bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critically Low Confidence in the Results Produced by Spine Surgery Systematic Reviews: An AMSTAR-2 Evaluation From 4 Spine Journals
Authors: Dettori Joseph R. , Skelly Andrea C. , Brodt Erika D.
Published: April 2020

Study Design:

A systematic cross-sectional survey of systematic reviews (SRs).

Objective:

To evaluate the methodological quality of spine surgery SRs published in 2018 using the updated AMSTAR 2 critical appraisal instrument.

Methods:

We identified the PubMed indexed journals devoted to spine surgery research in 2018. All SRs of spine surgical interventions from those journals were critically appraised for quality independently by 2 reviewers using the AMSTAR 2 instrument. We calculated the percentage of SRs achieving a positive response for each AMSTAR 2 domain item and assessed the levels of confidence in the results of each SR.

Results:

We identified 28 SRs from 4 journals that met our criteria for inclusion. Only 49.5% of the AMSTAR 2 domain items satisfied the AMSTAR 2 criteria. Critical domain items were satisfied less often (39.1%) compared with noncritical domain items (57.3%). Domain items most poorly reported include accounting for individual study risk of bias when interpreting results (14%), list and justification of excluded articles (18%), and an a priori establishment of methods prior to the review or registered protocol (18%). The overall confidence in the results was rated “low” in 2 SRs and “critically low” in 26.

Conclusions:

The credibility of a SR and its value to clinicians and policy makers are dependent on its methodological quality. This appraisal found significant methodological limitations in several critical domains, such that the confidence in the findings of these reviews is “critically low.”
Oral cedazuridine/decitabine for MDS and CMML: a phase 2 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic randomized crossover study
Authors: Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Griffiths Elizabeth A. , Steensma David P. , Roboz Gail J. , Wells Richard , McCloskey James , Odenike Olatoyosi , DeZern Amy E. , Yee Karen , Busque Lambert , O’Connell Casey , Michaelis Laura C. , Brandwein Joseph , Kantarjian Hagop , Oganesian Aram , Azab Mohammad , Savona Michael R.
Published: April 2020

This phase 2 study was designed to compare systemic decitabine exposure, demethylation activity, and safety in the first 2 cycles with cedazuridine 100 mg/decitabine 35 mg vs standard decitabine 20 mg/m2 IV. Adults with International Prognostic Scoring System intermediate-1/2- or high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) were randomized 1:1 to receive oral cedazuridine/decitabine or IV decitabine in cycle 1, followed by crossover to the other treatment in cycle 2. All patients received oral cedazuridine/decitabine in subsequent cycles. Cedazuridine and decitabine were given initially as separate capsules in a dose-confirmation stage and then as a single fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet. Primary end points: mean decitabine systemic exposure (geometric least-squares mean [LSM]) of oral/IV 5-day area under curve from time 0 to last measurable concentration (AUClast), percentage long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) DNA demethylation for oral cedazuridine/decitabine vs IV decitabine, and clinical response. Eighty patients were randomized and treated. Oral/IV ratios of geometric LSM 5-day AUClast (80% confidence interval) were 93.5% (82.1-106.5) and 97.6% (80.5-118.3) for the dose-confirmation and FDC stages, respectively. Differences in mean %LINE-1 demethylation between oral and IV were ≤1%. Clinical responses were observed in 48 patients (60%), including 17 (21%) with complete response. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events regardless of causality were neutropenia (46%), thrombocytopenia (38%), and febrile neutropenia (29%). Oral cedazuridine/decitabine (100/35 mg) produced similar systemic decitabine exposure, DNA demethylation, and safety vs decitabine 20 mg/m2 IV in the first 2 cycles, with similar efficacy. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02103478.
Quizartinib-resistant FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia cells are sensitive to the FLT3-Aurora kinase inhibitor CCT241736
Authors: Moore Andrew S. , Faisal Amir , Mak Grace W. Y. , Miraki-Moud Farideh , Bavetsias Vassilios , Valenti Melanie , Box Gary , Hallsworth Albert , de Haven Brandon Alexis , Xavier Cristina P. R. , Stronge Randal , Pearson Andrew D. J. , Blagg Julian , Raynaud Florence I. , Chopra Rajesh , Eccles Suzanne A. , Taussig David C. , Linardopoulos Spiros
Published: April 2020

Internal tandem duplication of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) is one of the most common somatic mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML); it causes constitutive activation of FLT3 kinase and is associated with high relapse rates and poor survival. Small-molecule inhibition of FLT3 represents an attractive therapeutic strategy for this subtype of AML, although resistance from secondary FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain (FLT3-TKD) mutations is an emerging clinical problem. CCT241736 is an orally bioavailable, selective, and potent dual inhibitor of FLT3 and Aurora kinases. FLT3-ITD+ cells with secondary FLT3-TKD mutations have high in vitro relative resistance to the FLT3 inhibitors quizartinib and sorafenib, but not to CCT241736. The mechanism of action of CCT241736 results in significant in vivo efficacy, with inhibition of tumor growth observed in efficacy studies in FLT3-ITD and FLT3-ITD-TKD human tumor xenograft models. The efficacy of CCT241736 was also confirmed in primary samples from AML patients, including those with quizartinib-resistant disease, which induces apoptosis through inhibition of both FLT3 and Aurora kinases. The unique combination of CCT241736 properties based on robust potency, dual selectivity, and significant in vivo activity indicate that CCT241736 is a bona fide clinical drug candidate for FLT3-ITD and TKD AML patients with resistance to current drugs.
Cavernous malformation hemorrhage due to trans-mural pressure alterations after cerebrospinal fluid diversion: a case report
Authors: Hartley Benjamin R. , Birnbaum Corinne , Hoffman Caitlin E.
Published: April 2020

Background

Cavernous malformations are rare cerebral pseudo-vascular lesions with annualized bleeding rates of 0.5–3% in most studies. Of the various explored risk factors for bleeding to date, only prior hemorrhage has shown significant correlation.

