bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy Combined With Antiangiogenic Therapy as Salvage Therapy in a Patient With Refractory Metastatic Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chen Qiaoyun , Jin Ronghui , Li Xu , Wu Qifan , An Gaili 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) is a relatively rare malignant neoplasm that usually occurs in children and young adults,associated with poor prognosis. However, standard treatment for refractory pPNET has not been determined.Case presentation: A case of a 38-year-old woman with pPNET on the right shoulder and back,she had gained up to seven-and-a-half years suvival undergoing these comprehensive treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, antiangiogenic treatment. However, the tumor eventually progressed after receiving multiline treatment.With the patient's strong desire to receive immunotherapy, we finally adjusted the treatment plan to " anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor Lenvatinib combined with PD-1 inhibitor Toripalimab" for 2 cycles.Unfortunately,she developed grade 2-3 immune pneumonia after treatment.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of immunotherapy combined with antiangiogenic therapy in pPNET,which provides new ideas for the treatment of refractory pPNET.
Health System Cost of Post-Abortion Care (PAC): A Systematic Review
Authors: Sihaloho Estro Dariatno , Habibie Ibnu , Kamilah Fariza Zahra , Christiani Yodi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite the increasing trend of Post Abortion Care (PAC) needs and provision, the evidence related to its health system cost is lacking. The study aims to review the health system costs of Post-Abortion Care (PAC) per patient at a national level.Methods: A systematic review of literatures related to PAC cost published in 1994 – October 2020 was performed. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were used to search the literature. Following the title and abstract screening, reporting quality was appraised using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. PAC costs were extrapolated into, US dollars ($US) and international dollars ($I), both in 2019. Content analysis was also conducted to synthesize the qualitative findings.Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported direct medical cost per patient in accessing PAC, but only three of them included indirect medical cost. All studies reported either average or range of cost. In terms of range, The highest direct cost of PAC with MVA (Medical Vacuum Aspiration) services can be found in Colombia, between $US50.58-212.47, while the lowest is in Malawi ($US15.2-139.19). The highest direct cost of PAC with D&C (Dilatation and Curettage), services was in El Salvador ($US65.22-240.75), while the lowest is in Bangladesh ($US15.71-103.85). Among two studies providing average indirect cost data, Uganda with $US105.04 is the highest average indirect medical cost, while Rwanda with $US51.44 is the lowest on the cost of indirect medical.Conclusions: Our review shows variability in cost of PAC across countries. This study depicts a clearer picture of how costly it is for women to access PAC service, although it is still seemingly underestimated. When a study compared the use of UE method between MVA and D&C, it is confirmed that MVA treatments tend to have lower costs and potentially reduce a significant cost. Therefore, by looking at both clinical and economic perspective, improving and strengthening the quality and accessibility of PAC with MVA is a priority.
Dual Band Thin Film Infrared Detector Design and Performance Improvement using Plasmonic Nanostructure
Authors: Bashirpour Mohammad , Khankalantary Saeed , Kolahdouz Mohammadreza 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A new dual band thin film metal-semiconductor-metal infrared photodetector base on InGaAs for wavelength of 1.1–1.7 µm and InSb for wavelength of 3–5 µm is proposed and investigated numerically. One major problem of thin film photodetectors is low quantum efficiency that originates from low optical absorption. The quantum efficiency of proposed structure is improved by locating the array of optimized aluminum nanostructure (Al-NS) between the InGaAs and InSb layers. Using optimized Al-NS between the stack of InGaAs and InSb (InSb/Al-NS/InGaAs) results in plasmon excitation inside the photosensitive layers and so, higher photocarrier generation. Moreover, locating zinc oxide nanorode as an antireflection coating on top of detector reduces the incident light reflection in both spectrum of 1.1–1.7 µm and 3–5 µm. The finite different time domain method is used to investigated the optical properties of proposed structure and optimize the structure. According to the simulation results, designed structure gives rise to 108.1%, 110% and 320% light absorption enhancement at wavelength of 1.33 µm, 1.55 µm and 4 µm, respectively compared to reference conventional structure.
