bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daily Activities: The Impact of COPD and Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Brunette Amanda M , Warner Kelsey , Holm Kristen E , Meschede Kimberly , Wamboldt Frederick S , Kozora Elizabeth , Moser David J , Make Barry J , Crapo James D , Moreau Kerrie L , Weinberger Howard D , Bowler Russell , Hoth Karin F 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objective
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation; however, pulmonary function does not fully account for patients’ functional difficulties. The primary aim of the study was to determine the association between several domains of cognition and daily activity among those with COPD.

Method
Eighty-nine former smokers completed a neuropsychological battery including measures across multiple domains of cognition, pulmonary function measures, and daily activity questionnaires. Using a cross-sectional design, we compared daily activity between former smokers with and without COPD using two measures (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] Activity Subscale and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL] Scale) and examined the association between cognition and daily activity among those with COPD.

Results
As expected, former smokers with COPD reported more difficulty than those without COPD on both activity measures (SGRQ Activity Subscale p &lt; .001; Lawton IADL Scale p = .040). Among former smokers with COPD, poorer delayed recall was associated with more difficulty with daily activities (SGRQ Activity Subscale) (p = .038) while adjusting for severity of airflow limitation, exercise tolerance, oxygen use, dyspnea, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion
The findings suggest that cognition is associated with daily activity in patients with COPD. Future research should examine whether cognitive interventions may help to maximize patients’ engagement in daily activities.
Eye size in North American watersnakes (genusNerodia) correlates with variation in feeding ecology
Authors: Camp Carlos D , Wooten Jessica A , Pepper Mary Kaytlin , Austin Richard M , Whitfield Gibbons J 
Published: September 2020