Case presentation

In this case, we describe a 65-year old man with a peri-ventricular atrial cavernous malformation that hemorrhaged after CSF diversion via ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Serial imaging showed that bleeding continued until the shunt was revised with a programmable valve set at maximum resistance with the addition of a gravitational unit, thereby lowering the trans-mural pressure differential across the cavernous malformation.

Conclusions

Given that other vascular lesions are subject to hemorrhage from alterations in trans-mural pressure dynamics, we hypothesize that cavernous malformations are similarly affected by trans-mural pressure gradients as they are composed of primitive vascular elements. This hypothesis is corroborated by the temporal correlation of interventions, imaging, and exam findings in the present case, and suggests a potentially important risk factor for hemorrhage in CM patients that affects prognostication and management.
Scaling left ventricular mass in adolescent female soccer players
Authors: V. Martinho Diogo , Valente-dos-Santos João , Coelho-e-Silva Manuel J. , Gutiérrez Arturo O. , Duarte João P. , Lourenço-Farinha Pedro , Luz Leonardo G. O. , Gonçalves-Santos João , Machado Dalmo R. L. , Leite Neiva , Conde Jorge , Castanheira Joaquim M. , Cumming Sean P. , Sherar Lauren B. , Malina Robert M.
Published: April 2020

Background

The aim of the study was to examine the contribution of chronological age (CA), skeletal maturation, training experience and concurrent body size descriptors, to inter-individual variance in left ventricular mass (LVM) among female adolescent soccer players.

Methods

The sample included 228 female soccer players 11.8–17.1 years. Training experience defined as years of participation in competitive soccer (range 2–9 years), was obtained by interview. Stature, body mass and skinfolds (triceps, medial calf) were measured. Fat mass was estimated; Fat-free mass was derived. LVM was assessed by echocardiography. Skeletal maturity status was as the difference of skeletal age (SA, Fels method) minus CA.

Results

Fat-free mass was the most prominent single predictor of LVM (R2 = 36.6%). It was associated with an allometric coefficient close to linearity (k = 0.924, 95%CI: 0.737 to 1.112). A significant multiplicative allometric model including body mass, fat-free mass, CA, training experience and skeletal maturity status was also obtained (R = 0.684; R2 = 46.2%).

Conclusion

Stature has limitations as a valid size descriptor of LVM. Body mass, fat-free mass, training experience, CA, body mass and skeletal maturity status were relevant factors contributing to inter-individual variability in LVM.
A narrative review and content analysis of functional and quality of life measures used to evaluate the outcome after TSA: an ICF linking application
Authors: Lu Ze , MacDermid Joy C. , Rosenbaum Peter
Published: April 2020

Background

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is considered as the standard reconstructive surgery for patients suffering from severe shoulder pain and dysfunction caused by arthrosis. Multiple patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed and validated that can be used to evaluate TSA outcomes. When selecting an outcome measure both content and psychometric properties must be considered. Most research to date has focused on psychometric properties. Therefore, the current study aims to summarize what PROMs are being used to assess TSA outcomes, to classify the type of measure (International society for quality of life (ISOQOL) using definitions of functioning, disability, and health (FDH), quality of life (QoL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)) and to compare the content of these measures by linking them to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Methods

A literature review was performed in three databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL to identify PROMs that were used in TSA studies. Meaningful concepts of the identified measures were extracted and linked to the relevant second-level ICF codes using standard linking rules. Outcome measures were classified as being FDH, HRQoL or QoL measures based on the content analysis.

Result

Thirty-five measures were identified across 400 retrieved studies. The most frequently used PROM was the American Shoulder and Elbow Society score accounting for 21% (246) of the total citations, followed by the single item pain-related scale like visual analog scale (17%) and Simple Shoulder Test (12%). Twelve PROMs with 190 individual items fit inclusion criteria for conceptual analysis. Most codes (65%) fell under activity and participation categories. The top 3 most predominant codes were: sensation of pain (b280; 13%), hand and arm use (d445; 13%), recreational activity (d920; 8%). Ten PROMs included in this study were categorized as FDH measures, one as HRQoL measure, and one as unknown.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that there is an inconsistency and lack of clarity in conceptual frameworks of identified PROMs. Despite this, common core constructs are evaluated. Decision-making about individual studies or core sets for outcome measurement for TSA would be advanced by considering our results, patient priorities and measurement properties.
Enhanced recovery care versus traditional non-ERAS care following osteotomies in developmental dysplasia of the hip in children: a retrospective case-cohort study
Authors: Li Jin , Rai Saroj , Ze Renhao , Tang Xin , Liu Ruikang , Hong Pan
Published: April 2020

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been shown to shorten the length of hospital stay and reduce the incidence of perioperative complications in many surgical fields. However, there has been a paucity of research examining the application of ERAS in major pediatric orthopaedic surgeries. This study aims to compare the perioperative complications and length of hospital stay after osteotomies in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) between ERAS and traditional non-ERAS group.

