bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health professionals' knowledge and attitude towards patient confidentiality and associated factors in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tegegne Masresha Derese , Melaku Mequannent Sharew , Shimie Aynadis Worku , Hunegnaw Degefaw Denekew , Legese Meseret Gashaw , Ejigu Tewabe Ambaye , Mengestie Nebyu Demeke , Zemene Wondewossen , Zeleke Tirualem , Chanie Ashenafi Fentahun
Published: March 2022

Background

Respecting patients’ confidentiality is an ethical and legal responsibility for health professionals and the cornerstone of care excellence. This study aims to assess health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors towards patients’ confidentiality in a resource-limited setting.

Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 health professionals. Stratified sampling methods were used to select the participants, and a structured self-administer questionnaire was used for data collection. The data was entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS, version 25. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to measure the association between the dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals and P value was calculated to determine the strength of association and to evaluate statistical significance.

Result

Out of 410 participants, about 59.8% with [95% CI (54.8–68.8%)] and 49.5% with [95% CI (44.5–54.5%)] had good knowledge and favorable attitude towards patents confidentiality respectively. Being male (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI [1.03–2.59]), taking training on medical ethics (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = [1.11–2.70]), facing ethical dilemmas (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI [1.07–8.79]) were significantly associated factors for health professional knowledge towards patients’ confidentiality. Likewise, taking training on medical ethics (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI [1.42–3.72]), having direct contact with the patients (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI [1.12–8.34]), visiting more patient (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI [2.46–7.80]), and facing ethical dilemma (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI [1.23–10.26]) were significant factors associated with attitude of health professionals towards patient confidentiality.

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that health professionals have a limited attitude towards patient confidentiality but have relatively good knowledge. Providing a continuing medical ethics training package for health workers before joining the hospital and in between the working time could be recommended to enhance health professionals’ knowledge and attitude towards patient confidentiality.
Establishing analytical validity of BeadChip array genotype data by comparison to whole-genome sequence and standard benchmark datasets
Authors: Cherukuri Praveen F. , Soe Melissa M. , Condon David E. , Bartaria Shubhi , Meis Kaitlynn , Gu Shaopeng , Frost Frederick G. , Fricke Lindsay M. , Lubieniecki Krzysztof P. , Lubieniecka Joanna M. , Pyatt Robert E. , Hajek Catherine , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Carmichael Lynn
Published: March 2022

Background

Clinical use of genotype data requires high positive predictive value (PPV) and thorough understanding of the genotyping platform characteristics. BeadChip arrays, such as the Global Screening Array (GSA), potentially offer a high-throughput, low-cost clinical screen for known variants. We hypothesize that quality assessment and comparison to whole-genome sequence and benchmark data establish the analytical validity of GSA genotyping.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we selected 263 samples from Coriell, generated GSA genotypes in triplicate, generated whole genome sequence (rWGS) genotypes, assessed the quality of each set of genotypes, and compared each set of genotypes to each other and to the 1000 Genomes Phase 3 (1KG) genotypes, a performance benchmark. For 59 genes (MAP59), we also performed theoretical and empirical evaluation of variants deemed medically actionable predispositions.

Results

Quality analyses detected sample contamination and increased assay failure along the chip margins. Comparison to benchmark data demonstrated that > 82% of the GSA assays had a PPV of 1. GSA assays targeting transitions, genomic regions of high complexity, and common variants performed better than those targeting transversions, regions of low complexity, and rare variants. Comparison of GSA data to rWGS and 1KG data showed > 99% performance across all measured parameters. Consistent with predictions from prior studies, the GSA detection of variation within the MAP59 genes was 3/261.

Conclusion

We establish the analytical validity of GSA assays using quality analytics and comparison to benchmark and rWGS data. GSA assays meet the standards of a clinical screen although assays interrogating rare variants, transversions, and variants within low-complexity regions require careful evaluation.
Glycemic control and atrial fibrillation: an intricate relationship, yet under investigation
Authors: Papazoglou Andreas S. , Kartas Anastasios , Moysidis Dimitrios V. , Tsagkaris Christos , Papadakos Stavros P. , Bekiaridou Alexandra , Samaras Athanasios , Karagiannidis Efstratios , Papadakis Marios , Giannakoulas George
Published: March 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) constitute two major closely inter-related chronic cardiovascular disorders whose concurrent prevalence rates are steadily increasing. Although, the pathogenic mechanisms behind the AF and DM comorbidity are still vague, it is now clear that DM precipitates AF occurrence. DM also affects the clinical course of established AF; it is associated with significant increase in the incidence of stroke, AF recurrence, and cardiovascular mortality. The impact of DM on AF management and prognosis has been adequately investigated. However, evidence on the relative impact of glycemic control using glycated hemoglobin levels is scarce. This review assesses up-to-date literature on the association between DM and AF. It also highlights the usefulness of glycated hemoglobin measurement for the prediction of AF and AF-related adverse events. Additionally, this review evaluates current anti-hyperglycemic treatment in the context of AF, and discusses AF-related decision-making in comorbid DM. Finally, it quotes significant remaining questions and sets some future strategies with the potential to effectively deal with this prevalent comorbidity.
Effect of slightly elevated progesterone on hCG trigger day on clinical pregnancy rate in GnRH-ant IVF/ICSI cycles
Authors: Zhao Jing , Hao Jie , Xu Bin , Wang Yonggang , Li Yanping
Published: March 2022

Background

It was been agreed that significantly elevated progesterone level on the hCG trigger day have detrimental effect on clinical outcomes in IVF/ICSI cycles. However, few studies explored whether slightly elevated progesterone level also same impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively studies the effect of slightly elevated progesterone level on outcomes of IVF/ICSI in GnRH-ant cycles. Propensity score matching was used to confounding variables. The women were divided into two groups according to the progesterone level: Group 1: < 1.0 ng/ml; Group 2: 1.0 ng/ml–1.5 ng/ml. Then compare the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) between the two groups.

