bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and its associated factors amongst Patients with Brain Tumors at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zahid Nida , Martin Russell Seth , Zahid Wajeeha , Azam Iqbal , Hassan Aneesa , Ahmad Khabir , Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Jabbar Adnan Abdul , Asas Nargis , Shamim Muhammad Shahzad , Khan Rashid Jooma , Javed Gohar , Bari Ehsan , Enam Syed Ather 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction

Despite quality of life (QoL) being recognized as an important outcome in neuro-oncology, there is a lack of research from Pakistan where sociocultural differences may influence QoL. This study aimed to measure the QoL in patients with primary brain tumors (PBTs), and assess its association with mental health outcomes, resilience, and social support.
Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among primary brain tumor patients. QoL was measured using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Resilience was assessed by Wagnild and Young's Resilience Scale, mental health outcomes using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and social support using the Enriched Social Support Instrument.
Results

Our study included a total of 250 patients, with median age of 42 years (range 33-54 years). The mean global QoL of the sample was 75.73 ± 14.9. On multivariable linear regression, global QoL was inversely associated with no or low income, having hypertension (-5.77), currently using a urine catheter (-15.33), having low social support (-28.16) suffering from mild (-9.88) or symptomatic (-17.59) depression, or mild anxiety (-7.11), while resilience (0.28) demonstrated a significant positive association.
Conclusion

