bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Posterior fossa volume in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a magnetic resonance imaging–based study
Authors: Milarachi Emily N , Gourishetti Saikrishna C , Ciriello Jonathan , Eisenman David J , Raghavan Prashant 
Published: December 2021

Background The etiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is uncertain. Studies suggest the fundamental cause of the Chiari 1 malformation, a congenitally hypoplastic posterior fossa, may explain the genesis of IIH in some patients. Purpose To assess the hypothesis that linear and volumetric measurements of the posterior fossa (PF) can be used as predictors of IIH. Material and Methods A retrospective analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on 27 patients with IIH and 14 matched controls was performed. A volumetric sagittal magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo sequence was used to derive 10 linear cephalometric measurements. Total intracranial and bony posterior fossa volumes (PFVs) were derived by manual segmentation. The ratio of PFV to total intracranial volume was calculated. Results In total, 41 participants were included, all women. Participants with IIH had higher median body mass index (BMI). No significant differences in linear cephalometric measurements, total intracranial volumes, and PFVs between the groups were identified. Linear measurements were not predictive of volumetric measurements. However, on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the likelihood of IIH decreased significantly per unit increase in relative PFV (odds ratio [OR]=3.66 × 10−50; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.39 × 10−108 to 1.22 × 10−5; P = 0.04). Conversely, the likelihood of IIH increased per unit BMI increase (OR=1.19; 95% CI=1.04–1.47; P = 0.02). Conclusion MRI-based volumetric measurements imply that PF alterations may be partly responsible for the development of IIH and Chiari 1 malformations. Symptoms of IIH may arise due to an interplay between these and metabolic, hormonal, or other factors.
Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Palliative Care Professionals and Services: A Mixed-Methods Survey Study
Authors: Chan Wallace Chi Ho , Woo Raymond Kam Wing , Kwok Denis Ka-Shaw , Yu Clare Tsz Kiu , Chiu Lawrence Man-Hon 
Published: December 2021

Introduction This study aimed to examine the mental health of palliative care professionals in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship of mental health with socio-demographic factors, and the impact of the pandemic on palliative care services. Methods A total of 142 palliative care professionals in Hong Kong participated in an online survey. The questionnaire includes measurements on depression, anxiety, perceived stress, post-traumatic stress, professional quality of life, items that measure the effect of COVID-19 on palliative care services, and one open-ended question for describing how the services were affected. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data about the impact of COVID-19 on palliative care services were analyzed and triangulated using a mixed-methods approach. Results Up to 82%, 43%, and 42% of the participants felt moderately to highly stressed, anxious, and depressed, respectively, during the pandemic. Younger participants tended to have poorer mental health and professional quality of life. Around 82% felt stressed when communicating with patients and family members under the no-visiting policy during the pandemic. More than three-quarters of participants showed lack of confidence in the anti-epidemic policy of the government. Qualitative findings identified 3 themes affecting the provision of palliative care: 1. the tightening of restrictions on visitors; 2. the limited provision of services; and 3. staff deployment. Conclusions Appropriate responses are required to give extra support to palliative care professionals during the pandemic and facilitate their coping with the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of palliative care.
The experience of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dalby Melanie , Ailawadi Nikant 
Published: December 2021

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of many cancer patients in a variety of ways. This study was conducted to understand the experience cancer patients have had during the pandemic. Method Cancer patients who were under the care of the Trust between September 2020 – January 2021 were invited to take part in a survey sent through as a text message. Results A total of 600 patients were sent a text message with a link to an online survey. There were 82 patients who responded. The data has been divided into three themes of information provision and safety around COVID-19, impact on cancer care and feeling supported by staff. Conclusion It was encouraging to see that patients felt safe coming into the hospitals if it was required and they received appropriate information about changes to their care and how to protect themselves against COVID-19. Most patients stated that the pandemic had not influenced their cancer care. Of those that did experience delays most were understanding of this. There was a mixture of responses in terms of patients feeling supported by staff, most inpatients did feel supported and 75% of patients were able to contact their specialist nurse.
Myelin Protein Zero Immunohistochemistry Is Not a Reliable Marker of Extrinsic Mucosal Innervation in Patients With Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Kapur Raj P. , Tisoncik-Go Jennifer , Gale Michael 
Published: December 2021