Result

A total of 847 IVF/ICSI cycles were included in the present study. The average CPR per transfer cycle was 51.7%. CPR of group 1 was 55.22%, significantly higher than that of group 2 (40.66%, P = 0.013). Progesterone level on the day of hCG injection was further evaluated at threshold increments of 0.1 ng/ml, and the CPR was decreased dramatically once the progesterone level higher than 1.4 ng/ml.

Conclusion

The slight elevation progesterone level on the hCG trigger day may have a negative effect on the clinical pregnancy in GnRH-ant cycles. In the case of progesterone > 1.4 ng/ml on the hCG injection day, freeze-all strategy was recommended.

The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of slightly elevated progesterone (1.0 ng/ml ~ 1.5 ng/ml) on outcomes of IVF/ICSI in GnRH-ant cycles. Slightly elevated progesterone level leaded to significant lower clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) that that of group with normal progesterone level (40.66% vs. 55.22%, P = 0.013). The CPR was decreased dramatically once the progesterone level higher than 1.4 ng/ml. So slightly elevated progesterone level on the trigger day may have a negative effect on the clinical pregnancy in GnRH-ant cycles. In the case of progesterone > 1.4 ng/ml on the hCG injection day, freeze-all strategy was recommended.
Decreased CSF clearance and increased brain amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Li Yi , Rusinek Henry , Butler Tracy , Glodzik Lidia , Pirraglia Elizabeth , Babich John , Mozley P. David , Nehmeh Sadek , Pahlajani Silky , Wang Xiuyuan , Tanzi Emily B. , Zhou Liangdong , Strauss Sara , Carare Roxana O. , Theise Neil , Okamura Nobuyuki , de Leon Mony J.
Published: March 2022

Background

In sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), brain amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition is believed to be a consequence of impaired Aβ clearance, but this relationship is not well established in living humans. CSF clearance, a major feature of brain glymphatic clearance (BGC), has been shown to be abnormal in AD murine models. MRI phase contrast and intrathecally delivered contrast studies have reported reduced CSF flow in AD. Using PET and tau tracer 18F-THK5117, we previously reported that the ventricular CSF clearance of the PET tracer was reduced in AD and associated with elevated brain Aβ levels.

Methods

In the present study, we use two PET tracers, 18F-THK5351 and 11C-PiB to estimate CSF clearance calculated from early dynamic PET frames in 9 normal controls and 15 AD participants.

Results

we observed that the ventricular CSF clearance measures were correlated (r = 0.66, p < 0.01), with reductions in AD of 18 and 27%, respectively. We also replicated a significant relationship between ventricular CSF clearance (18F-THK5351) and brain Aβ load (r =  − 0.64, n = 24, p < 0.01). With a larger sample size, we extended our observations to show that reduced CSF clearance is associated with reductions in cortical thickness and cognitive performance.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that failed CSF clearance is a feature of AD that is related to Aβ deposition and to the pathology of AD. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether failed CSF clearance is a predictor of progressive amyloidosis or its consequence.
Postoperative drainage for 6, 12, or 24 h after burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma in symptomatic patients (DRAIN-TIME 2): study protocol for a nationwide randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grønhøj Mads Hjortdal , Jensen Thorbjørn Søren Rønn , Sindby Ann Kathrine , Miscov Rares , Hundsholt Torben , Debrabant Birgit , Bjarkam Carsten Reidies , Bergholt Bo , Fugleholm Kåre , Poulsen Frantz Rom
Published: March 2022

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common acute or subacute neurosurgical condition, typically treated by burr-hole evacuation and drainage. Recurrent CSDH occurs in 5–20% of cases and requires reoperation in symptomatic patients, sometimes repeatedly. Postoperative subdural drainage of maximal 48 h is effective in reducing recurrent hematomas. However, the shortest possible drainage time without increasing the recurrence rate is unknown.

Methods

DRAIN-TIME 2 is a Danish multi-center, randomized controlled trial of postoperative drainage time including all four neurosurgical departments in Denmark. Both incapacitated and mentally competent patients are enrolled. Patients older than 18 years, free of other intracranial pathologies or history of previous brain surgery, are recruited at the time of admission or no later than 6 h after surgery. Each patient is randomized to either 6, 12, or 24 h of passive subdural drainage following single burr-hole evacuation of a CSDH. Mentally competent patients are asked to complete the SF-36 questionnaire. The primary endpoint is CSDH recurrence rate at 90 days. Secondary outcome measures include SF-36 at 90 days, length of hospital stay, drain-related complications, and complications related to immobilization and mortality.