Methods

The ERAS group consisted of 86 patients included in the ERAS program from January 2016 to December 2017. The Control group consisted of 82 DDH patients who received osteotomies from January 2014 to December 2015. Length of hospital stay, physiological function, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly reduced from 10.0 ± 3.1 in the traditional care group to 6.0 ± 0.8 days in the ERAS(P < 0.001). The average VAS score in the first 3 days was significantly lower in the ERAS group (2.9 ± 0.8) than the traditional non-ERAS group (4.0 ± 0.8) (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of break-out pain (VAS > 4) between two groups (29.5 ± 6.3 times vs.30.6 ± 6.5 times, P = 0.276). The frequency of postoperative fever was lower in the ERAS group. The frequency of urinary tract infection in both groups were not noticeable because the catheter was removed promptly after the surgery.

Conclusion

The ERAS protocol is both safe and feasible for pediatric DDH patients undergoing osteotomies, and it can shorten the length of hospital stay without increasing the risk of perioperative complications.
Total knee arthroplasty with simultaneous tibial shaft osteotomy in patient with multiple hereditary osteochondromas and multiaxial limb deformity – a case report
Authors: Grzelecki Dariusz , Szneider Jan , Marczak Dariusz , Kowalczewski Jacek
Published: April 2020

Background

Hereditary multiple osteochondromas (hereditary multiple exostoses, HME) is a rare genetic disease characterized by the development of benign osteocartilaginous tumors that may cause severe limb deformities and early onset osteoarthritis. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the method of choice for the treatment of advanced gonarthrosis, however the surgical management with coexisting severe axial limb deformity remains unclear.

Case presentation

65-year-old man with HME and extra-articular multi-axial limb deformity was admitted to the orthopedic department due to chronic knee pain and limited range of motion caused by secondary osteoarthritis. Regarding to the clinical and radiological examinations, after preoperative planning he was qualified to a one-stage TKA combined with tibial shaft osteotomy (TSO). In a one year follow-up full bone union was confirmed with no signs of implant loosening or prosthesis displacement. Patient was very satisfied, did not report any joint pain and has sufficient range of motion without knee instability.

Conclusion

The improvement of mechanical axis during TKA is a crucial factor for achieve operative success and long implant survival. Despite the higher risk of complication rate in comparison to two-stage treatment, one-stage TKA with simultaneous TSO should be a considerable method for patients with osteoarthritis and multiaxial limb deformities. This method can give a good clinical and functional outcomes, however should be performed subsequently to careful preoperative planning and proper patient qualification.
Investigating carbon dioxide absorption by urban trees in a new park of Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Tor-ngern Pantana , Leksungnoen Nisa
Published: April 2020

Background

Trees remove atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, hereafter CO2 absorption (A). Despite growing urban green areas, only a few studies have quantified A of urban trees and assessed their dynamical changes with varying atmospheric conditions. Hence, we investigated A in nine dominant tree species in a new park of Bangkok.

Results

Results revealed that A of two tree species (Millingtonia hortensis and Afzelia xylocarpa) significantly increased with vapor pressure deficit (VPD) until it reached a maximum and declined when VPD decreased, with no seasonal difference. Five of them (Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Tabebuia rosea, Lagerstroemia floribunda, Dipterocarpus alatus and Bauhinia purpurea) exhibited different response patterns of A to VPD between wet and dry seasons. In contrast, the A of two tree species (Samanea saman and Homalium tomentosum) did not respond to changing VPD in either season.

Conclusions

Comparing planting scenarios of insensitive (i.e. no response to VPD) versus sensitive (i.e. significant response to VPD) species, we found that planting a mixture of sensitive and insensitive tree species would improve the park’s capacity of A across seasons, allowing climate change adaptation to adverse environmental impacts such as droughts and the urban heat island effects, and would increase biodiversity. Additionally, planting insensitive tree species would significantly increase the capacity of the park for CO2 mitigation. These findings are useful for those who design parks and expand urban green areas to fully benefit ecosystem services from trees.
Rectal neuroendocrine tumor developing lateral lymph node metastasis after curative resection: a case report
Authors: Tokumaru Yoshihisa , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Takahashi Takao , Imai Hisashi , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Okumura Naoki , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: April 2020

Background

Among gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), rectal NETs account for about one-third of all tumors. Despite the occasional observation of lateral lymph node metastasis in patients with rectal NETs, lateral lymph node recurrence is rare. We present a rare case of lateral lymph node recurrence after curative resection of a rectal NET.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old man presented with fecal occult blood and colonoscopy revealed a mass in the distal rectum. Systematic computed tomography scan showed no evidence of regional lymph node or distant metastasis. The patient underwent laparoscopicintersphincteric resectionand D2 lymph node dissection with diverting stoma. Diverting stoma closure was performed 6 months after the initial operation. Pathological diagnosis was NET of the rectum, grade 2, T1b, N0, Stage I without lymphovascular invasion. At 54 months after the surgery, recurrence in a left lateral lymph node was suspected and lymph node dissection was performed. The pathological diagnosis of the specimen was consistent with lateral lymph node metastasis of a recurrent rectal NET. To our best knowledge, there are no case reports in English of lateral lymph node recurrence after curative resection of a rectal NET, grade 2, T1b, N0, Stage I without lymphovascular invasion.

