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles’ for hemiplegia in the convalescent stage of ischaemic stroke.

Methods

This is the protocol for a randomised, controlled clinical trial with two groups: a ‘hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles’ group and a routine acupuncture group. A total of 208 participants will be randomly assigned to two different groups in a 1:1 ratio and will undergo conventional rehabilitation. Limb function will be evaluated by the simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, Barthel Index, modified Ashworth scale and National Institute of Health stroke scale. The participants will be evaluated at baseline (on the day of enrolment) and followed up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after enrolment.

Discussion

The results of this study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of ‘hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles’ in the treatment of limb dysfunction that can be used for future evaluations.

Trial registration

Chictr.org.cnChiCTR1900021774. Registered on 8 March 2019
Reshaping the path of vascular cognitive impairment with resistance training: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Dao Elizabeth , Crockett Rachel A. , Barha Cindy K. , Falck Ryan S. , Best John R. , Hsiung Ging-Yeuk R. , Field Thalia S. , Madden Kenneth M. , Alkeridy Walid A. , Boa Sorte Silva Narlon C. , Davis Jennifer C. , ten Brinke Lisanne F. , Doherty Stephanie , Tam Roger C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Subcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment (SIVCI) is the most common form of vascular cognitive impairment. Importantly, SIVCI is considered the most treatable form of cognitive impairment in older adults, due to its modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia. Exercise training is a promising intervention to delay the progression of SIVCI, as it actively targets these cardiometabolic risk factors. Despite the demonstrated benefits of resistance training on cognitive function and emerging evidence suggesting resistance training may reduce the progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), research on SIVCI has predominantly focused on the use of aerobic exercise. Thus, the primary aim of this proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial is to investigate the efficacy of a 12-month, twice-weekly progressive resistance training program on cognitive function and WMH progression in adults with SIVCI. We will also assess the efficiency of the intervention.

Methods

Eighty-eight community-dwelling adults, aged> 55 years, with SIVCI from metropolitan Vancouver will be recruited to participate in this study. SIVCI will be determined by the presence of cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26) and cerebral small vessel disease using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Participants will be randomly allocated to a twice-weekly exercise program of (1) progressive resistance training or (2) balance and tone training (i.e., active control). The primary outcomes are cognitive function measured by the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive-Plus (ADAS-Cog-13 with additional cognitive tests) and WMH progression.

Discussion

The burden of SIVCI is immense, and to our knowledge, this will be the first study to quantify the effect of progressive resistance training on cognitive function and WMH progression among adults with SIVCI. Slowing the rate of cognitive decline and WMH progression could preserve functional independence and quality of life. This could lead to reduced health care costs and avoidance of early institutional care.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02669394. Registered on February 1, 2016
Does propofol ameliorate occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction after general anaesthesia? A protocol of systematic review
Authors: Zhao Xi , Huang Ze-qing
Published: March 2021

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common condition after general anesthesia (GA). Previous studies have reported that propofol can ameliorate the occurrence of such disorder. However, its results are still inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review will assess the efficacy and safety of propofol on POCD after GA.

Methods

Literature sources will be sought from inception to the present in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the administration of propofol on POCD after GA. All searches will be carried out without limitations to language and publication status. Outcomes comprise of cognitive impairments changes, impairments in short-term memory, concentration, language comprehension, social integration, quality of life, and adverse events. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be utilized to assess study quality. We will evaluate the quality of evidence for each outcome using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A narrative synthesis or a meta-analysis will be undertaken as appropriate.

Discussion

This study will systematically and comprehensively search literature and integrate evidence on the efficacy and safety of propofol on POCD after GA. Our findings will be of interest to clinicians and health-related policy makers.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020164096
Anti-periodic behavior for quaternion-valued delayed cellular neural networks
Authors: Duan Zhenhua , Xu Changjin
Published: March 2021

In this manuscript, quaternion-valued delayed cellular neural networks are studied. Applying the continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, inequality techniques and a Lyapunov function approach, a new sufficient condition that guarantees the existence and exponential stability of anti-periodic solutions for quaternion-valued delayed cellular neural networks is presented. The obtained results supplement some earlier publications that deal with the anti-periodic solutions of quaternion-valued neural networks with distributed delay or impulse or state-dependent delay or inertial term. Computer simulations are displayed to check the derived analytical results.
Effects of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act and environmental, social and economic factors on biogas plant adoption and agricultural land use change
Authors: Yang Xueqing , Liu Yang , Thrän Daniela , Bezama Alberto , Wang Mei
Published: March 2021

Background

The German energy transition strategy calls for a reform of the German energy sector. As a result, the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) passed in 2000 is widely regarded as successful legislation for promoting bioenergy development. More than 1000 biogas plants were constructed in Central Germany (CG) between 2000 and 2014. Despite this, few studies have been conducted for this period, which systematically investigate how environmental, social and economic factors, as well as various EEG amendments have impacted biogas production or what the environmental consequences of biogas production development in CG have been.

