bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate Assimilation of Remotely Sensed Soil Moisture and Evapotranspiration for Drought Monitoring
Authors: Gavahi Keyhan , Abbaszadeh Peyman , Moradkhani Hamid , Zhan Xiwu , Hain Christopher 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSoil moisture (SM) and evapotranspiration (ET) are key variables of the terrestrial water cycle with a strong relationship. This study examines remotely sensed soil moisture and evapotranspiration data assimilation (DA) with the aim of improving drought monitoring. Although numerous efforts have gone into assimilating satellite soil moisture observations into land surface models to improve their predictive skills, little attention has been given to the combined use of soil moisture and evapotranspiration to better characterize hydrologic fluxes. In this study, we assimilate two remotely sensed datasets, namely, Soil Moisture Operational Product System (SMOPS) and MODIS evapotranspiration (MODIS16 ET), at 1-km spatial resolution, into the VIC land surface model by means of an evolutionary particle filter method. To achieve this, a fully parallelized framework based on model and domain decomposition using a parallel divide-and-conquer algorithm was implemented. The findings show improvement in soil moisture predictions by multivariate assimilation of both ET and SM as compared to univariate scenarios. In addition, monthly and weekly drought maps are produced using the updated root-zone soil moisture percentiles over the Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint basin in the southeastern United States. The model-based estimates are then compared against the corresponding U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) archive maps. The results are consistent with the USDM maps during the winter and spring season considering the drought extents; however, the drought severity was found to be slightly higher according to DA method. Comparing different assimilation scenarios showed that ET assimilation results in wetter conditions comparing to open-loop and univariate SM DA. The multivariate DA then combines the effects of the two variables and provides an in-between condition.
Daily Life Physical Activity and Concussion Symptoms in Adolescents
Authors: Boisgontier Matthieu P. , Cheval Boris , Schmidt Julia 
Published: September 2020

Background. Concussion is a common injury in an adolescent population with up to 30% experiencing persistent symptoms. Rehabilitation programs that include aerobic exercises can reduce persistent postconcussion symptoms. However, it is unclear if daily life physical activities can also reduce symptoms. Purpose. To investigate whether the level of daily life physical activity reduces postconcussion symptoms in the adolescent population. Methods. Ten adolescents aged 11–18 years with a concussion self-reported their postconcussion symptoms and level of physical activity during the first, third, and sixth months after injury. The extent to which physical activity explained postconcussion health was analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling. Findings. Higher levels of daily life physical activity were associated with fewer somatic and cognitive symptoms. Implications. These findings suggest that daily life physical activity, including engagement in sports, physical education, or active games, should be encouraged by occupational therapists to promote concussion recovery.
Spotlight on Oculogyric Crisis: A Review
Authors: Mahal Pankaj , Suthar Navratan , Nebhinani Naresh 
Published: September 2020

Background: Oculogyric crisis (OGC) is a form of acute dystonia characterized by sustained dystonic, conjugate, and upward deviation of the eyes. It was initially reported in patients with postencephalitic parkinsonism. But later, other factors such as medications, movement disorders, metabolic disorders, and focal brain lesions were also found to be associated with OGC. Methods: The literature regarding OGC was searched via PubMed, Google Scholar, and through citations in relevant articles till December 2019, with keywords including OGC, oculogyric eye movements, tonic eye movement, neuroleptics and OGC, antipsychotics and OGC, and all combinations of these. Only original articles (abstract or full text) that were published in the English language were reviewed. Results: Hypodopaminergic state is implicated in the pathogenesis of OGC. Common risk factors are younger age, male sex, severe illness, high neuroleptic dose, parenteral administration of neuroleptics, high potency of neuroleptic drugs, abrupt discontinuation of anticholinergic medication, and family history of dystonia. Conclusion: OGC is an acute dystonic reaction leading to tonic upward deviation of eyes. It is associated with various neurometabolic, neurodegenerative, and movement disorders and medications such as antipsychotics, antiemetics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and antimalarials. OGC can adversely impact the compliance and prognosis of the primary illness. Hence, it needs to be managed at earlier stages with appropriate medication, primarily anticholinergics.
A case series of transcatheter Potts Shunt creation in a pediatric population affected with refractory pulmonary artery hypertension: focus on the role of ECMO
Authors: Mirabile Cristian , Malekzadeh-Milani Sophie , Bojan Mirela , Raisky Olivier , Gaudin Regis , Bonnet Damien , Boudjemline Younes 
Published: September 2020