Conclusion

Considering that patients with lateral lymph node metastasis have worse survival than those without metastasis in rectal cancer, if complete resection of the tumor can be achieved for lateral lymph node recurrence, surgery may be an important option in the strategy to treat this condition.
MiR-489 inhibited the development of gastric cancer via regulating HDAC7 and PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Li Lingyun , Yuan Cuicui , Wang Congcong , Gao Tiantian , Zheng Zhiwei
Published: April 2020

Background

Mounting evidences have displayed that the dysregulation of miRNAs plays important roles in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). The purpose of this study was to explore the biological functions and potential mechanism of miR-489 in GC progression.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were performed to examine the mRNA expression and protein levels of miR-489 and HDAC7. The relationship between miR-489 and HDAC7 was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and transwell assays were conducted for determining the effect of miR-489 and HDAC7 on GC cell viability, migration, and invasion. TargetScan and luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm the target gene of miR-489 in GC cells.

Results

The findings showed that miR-489 was dramatically decreased in GC tissues and GC cell lines (SGC-7901 and MKN45). Moreover, it was closely correlated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of GC patients. Downregulation of miR-489 significantly promoted GC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Additionally, HDAC7 was confirmed as the direct target of miR-489. Knockdown of HDAC7 exerted inhibited effect on GC progression and it markedly overturned miR-489 inhibitor-medicated effect on GC cells. More interestingly, via targeting HDAC7, miR-489 blocked the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway in GC cells.

Conclusions

Correctively, miR-489 played as a tumor suppressor in GC cell growth by targeting HDAC7, and miR-489 might function as a novel biomarker for diagnosis or therapeutic targets of human GC.
Succession of physiological stages hallmarks the transcriptomic response of the fungus Aspergillus niger to lignocellulose
Authors: van Munster Jolanda M. , Daly Paul , Blythe Martin J. , Ibbett Roger , Kokolski Matt , Gaddipati Sanyasi , Lindquist Erika , Singan Vasanth R. , Barry Kerrie W. , Lipzen Anna , Ngan Chew Yee , Petzold Christopher J. , Chan Leanne Jade G. , Arvas Mikko , Raulo Roxane , Pullan Steven T. , Delmas Stéphane , Grigoriev Igor V. , Tucker Gregory A. , Simmons Blake A. , Archer David B.
Published: April 2020

Background

Understanding how fungi degrade lignocellulose is a cornerstone of improving renewables-based biotechnology, in particular for the production of hydrolytic enzymes. Considerable progress has been made in investigating fungal degradation during time-points where CAZyme expression peaks. However, a robust understanding of the fungal survival strategies over its life time on lignocellulose is thereby missed. Here we aimed to uncover the physiological responses of the biotechnological workhorse and enzyme producer Aspergillus niger over its life time to six substrates important for biofuel production.

Results

We analysed the response of A. niger to the feedstock Miscanthus and compared it with our previous study on wheat straw, alone or in combination with hydrothermal or ionic liquid feedstock pretreatments. Conserved (substrate-independent) metabolic responses as well as those affected by pretreatment and feedstock were identified via multivariate analysis of genome-wide transcriptomics combined with targeted transcript and protein analyses and mapping to a metabolic model. Initial exposure to all substrates increased fatty acid beta-oxidation and lipid metabolism transcripts. In a strain carrying a deletion of the ortholog of the Aspergillus nidulans fatty acid beta-oxidation transcriptional regulator farA, there was a reduction in expression of selected lignocellulose degradative CAZyme-encoding genes suggesting that beta-oxidation contributes to adaptation to lignocellulose. Mannan degradation expression was wheat straw feedstock-dependent and pectin degradation was higher on the untreated substrates. In the later life stages, known and novel secondary metabolite gene clusters were activated, which are of high interest due to their potential to synthesize bioactive compounds.

Conclusion

In this study, which includes the first transcriptional response of Aspergilli to Miscanthus, we highlighted that life time as well as substrate composition and structure (via variations in pretreatment and feedstock) influence the fungal responses to lignocellulose. We also demonstrated that the fungal response contains physiological stages that are conserved across substrates and are typically found outside of the conditions with high CAZyme expression, as exemplified by the stages that are dominated by lipid and secondary metabolism.
Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus A and adenovirus among children with acute diarrhea in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Li Wei , Xiang Wenqing , Li Cixiu , Xu Jialu , Zhou Dongming , Shang Shiqiang
Published: April 2020

Background

Rotavirus A (RVA) and adenovirus (Adv) are important causes of acute diarrhea in children. RVAs are classified into G and P genotypes based on viral proteins (VP)7 and VP4 gene and Adv contains over 70 genotypes based on hexon and fiber gene. This study aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology of RVA and Adv in children with acute diarrhea during 2017–2018 in Hangzhou.