Methods

The impacts of environmental, social and economic factors and different EEG amendments on biogas production decisions in CG were quantified using a multivariate linear regression model and the event study econometric technique. A GIS-based spatial analysis was also conducted to provide insight into the changes to agricultural land use that resulted from the development of biogas plants during the EEG period.

Results

The main finding was that the income diversification effect resulting from biogas production was the most important factor in a farmer’s decision to adopt biogas production. In addition, all of the EEG amendments had a significant influence on the adoption of biogas production; however, EEG III and IV, which tried to promote small-scale plants, were unable to reduce the average size of the plants constructed in these two amendment periods. From a landscape perspective, there was a striking increase in the cultivation of silage maize in CG from 2000 to 2014. Silage maize was intensively cultivated in regions with a high installed biogas plant capacity. Since the first EEG amendment, permanent grassland area slightly increased while arable land area declined in CG.

Conclusions

The adoption of biogas production in CG was strongly driven by economic incentives for the farmers, more precisely, by the incentive to diversify their income sources. In addition to increase the subsidy, future EEG amendments should find new measures to encourage the adoption of small-scale biogas plants, which had been unsuccessful in EEG amendments III and IV.
Investigating potential transmission of antimicrobial resistance in an open-plan hospital ward: a cross-sectional metagenomic study of resistome dispersion in a lower middle-income setting
Authors: Ashokan Anushia , Hanson Josh , Aung Ne Myo , Kyi Mar Mar , Taylor Steven L. , Choo Jocelyn M. , Flynn Erin , Mobegi Fredrick , Warner Morgyn S. , Wesselingh Steve L. , Boyd Mark A. , Rogers Geraint B.
Published: March 2021

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a profound global health threat. Reducing AMR spread requires the identification of transmission pathways. The extent to which hospital wards represent a venue for substantial AMR transmission in low- and middle-income countries settings is poorly understood.

Methods

Rectal swabs were obtained from adult male inpatients in a “Nightingale” model general medicine ward in Yangon, Myanmar. Resistome characteristics were characterised by metagenomic sequencing. AMR gene carriage was related to inter-patient distance (representing inter-patient interaction) using distance-based linear models. Clinical predictors of AMR patterns were identified through univariate and multivariate regression.

Results

Resistome similarity showed a weak but significant positive correlation with inter-patient distance (r = 0.12, p = 0.04). Nineteen AMR determinants contributed significantly to this relationship, including those encoding β-lactamase activity (OXA-1, NDM-7; adjusted p < 0.003), trimethoprim resistance (dfrA14, adjusted p = 0.0495), and chloramphenicol resistance (catB3, adjusted p = 0.002). Clinical traits of co-located patients carrying specific AMR genes were not random. Specifically, AMR genes that contributed to distance-resistome relationships (OXA-1, catB3, dfrA14) mapped to tuberculosis patients, who were placed together according to ward policy. In contrast, patients with sepsis were not placed together, and carried AMR genes that were not spatially significant or consistent with shared antibiotic exposure.

Conclusions

AMR dispersion patterns primarily reflect the placement of particular patients by their condition, rather than AMR transmission. The proportion of AMR determinants that varied with inter-patient distance was limited, suggesting that nosocomial transmission is a relatively minor contributor to population-level carriage.
Evaluating ecosystems services values due to land use transformation in the Gojeb watershed, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Hailu , Alamirew Tena , Kassawmar Tibebu , Zeleke Gete
Published: March 2021

Background

Land use land cover (LULC) transformation and ecosystems service valuation (ESVs) play important roles for vegetation restoration and design restoration options such as payment for ecosystems service programs. The objective of this work was to quantify LULC transformations and associated ESVs in the Gojeb sub-basin by analyzing LULC between 1986 and 2016 using satellite images, field observations and ancillary datasets. And Ecosystems service valuations of different land use types were carried out using benefit transfer method.