Discussion

This multi-center trial will provide evidence regarding the shortest possible drainage time without increasing the recurrence rate. The potential impact of this study is significant as we believe that a shorter drainage period may be associated with fewer drain-related complications, fewer complications related to immobilization, and shorter hospital stays—thus reducing the overall health service burden from this condition. The expected benefits for patients’ lives and health costs will increase as the CSDH patient population grows.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN15186366. Registered in December 2020 and updated in October 2021. This protocol was developed in accordance with the SPIRIT Checklist and by use of the structured study protocol template provided by BMC Trials.
Assessment of spatio-temporal variations of selected water quality parameters of Lake Ziway, Ethiopia using multivariate techniques
Authors: Tibebe Dessie , Zewge Feleke , Lemma Brook , Kassa Yezbie
Published: March 2022

Excess agrochemicals input from agricultural activities and industrial effluent around Lake Ziway catchment can pose a serious threat on the lake ecosystem. Lake Ziway is a shallow freshwater lake found in the northern part of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. It is characterized as semi-arid to sub-humid type of climate. Expansions of the flower industry, widespread fisheries, intensive agricultural activities, fast population growth lead to deterioration of water quality and depletion of aquatic biota. The spatial and temporal variations of selected water quality parameters were evaluated using multivariate techniques. The data were collected from nine sampling stations during dry and wet seasonal basis for analysis of fifteen water quality parameters. The physicochemical parameters were measured in-situ with portable multimeter and nutrients were determined by following the standard procedures outlined in the American Public Health Association using UV/Visible spectrophotometer. Mean nutrient concentrations showed increasing trend in all seasons. These sites were also characterized by high electrical conductivity and total dissolved solid (TDS). All the nine sampling sites were categorized into three pollution levels according to their water quality features using cluster analysis (CA). Accordingly, sampling sites Fb and Ketar River (Kb) are highly and moderately polluted in both seasons, respectively. On the other hand, sampling sites at the center (C), Meki river mouth (Ma), Ketar river mouth (Ka), Meki River (Mb), Korekonch (Ko) and Fa in dry season and Ka, C, Ma, Ko, Bulbula river mouth (B) and Fa during wet season were less polluted. Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis also showed the pollutant sources were mainly from Fb during dry season Mb and Kb during wet season. The values of comprehensive pollution index illustrated the lake is moderately and slightly polluted in dry and wet seasons, respectively. Comparatively, the pollution status of the lake is high around floriculture effluent discharge site and at the two feeding rivers (Kb and Mb) due to increasing trends in agrochemical loads. In order to stop further deterioration of the lake water quality and to eventually restore the beneficial uses of the lake, management of agrochemicals in the lake catchments should be given urgent priority.
Summary of the proceedings of the International Forum 2021: “A more visible radiologist can never be replaced by AI”
Authors:   European Society of Radiology (ESR), Mahoney M. C. , McGinty G. , Sanchez G. M. Figueroa , Pedraza N. Rodríguez , Usta M. Arrieta , Muglia V. , da Costa M. Brandão , Ulloa B. E. González , El-Diasty T. , AlBastaki Usama , Amarnath C. , Tanomkiat W. , Chaiyakum J. , Liu S. , Park S. H. , Aoki S. , Varma D. , Lawler L. , Rockall A. , Mendonça R. A.
Published: March 2022

The ESR International Forum at the ECR 2021 discussed effects of artificial intelligence on the future of radiology and the need for increased visibility of radiologists. The participating societies were invited to submit written reports detailing the current situation in their country or region. The European Society of Radiology (ESR) established the ESR International Forum in order to discuss hot topics in the profession of radiology with non-European radiological partner societies. At the ESR International Forum 2021, different strategies, initiatives and ideas were presented with regard to radiology community’s response to the changes caused by the emerging AI technology.
Migration and apparent survival of post-spawning alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) in Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy
Authors: Tsitrin Elizabetha , Sanderson Brian G. , McLean Montana F. , Gibson A. Jamie F. , Hardie David C. , Stokesbury Michael J. W.
Published: March 2022

The anadromous alewife is a commercially fished clupeid in Atlantic Canada, whose oceanic migration is poorly understood. Migration of alewives is presently investigated from the lower reaches of Gaspereau River into Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy. Seventy-five post-spawning adults were tagged on their downstream migration; within two days of being tagged, most alewives had left Gaspereau River and 57 entered into the Southern Bight of Minas Basin. Thirty-one alewives were detected in Minas Passage and their average time from tagging to final detection was 28 days with standard deviation of 11 days. None of the alewives were detected in Minas Passage until day 20 after the start of tagging. After day 20, the residence timescale in Minas Basin was only 8.8 days with 95% CI of 8.4–9.3 days. Fast tidal currents prevail in much of the study area, and alewives travelled many large tidal excursions in Minas Basin and Minas Passage. Separation distances between pairs of alewives increased greatly after day 20, indicating tidal mixing over large distances within the study area. Offshore movement was associated with seasonal warming, with alewives moving down the spatial temperature gradient and into deeper waters. Offshore, larger tidal displacements widely dispersed tagged alewives through Minas Basin and to Minas Passage. During transit of Gaspereau River, 18 ± 2 alewives were lost with corroborating evidence of mortality for 4 of these. By day 20, the apparent mortality within Minas Basin was ≤ 10 alewives. Individual alewives were observed to make many transits through Minas Passage during their migration, where they may become exposed to in-stream tidal turbines.
Attachment style and mental health during the later stages of COVID‐19 pandemic: the mediation role of loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety
Authors: Vismara Laura , Lucarelli Loredana , Sechi Cristina
Published: March 2022