Methods

The stool samples were collected and tested for RVA and Adv by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay. The RVA positive samples were detected by RT-PCR for VP7(G) and VP4([P]) genotypes, and the Adv positive samples were detected by PCR for genotyping by the target to hexon gene.

Results

Among 228 RVA-positive samples, G9 was detected as the most frequent genotype (195/228, 85.5%), followed by G3 (20/228, 8.8%), G2 (7/228, 3.1%) and G1 (6/228, 2.6%). G9 strains were closely related to strains from China and neighboring countries, as well as the USA. On the other hand, P[8] strains were detected in 219 (96.1%) samples with most closely related to one strain from Malawi, and P[4] in 9 (3.9%) samples. G9P[8] (84.6%, 193/228) was the most prevalent rotavirus A strains, followed by G3P[8] (8.8%, 20/228), G2P[4] (3.1%, 7/228), G1P[8] (2.6%, 6/228) and G9P[4] (0.9%, 2/228). Of 167 Adv-positive cases, 2 different genotypes were identified with 152 (91.0%) of Adv-41and 15 (9%) of Adv-40. All Adv strains were closely related to prototype strains of Adv types 40 and 41 in India.

Conclusions

G9P[8] of RVA and Adv-41 were the most common genotypes that caused children’s acute diarrhea in Hangzhou, 2017–2018.
Data from routine meat inspection is a poor indicator of the prevalence of tail lesions in undocked pigs
Authors: Kongsted Hanne , Foldager Leslie , Sørensen Jan Tind
Published: April 2020

We investigated the prevalence of tail lesions in batches of undocked slaughter pigs in herds just before delivery to an abattoir. At the abattoir, dehaired and scalded carcasses were submitted to routine meat inspection which included recording of tail lesions. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between clinically and abattoir- detected tail lesions in undocked pigs.

During visits in 15 label-production herds, 2346 slaughter pigs from 24 batches were examined. Tail lesions were registered as mild healed, mild unhealed or severe. The median prevalence of the three categories in batches was 13, 9 and 6%, respectively. At the abattoir, tails were evaluated by public inspectors. Between 0 and 10% of pigs within batches (median: 1%) were registered with tail lesions at the abattoir. A linear regression model was used to compare the proportions of severe tail lesions registered in each batch within the herds with the proportions registered at the abattoir. We applied a leave-one-batch-out internal cross-validation on the model in order to explore a systematic relationship. The mean absolute difference between the predicted and the observed proportion was 9%-points. The coefficient of determination (r2) was 0.006.

Our results indicate that there is no systematic relationship between clinically and abattoir-registered tail lesions in undocked pigs. Thus, abattoir registrations as carried out in the present study did not mirror the clinical situation properly. If meat inspection recordings should be used to reflect tail lesions in the herds, efforts must be undertaken to ensure a positive correlation between the two.

Thus, abattoir registrations used as an indicator of tail bite prevalence in herds are currently not reliable.
Terahertz spectroscopy in biomedical field: a review on signal-to-noise ratio improvement
Authors: Peng Yan , Shi Chenjun , Zhu Yiming , Gu Min , Zhuang Songlin
Published: April 2020

With the non-ionizing, non-invasive, high penetration, high resolution and spectral fingerprinting features of terahertz (THz) wave, THz spectroscopy has great potential for the qualitative and quantitative identification of key substances in biomedical field, such as the early diagnosis of cancer, the accurate boundary determination of pathological tissue and non-destructive detection of superficial tissue. However, biological samples usually contain various of substances (such as water, proteins, fat and fiber), resulting in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the absorption peaks of target substances are very small and then the target substances are hard to be identified. Here, we present recent works for the SNR improvement of THz signal. These works include the usage of attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, the fabrication of sample-sensitive metamaterials, the utilization of different agents (including contrast agents, optical clearing agents and aptamers), the application of reconstruction algorithms and the optimization of THz spectroscopy system. These methods have been proven to be effective theoretically, but only few of them have been applied into actual usage. We also analyze the reasons and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each method. At last, we present the prospective application of THz spectroscopy in biomedical field.
QSAR and molecular docking studies of novel 2,5-distributed-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives containing 5-phenyl-2-furan as fungicides against Phythophthora infestans
Authors: Isyaku Yusuf , Uzairu Adamu , Uba Sani
Published: April 2020

Background

The 1,3,4-thiadiazoles are among the structural moieties that were found to be of utmost importance in the fields of pharmacy and agrochemicals because of their widespread biological activity that includes anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-tuberculosis, anticonvulsant, and antimicrobial, among others.

Results

QSAR and molecular docking studies were carried out on thirty-two (32) derivatives of 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazoles for their antifungal activities towardPhytophthora infestans. Using the “graphical user interface” of Spartan14 software, the structure of the compounds of the dataset is drawn and then optimized at DFT/B3LYP/6-31G* quantum mechanical method of the software. Molecular descriptors of the optimized compounds were calculated and later on divided into the training set and test sets (at a ratio of 3:1). The training set was used for model generation and the test set was for external validation of the generated model. Four models were generated by the employment of genetic function approximation (GFA) in which the optimal model (4) turned out to have the following statistical parameters:R2= 0.798318,R2adj= 0.750864, cross-validationR2(Q2cv) = 0.662654, and external validationR2pred= 0.624008. On the molecular docking study of thiadiazole compounds with the target protein ofPhytophthora infestanseffector site (PDB ID: 2NAR ), compound 13 shows the highest binding affinity with − 9.3 kcal/mol docking score and composes hydrophobic as well as H-bond interactions with the target protein (2NAR).