AbstractVisual acuity and sensitivity positively correlate to eye size in vertebrates, and eye size relates to the ecology of colubrid snakes. We investigated whether eye morphology of North American colubrids of the genus Nerodia correlates with ecology as well. Although all members of the genus utilize aquatic habits, they differ widely in the proportion of anurans they eat. We specifically tested whether eye size and placement is associated with the proportion of frogs in the diet to determine whether these two aspects of eye morphology relate to feeding ecology. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we found a significantly positive association between eye size and the proportion of anurans eaten by Nerodia species. Although the evidence is equivocal, the anterior placement of relatively small eyes in one species may also enhance anurophagy. Although eye size may improve a snake’s ability to feed on frogs, eye size must compete with other selective forces on head shape in trade-offs that may also influence eye size.
In situ and low-cost monitoring of particles falling from freshwater animals: from microplastics to parasites
Authors: Douda Karel , Escobar-Calderón Felipe , Vodáková Barbora , Horký Pavel , Slavík Ondřej , Sousa Ronaldo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA simple and low-cost method of monitoring and collecting particulate matter detaching from (or interacting with) aquatic animals is described using a novel device based on an airlift pump principle applied to floating cages. The efficiency of the technique in particle collection is demonstrated using polyethylene microspheres interacting with a cyprinid fish (Carassius carassius) and a temporarily parasitic stage (glochidia) of an endangered freshwater mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) dropping from experimentally infested host fish (Salmo trutta). The technique enables the monitoring of temporal dynamics of particle detachment and their continuous collection both in the laboratory and in situ, allowing the experimental animals to be kept under natural water quality regimes and reducing the need for handling and transport. The technique can improve the representativeness of current experimental methods used in the fields of environmental parasitology, animal feeding ecology and microplastic pathway studies in aquatic environments. In particular, it makes it accessible to study the physiological compatibility of glochidia and their hosts, which is an essential but understudied autecological feature in mussel conservation programs worldwide. Field placement of the technique can also aid in outreach programs with pay-offs in the increase of scientific literacy of citizens concerning neglected issues such as the importance of fish hosts for the conservation of freshwater mussels.
The potential role of aerial pesticide applications to control landscape-scale outbreaks of pests and diseases in British forestry with a focus on dothistroma needle blight
Authors: Tubby Katherine , Forster Jack 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
British forestry is threatened by numerous pests and diseases. This study investigated the potential for re-introduction of aerial pesticide applications for landscape-scale disease management. In North Scotland in 2013 and 2015, copper oxychloride was applied to Pinus sylvestris L. stands infected with Dothistroma septosporum (Dorogin) Morelet. Helicopters distributed ultra-low-volume (ULV) applications of product via Micronair rotary atomisers, following methods used against D. septosporum in P. radiata D. Don stands in New Zealand. Product deposition was quantified on paper catchers and in foliage, soil and water. Catchers 100 m beyond the plot boundaries intercepted 0.5 per cent of within-plot mean deposition. Foliar analysis revealed slightly elevated copper concentrations (+0.07 μg g−1 dw) 250 m outside plot boundaries. Copper in foliage and needle litter remained above background levels for 109 and 157 weeks after application, respectively, longer than recorded during New Zealand operations. Concentrations in the soil increased over 3 years’ monitoring, whilst deposition into water traps resulted in copper concentrations well within limits set by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. No deleterious impacts on vascular and non-vascular ground and canopy flora were recorded. Copper fungicide applications significantly reduced foliar infection at both sites but did not affect needle retention. Further ground-based trials will investigate the efficacy of other actives. In Britain, such aerial operations have not occurred for two decades: this study demonstrated aerial and ground teams have the necessary expertise for their re-introduction, whilst highlighting areas needing further optimization.
Implementation of Judgments: Practical Insights from Civil Society
Authors: Dailey Erika 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This practice note takes a complementary look at the implementation of court judgments regarding human rights, interrogating the perspectives and lived experience of independent stakeholders, among them victims of human rights violations, advocates, litigators, legislators, judges, and other civil society representatives. It draws on the Open Society Justice Initiative’s Strategic Litigation Impacts inquiry, a partner-led, multi-year comparative socio-legal study based on hundreds of semi-structured interviews and legal analysis of 11 diverse countries, eight international conferences and workshops, and four thematic reports examining various areas of rights: Roma and desegregation of education; indigenous peoples’ land rights; equal access to quality education; and torture in custody. The experience of these stakeholders prompts and responds to government action and inaction, offering a rough mirror image from a civil society perspective.
A minimal time-scale for the spectral states of GX 339−4
Authors: Sonbas E , Mohamed K , Dhuga K S , Tuncer A , Göğüş E 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
Black hole transients are known to undergo spectral transitions that form q-shaped tracks on a hardness intensity diagram. In this work, we use the archival Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer data to extract a characteristic minimal time-scale for the spectral states in GX 339−4 for the 2002–2003 and 2010 outbursts. We use the extracted time-scale to construct an intensity variability diagram for each outburst. This new diagram is comparable to the traditional hardness intensity diagram and offers the potential for probing the underlying dynamics associated with the evolution of the relevant emission regions in black hole transients. We confirm this possibility by connecting the minimal time-scale with the inner disc radius, Rin (estimated from spectral fits), and demonstrate a positive correlation between these variables as the system evolves through its spectral transitions. Furthermore, we probe the relation between the minimal time-scale and the break frequencies extracted from the power spectral densities. Lastly, we examine a possible link between the extracted time-scale and a traditional measure of variability, i.e. the root mean square, determined directly from the power spectra.
Simulating the dynamics and non-thermal emission of relativistic magnetized jets I. Dynamics
Authors: Mukherjee Dipanjan , Bodo Gianluigi , Mignone Andrea , Rossi Paola , Vaidya Bhargav 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
We have performed magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of relativistic jets from supermassive blackholes over a few tens of kpc for a range of jet parameters. One of the primary aims was to investigate the effect of different MHD instabilities on the jet dynamics and their dependence on the choice of jet parameters. We find that two dominant MHD instabilities affect the dynamics of the jet, small-scale Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) modes and large-scale kink modes, whose evolution depends on internal jet parameters like the Lorentz factor, the ratio of the density and pressure to the external medium, and the magnetization and hence consequently on the jet power. Low power jets are susceptible to both instabilities, kink modes for jets with higher central magnetic field and KH modes for lower magnetization. Moderate power jets do not show appreciable growth of kink modes, but KH modes develop for lower magnetization. Higher power jets are generally stable to both instabilities. Such instabilities decelerate and decollimate the jet while inducing turbulence in the cocoon, with consequences on the magnetic field structure. We model the dynamics of the jets following a generalized treatment of the Begelman–Cioffi relations, which we present here. We find that the dynamics of stable jets match well with simplified analytic models of expansion of non-self-similar FRII jets, whereas jets with prominent MHD instabilities show a nearly self-similar evolution of the morphology as the energy is more evenly distributed between the jet head and the cocoon.
Unilateral autoimmune inner ear disease in a patient with lung cancer treated with nivolumab
Authors: Rajapakse Aleksandra , O’Leary Connor , Gundelach Raefe , Deva Rajeev , O’Byrne Ken 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
A 69-year-old male presented with early stage non-small cell lung cancer in 2016. The tumor was resected; however, the patient experienced recurrence 2 years later and subsequently received paclitaxel/carboplatin concurrently with radiotherapy. Within weeks of completing this treatment, he developed a symptomatic pancoast tumor secondary to disease progression and commenced second line nivolumab. Following the second dose of nivolumab, he developed acute unilateral right hearing loss. He commenced intravenous methylprednisolone followed by a slow taper of oral prednisolone. With steroids, he noted a gradual improvement in hearing, confirmed by audiology. Restaging imaging post-nivolumab demonstrated a complete metabolic response. Two prior cases have reported bilateral sensorineural hearing loss post-immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). We postulate the hearing impairment relates to the development of autoimmune inner ear disease. To our knowledge, this is the only case of a patient experiencing unilateral loss of hearing following an ICI.
Mobilization and Exercise Intervention for Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Practice Guidelines Endorsed by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
Authors: Jeevanantham Deepa , Rajendran Venkadesan , McGillis Zachary , Tremblay Line , Larivière Céline , Knight Andrew 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objective
Individuals with multiple myeloma (MM) often have reduced functional performance due to the cancer itself or as a direct side effect of cancer treatments. Physical therapy is a part of cancer rehabilitation; however, no guidelines are available to provide information and direction for physical therapists managing patients with MM. The goal of this guideline is to provide recommendations based on a systematic review and consensus process that physical therapists can use to manage patients with MM.