Background

An insecure attachment style is an important risk factor for psychological problems. The aim of this study was to use Bartholomew and Horowitz’s model (Bartholomew and Horowitz in J Pers Soc Psychol 61(2): 226, 2019) to test a sample of Italian individuals to determine the mediation role of loneliness and COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms in the relationship between attachment styles and mental health issues in the context of the pandemic.

Method

A cross-sectional research study was conducted using a sample of 330 Italian participants (82.1% women; mean age = 34.3 years; SD = 13.16) who completed online self-reported measures of attachment styles (RQ), loneliness (RULS), COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms (C-19ASS) and mental health problems (GHQ-12). Serial mediation analyses were performed, and bootstrap tests were included.

Results

Our results supported the hypothesized model with respect to each attachment style (p < 0.001). In particular, insecure attachment styles predict mental health problems both directly and indirectly, through loneliness and COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms. In addition, loneliness directly influences mental health problems and also mediates the relationship between insecure attachment styles and COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms which, in turn, positively predict mental health problems.

Conclusions

Our findings reinforce the importance of attachment in people’s processes of adapting to experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. The study makes an important contribution to developing effective prevention and intervention strategies to support people’s wellbeing in the context of the pandemic.
Individual consistency in migration strategies of a tropical seabird, the Round Island petrel
Authors: Franklin Kirsty A. , Norris Ken , Gill Jennifer A. , Ratcliffe Norman , Bonnet-Lebrun Anne-Sophie , Butler Simon J. , Cole Nik C. , Jones Carl G. , Lisovski Simeon , Ruhomaun Kevin , Tatayah Vikash , Nicoll Malcolm A. C.
Published: March 2022

Background

In migratory species, the extent of within- and between-individual variation in migratory strategies can influence potential rates and directions of responses to environmental changes. Quantifying this variation requires tracking of many individuals on repeated migratory journeys. At temperate and higher latitudes, low levels of within-individual variation in migratory behaviours are common and may reflect repeated use of predictable resources in these seasonally-structured environments. However, variation in migratory behaviours in the tropics, where seasonal predictability of food resources can be weaker, remains largely unknown.

Methods

Round Island petrels (Pterodroma sp.) are tropical, pelagic seabirds that breed all year round and perform long-distance migrations. Using multi-year geolocator tracking data from 62 individuals between 2009 and 2018, we quantify levels of within- and between-individual variation in non-breeding distributions and timings.

Results

We found striking levels of between-individual variation in at-sea movements and timings, with non-breeding migrations to different areas occurring across much of the Indian Ocean and throughout the whole year. Despite this, repeat-tracking of individual petrels revealed remarkably high levels of spatial and temporal consistency in within-individual migratory behaviour, particularly for petrels that departed at similar times in different years and for those departing in the austral summer. However, while the same areas were used by individuals in different years, they were not necessarily used at the same times during the non-breeding period.

Conclusions

Even in tropical systems with huge ranges of migratory routes and timings, our results suggest benefits of consistency in individual migratory behaviours. Identifying the factors that drive and maintain between-individual variation in migratory behaviour, and the consequences for breeding success and survival, will be key to understanding the consequences of environmental change across migratory ranges.
TMEM106B deficiency impairs cerebellar myelination and synaptic integrity with Purkinje cell loss
Authors: Feng Tuancheng , Luan Lin , Katz Isabel Iscol , Ullah Mohammed , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Edward B. , Hu Fenghua
Published: March 2022

TMEM106B, a type II lysosomal transmembrane protein, has recently been associated with brain aging, hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and several other brain disorders. TMEM106B is critical for proper lysosomal function and TMEM106B deficiency leads to myelination defects, FTLD related pathology, and motor coordination deficits in mice. However, the physiological and pathological functions of TMEM106B in the brain are still not well understood. In this study, we investigate the role of TMEM106B in the cerebellum, dysfunction of which has been associated with FTLD and other brain disorders. We found that TMEM106B is ubiquitously expressed in neurons in the cerebellum, with the highest levels in the Purkinje neurons. Aged TMEM106B-deficient mice show significant loss of Purkinje neurons specifically in the anterior lobe of the cerebellum. Increased microglia and astrocyte activation, as well as an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, p62 and TDP-43 were also detected in the cerebellum of aged TMEM106B deficient mice. In the young mice, myelination defects and a significant loss of synapses between Purkinje and deep cerebellar nuclei neurons were observed. Interestingly, TMEM106B deficiency causes distinct lysosomal phenotypes in different types of neurons and glia in the cerebellum and frontal cortex. In humans, TMEM106B rs1990622 risk allele (T/T) is associated with increased Purkinje neuron loss. Taken together, our studies support that TMEM106B regulates lysosomal function in a cell-type-specific manner and TMEM106B is critical for maintaining synaptic integrity and neural functions in the cerebellum.
Quality indicators of palliative care for cardiovascular intensive care
Authors: Takaoka Yoshimitsu , Hamatani Yasuhiro , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Oishi Shogo , Utsunomiya Akemi , Kawai Fujimi , Komiyama Nobuyuki , Mizuno Atsushi
Published: March 2022