The quality of life of patients with primary brain tumors in Pakistan is a function of clinical factors such as comorbid disease and use of a urinary catheter, social factors such a family income and social support, and psychological factors such as mental illness and resilience. Our findings may be of use in the development of QoL-improving interventions within the sociocultural setting of Pakistan.
New Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Genotype Detected in Europe in 2021
Authors: Nagy Alexander , Černíková Lenka , Stará Martina 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Despite their widespread distribution, the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses have so far only been known in a single genotype variant in Europe. In the study presented, we report the first detection of a new highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 genotype in geese and ducks from a backyard farm in the Czech Republic. Phylogenetic analysis has revealed that the Czech H5N1 virus retained the A/Eurasian_Wigeon/Netherlands/1/2020-like backbone with an altered PB2 segment from co-circulating low pathogenic avian influenza viruses.
Factors Associated With Severity of Falls In Adult Hospital Patients: A Retrospective Audit
Authors: Ghosh Manonita , O’Connell Beverly , Afrifa-Yamoah Eben , Kitchen Sue , Coventry Linda 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Injurious falls in hospital patients are threat to patient safety which can result in a financial burden on the patient’s family and health care services. Both patient specific and environmental and organisational factors are associated with injurious hospital falls. It is important to continuously analyse the factors associated with the severity of falls which can inform the implementation of any fall preventive strategies. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with the severity of falls in hospitalised adult patients in Western Australia.Methods: This study involved a retrospective analysis of hospital inpatient falls records extracted from the hospital’s Clinical Incident Database. Falls clinical incidents were reviewed and analysed from May 2014 to April 2019.Results: There were 3705 complete reported cases of falls with the average age of the patients was 68.5±17.0 years, with 40.2% identified as female. Gender, activity at time of fall and height of fall were associated with the level of severity of the fall. The risk of falling at a higher level of severity increased by approximately 20% (65-74 years), 29% (75-84 years) and 39% (>84 years) respectively compared with patients age <50 years. Females were 15.1% more likely to fall at higher severity condition compared to males (AOR = 1.151, 95% CI: 1.063, 1.247, p < 0.001). Toileting and showering activities were 14.5% more likely to cause falling in higher level of severity (AOR = 1.145, 95% CI: 1.022, 1.284, p = 0.020) compared with attempting to sit or stand. A fall in a communal area was approximately 26% more likely to resulted in higher level of severity (AOR = 1.257, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.576, p = 0.047).Conclusions: Identification of underlying risk factors associated with the severity of falls provides information which can inform the implementation of fall prevention strategies that mitigate the risk of injurious falls.
Electrophysiological Evaluation of an Anticancer Drug Gemcitabine on Cardiotoxicity Revealing Down-regulation and Modification of the Activation Gating Properties in the Human Rapid Delayed Rectifier Potassium Channel
Authors: Wei Mengyan , Wang Pu , Zhu Xiufang , Liu Yangong , Zheng Mingqi , Liu Gang , Osanai Hiroki , Yoshimura Kenshi , Kume Shinichiro , Kurokawa Tatsuki , Ono Katsushige 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Gemcitabine is an antineoplastic drug commonly used in the treatment of several types of cancers including pancreatic cancer and non–small cell lung cancer. Although gemcitabine-induced cardiotoxicity is widely recognized, the exact mechanism of cardiac dysfunction causing arrhythmias remains unclear. The objective of this study was to electrophysiologically evaluate the proarrhythmic cardiotoxicity of gemcitabine focusing on the human rapid delayed rectifier potassium channel, hERG channel. In heterologous expression system in HEK293 cells, hERG channel current (IhERG) was reduced by gemcitabine when applied for 24 h but not immediately after the application. Gemcitabine modified the activation gating properties of the hERG channel toward the hyperpolarization direction, while inactivation, deactivation or reactivation gating properties were unaffected by gemcitabine. When gemcitabine was applied to hERG-expressing HEK293 cells in combined with tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N-acetylglucosamine phosphotransferase, gemcitabine was unable to reduce IhERG or shift the activation properties toward the hyperpolarization direction. Our results suggest the possible mechanism of arrhythmias caused by gemcitabine revealing a down-regulation of IhERG through the post-translational glycosylation disruption that alters the electrical excitability of cells.