Inflammation drives synucleinopathy propagation
Authors: Kim Tae-Kyung , Bae Eun-Jin , Jung Byung Chul , Choi Minsun , Shin Soo-Jean , Kim Jeong Tae , Jung Min-kyo , Ulusoy Ayse , Song Mi-Young , Lee Jun Sung , Lee He-Jin , Monte Donato Di , Lee Seung-Jae 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The clinical progression of neurodegenerative diseases correlates with the spread of proteinopathy in the brain. Understanding of the mechanism of the proteinopathy spread is far from complete. Here, we propose that inflammation is fundamental to proteinopathy spread. A sequence variant of α-synuclein (V40G) was much less capable of fibril formation than wild-type α-synuclein (WT-syn) and, when mixed with WT-syn, interfered with its fibrillation. Yet when V40G was injected intracerebrally into mice, it induced aggregate spreading even more effectively than WT-syn. The aggregate spreading was preceded by sustained microgliosis and inflammatory responses, which were more robust with V40G than with WT-syn. Oral administration of an anti-inflammatory agent suppressed aggregate spreading, inflammation, and behavioral deficits in mice. Furthermore, exposure of cells to inflammatory cytokines increased the cell-to-cell propagation of α-synuclein. These results suggest that the inflammatory microenvironment is the major driver of the spread of synucleinopathy in the brain.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of a New Pt(II) Complex Involving 4-bromo-2,6-bis-hydroxymethyl-phenol and Nicotinamide
Authors: Altun Özlen , Yoruç Zeliha , Boz Mesut 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In the presented study, Pt(II) complex including 4-Bromo-2,6-bis-hydroxymethyl-phenol (BBHMP) and nicotinamide (NA) was synthesized and structurally analyzed by using spectral and thermal analysis methods. The BBHMP and its Pt(II) complex involving BBHMP and NA were investigated for their antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, gen expression and antioxidant properties. The antimicrobial activity results showed that the platinum complex displayed moderate antibacterial and antifungal activities. The cytotoxicity of the BBHMP and platinum complex were determined against human prostate (DU145) and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines by applying MTT assay. Cytotoxicity results suggest that the Pt(II) complex exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against growth of used cancer cell lines when compared with the reference drug cisplatin. Gen expression results proved that Pt(II) complex is a special bioactive chemical constituent and potential anticancer agent. In addition, the complex demonstrated important antioxidant activity.
Leadership Skills And Quality Health Care For Older Australians
Authors: Dawes Nathan G , Topp Stephanie M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWith increasing recognition of the quality and safety issues in residential aged care (RAC), there is an urgent need to better understand the role of leadership teams who are often responsible for addressing these concerns. This qualitative study sought to explore the leadership skills that positively influence quality of care within Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs); and better understand the professional development needs of senior managers to positively influence care within these complex environments. MethodsWe conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with senior managers in 14 RACFs in northern Queensland, Australia. GEN Aged Care Data was reviewed to assist the recruitment of” high performing”, non-government RACFs across different geographical areas of remoteness. Thematic analysis was used, including inductive identification of the leadership skills and strategies employed to promote quality of care. ResultsThe leadership skills reported by senior managers were structured under five domains including: i) communication and relationship management, ii) stewardship, iii) professional development, iv) health care knowledge and v) information technology and finance. A majority of participants highlighted communication and relationship management skills as being influential to RAC quality performance. We found that while most participants recognised the link between leadership skills and quality of care, only managers with a formal health qualification, highlighted the role of health care knowledge as a critical component of their leadership competency.ConclusionsThe skills and strategies employed by leadership and management teams are critical to quality outcomes for organisations and, ultimately, care recipients. With ongoing pressures facing RACFs , more work is needed to identify sector specific professional development (PD) strategies that better prepare RAC senior managers to lead quality health care services within an increasingly complex environment.