Healthcare providers working for cardiovascular intensive care often face challenges and they play an essential role in palliative care and end-of-life care because of the high mortality rates in the cardiac intensive care unit. Unfortunately, there are several barriers to integrating palliative care, cardiovascular care, and intensive care. The main reasons are as follows: cardiovascular disease-specific trajectories differ from cancer, there is uncertainty associated with treatments and diagnoses, aggressive treatments are necessary for symptom relief, and there is ethical dilemma regarding withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. Quality indicators that can iterate the minimum requirements of each medical discipline could be used to overcome these barriers and effectively practice palliative care in cardiovascular intensive care. Unfortunately, there are no specific quality indicators for palliative care in cardiovascular intensive care. A few indicators and their domains are useful for understanding current palliative care in cardiovascular intensive care. Among them, several domains, such as symptom palliation, patient- and family-centered decision-making, continuity of care, and support for health care providers that are particularly important in cardiovascular intensive care.

Historically, the motivation for using quality indicators is to summarize mechanisms for external accountability and verification, and formative mechanisms for quality improvement. Practically, when using quality indicators, it is necessary to check structural indicators in each healthcare service line, screen palliative care at the first visit, and integrate palliative care teams with other professionals. Finally, we would like to state that quality indicators in cardiovascular intensive care could be useful as an educational tool for practicing palliative care, understanding the minimum requirements, and as a basic structure for future discussions.
Atmospheric resuspension of insoluble radioactive cesium-bearing particles found in the difficult-to-return area in Fukushima
Authors: Tang Peng , Kita Kazuyuki , Igarashi Yasuhito , Satou Yukihiko , Hatanaka Koutarou , Adachi Kouji , Kinase Takeshi , Ninomiya Kazuhiko , Shinohara Atsushi
Published: March 2022

The deposition of insoluble radiocesium-bearing microparticles (CsMPs), which were released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1NPP) accident in March 2011, has resulted in the widespread contamination of eastern Japan. Obviously, these deposited insoluble CsMPs may become the secondary contamination sources by atmospheric migration or other environmental transferring process; however, the understanding of the transport mechanism remains non-elucidation, and the relevant evidence has not been directly provided. This study, for the first time, provides the direct evidence for the resuspension of these insoluble CsMPs to the atmosphere from (1) proximity of 137Cs radioactivity and resemblance of the morphology and the elemental compositions of CsMPs in the samples of soil and aerosol derived from the same sampling site, (2) the special characteristics of the resuspended CsMPs of which the ratios of Na/Si, K/Si and/or Cs/Si were smaller than those from the initially released CsMPs collected at either long distance or near F1NPP, which can be ascribed to the slowly natural corrosion of CsMPs by the loss of the small amount of soluble contents in CsMPs, and (3) high CsMPs concentration of 10 granules/g in the surface soil of our sampling site and high resuspension frequency of CsMPs in spring when predominant suspended particles were soil dust. Specifically, 15 single CsMPs were successfully isolated from the aerosol filters collected by unmanned high-volume air samplers at a severely polluted area in Fukushima Prefecture, about 25 km away from F1NPP, from January 2015 to September 2019. The mean diameter of these CsMPs was 1.8 ± 0.5 μm, and the average 137Cs radioactivity was 0.35 ± 0.23 Bq/granule. The contribution rate of the resuspended CsMPs to the atmospheric radiocesium was estimated from the ratio of 137Cs radioactivity of a single CsMP to that of the aerosol filter to be of 23.9 ± 15.3%. There has been no considerable decreasing trend in the annual CsMP resuspension frequency.
Calcium intake may explain the reduction of colorectal cancer odds by dietary selenium - a case-control study in Poland
Authors: Augustyniak Malgorzata , Galas Aleksander
Published: March 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been placed among top three cancer sites in high income countries. Although there are several inconsistencies across studies it is widely accepted that diet contributes to approximately 70% of CRC. Several dietary factors have been investigated; however, the knowledge about the role of trace elements and their interplay with other dietary factors in CRC odds is limited. The aim of the study was to estimate the odds ratio of colorectal cancer associated with the content of selenium in diet, and to check whether dietary calcium is a modifier of selenium effect in the population characterized by low selenium intake.

Methods

Face-to-face interviews were used to gather data on dietary habits (by 148-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire) and covariates among 683 histologically confirmed incident colorectal cancer cases and 759 hospital-based controls in a case-control study. Data was collected in a period between 2000 and 2012. Setting: Lesser Poland, Central Europe. Logistic regression models were used to assess the role of dietary selenium intake and calcium-selenium interaction in colorectal cancer odds.

Results

After the adjustment for several covariates dietary selenium was associated with the decrease of colorectal cancer odds by 8% (OR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.84–0.99 for every 10μg Se/day increase). In individuals with lower (< 1000 mg/day) calcium content the odds of colorectal cancer was decreased by 13%(for every 10μg Se/day) and by 44% and 66% depending on the categories of selenium intake (60 to < 80 μg/day and ≥ 80 μg/day, respectively). The effect of dietary selenium was modified by dietary calcium (p for interaction < .005).