A 6-Components Mechanistic Model of Cutting Actions in Milling
Authors: Jeulin Maël , Cahuc Olivier , Darnis Philippe , Laheurte Raynald 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Most of the cutting models developed in the literature attest only to the presence of cutting forces in the balance of mechanical actions resulting from cutting. However, several studies have highlighted the presence of cutting moments during machining, and particularly 3D cutting in milling. The objective of this paper is to characterise phenomena associated with cutting moments by performing experimental mechanistic modelling in 3D cutting. For this purpose, several modelling factors will be investigated, such as the 3D cutting reference frame, the undeformed chip section, the cutting parameters, the cutting zone, etc. The predictive model of this study proves to be relatively efficient for an experimental model and allows a global prediction of cutting moments in milling. Furthermore, beyond the aspect of stress fields in the workpiece caused by cutting moments, this paper gives perspectives from an energetic point of view for which the share of moments in the energy balance could be substantial for monobloc tools.
Phase diagram of solid hints new fundamental constant and sees atomic orbital
Authors: Abdulvagidov Shapiullah Belalovich 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cold and pressure transform gas into liquid and then into solid. Van der Waals understood the phase diagram of liquefiable gas with the molecular volume and intermolecular attraction, however, was silent on how solid behaved1. Unfortunately, solid-state phase diagram have remained uncomprehended mystery; only its straight boundary2,3 was explained by struggle of order vs. chaos. Here we show that the volume of orbital overlap has its own energy, with the universal density 8.941 eV/Å3 announced as new fundamental atomic constant that determines the transition temperature TC. Furthermore, we devised solid-state tomography, valid to 5 TPa, - imaging orbital through the baric dependencies of TC. Triangle-shaped pattern of the diagram is explained by the only possible way, just as only one plane passes through triangle: -inflation of the intersection volume during the transition determines hysteresis, but its disappearance does triple point; -approaching ions, whose orbitals overlap, curves the line from zero-field-cooling (ZFC) TC to triple point; -the straight line between zero-field-heating (ZFH) TC and triple point is a consequence of straightening tilting angle. Diamond melting point, calculated from volumes of the tetrahedral covalent bonds, excellently agrees with real; furthermore, the points up to 2 TPa agree with experiment4. Our findings open up way to interpret antiferromagnetism and steric effect in mono, binary, and ternary transition-metal oxides and sulfides5-11, and advance in unravelling unconventional superconductivity12,13, ascertaining the roles of s- and p-hybridizations. Thereby, the importance of the solid-state tomography for organic conductors12,13 being high-compressible and interior of stars can scarcely be exaggerated.
Comparison of Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes of Treatment with Directly Acting Antivirals in Hepatitis C With and Without Cirrhosis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Amanullah Iram , Amin Fatima , Paudyal Vibhu , Ali Salamat , Abdullah Yaseen , Khan Amer Hayat 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background Chronic hepatitis C including liver cirrhosis poses challenges in treatment despite the availability of direct acting antivirals. AimTo compare clinical and patient reported outcomes of routinely used pharmacotherapy in Hepatitis C infection (with or without cirrhosis). MethodsA prospective cohort study was undertaken recruiting outpatients from a large referral tertiary care hospital. Patients who were diagnosed of having Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and presented with or without cirrhosis were included. A standard 12 weeks treatment comprising Sofosbuvir (SOF) 400mg O.D/ Daclatasvir (DCV) 60mg O.D with and without Ribavirin (RBV) 400mg B.D or T.I.D was used. The cure rate in terms of end-of-treatment response at the end of 12 weeks treatment and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in terms of health related quality of life using EQ-5D-3L and work productivity loss were determined. Results The treatment regimen was found to be effective treatment in non-cirrhotic group in terms of cure rate compared to the cirrhotic patients (92.6 % vs 53%; p value<0.05). Cirrhotic patients showed significantly low score of PROs before initiating the treatment. After 12 weeks’ treatment, significantly higher rate of improvement was observed in non-cirrhotic patients’ PROs compared to cirrhotic group (p-value; <0.05). Conclusion DAAs showed higher effectiveness in clinical outcomes and patient reported outcome measures in chronic hepatitis C patients without cirrhosis compared to those with cirrhosis. It is imperative to develop and optimize further effective treatment options for cirrhotic CHC patients.
Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Presenting as Bilateral Inguinal Hernias
Authors: Lehman DO Haley S. , Qasawa DO Ryan N. , Lim John J. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas and has multiple subtypes, including atypical, well-differentiated, and dedifferentiated liposarcoma1. These tumors most commonly occur in the extremities and the retroperitoneum2, and account for 20% of all retroperitoneal tumors3. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is very rare overall, occurring in 2.5 per one million people4. Patients will present from symptoms of mass effect due to the uncontrolled growth in the large potential space of the retroperitoneum, with its median size being around 30 cm5. The mainstay of treatment for this type of tumor is resection to a negative margin6. This is a case report describing a retroperitoneal liposarcoma presenting with bilateral inguinal hernias containing intraperitoneal fat from mass effect.
Lymphedema As The Initial Symptom of Lymphoma
Authors: Hao Kun , Xin Jianfeng , Sun Yuguang , Shen Wenbin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the clinical features of lymphoma with lymphedema as the initial manifestation.Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 4676 patients with lymphedema treated at the Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from May 22, 2007, to December 31, 2018. Clinical manifestations and a series of conventional analyses (laboratory tests, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and radionuclide imaging) were used to study these cases. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy tests were used to support the diagnosis of lymphoma. Eleven patients of lymphoma with lymphedema as the first symptom were selected, and their clinicopathological features were analyzed retrospectively.Results: A total of 11 cases of lymphedema caused or aggravated by lymphoma were found, including 1 case of upper extremity edema, 9 cases of lower extremity edema and 1 case of systemic edema. These patients often accompanied by clinical symptoms such as feeble, emaciation, pain, mass, lymph node enlargement and so on. The proportion of patients with abnormal tumor markers was 66.7% (4/6), the prevalence of anemia among patients with malignant lymphedema was 45.5% (5/11), and the positive rates of ultrasonography, CT and MRI were 100.0% (7/7), 100.0% (8/8) and 100.0% (2/2), respectively. Eleven cases with lymphoma were confirmed by pathological diagnosis. To analyze the clinicopathological features, the main points of diagnosis were summarized.Conclusions: Lymphoma with lymphedema as the first symptom is extremely rare. It has a hidden onset. To avoid delays in the diagnosis and therapy of lymphoma, physicians should actively look for signs or symptoms of lymphedema during the follow-up period and promptly manage patients developing problems.
Comparative Analyses of Blood Flow Through Mechanical Trileaflet and Bileaflet Aortic Valves
Authors: Pawlikowski Marek , Nieroda Anna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The paper describes one of many issues concerning the human circulatory system. The simulation of blood flow through an artificial aortic heart valve using the finite element method (FEM) is the main subject of the paper. The studies aim to verify the performance of mechanical aortic valves of two types, i.e. bileaflet (BIL) and trileaflet (TRI) valves. The blood was modelled as Newtonian and non-Newtonian. Although the design of our TRI valve is preliminary and needs to be optimised, our results highlight some advances of such a valve geometry. This is manifested mainly by a central blood jet, contributing to more physiological blood flow and decreasing the risk of haemolysis. The central flow minimises the risk of leaflet dislocation. In addition, lower stresses extend the durability of the valve. However, the TRI valve geometry has also disadvantages, for instance, the occurrence of small peripheral streams or relatively low effective orifice area. The valves' performance was assessed by means of the reduced stress in the valves, the shear stress in the aortic wall, flow velocity field, and the effective orifice area. The maximum von Mises stress for the BIL valve leaflets is 0.3 MPa, and for the TRI valve: 0.06 MPa. The maximum flow velocity for the BIL valve is 4.52 m/s for 40° and for the TRI valve is 5.74 m/s. Higher shear stress is present in the BIL (151.5 Pa) than for the TRI valve (49.64 Pa).
Does Lockdown Improve Air Quality? Evidence from the blockade policy of county-level units in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Fu Shuke , Ma Zhuo , Peng Jiachao , Xiong Jie , Liu Jiabei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 posed a great threat to the health of people all over the world. In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, Wuhan implemented the blockade policy on January 23, 2020. Subsequently, other cities in Hubei responded one after another. The flow of people, production and consumption activities were greatly reduced, and air pollution in some cities was obviously improved.