Background Innervation of aganglionic rectum in Hirschsprung disease derives from extrinsic nerves which project from cell bodies located outside the bowel wall and markers that distinguish extrinsic from intrinsic innervation are diagnostically useful. Myelin protein zero (MPZ) is a putative marker of extrinsic glial cells which could distinguish mucosal innervation in aganglionic vs ganglionic colon. Methods Sections and protein blots from ganglionic and aganglionic colon were immunolabeled with MPZ-specific antibodies. Results Immunolabeling of MPZ with a chicken polyclonal or mouse monoclonal antibody confirmed glial specificity and reliably labeled hypertrophic submucosal nerves in Hirschsprung disease. In contrast, a rabbit polyclonal antibody strongly labeled extrinsic and intrinsic nerves, including most mucosal branches. Immunoblots showed MPZ is expressed in mucosal glial cells, albeit at lower levels than in extrinsic nerves, and that the rabbit antibody is more sensitive that the other two probes. Unfortunately, none of these antibodies consistently distinguished mucosal innervation in aganglionic vs ganglionic rectum Conclusions The results suggest that (a) glial cell myelin protein zero expression is influenced more by location (mucosa vs submucosa) than the extrinsic vs intrinsic origin of the accompanied nerves and (b) myelin protein zero immunohistochemistry has limited value as a diagnostic adjunct for Hirschsprung disease.
Ultrasonographically derived caudal vena cava parameters acquired in a standing position and lateral recumbency in healthy, lightly sedated cats: a pilot study
Authors: Hultman Tove M , Boysen Søren R , Owen Rebecca , Yozova Ivayla D 
Published: December 2021

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of ultrasonographically measuring the caudal vena cava (CVC) at the subxiphoid view of healthy, lightly sedated cats in a standing position and lateral recumbency. Methods This was a prospective, observational, experimental single-centre study. Twenty healthy research-purposed cats were enrolled. Two trained operators scanned each cat in two positions – standing and lateral recumbency – in a randomised order. CVC diameter was measured at the narrowest diameter during inspiration and at the widest diameter during expiration, at two anatomical locations along the CVC – where the CVC crosses the diaphragm (base) and 2 mm caudal to the diaphragm. The CVC collapsibility index (CVC-CI) was calculated for each site. Normalcy was assessed with a Shapiro–Wilk test. A one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey’s test was used to compare inspiratory with expiratory values within and between groups. A paired t-test compared the CVC-CI between groups ( P ⩽0.05 indicated statistical significance). Spearman’s correlation and Bland–Altman analysis assessed inter-operator variability. Results All ultrasonographic data passed normalcy and were reported as mean ± SD. When compared with each other, inspiratory and expiratory values were statistically different for position, location and operator (all P <0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between lateral recumbency or standing position for inspiratory, expiratory and CVC-CI values. Inter-operator variability was substantial, with operator 2 consistently obtaining smaller measurements than operator 1. The mean CVC-CI in lateral recumbency at the base was 24% for operator 1 and 37% for operator 2. For the same site in standing position, CVC-CI was 27% and 41% for operators 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusions and relevance This pilot study demonstrates that it is possible to ultrasonographically measure the CVC diameter in both lateral recumbency and a standing position in healthy, lightly sedated cats. However, measurements obtained are operator dependent with variability between individuals. Further studies are needed to determine if ultrasonographic CVC assessment will prove helpful in estimating intravascular volume status in cats.
Early childhood family background predicts meal frequency behaviour in children: Five-year follow-up study
Authors: Parikka Suvi , Martelin Tuija , Karvonen Sakari , Levälahti Esko , Kestilä Laura , Laatikainen Tiina 
Published: December 2021