Results

The summarized LULC classes are: bareland, cropland, grassland, forest, plantation, settlement, shrub, water-body and woodland. The ESVs were evaluated for each LULC based on these LULC classes. Forests had the highest cover (> 423,000 ha ~ 60%) in 1986 but it reduced to 317,000 ha (~ 45%) in 2016. About > 56,000 ha of forests were changed to cultivated land, and > 105,000 ha to different classes. Cultivated land increased to > 258,000 ha (~ 37%) in 2016 compared to 150,000 ha (~ 21.5%) in 1986. The sub-basin had ESVs of US$2.52 billion in 1986 but decreased to US$ 1.97 billion in 2016; losing about US$ 0.551 billion within the last 30 years (annual loss rate of US$ 18.4 million). Potential drivers would be agricultural expansion, land degradation/erosion, landslide and deforestation, indicating that requires concerted effort to restore and manage landscapes for sustainable socio-ecological and economic uses.

Conclusion

This study is meaningful for management of natural resources in the catchment, improvement of hydropower production and lifespan of the hydropower reservoir besides to improving land productivity for small holder farmers as hydrological cycles and biodiversity components of the catchment can be improved. This study assist policy makers in designing evidence-based programs such as payment for ecosystem services in the study area and elsewhere.
Effects of age on immune function in broiler chickens
Authors: Song Bochen , Tang Dazhi , Yan Shaojia , Fan Hao , Li Guang , Shahid Muhammad Suhaib , Mahmood Tahir , Guo Yuming
Published: March 2021

Background

There are many diseases in poultry, many of which are caused by poor immune function. It is not clear how cytokines and various immune cell functions change with age in modern broilers. The purpose of this study was to explore the patterns of development of the immunity of the broiler chickens in cage.

Results

The results showed that there were 3 development patterns of immunity in the broiler chickens. The first pattern was Down-Up. Cytokines and some immune indicators first decreased and then increased, and the lowest levels of immunity basically occurred from d 6 to 13. The second pattern was Up-Down, and from d 30 to 34, the highest levels of non-specific cellular immunity components, such as the peripheral blood mononuclear macrophage ratio, specific cellular immunity components, such as the peripheral blood helper T (Th) cell ratio and T cell and B cell proliferation activity, and mucosal immunity components, such as the ilealCD4,TGF-β1andIgAmRNA levels, were observed. The third pattern was Up-Up, and the levels of the non-specific cellular immunity components, such as the serum nitric oxide (NO), C3 and C4 levels, the specific cellular immunity components, such as the spleen index, peripheral blood IL-2, IFN-γ/IL-4, cytotoxic T (Tc) cell ratio, and splenicNF-κBmRNA levels, the humoral immunity components, such as the serum IgG level, the mucosal immunity components, such as the ilealMHC-II, CD3d, TCRβ subunit, TCRζ subunit, IFN-γ, pIgRmRNA and ileal mucosa sIgA levels, were continuing to increase from d 1 to 34.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that the immune system and its function have not developed well in the broiler chickens d 6 to 13 and that the immune system does not mature until d 30 to 34 in the broiler chickens in cages. It is necessary to enhance the immune function of the broiler chickens through nutritional measures from d 1 to 30.
Modelling community structure and temporal spreading on complex networks
Authors: Kuikka Vesa
Published: March 2021

We present methods for analysing hierarchical and overlapping community structure and spreading phenomena on complex networks. Different models can be developed for describing static connectivity or dynamical processes on a network topology. In this study, classical network connectivity and influence spreading models are used as examples for network models. Analysis of results is based on a probability matrix describing interactions between all pairs of nodes in the network. One popular research area has been detecting communities and their structure in complex networks. The community detection method of this study is based on optimising a quality function calculated from the probability matrix. The same method is proposed for detecting underlying groups of nodes that are building blocks of different sub-communities in the network structure. We present different quantitative measures for comparing and ranking solutions of the community detection algorithm. These measures describe properties of sub-communities: strength of a community, probability of formation and robustness of composition. The main contribution of this study is proposing a common methodology for analysing network structure and dynamics on complex networks. We illustrate the community detection methods with two small network topologies. In the case of network spreading models, time development of spreading in the network can be studied. Two different temporal spreading distributions demonstrate the methods with three real-world social networks of different sizes. The Poisson distribution describes a random response time and the e-mail forwarding distribution describes a process of receiving and forwarding messages.
Newly diagnosed cardiovascular disease in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a retrospective analysis of patients at an academic tertiary care center
Authors: Waheed Nida , Fradley Michael G. , DeRemer David L. , Mahmoud Ahmad , Shah Chintan P. , Langaee Taimour Y. , Lipori Gloria P. , March Keith , Pepine Carl J. , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M. , Wu Yonghui , Gong Yan
Published: March 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a novel class of anticancer agents that have demonstrated clinical response for both solid and hematological malignancies. ICIs are associated with development of immune-related adverse events including cardiotoxicity. We estimated the incidence of newly diagnosed cardiovascular disease in patients treated with ICIs at a large, tertiary care center.