Conclusion

The result of the QSAR study signifies the stability and robustness of the built model by considering the validation parameters and this gave an idea of template/ligand-based design while the molecular docking study revealed the binding interaction between the ligand and the protein site which gave an insight toward an “optimization method” of the structure-based design for the discovery of more potent compounds with better activity againstPhytophthora infestansusing the approach of computer-aided drug design (CADD) in plant pathology.
Advance Care Planning in Cancer: Patient Preferences for Personnel and Timing
Authors: Kubi Boateng , Istl Alexandra C. , Lee Kimberley T. , Conca-Cheng Alison , Johnston Fabian M.
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE:

Opportunities for advance care planning (ACP) discussions continue to be missed despite the demonstrated benefit of such conversations. This is in part because of a poor understanding of patient preferences. We aimed to determine oncology patients’ preferences surrounding ACP with a focus on the choice of which health care providers to have the conversation with and the timing of conversations.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional 19-question survey of surgical and medical oncology patients in a tertiary care hospital was conducted that assessed knowledge, experience, and preferences surrounding ACP. Quantitative variables were reported with descriptive statistics, and a coding structure was developed to analyze qualitative data.

RESULTS:

Two hundred patients were surveyed. Only 24% of patients reported previously having ACP discussions with their physicians despite 82.5% reporting a wish to do so. Patients felt that these discussions were a priority for them (to alleviate familial guilt, maintain control, and prevent others’ values from guiding end-of-life care), but they reported that previous experiences with ACP had been neither comprehensive nor effective. Most patients (43.5%) preferred to have ACP discussions with their primary care providers (PCPs) compared with 7% preferring their surgeon and 5.5% preferring their oncologist. Trust and familiarity with PCPs arose as the dominant theme underlying this selection. Most patients (94%) preferred to have ACP discussions early, with 45% wishing such a discussion had been initiated before their cancer diagnosis.

CONCLUSION:

Patients with cancer prefer to have ACP discussions with their PCPs and prefer to do so early in their disease course.
Antistasis Retrograde Flow Vascular Catheter: A Novel Solution to Thrombogenicity: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed Mahmoud M. Alkhatip Ahmed , Yassin Hany M. , Farag Ehab , Hamza Mohamed K. , Bahr Mahmoud H. , Ahmed Ahmed Goda , El Emady Mohamed Farid , Sallam Amr M. , Elayashy Mohamed , Abdelhaq Mohamed , Kamal Ahmed M. , Elramely Mohamed A.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND:

Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a serious complication of vascular catheters. Retrograde catheter insertion has been shown to decrease pericatheter hemostasis and thrombosis, but it is technically challenging. The current in silico trial is an analytical approach to evaluating different approaches to designing retrograde flow into a vascular catheter.

METHODS:

The novel catheter design aims to provide antistasis retrograde flow (ASRF) of fluid through multiple backward-directed side openings, with a self-closing terminal opening to facilitate standard insertion. Four different models of the catheter were evaluated by computational fluid dynamic studies, with retrograde-angled openings of 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° to the long axis of the catheter.

RESULTS:

ASRF successfully reduced the areas of fluid stagnation in models with 15° and 30° openings. Models with 45° and 60° did not significantly reduce stagnation. ASRF is reversed by the main bloodstream after a few millimeters. The novel catheter design achieved a slightly higher saline flow rate compared with the standard catheter (89.75, 91.72, 94.13, and 94.26 mL/min for 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° designs, respectively, versus 86.93 mL/min for the standard catheter).

CONCLUSIONS:

The novel ASRF vascular catheter reduces pericatheter fluid stasis and has the potential to reduce CRT. Further in vitro and in vivo trials are warranted to validate these findings and evaluate clinical efficacy.
The Effects of a Shoulder Roll During Laryngoscopy in Infants: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Crossover Study
Authors: Alfahel Waseem , Gopinath Anupama , Arheart Kristopher L. , Gensler Tara , Lerman Jerrold
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND:

The use of a shoulder roll to view the glottic opening during direct laryngoscopy in infants has been recommended but is not evidence based.

METHODS:

Twenty infants with normal airways, <6 months of age undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomized to undergo direct laryngoscopy first with a 2-inch vertical shoulder roll and then without, or vice versa. The primary outcome was the difference in the vertical distance between the angle of the laryngoscopist’s eye and the operating room table in the 2 positions. Also, the views of the glottic opening in both positions were recorded for each infant and analyzed by a blinded investigator using the percent of glottic opening (POGO).

RESULTS:

Twenty infants completed the study without complications. The vertical distance did not differ significantly whether the shoulder roll was placed first or second, and there was no evidence of a differential carryover effect in the crossover design (P = .268). The main effect of the shoulder roll on the mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) vertical distances without 47.8 cm (43.5–52.1) and with the shoulder roll 37.2 cm (33.3–41) yielded a mean (95% CI) vertical difference of 10.6 cm (9.3–11.79; P = .0001). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) POGO scores without 100 [86.2, 100] and with the shoulder roll 97.5 [80, 100] did not differ (median difference [95% CI]: 0 [−20 to 0]; P = .39).