Aims: Childhood nutrition patterns have an important role in later health. We studied the role of family type, other family background factors and their changes over a five-year follow-up with respect to meal frequency among children. Methods: Longitudinal data were collected in 2007–2009 and 2013–2014. A nationally representative sample of Finnish children ( n = 1822) aged 0.5–5 years at baseline and 5–10 years at follow-up and their families were used. The participation rate was 83% at baseline and 54% at follow-up. Meal frequency was defined as four to six meals per day. The associations of meal frequency with family background factors over a five-year follow-up period were examined by bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results: Eighty-nine per cent of the 5–10-year-old boys and girls had the recommended meal frequency at follow-up. Living in a single-parent family at baseline increased the risk of not eating the recommended number of meals compared with those living in intact families. After adjustments, a mother’s low level of education (OR 0.51, CI 0.29–0.93) and a decrease in income sufficiency (OR 0.54, CI 0.35–0.84) during the follow-up period were unfavourably associated with the recommended meal frequency. The difference between children in stable single-parent, reconstituted or joint physical custody families and those living in stable intact families remained significant when controlling for other variables. Conclusions: Single-parent families with a low socioeconomic position represent important target groups for interventions designed to promote regular meal frequency.
Socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors and asthma prevalence: results from a population-based study in Sweden
Authors: Molarius Anu , Hasselgren Mikael 
Published: December 2021