Purpose: Patients with suprasystemic idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (S-PAH) have a poor prognosis. Therapeutic options are limited. Reverse Potts shunt creation modifies physiology transforming patients with PAH into Eisenmenger physiology with a better outcome. Percutaneous transcatheter stent secured aortopulmonary connection (transcatheter Potts Shunt, TPS) is a feasible very high-risk procedural option in such patients. We report our experience with patients undergoing TPS at our institution requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Methods: A prospective observational study of patients with drug-refractory PAH, worsening NYHA class, and right ventricular failure undergoing TPS. Two patients required rescue ECMO for cardiac arrest during the procedure. Subsequently, “standby ECMO” was available in all the following cases and elective support was provided in patients with extremely poor conditions. Results: Ten pediatric patients, underwent TPS at our institution. Two patients were rescued by ECMO after cardiac arrest during the shunt creation. This occurred as a result of the acute loading of the left ventricle (LV) after retrograde aortic arch filling through the Potts shunt. Following this, another two patients underwent elective ECMO after the uneventful induction of anesthesia. They all died postoperatively despite a successful TPS procedure. The causes of death were not related to the use of ECMO, but the complication of severe PAH. Six patients with successful TPS did not require ECMO and survived. Conclusions: TPS is a pioneering procedure offering the opportunity to treat high-risk idiopathic drug-refractory PAH patients. Acute LV failure is a complication of TPS in patients with S-PAH. Elective ECMO, an option to avoid circulatory arrest and acute profound hypoxia secondary to exclusive right-to left shunt systemic perfusion by Potts shunt and LV dysfunction with resulting pulmonary edema, may be used at the early stage of the learning curve, but it does not influence the prognosis of these patients which remains poor.
Expression of IL17A in endometrial carcinoma and effects of IL17A on biological behaviour in Ishikawa cells
Authors: Cheng Ran , Xue Xiaoou , Liu Xiaoli 
Published: September 2020

Objective A growing body of evidence suggests chronic inflammation triggers the process of endometrial carcinogenesis. Interleukin (IL) 17A is an important proinflammatory factor involved in the tumour angiogenesis processes of many solid tumours. This study aimed to characterize the function of IL17A in endometrioid-type endometrial carcinoma. Methods Levels of IL17A in human endometrial tissues were analysed by immunohistochemistry. In vitro proliferation and migration were analysed in Ishikawa cells treated with IL17A, using cell counting kit-8, wound healing and transwell assays. Western blots were used to analyse levels of oestrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ proteins in Ishikawa cells treated with IL17A. Results IL17A levels were significantly higher in endometrial carcinoma tissues than in endometrial hyperplasic tissues. Significantly increased proliferation and migration was observed in Ishikawa cells treated with IL17A versus controls. Investigation of the molecular mechanism revealed that IL17A treatment upregulated the ERα/ERβ protein ratio in Ishikawa cells. Conclusions IL17A may be an important proinflammatory factor involved in promoting endometrial carcinogenesis.
Heterogeneity in the Effects of Food Vouchers on Nutrition Among Low-Income Adults: A Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: White Justin S. , Vasconcelos Gabriel , Harding Matthew , Carroll Mandy M. , Gardner Christopher D. , Basu Sanjay , Seligman Hilary K. 
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To determine whether baseline fruit and vegetable (FV) intake or other predictors are associated with response to food vouchers (change in FV intake) among low-income adults. Design: Secondary analysis of a randomized, 2 x 2-factorial, community-based trial. Setting: San Francisco, California. Subjects: 359 low-income adults aged ≥21 years old. Intervention: Participants were mailed $20 of food vouchers monthly for 6 months, and randomized to 1 of 4 arms according to: eligible foods (FV only or any foods) and redemption schedule (weekly or monthly). Measures: Change in FV intake measured in cup equivalents between baseline and month 6 of the trial, based on 24-hour dietary recalls. Analysis: Quantile multivariate regressions were employed to measure associations between key predictors and change in FV intake across study arms. Results: FV-only weekly vouchers were associated with increased FV intake at the 25th percentile (0.24 cups/day, p = 0.048) and 50th percentile (0.37 cups/day, p = 0.02) of the distribution, but not at lower and higher quantiles. Response to the vouchers diminished 0.10 cups/day for each additional household member ( p = 0.02). Conclusion: Response to food vouchers varied along the FV intake distribution, pointing to some more responsive groups and others potentially needing additional support to increase FV intake. Larger households likely need vouchers of higher dollar value to result in similar changes in dietary intake as that observed in smaller households.
Characterization of proton conducting poly[ethylene oxide]: Poly[vinyl pyrrolidone] based polymer blend electrolytes for electrochemical devices
Authors: Muthuvinayagam M , Sundaramahalingam K 
Published: September 2020