Conclusions

The study has shown a beneficial effect of dietary selenium for colorectal cancer and a modification effect of dietary calcium in a population characterized by lower levels of selenium intake. The results provide the basis for well-planned controlled trials to confirm the findings.
Can wind and solar replace coal in Texas?
Authors: Morse Richard , Salvatore Sarah , Slusarewicz Joanna H. , Cohan Daniel S.
Published: March 2022

Texas has seen a rapid decline in coal use in recent years, but still burns more coal and emits more carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide than any other state. Coal’s share of power generation in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) system that covers most of the state fell to 20 percent in 2019, while wind grew to 20 percent and solar to 2 percent. Here, we investigate the potential for new wind and solar projects already proposed in the ERCOT interconnection queue as of June 2020 to replace the coal power that remained in 2019. The Wind Integration National Data Set (WIND) Toolkit is used to simulate the output of each wind project, and the System Advisor Model to simulate solar output, for 3 years of meteorological conditions. Mixed integer cost-optimization modeling finds that a portfolio of just 72 of the 108 wind projects and 42 of the 262 solar projects in the queue would be sufficient to replace most coal generation in ERCOT, leaving 10 percent of coal output uncovered and generating larger surpluses at other times. The complementary timing of solar and wind in Texas, with sunshine peaking midday and winds peaking overnight in the west and on summer evenings near the coast, enables these high levels of displacement to be achieved. In fact, the wind and solar portfolio would outproduce retired coal on summer afternoons when demand peaks, leaving small gaps in evenings and shoulder seasons when demand is lower.
Earnings quality measures and stock return volatility in South Africa
Authors: Fonou-Dombeu Nyanine Chuele , Mbonigaba Josue , Olarewaju Odunayo Magret , Nomlala Bomi Cyril
Published: March 2022

This paper examined the association between various measures of earnings quality and stock return volatility of Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed companies for 10 years from 2009 to 2018. The measures of earnings quality considered were accrual quality, conservatism, earnings persistence, predictability and smoothness. The stock return volatility was measured with idiosyncratic volatility. Multilevel linear regression found that accrual quality and earnings persistence are negatively related to idiosyncratic volatility. Firms with a high value of accrual quality and those with more persistent earnings exhibited a decrease in stock return volatility. Furthermore, it was found that the earnings smoothness positively influenced the idiosyncratic volatility, suggesting that firms with less smooth earnings display an increase in stock return volatility. The conservatism and earnings predictability have no significant effect on stock return volatility. The mixed results of this study supported the noise and information perspective to explain the stock return volatility of JSE-listed companies.
Proposed Assisted Dying Bill: implications for mental healthcare and psychiatrists
Authors: Bhui Kamaldeep , Malhi Gin S.
Published: March 2022

The UK is currently considering making assisted dying available to patients who are terminally ill. We discuss ethical and practical aspects of this complex issue and outline the potential role of psychiatry. We set out the challenges of implementation of legislation, and potential unintended consequences including the impact on health inequalities.
Financial Toxicity Among Older Mexican Adults With Cancer and Their Families: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Sánchez-Román Sofia , Chavarri-Guerra Yanin , Vargas-Huicochea Ingrid , Alvarez del Río Asunción , Bernal Pérez Pilar , Morales Alfaro Andrea , Ramirez Maza Daniela , de la O Murillo Andrea , Flores-Estrada Diana , Arrieta Oscar , Soto-Perez-de-Celis Enrique
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

The financial toxicity (FT) of cancer is common among older adults in high-income countries, but little is known about the financial hardships faced by older patients with cancer living in developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore the financial burden of cancer among older Mexican adults and their relatives, as well as factors that might mitigate such burden.

