bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echolocating bats can adjust sensory acquisition based on internal cues
Authors: Boonman Arjan , Rieger Itai , Amichai Eran , Greif Stefan , Eitan Ofri , Goldshtein Aya , Yovel Yossi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSensory systems acquire both external and internal information to guide behavior. Adjustments based on external input are much better documented and understood than internal-based sensory adaptations. When external input is not available, idiothetic—internal—cues become crucial for guiding behavior. Here, we take advantage of the rapid sensory adjustments exhibited by bats in order to study how animals rely on internal cues in the absence of external input. Constant frequency echolocating bats are renowned for their Doppler shift compensation response used to adjust their emission frequency in order to optimize sensing. Previous studies documented the importance of external echoes for this response.ResultsWe show that the Doppler compensation system works even without external feedback. Bats experiencing accelerations in an echo-free environment exhibited an intact compensation response. Moreover, using on-board GPS tags on free-flying bats in the wild, we demonstrate that the ability to perform Doppler shift compensation response based on internal cues might be essential in real-life when echo feedback is not available.ConclusionsWe thus show an ecological need for using internal cues as well as an ability to do so. Our results illustrate the robustness of one particular sensory behavior; however, we suggest this ability to rely on different streams of information (i.e., internal or external) is probably relevant for many sensory behaviors.
Genomic profile of MYCN non-amplified neuroblastoma and potential for immunotherapeutic strategies in neuroblastoma
Authors: Lee Eunjin , Lee Ji Won , Lee Boram , Park Kyunghee , Shim Joonho , Yoo Keon Hee , Koo Hong Hoe , Sung Ki Woong , Park Woong-Yang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
MYCN amplification is the most important genomic feature in neuroblastoma (NB). However, limited studies have been conducted on the MYCN non-amplified NB including low- and intermediate-risk NB. Here, the genomic characteristics of MYCN non-amplified NB were studied to allow for the identification of biomarkers for molecular stratification.

Methods
Fifty-eight whole exome sequencing (WES) and forty-eight whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) samples of MYCN non-amplified NB were analysed. Forty-one patients harboured WES and WTS pairs.

Results
In the MYCN non-amplified NB WES data, maximum recurrent mutations were found in MUC4 (26%), followed by RBMXL3 (19%), ALB (17%), and MUC16 and SEPD8 (14% each). Two gene fusions, CCDC32-CBX3 (10%) and SAMD5-SASH1 (6%), were recurrent in WTS analysis, and these fusions were detected mostly in non-high-risk patients with ganglioneuroblastoma histology. Analysis of risk-group-specific biomarkers showed that several genes and gene sets were differentially expressed between the risk groups, and some immune-related pathways tended to be activated in the high-risk group. Mutational signatures 6 and 18, which represent DNA mismatch repair associated mutations, were commonly detected in 60% of the patients. In the tumour mutation burden (TMB) analysis, four patients showed high TMB (> 3 mutations/Mb), and had mutations in genes related to either MMR or homologous recombination. Excluding four outlier samples with TMB > 3 Mb, high-risk patients had significantly higher levels of TMB compared with the non-high-risk patients.

Conclusions
This study provides novel insights into the genomic background of MYCN non-amplified NB. Activation of immune-related pathways in the high-risk group and the results of TMB and mutational signature analyses collectively suggest the need for further investigation to discover potential immunotherapeutic strategies for NB.
Body mass index and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome by diabetes status: the obesity paradox in a Korean national cohort study
Authors: Park Se-Jun , Ha Kyoung Hwa , Kim Dae Jung 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The “obesity paradox” has not been elucidated in the long-term outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We investigated the association between obesity and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in ACS patients with and without diabetes.

Methods
We identified 6978 patients with ACS aged 40–79 years from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort between 2002 and 2015. Baseline body mass index (BMI) was categorized as underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23.0–24.9 kg/m2), obese class I (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese class II (≥ 30.0 kg/m2). The primary outcome was major adverse CV events (MACE)—CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. The secondary outcomes were the individual components of MACE, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), and all-cause death.

Results
After adjustment for confounding variables, compared to normal-weight patients without diabetes (reference group), obese class I patients with and without diabetes had a lower risk of MACE, but only significant in patients without diabetes (with diabetes: hazard ratio [HR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–1.14; without diabetes: HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62–0.97). Obese class II patient with diabetes had a higher risk of MACE with no statistical significance (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.82–1.59). Underweight patients with and without diabetes had a higher risk of MACE, but only significant in patients with diabetes (with diabetes: HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.24–2.58; without diabetes: HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.77–1.97).