Methods

All patients with a cancer diagnosis who received any ICI treatment in the University of Florida’s Integrated Data Repository from 2011 to 2017 were included. Cardiovascular disease was defined as a new ICD diagnosis code for cardiomyopathy, heart failure, arrhythmia, heart block, pericardial disease, or myocarditis after initiation of ICI treatment.

Results

Of 102,701 patients with a diagnosis of malignancy, 424 patients received at least one ICI. Sixty-two (14.6%) patients were diagnosed with at least one new cardiovascular disease after initiation of ICI therapy. Of the 374 patients receiving one ICI, 21 (5.6%) developed heart failure. Of the 49 patients who received two ICIs sequentially, three (6.1%) developed heart failure and/or cardiomyopathy. Incident cardiovascular disease was diagnosed at a median of 63 days after initial ICI exposure. One patient developed myocarditis 28 days after receiving nivolumab. Mortality in ICI treated patients with a concomitant diagnosis of incident cardiovascular disease was higher compared to those who did not (66.1% vs. 41.4%, odds ratio = 2.77, 1.55–4.95, p = 0.0006).

Conclusions

This study suggests a high incidence of newly diagnosed cardiovascular disease after the initiation of ICI therapy in a real-world clinical setting.
Role of some inflammatory biomarkers in prediction of short-term outcome in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: AlTaweel Yosria Abd Al Hameed , Nageeb Rania Sanad , Metwally Pakinam Mahmoud , Badawy Ahmed Elsayed
Published: March 2021

Background

Several factors affect acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the role of the leukocyte count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and c reactive protein (CRP) as early predictors of outcome in AIS patients.

Methods

This study was conducted on 60 AIS patients. They were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination, brain imaging, and laboratory assessment including the CRP, white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), and NLR which is calculated by dividing ANC by ALC. Neurological scales were used to assess the level of consciousness by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and stroke severity by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the first 48 h of stroke onset as well as 1 week and 2 weeks later for the assessment of short-term functional neurological outcome.

Results

Sixty percent of the patients had unfavorable outcomes assessed by the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients with unfavorable outcomes had higher NIHSS scores. NLR was positively correlated with WBC count, ANC, and CRP. The higher WBC, NLR, and NIHSS, the unfavorable the outcome was.

Conclusion

The higher WBC, the NLR, and the level of CRP at the onset of AIS, the more severe stroke and the poorer the short-term outcome are expected.
Physiological pacing to improve cardiac resynchronization therapy non-responder and a tryst with calcified septum—a case report
Authors: Arora Vanita , Zanon Francesco , Kumar Viveka , Kumar Vivek , Suri Pawan
Published: March 2021

Background

As per the literature, patients with intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD) do not respond well to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) alone. They need advanced technological approach and out of the box thinking for a good response.

Case

Ours is a case of ischemic cardiomyopathy with wide QRS-IVCD, a non-responder to CRT. While planning for replacement of the device for early replacement indicator (ERI), we decided to do His-optimized CRT/left bundle optimized CRT (HOT-CRT/LOT-CRT) for the patient.

Conclusion

The challenges we faced with the present available hardware paved a way for insisting on the limitation of the available lumenless lead to penetrate calcified the septum and importance of the pre-procedure evaluation of intraventricular septum (IVS) for calcification by more than just echocardiography.
Imaging modalities in differential diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Mortezazadeh Tohid , Seyedarabi Hadi , Mahmoudian Babak , Islamian Jalil Pirayesh
Published: March 2021

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis is yet largely based on the related clinical aspects. However, genetics, biomarkers, and neuroimaging studies have demonstrated a confirming role in the diagnosis, and future developments might be used in a pre-symptomatic phase of the disease.

Main text

This review provides an update on the current applications of neuroimaging modalities for PD diagnosis. A literature search was performed to find published studies that were involved on the application of different imaging modalities for PD diagnosis. An organized search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar was performed based on MeSH keywords and suitable synonyms. Two researchers (TM and JPI) independently and separately performed the literature search. Our search strategy in each database was done by the following terms: ((Parkinson [Title/Abstract]) AND ((“Parkinsonian syndromes ”[Mesh]) OR Parkinsonism [Title/Abstract])) AND ((PET [Title/Abstract]) OR “SPECT”[Mesh]) OR ((Functional imaging, Transcranial sonography [Title/Abstract]) OR “Magnetic resonance spectroscopy ”[Mesh]). Database search had no limitation in time, and our last update of search was in February 2021. To have a comprehensive search and to find possible relevant articles, a manual search was conducted on the reference list of the articles and limited to those published in English.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of PD could be vital for early management and adequate neuroprotection. Recent neuroimaging modalities such as SPECT and PET imaging using radiolabeled tracers, MRI, and CT are used to discover the disease. By the modalities, it is possible to early diagnose dopaminergic degeneration and also to differentiate PD from others parkinsonian syndromes, to monitor the natural progression of the disease and the effect of neuroprotective treatments on the progression. In this regard, functional imaging techniques have provided critical insights and roles on PD.
Zinc and ascorbic acid treatment alleviates systemic inflammation and gastrointestinal and renal oxidative stress induced by sodium azide in rats
Authors: Akinrinde Akinleye Stephen , Fapuro Joseph , Soetan Kehinde Olugboyega
Published: March 2021