The role of lattice dynamics in ferroelectric switching
Authors: Shi Qiwu , Parsonnet Eric , Chen Xiaoxing , Peng Ren-Ci , Fernandez Abel , Fedorova Natalya , Qualls Alexander , Huang Xiaoxi , Chang Xue , Zhang Hongrui , Pesquera David , Das Sujit , Nikonov Dmitri , Young Ian , Chen Long-Qing , Martin Lane , Huang Yen-Lin , Íñiguez Jorge , Ramesh Ramamoorthy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Reducing the switching energy of ferroelectric thin films remains an important goal in the pursuit of ultralow power ferroelectric memories and magnetoelectric spin-orbit logic devices. Here, we elucidate the fundamental role of lattice dynamics in ferroelectric switching by combining thermodynamic calculations, experiments, and phase-field simulations on both freestanding BiFeO3 membranes and films clamped to a substrate. We observe a distinct evolution of the ferroelectric domain pattern, from striped, 71° ferroelastic domains (spacing of ~100 nm) in clamped BiFeO3 films, to large (10’s of micrometers) 180° domains or even single domain structures, in freestanding films. Through the use of piezoresponse force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, polarization-electric field hysteresis loops, and high-speed pulsed ferroelectric switching experiments, it is found that removing the constraints imposed by the requirement of macroscopic continuity of deformation (also known as the von Mises criterion in the deformation of solids)[1]–[3] to the substrate, we can realize a ~40% reduction of the switching voltage and a consequent ~60% gain in the switching speed. The work highlights the critical role of mechanics and the clamping effect from the substrate in setting the energetics and dynamics of switching in ferroelectrics.
The Impact of Myosteatosis Percentage on Short-Term Mortality in Patients with Septic Shock
Authors: Kim June-sung , Ha Jiyeon , Kim Youn-Jung , Ko Youn-sun , Park Taeyong , Kim Kyung Won , Kim Won Young 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background: The impact of myosteatosis on septic patients has not been fully revealed. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of myosteatosis area and percentage on the 28-day mortality in patients with septic shock.Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study with prospectively collected data from a registry of adult patients with septic shock who presented to the emergency department and performed abdominal computed tomography (CT) from May 2016 to May 2020. Myosteatosis area defined as the sum of the low-attenuation muscle area and intramuscular adipose tissue at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was measured by CT. Myosteatosis percentages were calculated by dividing the myosteatosis area by the total abdominal muscle area. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 28-day mortality were estimated using a multivariate logistic regression model.Results: Of the 896 patients, the 28-day mortality was 16.3% and the abnormal myosteatosis areas were commonly detected (81.7%). Among variables of body compositions, non-survivors had relatively lower normal-attenuation muscle area, higher low-attenuation muscle area, higher myosteatosis area, and higher myosteatosis percentage than survivors. Trends in myosteatosis according to age groups were different between the male and female groups. In subgroup analysis with male patients, the multivariate model showed that the myosteatosis percentage (adjusted OR 1.02 [95% CI 1.01–1.03]) was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality. However, this association was not evident in the female group.Conclusions: Myosteatosis was common and a high myosteatosis percentage was associated with short-term mortality in patients with septic shock. Our results implied that abnormal fatty disposition in the muscle could lead to increased mortality, especially in male patients.
Assessment of Casual Relations, Direct and Indirect Effects of Latent Covariates On CD4 Cell Count Change Among HIV Positive Adults
Authors: Tegegne Awoke Seyoum 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The use of structural equation modelling and latent variables remains unusual in epidemiology despite its potential usefulness and assessment of casual relations. Measuring direct and indirect effect of latent variables helps for proper intervention and for the ART program to be effective. The main objective of current investigation was to assess casual relations, direct and indirect effect of latent covariates on CD4 cell count change for HIV positive adults under HAART. Methods: Based on the repeated measures of CD4 cell count change data obtained in ART section at Felege Hiwot Teaching and Specialized hospital, AMOS software was employed parameter estimation. The data was conducted on 792 randomly selected HIV positive adults. The data was collected by the health staff for sake of delivering medication adherence. Results: CD4 cell count change was directly and indirectly affected by the latent variables. The powers of effects of observed variables with and without latent variables were a little bit different from each other. Hence, the power effect of observed variables with latent variables was lower as compared to without latent variables. The direct effect of latent variables on the response variable was a little bit greater than indirect effect. Conclusion: The power of effects of observed variables were stronger than their effects with latent variables. Hence, the latent variables had significant contributions for progress of CD4 cell count change. Health related education about the direct and indirect effect of latent variables should be given for patients under HAART.