Conclusion
In ACS patients, obesity had a protective effect on CV outcomes, especially in patients without diabetes.
Validation of a Spanish version of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measure for Chronic Otitis Media (COMQ-12)
Authors: Otoya-Tono Ana M. , Pérez-Herrera Lucía C. , Peñaranda Daniel , Moreno-López Sergio , Sánchez-Pedraza Ricardo , García Juan Manuel , Phillips John S. , Peñaranda Augusto 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is considered an important aspect of clinical assessment and health research. Chronic Otitis Media (COM) is related to the quality of life deterioration subsequent to COM symptoms, social communication impairments, and lower work performance. However, there is no reliable information regarding the impact of this disease on health and quality of life in many resource-poor countries. Therefore, we translated into Spanish the Chronic Otitis Media Questionnaire-12 (COMQ-12) for the evaluation of HRQoL of Chronic Otitis Media (COM) in adult patients. Also, we assessed the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the questionnaire.

Methods
Two otology referral centers in Bogotá, Colombia were included. The Spanish version of COMQ-12 was applied twice to 200 adult patients with confirmed COM diagnosis and 31 healthy controls to perform the validation process and assess the internal consistency of this questionnaire. Psychometric characteristics (internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity) of the COMQ-12 were assessed. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted via structural equation modeling to test the questionnaire’s structure.

Results
The Spanish version of the COMQ-12 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.86, McDonald’s Omega: 0.89). Coefficients corresponding to Lin’s Concordance test and test–retest reliability were 0.95 and 0.83 respectively. Correlation between the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the COMQ-12 was 0.68 (95% CI 0.59–0.75, p value < 0.001). Factor analysis of the Spanish version of the COMQ-12 indicated a questionnaire structure with three domains: smelly discharge related symptoms; hearing loss related symptoms; and impact on work, lifestyle, and health services.

Conclusion
This Spanish version of the COMQ-12 showed high reliability and high internal consistency. This questionnaire can be used as an objective clinical tool to assess the HRQoL of patients who have a COM diagnosis.

Trial registration
Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe, Ethical Committee Registration ID: CCEI-8807-2018. Hospital de San José, Ethical Committee: Record number 500, DI-I-0632-18.
Time interval-based indication for liver resection of metastasis from pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mitsuka Yusuke , Yamazaki Shintaro , Yoshida Nao , Yan Masahiro , Higaki Tokio , Takayama Tadatoshi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Surgical indications for liver metastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are lacking because outcomes are usually poor. However, liver resection and the recent progress in perioperative chemotherapy have been observed to improve survival.

Methods
We performed liver resection for liver metastases from PDAC only under the following criteria: (1) liver-only metastasis, (2) up to three tumors, and (3) no increase in the number of metastases during the 3-month observation period. No limitations were placed on the location or size of liver metastasis. In this study, we aimed to validate our surgical criteria and analyze factors affecting survival in patients with PDAC.

Results
Seventy-nine patients underwent curative resection for PDAC between 2005 and 2015. Seventy-one patients experienced recurrence, with liver-only recurrence in 17 patients. Among these, nine patients underwent liver resection and eight did not. The median survival time was significantly better for patients who underwent liver resection (55 months) than for those with other recurrences (17.5 months, p = 0.016). The median survival after liver recurrence was significantly better in the liver resection group (31 months) than in the non-liver resection group (7 months, p = 0.0008). The median disease-free interval (DFI) after pancreatectomy was significantly longer in the liver resection group (21 months; range, 3–44 months) than in the non-liver resection group (3 months; range, 2–7 months; p = 0.02).

Conclusion
Good indications for liver metastases from PDAC include solitary metachronous tumors and longer DFIs.
Factors associated with the recruitment of foreign nurses in Japan: a nationwide study of hospitals
Authors: Hirano Yuko O. , Tsubota Kunio , Ohno Shun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Nurse migration under bilateral agreements is a recent global trend, although lack of consultation with the health industries has led to challenges in the recruitment of foreign nurses by hospitals. To analyze the prevailing perception of hospitals on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), under which Japan opened the doors to foreign nurses, we surveyed hospitals that are yet to employ foreign nurses.

Methods
An anonymous questionnaire was developed and distributed to eligible hospitals; it assessed managers’ perception of Japan’s policy on the recruitment of foreign nurses and their intentions to hire foreign nurses under the EPA (hereafter called EPA nurses). We randomly selected 1879 hospitals, or 22% of the hospitals in Japan (n = 8540), with more than 20 beds. We used descriptive statistics, a Chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors and developed a model to predict the likelihood of their intention to recruit EPA nurses in the future.