Background

Sodium azide (NaN3) is a chemical of rapidly increasing economic importance but with high toxic attributes. In this study, the effects of zinc (Zn) and ascorbic acid (AsA) supplementation on sodium azide (NaN3)-induced toxicity in the stomach, colon and kidneys were evaluated in Wistar rats. Twenty-eight rats were randomly allocated to four experimental groups as follows: group A (control) given distilled water only; group B (NaN3 only, 20 mg/kg); group C (NaN3 + zinc sulphate, ZnSO4 80 mg/kg); and group D (NaN3 + AsA 200 mg/kg).

Results

NaN3 was found to significantly (p < 0.05) induce increases in serum nitric oxide (NO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and total protein levels, along with significant (p < 0.05) increase in gastric, colonic and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) levels. In addition, NaN3 induced significant (p < 0.05) reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in the colon and kidneys. Treatment with Zn or AsA caused significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum levels of oxidative and inflammatory markers, as well as tissue PCO and MDA levels. Moreover, co-treatment with Zn or AsA significantly (p < 0.05) restored colonic and renal levels of antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione and protein thiols.

Conclusions

This study shows that Zn or AsA supplementation alleviated  NaN3 toxicity by suppressing systemic inflammation and preventing oxidative damage in the stomach, colon and kidneys of rats.
Phytochemical investigation and potential pharmacologically active compounds of Rumex nepalensis: an appraisal
Authors: Gonfa Yilma Hunde , Beshah Fekade , Tadesse Mesfin Getachew , Bachheti Archana , Bachheti Rakesh Kumar
Published: March 2021

Background

Rumex nepalensis, a widely known traditional medicinal plant and is used as the source of medicines and human diet in various communities. Currently, the phytochemical investigation and pharmacological studies ofR. nepalensisare of significant research interest. Therefore, the current review is mainly focused on the phytochemical investigation and pharmacological applications ofR. nepalensis

Main body

Various secondary metabolites like emodin, endocrocin, chrysophanol, neopodin, physcion, torachrysone, aloesin, catechin, quercetin, resveratrol, and their derivatives were isolated from root and aerial parts of the plant. Both isolated compounds and extracts fromR. nepalensisare reported to have pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound healing, and anti-plasmodial activities

Conclusions

Different parts ofR. nepalensishave ethnomedicinal importance.R. nepalensisis one of the potential sources of pharmacologically active extracts and isolated compounds. In futureR. nepalensiscan play a vital role for the preparation of modern drugs.

Graphical abstract
Leveraging Antiprogestins in the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Kamaraju Sailaja , Fowler Amy M , Weil Elizabeth , Wisinski Kari B , Truong Thu H , Lehr Martin , Chaudhary Lubna N , Cheng Yee Chung , Chitambar Christopher R , Rui Hallgeir , Yee Douglas , Lange Carol
Published: March 2021

Although incurable, the prognosis for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has considerably improved with the approvals of multiple targeted and cytotoxic therapies. For hormone receptor-positive (HR+), ie, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positive (ER+/PgR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (ie, ERBB2 gene nonamplified or HER2-) MBC, current approved treatment options include palliative endocrine therapy (ET), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK 4/6) inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and PI3 kinase inhibitors. Most treatments target ER+ disease regardless of PgR status. Although the presence of PgR is crucial for ER+ cell proliferation in both normal and malignant mammary tissue, currently, there are no approved treatments that specifically target PgR. Recent literature has demonstrated the potential of antiprogestins in the treatment of MBC both in preclinical and clinical studies. Antiprogestins, including selective PgR modulators (SPRMs) that act as PgR antagonists, are a promising class of therapeutics for overcoming endocrine resistance in patients who develop activating estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) gene mutations after prior endocrine therapy. Herein, we summarize the role of PgR and antiprogestins in the treatment of MBC. Other aspects on the use of functional imaging, clinical trials incorporating novel antiprogestins, and potential treatment combinations to overcome endocrine resistance will be briefly discussed.