Methods
A systematic review of the literature published until August 2018 was performed in 8 databases with 2 independent reviewers assessing quality. Seventeen articles were identified as relevant, and a draft guideline was developed in the form of action statements. A total of 10 physical therapists with hematology experience and 10 patients with MM were recruited for consensus process. A priori threshold of 80% agreement was used to establish a consensus for each statement. The draft guidelines were reviewed externally by 4 methodologists using the AGREE II tool and a stakeholder representing OH (Cancer Care Ontario) Program in Evidence Based Care, McMaster University. The final guideline was reviewed and officially endorsed by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Results
A total of 30 action statements were developed that achieved consensus, indicating physical therapy recommendations based on physiological markers (ie, hemoglobin, platelet count), complete patient presentation, and the stage of medical treatment.

Conclusion
These clinical practice guidelines were developed to aid physical therapists in implementing evidence-based and best-practice care for patients with MM to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

Impact
These guidelines fill an important knowledge gap and are the first to provide information specifically for physical therapist management of patients with MM.
West Nile virus neutralizing antibody prevalence in donkeys from northern Nigeria
Authors: Idoko Idoko Sunday , Schvartz Gili , Tirosh-Levy Sharon , Erster Oran , Jibril Jibril Yakubu , Adamu Andrew Musa , Enem Simon Ikechukwu , Omeje Jude Nduka , Nafarnda Wesley Daniel , Steinman Amir 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-West Nile virus (WNV) neutralizing antibodies in donkeys from two areas in northern Nigeria.

Methods
Serology was determined by a virus neutralization test in samples collected from 205 healthy adult donkeys.

Results
Fifty-seven donkeys (27.8%) tested seropositive for WNV. Donkeys from Zaria were 2.6 times more likely to have been exposed to WNV (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrate that this zoonotic pathogen is prevalent in these areas and that measures should be implemented to reduce the risk for both humans and equids.
Comparative Evaluation of 4 Commercially Available ELISA Kits for Measuring Adalimumab and Anti-adalimumab Antibodies
Authors: Sam Melissa Joyce , Connor Susan Jane , Ng Watson Wa-Sang , Toong Catherine Mei-Ling 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Therapeutic drug monitoring of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, such as adalimumab (ADM), is increasingly being performed for the management of autoimmune diseases. However, there can be significant variation in drug and antibody concentrations obtained by different assay methods. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits for measuring ADM and anti-ADM antibodies.

Method:
Dilutions of ADM or anti-ADM spiked sera were assessed for recovery rate and precision using the following 4 kits: LISA-Tracker (Theradiag, Croissy-Beaubourg, France), Promonitor (Grifols, Barcelona, Spain), Ridascreen (R-Biopharm, Darmstadt, Germany), and Shikari (Matriks Biotek, Gölbaşi/Ankara Turkey). Interference samples were also assessed.

Results:
At the therapeutic concentration, ADM detection was comparable among the 4 ELISA kits. Lisa-Tracker and Shikari kits produced low-range false positive results in normal sera. Infliximab and etanercept caused false positives in Lisa-Tracker and Shikari kits. Anti-ADM antibody ELISA kits performed differently with spiked samples because of different measuring units and ranges. Ridascreen and Shikari kits were dose responsive across the entire standard curve and correlated well with each other (r2 = 0.997). Cross reactivity was observed in rheumatoid factor positive sera tested on the Promonitor anti-ADM kit.

Conclusions:
All ADM kits tested were dose responsive within the therapeutic range and correlated well. The significance of observed low-range false positives and cross reactivity with infliximab in LISA-Tracker and Shikari kits is dependent on the indications received for testing in the laboratory. Anti-ADM ELISA kits produced varied results for spiked sera; however, they showed good precision. Inter-kit variability suggested that anti-ADM levels should be compared only when using the same method.
Performance of an automated blood pressure measurement device in a stroke rehabilitation unit
Authors: Lamarre-Cliche Maxime , Spacek Elena , Houde Sylvie , Furgé Priscille , Lamarre Céline , Duong Ynhu Nguyen , Tran Gabrielle , Beaudoin Nicole 
Published: September 2020

Context
Valid blood pressure (BP) measurements are needed in post-stroke rehabilitation hospital units for the management of hypertension. Automated devices could be used to improve on usual care BP measurement. However, more information is needed about the performance of these devices in such a context.