Results
In total, 432 hospitals were eligible for further analysis (response rate: 22.9%). Half (50%) of the hospital managers were considerably interested in Japan’s policy on recruiting EPA nurses, although only 20% intended to recruit EPA nurses in the future. Willingness to recruit EPA nurses was associated with the degree of interest in the policy (OR 9.38; 95% CI 4.42–19.90) and managers’ perception of EPA nurses (OR 5.32, 95% CI 2.38–11.89).

Conclusions
To attract more hospitals to recruit foreign nurses, it is essential for the Japanese government and the sending countries to review their EPA systems. Utilizing returning nurses to assist language acquisition by the forthcoming EPA nurses could be a provisional solution. For a more fundamental solution, long-term provision, from prior to their migration until their return migration, is needed to encourage brain circulation, as opposed to brain drain, between sending and receiving countries.
Accurate and objective determination of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome disease severity with a wearable sensor
Authors: Palombo Turner , Campos Andrea , Vernon Suzanne D. , Roundy Shad 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Approximately 2.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This disease negatively impacts patients’ ability to function, often resulting in difficulty maintaining employment, sustaining financial independence, engaging socially with others, and in particularly severe cases, consistently and adequately performing activities of daily living. The focus of this research was to develop a sensor-based method to measure upright activity defined as time with feet on the floor and referred to as UpTime, as an indicator of ME/CFS disease severity.

Methods
A commercially available inertial measurement unit (IMU), the Shimmer, was selected for this research. A Kalman filter was used to convert IMU data collected by the Shimmer to angle estimates. Angle estimate accuracy was confirmed by comparison to a motion capture system. Leg angle estimates were then converted to personalized daily UpTime scores using a critical angle of 39º from vertical to differentiate between upright (feet on the floor) and not upright. A 6-day, case–control study with 15 subjects (five healthy controls, five moderate-level ME/CFS, and five severe-level ME/CFS) was conducted to determine the utility of UpTime for assessing disease severity.

Results
UpTime was found to be a significant measure of ME/CFS disease severity. Severely ill ME/CFS patients spend less than 20% of each day with feet on the floor. Moderately ill ME/CFS patients spend between 20–30% of each day with feet on the floor. Healthy controls have greater than 30% UpTime. IMU-measured UpTime was more precise than self-reported hours of upright activity which were over-estimated by patients.

Conclusions
UpTime is an accurate and objective measure of upright activity, a measure that can be used to assess disease severity in ME/CFS patients. Due to its ability to accurately monitor upright activity, UpTime can also be used as a reliable endpoint for evaluating ME/CFS treatment efficacy. Future studies with larger samples and extended data collection periods are required to fully confirm the use of UpTime as a measure of disease severity in ME/CFS. With the added perspective of large-scale studies, this sensor-based platform could provide a recovery path for individuals struggling with ME/CFS.
OKlahoma Nitrone-007: novel treatment for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Thomas Lincy , Smith Nataliya , Saunders Debra , Zalles Michelle , Gulej Rafal , Lerner Megan , Fung Kar-Ming , Carcaboso Angel M. , Towner Rheal A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most common brainstem cancer in childhood. This rapidly progressing brainstem glioma holds a very dismal prognosis with median survival of less than 1 year. Despite extensive research, no significant therapeutic advancements have been made to improve overall survival in DIPG patients.

Methods
Here, we used an orthotopic xenograft pediatric DIPG (HSJD-DIPG-007) mouse model to monitor the effects of anti-cancer agent, OKlahoma Nitrone-007 (OKN-007), as an inhibitor of tumor growth after 28 days of treatment. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we confirmed the previously described efficacy of LDN-193189, a known activin A receptor, type I (ACVR1) inhibitor, in decreasing tumor burden and found that OKN-007 was equally efficacious.

Results
After 28 days of treatment, the tumor volumes were significantly decreased in OKN-007 treated mice (p < 0.01). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), as a measure of tissue structural alterations, was significantly decreased in OKN-007 treated tumor-bearing mice (p < 0.0001). Histological analysis also showed a significant decrease in CD34 expression, essential for angiogenesis, of OKN-007 treated mice (p < 0.05) compared to LDN-193189 treated mice. OKN-007-treated mice also significantly decreased protein expression of the human nuclear antigen (HNA) (p < 0.001), ACVR1 (p < 0.0001), and c-MET (p < 0.05), as well as significantly increased expression of cleaved caspase 3 (p < 0.001) and histone H3 K27-trimethylation (p < 0.01), compared to untreated mouse tumors.