METHODS

This mixed-methods study included patients age 65 years and older with the 10 most common malignancies in Mexico and 3-24 months from diagnosis at two cancer centers in Mexico City and their relatives. For the quantitative component, patients and relatives answered the Spanish version of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Financial Well-Being Scale. Patients completed the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity-Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT) scale and a 3-month, self-reported cost diary. For the qualitative component, focused interviews were used to explore the individual experiences of patients and their relatives.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients and their relatives were included, of whom 45% had stage IV disease. On the COST-FACIT scale, 9% reported no FT, 52% mild FT, 39% moderate FT, and 0% severe FT. The mean Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Financial Well-Being Scale score was 45.2, with 78% reporting poor financial well-being (score ≤ 50). On cost diaries, most expenses were associated with purchasing medications, including chemotherapy. Focused interviews showed that most patients and relatives had to acquire debt to face costs of cancer care.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of Mexican older adults with cancer reported FT and poor financial well-being. Understanding experiences associated with FT and strategies to mitigate it represents an essential first step to design public policies aimed at protecting older adults with cancer and their families from catastrophic spending.
Release of Ropinirole in Acrylate Transdermal Patches: Mutual Interactions Between Formulation Variables
Authors: Jesús Paterna-Paterna , Montserrat Miñarro-Carmona , Dolors Pujol-Dilme Mª , Ramon Ticó-Grau Josep , Antonio Boix-Montañés
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to evaluate the cooperative interactions between formulation variables of ropinirole transdermal patches and characterize the effects of drug loading and crystallinity, degree of ionization and drug-polymer solubilization, functionalization of acrylate polymeric basis, and the addition of permeation enhancers over the release profiles. Several series of transdermal films based on carboxylic or hydroxylic acrylates (DuroTak®) and containing 1 to 10% ropinirole hydrochloride were laminated by mold-casting and evaporation. Formulations were characterized for crystallinity, drug particle size, drug assay, and residual solvents. Release profiles were obtained at different drug ionization state using paddle over disk apparatus. Mechanisms were elucidated with nonlinear data fitting of relevant release equations. Fickian and erosion processes were evaluated with the Peppas–Sahlin equation, and burst release risks were estimated as an independent term added to Higuchi kinetics. X-ray diffraction and microscopy evidenced differences in drug-polymer solubilization and density of drug crystals. Concerning drug release, area under the curve of dissolved quantities and release percentage were discriminant variables in mutual influence. Peppas–Shalin equation was the majority descriptor of release suggesting a combination of Fickian and erosion processes, revealing a decrease in the Fickian component as drug loading increased. Major burst release risks were evidenced mostly with Higuchi kinetics with vinylacetate acrylates. The carboxylic polymer without vinylacetate provided the best release extent, being more highly efficient as lower the drug loading was. Permeation enhancers with carboxylic or aliphatic radicals have, additionally, modified the release properties of ropinirole. Chemical interactions between the drug and acrylic polymers have been demonstrated. Only the effect with carboxylic polymer is pH dependent. The vinyl acetate comonomer reduces the drug release rate most effectively in formulations with low drug loads. The acrylic polymers without vinylacetate achieved the highest drug solubilization and thus the highest degree of release, providing a release of approximately 15% of the drug load.
Graphene Oxide-Based Multi-Component Antimicrobial Hydrogels
Authors: Nizami Mohammed Zahedul Islam , Campéon Benoît Denis Louis , Satoh Akira , Nishina Yuta
Published: March 2022

Graphene oxide (GO)-based hydrogel composed of magnesium oxide (MgO) and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is synthesized. GO in the hydrogel plays two roles; gelator by self-assembling and carrier for MgO and PVP-I. MgO particles act as cross-linking initiators and fillers that increase the cohesion and adhesion strengths of the hydrogels. Besides, MgO promotes antibacterial activities and regulates cellular activities over the lifetime of the hydrogel. In addition, PVP-I slowly releases free iodine from the hydrogel, exhibiting germicidal activity over time. A combination of GO, MgO, and PVP-I in the hydrogel exhibit improved electrical conductivity, fluid uptake ability, water retention capacity, water vapor transmission rate, and integrity value. Furthermore, the hydrogel has shown antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings are unique and indicate that GO-based hydrogel could be a promising material for biomedical application, especially for the treatment of pathological and surgical wounds.
Συνεργασία και επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη εκπαιδευτικών στην κοινότητα μάθησης
Authors: Τηλιγάδα Ευμορφία
Published: March 2022

Στη σύγχρονη εποχή της μετανεωτερικότητας, της παγκοσμιοποίησης, της επικυριαρχίας του νεοφιλελευθερισμού, η κοινωνία έρχεται αντιμέτωπη με πολλαπλές προκλήσεις και συχνά επισφαλείς καταστάσεις και αβεβαιότητες σε όλους τους τομείς της ζωής (risk societies). Ειδικότερα, στο διεθνές εκπαιδευτικό τοπίο «ηγεμονεύουν» έννοιες όπως κοινωνία της γνώσης, ανταγωνιστικότητα, διακυβέρνηση του εαυτού (governance of the self), επιτελεστικότητα (performativity), κυβερνησιμότητα (governmentality) καταδεικνύοντας εμφατικά ότι η γνώση αποτελεί ένα μετρήσιμο προϊόν και γι΄ αυτό ανταγωνιστικό. Ο εκπαιδευτικός προσδιορίζεται με βάση ικανοκεντρικά και μετρήσιμα μοντέλα και η έννοια της δια βίου μάθησης και επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης αποτελεί γι’ αυτόν αξιολογικό πρόταγμα. Μελετώντας το πλαίσιο που διαμορφώνουν οι παραπάνω συνθήκες, επιχειρείται η προσέγγιση της έννοιας τoυ σχολείου ως «οργανισμού και κοινότητας μάθησης», ως διακριτού και συγκροτημένου εναλλακτικού παραδείγματος μέσα από τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία. Εξετάζεται ο τρόπος με τον οποίο η δημιουργία μιας ισχυρής κοινότητας μάθησης, η οποία ερείδεται σ΄ έναν ισχυρό αξιακό κώδικα, στη συνεργασία και στην εστίαση στη μάθηση, μπορεί να συμβάλλει στο κυρίαρχο ζητούμενο της εποχής, «μάθηση για όλους» στα όρια μιας «ολοκληρωτικά παιδαγωγούμενης κοινωνίας». Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, ο εκπαιδευτικός δεν πορεύεται αυτόνομα, δεν δρα «ατομικά», αλλά εμπλέκεται σε συνεργατικές πρακτικές και καθίσταται ατομικά υπόλογος και συλλογικά συνυπεύθυνος για την ποιότητα του εκπαιδευτικού έργου. Η έρευνα καταγράφει επίσης, τη σημασία της ηγεσίας για τη μάθηση στη στήριξη της επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης του εκπαιδευτικού και της ενίσχυσης των συνεργατικών πρακτικών. Διερευνάται παράλληλα, η συμβολή της ανάπτυξης συγκεκριμένων προδιαθέσεων και «επαγγελματικών δεξιοτήτων», συνεργατικών, αναστοχαστικών, διαπροσωπικών, στην προώθηση της μάθησης για όλους και την επαγγελματική συνανάπτυξη των εκπαιδευτικών της κοινότητας, μέσα σε ένα καθεστώς υψηλής δέσμευσης με αυξημένα επίπεδα συνεργασίας και αλληλεπίδρασης. Τα αποτελέσματα αναδεικνύουν την ουσιαστική συμβολή πρακτικών αυτοαξιολόγησης και αξιολόγησης ομοτέχνων, με σκοπό τη βελτίωση της ποιότητας του εκπαιδευτικού έργου και την ενίσχυση της επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης των εκπαιδευτικών.
Προγνωστικοί παράγοντες κινδύνου γνωσιακής έκπτωσης ασθενών γενικού νοσοκομείου
Authors: Τόλια Σταματία
Published: March 2022