Highlights Highly amorphous PEO/PVP/xwt% NH4NO3 polymer electrolytes are prepared by simple solution casting technique The XRD analysis confirms the amorphous nature of PEO/PVP films and the FTIR and SEM confirm the blending of polymers. Transference number analysis confirms that the prepared polymer electrolytes are mostly ionic conductors. The prepared polymer electrolyte shows potential window between −1.7 to 1.7V. The specific capacitance of the polymer electrolyte decreases with higher scan rate. The proton electrochemical cell was fabricated and the maximum OCV is 0.82V.
Lateral Versus Medial Hallux Excision in Preaxial Polydactyly of the Foot
Authors: Burger Elise B. , Bus Sicco A. , Hovius Steven E. R. , van Nieuwenhoven Christianne A. 
Published: September 2020

Background: In preaxial polydactyly of the foot, the choice for excision of the lateral or medial hallux is not straightforward, in particular with proximal phalangeal (type IV) and metatarsal (type VI) duplication, because of anatomical characteristics. We evaluated whether medial or lateral hallux excision gives better outcomes in these duplication types, to help clinical decision making. Methods: Children with type IV or type VI duplication (n=14, age: 4.4-17.2 years), who were operatively treated by excision of the lateral or medial hallux, were assessed for foot function using plantar pressure measurements and clinical examination. Foot aesthetics were scored by the child, an expert, and 10 laypersons, and additional patient-reported outcome questionnaires were obtained. Outcomes were compared between lateral and medial excision, per duplication type. Results: In type IV duplication (n=11), lateral excision showed a better distribution of peak pressure between the hallux and first metatarsal with significantly lower median first metatarsal peak pressure ( P = .008). Lateral excision showed more medial hallux deviation ( P = .017). Foot aesthetics were not different between excision sides. In type VI duplication (n=12), lateral excision showed a 59% higher hallux peak pressure, larger medial hallux deviation ( P = .004), and more reoperations. Foot aesthetics were scored significantly better after lateral excision by experts and laypersons. Conclusions: Foot function by virtue of plantar pressure was better after lateral hallux excision in type IV and after medial hallux excision in type VI duplication. Surgeons and laypersons perceived the foot as more normal after lateral excision in type VI, whereas children reported no differences. These outcomes can be used in clinical decision making. Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic, comparative study.
Safety Profile Associated With Calcaneal Autograft Harvesting Using a Reaming Graft Harvester
Authors: Law Rona W. , Langan Travis M. , Consul Devon W. , Steriovski James , Prissel Mark A. , Hyer Christopher F. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Foot and ankle surgery often requires bone healing, whether in elective arthrodesis or trauma. While primary bone healing is possible, the rate of nonunion in foot and ankle surgery remains variable. The addition of autogenous bone graft can allow for higher union rates by adding to the biology at the site of bone healing. Harvesting autogenous bone graft from the calcaneus for foot and ankle surgery can be done quickly and efficiently and allow for an adequate amount of graft. Methods: A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed for 1438 patients at a single center between August 1, 2015, and December 15, 2018, who underwent calcaneal autograft harvesting using a power-driven reaming graft harvester. Results: In total, 966 patients were included and evaluated for the safety and complication rate associated with the procedure. Only 1 patient (0.1%) had a major complication, and there were 14 minor complications (1.4%). Conclusion: The safety profile and low complication rate of this case series demonstrate that this simple and efficient calcaneal autograft harvest technique can be considered when a small to moderate amount of autogenous bone graft is required to augment bone healing. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic level IV, case series.
Alternative use of BRAF inhibitors in patients with metastatic melanoma unable to swallow pills
Authors: Darrigade Fleury M , Masson Regnault Marie , Cales S , Frouin E , Wierbiecka-Hainaut Ewa 
Published: September 2020