CONCLUSIONS:

A 2-inch shoulder roll lowers the line of sight of the glottic opening compared with no shoulder roll, without affecting the view of the glottic opening during laryngoscopy in infants.
Impact of Enantiomeric Ligand Composition on the Photophysical Properties of Chiral Ag29 Nanoclusters
Authors: Yoshida Hiroto , Kumar Jatish , Ehara Masahiro , Okajima Yasuo , Asanoma Fumio , Kawai Tsuyoshi , Nakashima Takuya
Published: April 2020

Chiral surface ligands have often been employed to impart optical activity to metal nanoclusters, metal nanoparticles and semiconductor nanocrystals. They are considered to form a chiral structure to a certain degree whereas the effect of such chiral structure on the global physicochemical properties apart from chiroptical ones has been unexplored. We herein demonstrate the impact of optical purity of chiral surface ligand on the emission property of silver nanocluster (NCs). Chiral bidentate α-dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) with varied enantiomeric excess (ee) values was employed as a surface capping ligand to prepare a series of silver NCs, displaying identical absorption and emission profiles typical for Ag29 NCs. Interestingly, the emission quantum yields exhibited a clear dependence on the enantiopurity of DHLA. The more enantiopure DHLA afforded more emissive NCs. This |ee|-dependent emission efficiency was discussed in association with the orientation of ligands on the Ag29 NCs. The surface structures of Ag29(dithiolate)12 models composed of enantiopure and racemic ligand systems were compared with the aid of DFT calculations, suggesting that the enantiopure surface is more stable with one-handed ligand orientation. Two-dimensional NMR technique also supported the observation that well-defined ligand orientations depend on the enantiomeric composition of chiral ligand.
«Η ΠΟΛΙΤΙΚΗ ΤΗΣ ΓΑΛΛΙΑΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΧΑΡΙΣΜΑΤΙΚΩΝ ΜΑΘΗΤΩΝ»
Authors: ΠΑΤΣΙΑΔΟΥ ΜΑΓΔΑΛΗΝΗ
Published: April 2020

NO ABSTRACT
8ο ΠΑΝΕΛΛΗΝΙΟ ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΟ ΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΩΝ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗΣ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗ ΧΑΡΙΣΜΑΤΙΚΩΝ ΑΤΟΜΩΝ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΔΑΤΟΣ ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ
Published: April 2020

8ο ΠΑΝΕΛΛΗΝΙΟ ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΟ ΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΩΝ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗΣ  ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗ ΧΑΡΙΣΜΑΤΙΚΩΝ ΑΤΟΜΩΝ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΙδεολογικές – Πολιτικές – Ψυχολογικές - Παιδαγωγικές Προϋποθέσεις Εκπαίδευσης Χαρισματικών Ατόμων
Dual Problems with Conics
Authors: Girsh A.
Published: April 2020

The problem for construction of straight lines, which are tangent to conics, is among the dual problems for constructing the common elements of two conics. For example, the problem for construction of a chordal straight line (a common chord for two conics) ~ the problem for construction of an intersection point for two conics’ common tangents. In this paper a new property of polar lines has been presented, constructive connection between polar lines and chordal straight lines has been indicated, and a new way for construction of two conics’ common chords has been given, taking into account the computer graphics possibilities. The construction of imaginary tangent lines to conic, traced from conic’s interior point, as well as the construction of common imaginary tangent lines to two conics, of which one lies inside another partially or thoroughly is considered. As you know, dual problems with two conics can be solved by converting them into two circles, followed by a reverse transition from the circles to the original conics. This method of solution provided some clarity in understanding the solution result. The procedure for transition from two conics to two circles then became itself the subject of research. As and when the methods for solving geometric problems is improved, the problems themselves are become more complex. When assuming the participation of imaginary images in complex geometry, it is necessary to abstract more and more. In this case, the perception of the obtained result’s geometric picture is exposed to difficulties. In this regard, the solution methods’ correctness and imaginary images’ visualization are becoming relevant. The paper’s main results have been illustrated by the example of the same pair of conics: a parabola and a circle. Other pairs of affine different conics (ellipse and hyperbola) have been considered in the paper as well in order to demonstrate the general properties of conics, appearing in investigated operations. Has been used a model of complex figures, incorporating two superimposed planes: the Euclidean plane for real figures, and the pseudo-Euclidean plane for imaginary algebraic figures and their imaginary complements.
Influencia de las medidas preventivas ergonómicas en el desarrollo de secuelas por patología no traumática del hombro
Authors: Rodríguez-Blanes Gloria María , Lobato-Cañón José Rafael , Sánchez-Payá José , Ausó-Pérez José Ramón , Cardona-Llorens Antonio Francisco J.
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: Describir las secuelas referidas en los casos atendidos por patología no traumática del hombro . Y conocer cómo se asocian con la presencia de secuelas las características sociodemográficas, disponer de conocimientos en prevención de riesgos laborales y los requerimientos ergonómicos del puesto de trabajo. 

Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal en una población de 345 pacientes atendidos durante un año en las consultas de un centro de atención primaria de salud en Alicante. Mediante la prueba de la Ji-cuadrado se estudiaron las asociaciones entre las secuelas y el resto de variables. 