Aim: To examine differences in the prevalence of self-reported diagnosed asthma by socioeconomic status and the contribution of lifestyle factors to these differences. Methods: The study was based on 28,531 persons aged 18 years or older who answered a survey questionnaire sent to a random population sample in mid-Sweden in 2017. The overall response rate was 44%. Socioeconomic status was measured with educational level and economic difficulties, and lifestyle factors with physical activity, smoking, snuff use, risk-drinking of alcohol and obesity. The associations between socioeconomic status and asthma were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The overall asthma prevalence was 9% among women and 7% in men and decreased with increasing age. Educational level was not independently associated with asthma, but a statistically significant odds ratio (with 95% confidence intervals) for the prevalence of asthma was observed for economic difficulties 1.5 (1.3–1.7). Also, physical inactivity 1.2 (1.1–1.3) and obesity 1.6 (1.4–1.8) were associated with increased asthma prevalence. Smoking and risk-drinking were not statistically significantly associated with asthma whereas snuff users had a higher prevalence of asthma among women. Adjusting for lifestyle factors did not affect the association between socioeconomic status and asthma. Conclusions: In this population-based study, self-reported diagnosed asthma was independently associated with economic difficulties but not with educational level. Lifestyle factors did not explain the association between economic difficulties and asthma prevalence. This applies to both men and women as well as younger and older age groups.
Turkish and Moroccan Dutch women’s views of using a self-sampling kit for human papillomavirus testing as a tool for cervical cancer screening: What are the barriers and the motivators?
Authors: Hilverda Femke , Fissers Katleen , van den Broek Thijs 
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study explores barriers and motivators to use self-sampling kits for human papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer screening as perceived by Dutch women of Turkish and Moroccan origin living in the Netherlands. Methods: A total of 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and structured according to the theory of planned behavior. Results: Findings suggest that self-sampling may lift important barriers hampering traditional cervical cancer screening, such as those related to shame and chastity. However, self-sampling raises its own barriers too. Most importantly, some women fear that self-sampling may harm virginity. Some women also do not feel confident about their ability to properly use the self-sampling kit, but fears about the inability to properly use it often fade away upon having seen the self-sampling kit. Moreover, results show that knowledge about cervical cancer and its origin is limited, which may undermine women’s willingness to participate in a screening program. Conclusions: These results suggest that communication strategies to encourage using self-sampling kits among women of Turkish and Moroccan origin could benefit from culturally sensitive approaches, for example, by placing emphasis on issues such as virginity and chastity. Consistent with a recent advice of the Health Council of the Netherlands, the kit could furthermore be sent to eligible women as a standard procedure, rather than upon request. This could reduce hassle and doubts about women’s ability to use the self-sampling kit. Finally, educating women about the importance of screening to prevent cervical cancer is needed to foster informed decision-making.
Platelet ACKR3/CXCR7 favors antiplatelet lipids over an atherothrombotic lipidome and regulates thromboinflammation
Authors: Cebo Malgorzata , Dittrich Kristina , Fu Xiaoqing , Manke Mailin C. , Emschermann Frederic , Rheinlaender Johannes , von Eysmondt Hendrik , Ferreirós Nerea , Sudman Jessica , Witte Alexander , Pelzl Lisann , Borst Oliver , Geisler Tobias , Rath Dominik , Bakchoul Tamam , Gawaz Meinrad , Schäffer Tilman E. , Lämmerhofer Michael , Chatterjee Madhumita 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPlatelet ACKR3/CXCR7 surface expression is enhanced and influences prognosis in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, who exhibit a distinct atherothrombotic platelet lipidome. Current investigation validates the potential of ACKR3/CXCR7 in regulating thromboinflammatory response through its impact on the platelet lipidome. CAD patients with enhanced platelet ACKR3/CXCR7 expression exhibited reduced aggregation. Pharmacological CXCR7 agonist (VUF11207) significantly reduced prothrombotic platelet response in blood from acute coronary syndrome patients ex vivo. CXCR7 agonist administration reduced thrombotic functions and thromboinflammatory plateletleukocyte interactions post–myocardial infarction and arterial injury in vivo. ACKR3/CXCR7 ligation did not affect surface availability of surface receptors, coagulation profile, bleeding time, plasma-dependent thrombin generation (thrombinoscopy), or clot formation (thromboelastography) but counteracted activation-induced phosphatidylserine exposure and procoagulant platelet-assisted thrombin generation. Targeted (micro-UHPLC-ESI-QTrap-MS/MS) and untargeted (UHPLCESI-QTOF-MS/MS) lipidomics analysis revealed that ACKR3/CXCR7 ligation favored generation of antithrombotic lipids (dihomo-γ-linolenic acid [DGLA], 12-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid [12-HETrE]) over cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) or 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) metabolized prothrombotic and phospholipase-derived atherogenic lipids in healthy subjects and CAD patients, contrary to antiplatelet therapy. Through 12-HETrE, ACKR3/CXCR7 ligation coordinated with Gαs-coupled prostacyclin receptor to trigger cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A–mediated platelet inhibition. ACKR3/CXCR7 ligation reduced generation of lipid agonists and lipid signaling intermediates, which affected calcium mobilization, intracellular signaling, and consequently platelet interaction with physiological matrices and thromboinflammatory secretome. This emphasized its functional dichotomy from prothrombotic CXCR4. Moreover, CXCR7 agonist regulated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia–sera/immunoglobulin G–triggered platelet and neutrophil activation, heparin-induced platelet aggregation, generation of thromboinflammatory lipids, platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation, and thromboinflammatory secretion ex vivo. Therefore, ACKR3/CXCR7 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy in acute/chronic thromboinflammation exaggerated cardiovascular pathologies and CAD.
A Review on Friction Stir Welding of Steels
Authors: Mohan Dhanesh G , Wu ChuanSong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFriction Stir Welding (FSW) is the most promising solid-state metals joining method introduced in this era. Compared to the conventional fusion welding methods, this FSW can produce joints with higher mechanical and metallurgical properties. Formerly, FSW was adopted for low melting metals like aluminum alloys. In recent years it has made significant progress in friction stir welding of steels since unfavourable phase transformations occurred in welds due to the melting of the parent and filler metals in fusion welding can be eliminated. The main advantage of FSW over traditional fusion welding is the reduction in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), and the joints exhibit excellent mechanical and corrosion resistance properties. This article reviews the progress in the relevant issues such as the FSW tool materials and tool profiles for joining steels, microstructure and mechanical properties of steels joints, special problems in joining dissimilar steels. Moreover, in-situ heating sources was used to overcome the main limitations in FSW of hard metals and their alloys, i.e., tool damages and insufficient heat generation. Different in-situ heating sources like laser, induction heat, gas tungsten arc welding assisted FSW for various types of steels are introduced in this review. On the basis of the up-to-date status, some problems that need further investigation are put forward.
Genetic stability of Aedes aegypti populations following invasion by wMel Wolbachia
Authors: Lau Meng-Jia , Schmidt Thomas L. , Yang Qiong , Chung Jessica , Sankey Lucien , Ross Perran A. , Hoffmann Ary A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Wolbachia wMel is the most commonly used strain in rear and release strategies for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that aim to inhibit the transmission of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever. However, the long-term establishment of wMel in natural Ae. aegypti populations raises concerns that interactions between Wolbachia wMel and Ae. aegypti may lead to changes in the host genome, which could affect useful attributes of Wolbachia that allow it to invade and suppress disease transmission.