Method
We used the daily air pollution and weather data of 103 county-level units in Hubei Province from 2019 to 2020 to test whether the blockade policy affected the air quality. The method of regression discontinuity designs is adopted. And the blockade policy implemented by the government during COVID-19 is regarded as exogenous policy impact, so as to investigate whether the blockade policy will affect the air quality.

Results
(1) Lockdown has indeed brought about an improvement in air quality. During the lockdown period, the AQI decreased by 15.316%, and the concentrations of four air pollutants (PM10, NO2, PM2.5 and SO2) decreased by 19.607%, 12.395%, 11.448% and 1.278% respectively. (2) The improvement of air quality brought about by the blockade policy is not sustainable, and every index rebounded again about 30 days after lockdown. (3) RD estimation found that the concentrations of AQI, PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 decreased by 35.402%, 29.207%, 14.809% and 7.751% respectively. This is consistent with the change trend of the above results, but the change range is obviously larger than the previous one.

Conclusion
Although the study confirmed that most pollutant indexes decreased during the lockdown period, the blockade policy is not applicable to the prevention and improvement of air pollution. We put forward the policy suggestions from the following two aspects: Firstly, promote green travel and reduce traffic emission sources. Secondly, promote end-of-pipe governance and improve emission reduction efficiency.
Bacterial and Fungal Co-infection in a Cohort of 333 Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 (COINFECOVID Study)
Authors: Abril Vicente , Gómez Neus , Piedrahita Hilary , Chanzá Mercedes , Tormo Nuria , Sanz Francisco , Puchades Francesc , Ortega Pilar , Ferrer Carolina , group COINFECOVID collaborative 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCoinfections in COVID19 appear to worsen hospitalized patients prognosis.ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of bacterial and fungal coinfections in patients admitted for COVID19 and to identify the risk factors associated with its occurrence.Patients and MethodsSingle-center retrospective study reviewing medical records of patients with COVID19 diagnosed with bacterial or fungal infection during hospital admission.Results333 patients were analyzed during March 15-May 15, 2020. 16.82% had some coinfection during admission. Coinfections were more frequent in patients with comorbidities (80.36% vs 19.64% p<0.025) and in those ICU admitted (52.46% vs 8.86%, p<0.001). Coinfections were significantly more frequent in patients with neutrophilia>7500 and increased procalcitonin on admission as well as lymphopenia<1500 on day 5. Mortality in patients with coinfection was 26.79% vs 23.47% in non-coinfected (p 0.596). Length of stay was longer in coinfected patients (mean 30.59 vs 13.47, p<0.01). Most frequent microorganisms were Enterococci, Candida spp, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. 74% of patients received ceftriaxone: 17.34% of those treated had a coinfection compared to 15.48% not treated (p 0.694).ConclusionsOccurrence of coinfections is frequent and prolongs hospital stay without influencing mortality. The presence of comorbidities and ICU stay were identified as the main risk factor for coinfection, while increased neutrophils and procalcitonin at admission and lymphopenia during evolution were the main biological predictors. Enterococcus was the most frequent pathogen. Ceftriaxone use does not protect against appearance of bacterial infections. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated fungus and was associated with prolonged ICU stay.
First detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of concern in a symptomatic cat in Spain
Authors: Barroso-Arévalo Sandra , Sánchez-Morales Lidia , Pérez-Sancho Marta , Rodríguez Lucas Domínguez , Sánchez-Vizcaíno Jose M 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Natural and experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets has been widely evidenced since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the numerous affected animals, cats are one of the most susceptible species. However, little is known about viral pathogenicity and transmissibility in the case of variants of concern (VOCs) in animal hosts, such as the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant first detected in India. Here, we have identified the B.1.617.2 (Delta) VOC in a cat living with a COVID-19 positive owner. The animal presented mild symptoms (sneezing) and a high viral load was detected in the oropharyngeal swab, suggesting that an active infection was occurring in the upper respiratory tract of the cat. Transmission from the owner to the cat occurred despite the human being fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. This study documents the first detection of B.1.165.2 VOC in a cat worldwide and emphasizes the importance of performing active surveillance and genomic investigation on infected animals.
Quality Assurance (QA) Assessment for Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test in Ngoma District, Eastern Province of Rwanda: A cross-sectional prospective study.
Authors: HABIMANA MSc Field Epi Metuschelah , NDAHINDWA  , Matutina MSc UMUHOZA Stella , OMOLO  , UWAMUNGU MSc Schifra , W Lucchi Naomi , HUMUZA  
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Currently, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) are increasingly used for diagnosis of malaria, particularly in community where microscopy-based diagnosis is not practical. However, the diagnostic accuracy of mRDTs performed by the community health workers (CHWs) remains unknown. This study was conducted to determine the accuracy of mRDT results performed by CHWs in Ngoma district, eastern province of Rwanda.
Method

This was a cross sectional prospective study. 420 blood samples of patients self-reported to CHWs for malaria diagnosis were collected and analyzed by CHWs using mRDT and quality control tests were performed by using microscopy as a reference test. The study was conducted from 22nd April to 08th July, 2021.
Results

Among the 420 patients, 234 (55.71%) were females and 186 (44.29%) were males. Malaria test positivity was 2.62% by using mRDT and 1.67% by using microscopic test. The sensitivity and specificity of mRDT were 85.71% and 98.78% respectively. Negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy of mRDTs were 99.75%, 54.54% and 98.57% respectively. Sensitivity of mRDT was below the WHO recommended sensitivity (>95%) although the specificity (98.78%) was within the WHO recommended specificity (>=90). There was a substantial agreement between mRDT and malaria microscopic test results, k=0.642.
Conclusion

mRDTs continue to be an appropriate choice for malaria diagnosis in the absence of microscopy.