Harnessing protein folding neural networks for peptide-protein docking
Authors: Tsaban Tomer , Varga Julia , Avraham Orly , Ben-Aharon Ziv , Khramushin Alisa , Schueler-Furman Ora 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Highly accurate protein structure predictions by the recently published deep neural networks such as AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold are truly impressive achievements, and will have a tremendous impact far beyond structural biology. If peptide-protein binding can be seen as a final complementing step in the folding of a protein monomer, we reasoned that these approaches might be applicable to the modeling of such interactions. We present a simple implementation of AlphaFold2 to model the structure of peptide-protein interactions, enabled by linking the peptide sequence to the protein c-terminus via a poly glycine linker. We show on a large non-redundant set of 162 peptide-protein complexes that peptide-protein interactions can indeed be modeled accurately. Importantly, prediction is fast and works without multiple sequence alignment information for the peptide partner. We compare performance on a smaller, representative set to the state-of-the-art peptide docking protocol PIPER-FlexPepDock, and describe in detail specific examples that highlight advantages of the two approaches, pointing to possible further improvements and insights in the modeling of peptide-protein interactions.
Peptide-mediated interactions play important regulatory roles in functional cells. Thus the present advance holds much promise for significant impact, by bringing into reach a wide range of peptide-protein complexes, and providing important starting points for detailed study and manipulation of many specific interactions.
COVID-19: An Opportunity of Systematic Integration for Chagas Disease. Example of A Community-Based Approach within the Bolivian Population in Barcelona
Authors: Prat Jordi Gómez i , Essadek Hakima Ouaarab , Esperalba Juliana , Serrat Francesc Zarzuela , Guiu Isabel Claveria , Goterris Lidia , Zules-Oña Ricardo , Choque Estefa , Pastoret Conxita , Ponce Natàlia Casamitjana , Santos Juan José , Pons Jordi Serrano , Dehousse Aurore , Albajar-Viñas Pedro , Pumarola Tomàs , Campins Magda , Sulleiro Elena 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
As a Neglected Tropical Disease associated to Latin America, Chagas Disease (CD) is little known in non-endemic territories of the Americas, Europe and Western Pacific, making its control challenging, with limited detection rates, healthcare access and consequent epidemiological silence. This is reinforced by its biomedical characteristics - it is usually asymptomatic - and the fact that it mostly affects people with low social and financial resources. Because CD is mainly a chronic infection, which principally causes a cardiomyopathy and can also cause a prothrombotic status, it increases the risk of contracting severe COVID-19.In order to get an accurate picture of CD and COVID-19 overlapping and co-infection, this operational research draws on community-based experience and participative-action-research components. It was conducted during the Bolivian elections in Barcelona on a representative sample of that community. The results show that 55% of the people interviewed had already undergone a previous T. cruzi infection screening - among which 81% were diagnosed in Catalonia and 19% in Bolivia. The prevalence of T. cruzi infection was 18.3% (with 3.3% of discordant results), the SARS-CoV-2 22.3% and the coinfection rate, 6%. The benefits of an integrated approach for COVID-19 and CD were shown, since it only took an average of 25% of additional time per patient and undoubtedly empowered the patients about the co-infection, its detection and care. Finally, the rapid diagnostic test used for COVID-19 showed a sensitivity of 89.5%. This research addresses CD and its co-infection, through an innovative way, an opportunity of systematic integration, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Association Between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Urinary Incontinence in U.S. Adult: NHANES 2007-2016