Results
We applied an evolve-and-resequence approach to study genome-wide genetic changes in Ae. aegypti from the Cairns region, Australia, where Wolbachia wMel was first introduced more than 10 years ago. Mosquito samples were collected at three different time points in Gordonvale, Australia, covering the phase before (2010) and after (2013 and 2018) Wolbachia releases. An additional three locations where Wolbachia replacement happened at different times across the last decade were also sampled in 2018. We found that the genomes of mosquito populations mostly remained stable after Wolbachia release, with population differences tending to reflect the geographic location of the populations rather than Wolbachia infection status. However, outlier analysis suggests that Wolbachia may have had an influence on some genes related to immune response, development, recognition and behavior.

Conclusions
Ae. aegypti populations remained geographically distinct after Wolbachia wMel releases in North Australia despite their Wolbachia infection status. At some specific genomic loci, we found signs of selection associated with Wolbachia, suggesting potential evolutionary impacts can happen in the future and further monitoring is warranted.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae and their antibiotic resistance in patients with community-acquired pneumonia from southwest Iran
Authors: Farajzadeh Sheikh Ahmad , Rahimi Robab , Meghdadi Hossein , Alami Ameneh , Saki Morteza 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the occurrence ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeandHaemophilus influenzaein sputum of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) using culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) methods and to survey the antibiotic resistance patterns of aforesaid isolates.ResultIn total, 23.9 % (n= 22/92) of sputum samples showed positive results in the culture method.S. pneumoniaeandH. influenzaewere isolated from 15 (16.3 %) and 7 (7.6%) samples, respectively. Using M-PCR, 44 (47.8 %) samples were positive forS. pneumoniaeandH. influenzae. Of these,S. pneumoniaeandH. influenzaewere detected in 33 (35.8%) and 11 (11.9%) of the sputum samples, respectively.The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of PCR in detection ofS. pneumoniaein comparison with culture method were 100, 76.6, and 83.6%, respectively. While, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of PCR in detection ofH. influenzaein comparison with culture method were 100, 95.3, and 95.8%, respectively. Out of 11 isolates ofH. influenzae, two strains confirmed asH. influenzaetype b (Hib) and 3 isolates were type f. However, 6 isolates were non-typable. The co-trimoxazole and amoxicillin/clavulanate were the less effective antibiotics againstS. pneumoniaandH. influenzae, respectively. Ceftriaxone with 13.3% resistance rates was the most effective antibiotic againstS. pneumoniae, while, clarithromycin, ceftriaxone, and gentamicin with resistance rates of 28.6% for each one were the most effective chemicals againstH. influenzaeisolates.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence ofS. pneumoniaewas more thanH. influenzaeusing culture and M-PCR methods. The M-PCR provided better efficiency in detecting the bacterial agents in CAP patients compared to culture method. This method can improve the early detection of pathogens contributed to CAP. The drug resistantS. pneumoniaeandH. influenzaeindicated the need to develop a codified monitoring program to prevent further spread of these strains.