Conclusions
With the dismal prognosis and limited effective chemotherapy available for DIPG, there is significant room for continued research studies, and OKN-007 merits further exploration as a therapeutic agent.
Assessing forces during spinal manipulation and mobilization: factors influencing the difference between forces at the patient-table and clinician-patient interfaces
Authors: Mikhail Jérémie , Funabashi Martha , Descarreaux Martin , Pagé Isabelle 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSpinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and mobilization (MOB) effects are believed to be related to their force characteristics. Most previous studies have either measured the force at the patient-table interface or at the clinician-patient interface. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) the difference between the force measured at the patient-table interface and the force applied at the clinician-patient interface during thoracic SMT and MOB, and 2) the influence of the SMT/MOB characteristics, participants’ anthropometry and muscle activity (sEMG) on this difference.MethodsAn apparatus using a servo-linear motor executed 8 SMT/MOB at the T7 vertebrae in 34 healthy adults between May and June 2019. SMT and MOB were characterized by a 20 N preload, total peak forces of 100 N or 200 N, and thrust durations of 100 ms, 250 ms, 1 s or 2 s. During each trial, thoracic sEMG, apparatus displacement as well as forces at the patient-table interface and the clinician-patient interface were recorded. The difference between the force at both interfaces was calculated. The effect of SMT/MOB characteristics on the difference between forces at both interfaces and correlations between this difference and potential influencing factors were evaluated.ResultsForce magnitudes at the patient-table interface were, in most trials, greater than the force at the clinician-patient interface (up to 135 N). SMT/MOB characteristics (total peak force, thrust duration and rate of force application) affected the difference between forces at both interfaces (allp-values< 0.05). No factor showed significant correlations with the difference between forces at both interfaces for the 8 SMT/MOB.ConclusionsThe results revealed that the force measured at the patient-table interface is greater than the applied force at the clinician-patient interface during thoracic SMT and MOB. By which mechanism the force is amplified is not yet fully understood.
Perceptions and experiences of nurse managers of the implementation of the baby and mother friendly initiative in Namibia: a qualitative study
Authors: Amadhila Justina N. , Van Rensburg Gisela H. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The baby and mother friendly initiative is a breastfeeding programme in Namibia aimed to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to describe nurse managers’ perceptions and experiences of implementing the baby and mother friendly initiative in order to identify its successes and failures, as well as to develop guidelines for the strengthening of the programme.

Methods
An evaluation research design to collect qualitative data through face-to-face interviews was conducted. A total of 33 interviews with nurse managers in charge of the baby and mother friendly hospitals, were conducted.

Results
This study gave insight into the strength and weaknesses in the implementation of the programme implementation and make recommendations for improvement thereof. Four themes emerged from the study, namely: the extent of programme implementation, perceived benefits of the programme, challenges/hindrance to the implementation of the programme and recommendations for strengthening of the programme. The information was used to develop and validate guidelines that would help to strengthen the implementation of the programme.

Conclusions
The study makes a contribution to the body of knowledge in nursing in that it provides guidelines for the strengthening of the baby and mother programme.
Predictors of the failure of conservative treatment in patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture
Authors: Alimohammadi Ehsan , Bagheri Seyed Reza , Ahadi Paniz , Cheshmehkaboodi Sahar , Hadidi Homa , Maleki Shokofeh , Abdi Alireza 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
There is a controversy about the management of patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture. Despite the success of the conservative treatment in most of the cases, some patients failed the conservative treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate risk factors for the need for surgery during the follow-up period in these patients.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 67 patients with a traumatic thoracolumbar burst fracture who managed conservatively at our center between May 2014 and May 2019. Suggested variables as potential risk factors for the failure of conservative treatment including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, diabetes, vertebral body compression rate (VBCR), percentage of anterior height compression (PAHC), Cobb angle, interpedicular distance (IPD), canal compromise, and pain intensity as visual analog scale (VAS) were compared between patients with successful conservative treatment and those with failure of non-operative management.

Results
There were 41 males (61.2%) and 26 females (38.8%) with the mean follow-up time of 15.52 ± 5.30 months. Overall, 51 patients (76.1%) successfully completed conservative treatment. However, 16 cases (23.9%) failed the non-operative management. According to the binary logistic regression analysis, only age (risk ratio [RR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [95%], 1.78–2.64; P = 0.019) and IPD (RR 1.97; 95% CI 1.61–2.33; P = 0.005) were the independent risk factors for the failure of the non-operative management.

Conclusions
Our results showed that older patients and those with greater interpedicular distance are at a higher risk for failure of the conservative treatment. As a result, a closer follow-up should be considered for them.