Εισαγωγή: Ο πρώιμος εντοπισμός της γνωσιακής έκπτωσης σε υγιή άτομα γίνεται όλο και περισσότερο απαραίτητος, λόγω της αιτιολογικής συσχέτισής της με την άνοια. Εκτιμάται ότι οι ασθενείς που πάσχουν από άνοια θα φθάσουν το 2050 περί τα 30.000.000 από τα 14.000.000 που ήταν το 2010 σύμφωνα με πρόσφατη βιβλιογραφία. Σκοπός: Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν να διερευνηθεί η τυχαία μη κλινικά διακριτή γνωσιακή έκπτωση ατόμων προσερχομένων σε γενικό νοσοκομείο, η μελέτη πιθανών παραγόντων που συμβάλλουν στην εμφάνιση γνωστικών ελλειμμάτων καθώς και η κλινική εγκυρότητα της κλίμακας Montreal Cognitive Assessment στον εντοπισμό ήπιων γνωστικών ελλειμμάτων.Υλικό και Μεθοδολογία: Ως κύριο διαγνωστικό εργαλείο για την γνωσιακή έκπτωση και την άνοια χρησιμοποιήθηκε η κλίμακα Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa). Παράλληλα έγινε λήψη κοινωνικών - δημογραφικών στοιχείων του δείγματος και χρησιμοποιήθηκε η κλίμακα Hamilton για κατάθλιψη (HAM-D) ώστε να αποκλεισθεί ο πληθυσμός ο οποίος εμφανίζει καταθλιπτική συμπτωματολογία και η οποία είναι γνωστό ότι αποτελεί συγχυτικό παράγοντα στην εκτίμηση γνωσιακών λειτουργιών. Στη συνέχεια, οι ασθενείς αξιολογήθηκαν μέσω της κλίμακας Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) με σκοπό τη σύγκριση των αποτελεσμάτων των δύο διαγνωστικών εργαλείων της άνοιας. Τέλος, χρησιμοποιήθηκε η κλίμακα International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) ώστε να ληφθούν πληροφορίες σχετικά με τη φυσική δραστηριότητα των ασθενών και κατά πόσο αυτή συνδέεται με την εμφάνιση ή μη γνωστικής έκπτωσης. Η μελέτη είναι προοπτική και πραγματοποιήθηκε σε 300 ασθενείς που προσήλθαν στα εξωτερικά ιατρεία (ΕΙ) γενικού νοσοκομείου. Η τεχνική της δειγματοληψίας ήταν αυτή της σκόπιμης, μη πιθανότητας.Αποτελέσματα: Ο μέσος όρος ηλικίας του δείγματος ήταν 65.4 έτη. Το 76.7% είχε κάποιο συνοδό νόσημα. Τα ποσοστά εμφάνισης ήπιας, μέτριας, σοβαρής γνωστικής έκπτωσης σύμφωνα με την MoCA ήταν 60.7%, 13.3%, 1.7% αντίστοιχα. Υπήρξε συμφωνία αποτελεσμάτων μεταξύ MoCA-MMSE σε ποσοστό 43.3%. Το 48% του δείγματος με μέτρια ή έντονη φυσική δραστηριότητα εμφάνισε καλύτερη απόδοση στις γνωστικές δοκιμασίες των δύο κλιμάκων.Συμπεράσματα: Η κλίμακα MoCA εμφανίζει μεγαλύτερη ευαισθησία και ειδικότητα στην ανίχνευση ήπιων γνωστικών ελλειμμάτων σε σχέση με την MMSE, αποτελώντας ένα ισχυρό διαγνωστικό εργαλείο στην κλινική πράξη. Η φυσική δραστηριότητα και τα έτη εκπαίδευσης φαίνεται να μειώνουν τον κίνδυνο εμφάνισης άνοιας ή ήπιας γνωστικής διαταραχής.