Authors: Zhang Zilong , Jin Kun , Qiu Shi , Huang Xinyi , Hu Dan , Jiang Zhongyuan , Wang Mingda , Yang Lu , Lin Tianhai , Zhou Xianghong , Jin Di , Zhan Yu , Wei Qiang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: It have been reported that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were associated with a variety of diseases, but it is still unclear that whether PAHs are associated with urinary incontinence (UI). This study aims to assess the association between PAHs and UI.Methods: Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2016. 10 PAHs were detected totally. UI was diagnosed and distinguished into stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI), and mixed UI (MUI) by answers of self-reported questions. Multivariate logistic regression analyses categorizing PAHs as quartiles were performed to detect the correlation between urinary PAHs and all three UI subtypes. Models were adjusted for common epidemiological factors including demographic and living habits factors.Results: A total of 12,393 participants of NHANES with available urine PAHs and UI data were eligible. No significant differences were observed between characteristics of participants with and without UI. Increasing prevalence of UUI was associated with the highest quantiles of 1-hydroxynapthalene (OR=1.208, 95%CI=1.026-1.422, p for trend=0.036), 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (OR=1.203, 95%CI=1.017-1.423, p for trend=0.004), and 1-hydroxypyrene (OR=1.251, 95%CI=1.062-1.475, p for trend=0.013) compared with the lowest quantiles. Increasing rate of SUI was observed in participants with higher exposure of all 9 PAHs (p for trend<0.025) except 3-hydroxyfluorene (OR=1.115, 95%CI=0.929-1.338, p for trend=0.241). Compared with the lowest quantiles, association between MUI and the highest quantiles of 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (OR=1.554, 95%CI=1.244-1.942, p for trend<0.001) and 1-hydroxypyrene (OR=1.307, 95%CI=1.047-1.630, p for trend=0.018) was observed.Conclusion: Our study suggested a positive relationship between U-PAHs and the prevalence of all three types of UI. Almost all PAHs are positively correlated with SUI.
Multiple Tumorous Lesions of The Pituitary Gland
Authors: von Schöning Jannik , Flitsch Jörg , Lüdecke Dieter K , Fahlbusch Rundolph , Buchfelder Michael , Buslei Rof , Knappe Ulrich Johannes , Bergmann Markus , Schulz-Schaeffer W. , Herms Jochen , Glatzel Markus , Saeger Wolfgang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Multiple tumorous lesions with an adenoma make up 1.4 % (232 cases) in the large collection of the German Registry of Pituitary Tumors. 2.0% of all PitNETs are associated with a second lesion. Within the selected cases synchronous multiple pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) account for 17,3%, PANCH cases for 14.7%, PitNETs and posterior lobe tumors for 2.2%, PitNETs and metastases for 5.2%, PitNETs and mesenchymal tumors for 2.6%, PitNETs and cysts for 52.2% and PitNETs and primary inflammation for 6.0%. The mean patient age was 53.8 years with a standard deviation of 18.5 years. 55.3% of the patients were female and 44.7% were male. From 1990 to 2018 there was a continuous increase in the number of multiple tumorous lesions.
Sources of Inefficiency in Small-Scale Irrigation in Ethiopia: A Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Sisha Teshager , Dillie Surafel 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Increased production, food security, poverty reduction, and rural economic development can be supported by increasing efficiency in the use of scarce resources and technologies. Promoting small-scale irrigation practices may provide opportunities to improve the efficient utilization of land and labor. This paper assesses the extent of technical efficiencies of two household irrigation technologies: rope & washer and pulley practiced by farmers in two pilot areas of rural communities in Ethiopia. Stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) was used to estimate efficiency levels and identify the factors affecting inefficiencies. Labor and land are found to have contributed a greater share in the quantity of production of the crops under study. Plough repetition and experience in irrigation also contributed significantly to increased output. The results obtained from the stochastic frontier analysis indicate that farmers are operating at a significantly lower mean efficiency level of 70%, indicating the existence of room for increased production without additional investment. Distance to the nearest market, female household head, higher dependency ratio and using rope & washer (compared to pulley) increases the likelihood of being inefficient, whereas higher educational attainment of the head of the household and irrigation experience reduces the probability of inefficiency.