Resultados: El 53,9% (n=186) de los participantes refirieron presentar secuelas derivadas, sobre todo dolor ocasional asociado o no a limitación de la movilidad. Son factores de riesgo: un bajo nivel de estudios, actividades de limpieza y sector industrial, alzar los brazos por encima del hombro y la monotonía en las tareas. Sin embargo, son factores protectores: el sexo masculino, disponer de información sobre los riesgos laborales, equipos de protección individual, existencia de Servicio de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales, evaluación de riesgos, plan de prevención y los reconocimientos médicos periódicos. Conocer los riesgos del puesto se mostró como factor de protección independiente frente al desarrollo de secuelas (ORa=0,2; IC95%=0,1-0,4). Sin embargo, alzar el brazo por encima del hombro, se comporta como factor de riesgo independiente para el desarrollo de secuelas por patología del hombro (ORa=2,1; IC95%=1,0-4,3).

Conclusiones: La combinación de estrategias ergonómicas y formativas parecen útiles para la prevención del desarrollo de secuelas a nivel del hombro.
Revisión bibliográfica sobre la eficacia del ejercicio excéntrico como tratamiento para la tendinopatía del tendón de Aquiles
Authors: Arnal-Gómez Anna , Espí-López Gemma Victoria , Cano-Heras Diego , Muñoz-Gómez Elena , Balbastre Tejedor Isabel , Ramírez-Iñiguez de la Torre María Victoria , Vicente-Herrero María Teófila
Published: April 2020

Introducción: las tendinopatías son consecuencia de cargas excesivas en el tendón, por lo que son frecuentes en el ámbito laboral debido a movimientos repetitivos y posturas forzadas. La tendinopatía de Aquiles se caracteriza por una respuesta de curación desorganizada, asociada a cierto grado de neovascularización, siendo el tratamiento conservador la estrategia inicial.

Objetivos realizar una revisión bibliográfica para analizr la efectividad de los tratamientos utilizados en la tendinopatía aquilea a partir de los estudios incluidos.

Material y métodos: revisión bibliográfica de artículos científicos consultando las bases de datos PubMed y The Cochrane Library utilizando las palabras clave “((tendinopathy) AND (Achilles Tendon) AND (exercise OR exercise therapy OR Muscle Stretching Exercises OR physical therapy modalities OR rehabilitation))”. 

Resultados: Se obtuvieron 635 refrencias en Pubmed y 134 en Cochrane Library, de los cuales 14 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Los estudios seleccionados mostraron que, en general, los ejercicios excéntricos son una terapia efectiva aplicada entre 6 y 12 semanas en la tendinopatía de Aquiles, sin combinar o combinada con la plataforma de vibración, complementos nutricionales, tratamiento de tejidos blandos, terapia de láser o terapia de ondas de choque.

Conclusión: la revisión muestra que el ejercicio excéntrico presenta los mejores resultados en el tratamiento de la tendinopatía aquilea.
Criterios para la gestión de personas especialmente vulnerables y trabajadores/as especialmente sensibles frente al SARS-CoV-2 en las empresas de Cataluña en el contexto de pandemia
Authors: GTPSVTESSARS-CoV-2 Grupo de trabajo
Published: April 2020

Objectius del document

Elaborar un document de consens professional de Medicina del Treball sobre la identificació i gestió, en un entorn de pandèmia, de:

les persones especialment vulnerables (PEV) davant la COVID-19 a les empreses, 

els treballadors/res especialment sensibles (TES) enfront del risc laboral d’exposició al SARS-CoV-2 a les empreses,

que ajudi a prendre aquelles decisions mèdiques i laborals, ètiques, al voltant de les persones i la feina que són especialment complexes en moments de molta pressió i incertesa com els actuals de pandèmia pel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 i que contribueixin a conciliar els drets a la salut i a la feina dels treballadors/res, a complir amb les seves responsabilitats a les empreses i a garantir els serveis bàsics i essencials als ciutadans.
Trastornos musculoesqueléticos en los técnicos de laboratorio
Authors: García González Guillermo , López González María Jesús
Published: April 2020

Entrevista con María Jesús López González
Enhancing Pre-Service Elementary Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Critical Thinking using Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Saputro Anip Dwi , Atun Sri , Wilujeng Insih , Ariyanto Ayok , Arifin Syamsul
Published: April 2020

Self-efficacy and critical thinking represent two vital components for university graduates in the 21st century learning. However, several studies reported that these two important outcome predictors were unsatisfactory. This study aimed at investigating the effects of problem-based learning (PBL) on pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy and critical thinking. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design was utilized. A total of 44 pre-service elementary school teachers (aged 19-22) at a private university in Indonesia were assigned as experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 22) groups. The experimental group learning received PBL, while the control group learning with traditional college instruction. The Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) and the Critical Thinking Questionnaire (CTQ) were administered before and after the intervention in both groups. Independent and paired samples t-tests were employed to analyze the pretests and posttests data. The results indicated that PBL was more effective in increasing self-efficacy and critical thinking of pre-service elementary teachers than traditional teaching. It is suggested that PBL should be used more frequently in science learning to further enhance students’ self-efficacy and critical thinking skills in higher education.