Methods
This prospective nonrandomized study was performed in stroke patients with hypertension hospitalized in a stroke rehabilitation unit. Two in-hospital BP assessment strategies were compared: usual care BP and in-hospital automated office BP (AOBP) standardized measurements. In-office AOBP and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were also performed on these patients. The main outcome was SBP. Study follow-up was until discharge, up to a maximum of 4 weeks.

Results
Sixty-two patients with stroke hospitalized in a rehabilitation unit were included. Usual care BP was 130 ± 12/79 ± 9 mmHg and differed from an in-hospital AOBP of 117 ± 14/75 ± 12 mmHg (P < 0.001/P < 0.001). In-hospital and in-office AOBP measurements did not differ. Twenty percent of patients reached SBP therapeutic goals according to in-hospital AOBP but not according to usual care BP measurements.

Conclusion
This study shows that in a post-stroke rehabilitation unit, standardized in-hospital AOBP estimates are on average much lower than the usual care BP correlates and similar to the in-office AOBP estimates. In-hospital AOBP devices in a stroke rehabilitation unit could add important information for the management of hypertension.
Endoscopic Evaluation of Radiologic Distal Esophageal Thickening
Authors: Leung Galen , Mizrahi Joseph , Quintero Samuel , Sosa Daniel , Parkinson Deborah , Taub Erin , Desai Deepak , Cheng Edward 
Published: September 2020

Goals:
We aim to determine the incidence of esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) primarily performed for imaging findings of distal esophageal thickening (DET). We also aim to determine if patients with imaging findings of DET have a higher incidence of cancer, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with findings of malignancy.

Background:
The growth of diagnostic imaging has led to an increase in incidental findings of DET. This nonspecific finding frequently prompts an EGD for evaluation—many of which demonstrate benign conditions. There may be a misuse of valuable resources.

Study:
We performed a retrospective chart review of 1080 EGDs from January 2016 to July 2018 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, comparing EGDs for the indication of imaging report of DET with EGDs for other indications. Patient demographics, clinical history, imaging, procedure, and pathology reports were collected. Descriptive analysis and biostatistical analysis with χ2, Fisher exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were utilized in analyzing the data.

Results:
Of the 1080 total endoscopies, 8.2% (n=88) were done specifically because of the imaging findings of DET. Those who had EGDs performed because of DET had a higher percentage of abnormal esophageal findings and of cancer. A history of Barrett’s esophagus, tobacco use, and having gastrointestinal symptoms were not significant predictors of abnormal findings or of cancer for EGDs done for DET.

Conclusions:
There may be a role for EGDs performed for radiologic findings of DET. Even those without risk factors for malignancy should have EGDs performed for DET. Radiologists should consider reporting the DET size in order to determine if significant endoscopic findings correlate with wall thickness.
The Effect of Surgical Treatment on the Quality of Life of Young Women with Breast Asymmetry: A Longitudinal, Cohort Study
Authors: Nuzzi Laura C. , Firriolo Joseph M. , Pike Carolyn M. , Cerrato Felecia E. , DiVasta Amy D. , Labow Brian I. 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Young women with congenital breast asymmetry have impaired psychological well-being and self-esteem. However, little is known regarding the effects of surgical intervention in this population. This cohort study aims to assess postoperative changes in health-related quality of life following surgical treatment of breast asymmetry in young women using a prospective, longitudinal study design.

Methods:
From 2008 to 2018, 45 young women undergoing surgical correction of breast asymmetry of benign cause and 101 unaffected, female controls completed the following surveys: Short-Form 36v2, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Eating-Attitudes Test-26. Surveys were administered at baseline and at up to 9-year follow-up.

Results:
Participants with breast asymmetry scored significantly worse than controls at baseline on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and in two Short-Form 36v2 domains: Social-Functioning and Role-Emotional. Asymmetry participants experienced significant postoperative improvements on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and in three Short-Form 36v2 domains: Role-Physical, Social Functioning, and Mental Health. These improvements were sustained for a minimum of 5 years. Postoperatively, asymmetry participants’ quality of life was comparable to controls and did not vary by age at the time of surgery, asymmetry severity, or diagnosis.

Conclusions:
Surgical treatment of breast asymmetry in young women yields significant and sustained improvements in psychosocial quality of life. Postoperatively, patients returned to a level of functioning commensurate with their peers.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, IV.