Introduction BRAF and MEK inhibitors have been approved for use in metastatic melanoma therapies. All of them are administered as oral capsules or pills. We report two cases treated applying an alternative method of vemurafenib or debrafenib-trametinib administration in patients unable to swallow. Case Report The first case involved a 38-year-old man who was referred to a dermatologist for dysphagia and anorexia. After a computerized tomography (CT) scan it was concluded that the dysphagia was due to compression by mediastinal metastasis in a context of metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma. The second case involved a 35-year-old man who was diagnosed in March 2017 with melanoma of the back of the hand. Several months later a positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan was performed. It revealed multiple disseminated metastasis. Management & Outcome: The first patient presented total dysphagia and was unable to swallow pills. It was decided to dissolve vemurafenib in order to facilitate administration. Dysphagia was improved 48 hours later, and oral feeding was reintroduced. Due to severe tablet phobia, the second patient was unable to swallow pills. Dabrafenib capsules were emptied and trametinib pills were grinded. One month later, we noted improved health associated with reduction of the metastases. Discussion Our study highlights the possibility of crushing or dissolving BRAF and MEK inhibitors in metastatic melanoma patients for whom it is impossible to swallow pills, eliciting a response and achieving significant if temporary clinical benefit.
Association between ABO blood group and venous thrombosis related to the peripherally inserted central catheters in cancer patients
Authors: Wang Guodong , Wang Hongzhi , Shen Yanfen , Dong Jing , Wang Xinpeng , Wang Xiaozheng , Zheng Yuanyuan , Guo Shuangshuang 
Published: September 2020

Objective: To evaluate the potential relation between the ABO blood group and the risk of venous thrombosis in cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Methods: The patients who underwent PICC catheterization in Beijing Cancer Hospital from January 2018 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The general information, disease diagnosis, catheterization situation, and complications were recorded for each patient. Further, the blood group status was identified using the hospital information systems. Logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for symptomatic PICC-related thrombosis. Results: Among the 2315 patients, 131 had symptomatic thrombosis after PICC catheterization. The incidence of symptomatic thrombosis was lower in patients with blood type O when compared with that in patients with blood types other than O. The history of venous thrombosis, tumor category, arm circumference, and insertion attempts are risk factors associated with the PICC-related venous thromboembolism (VTE). After multivariable adjustment, insertion attempts and the non-O blood type were observed to remain associated with thrombosis. Conclusion: The risk of PICC-related thrombosis in patients with non-O blood type is significantly higher than that in patients with blood type O.
Measuring the cost-effectiveness of treatments for people with multiple sclerosis: Beyond quality-adjusted life-years
Authors: Hawton Annie , Goodwin Elizabeth , Boddy Kate , Freeman Jennifer , Thomas Sarah , Chataway Jeremy , Green Colin 
Published: September 2020

Background: It is a familiar story. A promising multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment clears the three regulatory hurdles of safety, quality and efficacy, only to fall at the fourth: cost-effectiveness. This has led to concerns about the validity of the measures typically used to quantify treatment effects in cost-effectiveness analyses and in 2012, in the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence called for an improvement in the cost-effectiveness framework for assessing MS treatments. Objective and Methods: This review describes what is meant by cost-effectiveness in health/social care funding decision-making, and usual practice for assessing treatment benefits. Results: We detail the use of the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) in resource allocation decisions, and set out limitations of this approach in the context of MS. Conclusion: We conclude by highlighting methodological and policy developments which should aid addressing these limitations.
Cardiovascular and liver disease among pre-hospital trauma deaths: A review of autopsy findings
Authors: Mitra Biswadev , Fogarty Mark , Cameron Peter A , Smith Karen , Bernard Steve , Burke Michael , Mercier Eric , Beck Ben 
Published: September 2020

Introduction Pre-existing disease is a common contributor to mortality and morbidity after injury and resuscitation of injured patients are often altered in hospital based on comorbidities. However, this is uncommon in the pre-hospital phase of care where patients are managed according to clinical practice guidelines. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and liver disease among trauma patients attended by pre-hospital clinicians but who died prior to reaching hospital and assess associations with age. Methods This was a retrospective review of pre-hospital trauma deaths in the state of Victoria, Australia between 01 Jan 2008 and 31 Dec 2014. The inclusion criteria were (a) patients attended by pre-hospital clinicians, (b) deceased before arrival to hospital, (c) evidence of recent trauma and (d) underwent a full autopsy. Cardiovascular and liver disease status were extracted from autopsy reports. Results There were 1043 patients included in this study. Most patients were male (77.1%). Intentional self-harm was significantly more common in patients aged ≥65 years (17.4%). CVD was prevalent in 495 (47.5%; 95%CI: 44.4–50.5) cases with myocardial fibrosis the most common abnormality detected. All sub-groups of CVD demonstrated a significant association with increasing age, except right ventricular hypertrophy. Liver disease was present in 235 (22.5%; 95%CI: 20.1-25.2) patients and most common among patients aged 35–64 years. Discussion CVD was prevalent in almost half of all injured patients included in this study while liver disease was present in about a fifth. The prevalence of CVD was associated with increasing age, while liver disease was more common among middle-aged patients. This high prevalence in our population indicates that pre-existing cardiovascular and liver disease be considered when tailoring pre-hospital life-saving interventions for injured patients.
A Systematic Review of CheeZheng Pain Relieving Plaster for Musculoskeletal Pain: Implications for Oncology Research and Practice
Authors: Chen Connie , Li Susan Q. , Bao Ting , Zhang Lily , Seluzicki Christina , Mao Jun J. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a common and debilitating condition for cancer patients. Existing therapies for these pain conditions have substantial limitations. To identify an integrative approach to pain management, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a Tibetan herbal-based topical agent, CheeZheng Pain Relieving Plaster (PRP), for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Methods: We extracted citations from PubMed and Chinese databases (CNKI, WanFang Data, and CQVIP). We included randomized clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness and safety of CheeZheng PRP compared to conventional OA pain treatments. Results: Twenty-two randomized clinical trials (n = 2556 participants) compared CheeZheng PRP against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (11), glucosamine (2), intraarticular corticosteroid (2), hyaluronic acid injections (6), and acetaminophen (1). Ten studies found a statistically greater effectiveness (assessed by ≥30% reduction in symptom severity) of CheeZheng PRP in improving OA pain (measured by the Visual Analogue Scale), stiffness, and function compared to control. Ten studies reported that 4.8% of participants experienced application site skin irritation that resolved after discontinuing the plaster. Randomization was not sufficiently described in most studies, and no placebo-controlled trials were identified. Conclusions: There is promising evidence for the safety and clinical effectiveness of CheeZheng PRP to treat OA; however, lack of placebo control and unclear descriptions of randomization increase the potential risk for bias. Future randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of CheeZheng PRP for pain management in oncology settings.