bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical activity levels and sociodemographic factors associated with meeting recommended levels among shop attendants in Mbarara municipality, Uganda
Authors: Nimusiima Evas , Wafula Solomon T , Mendoza Hilbert , Ndejjo Rawlance , Atusingwize Edwinah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Shop attendants are urban dwellers who may spend significant periods in sedentary lifestyles exposing them to non-communicable diseases. This study assessed the physical activity levels and sociodemographic factors associated with meeting the WHO recommended physical activity levels among shop attendants in Mbarara municipality, Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 301 shop attendants. We used the global physical activity questionnaire to assess participants’ physical activity levels. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess the sociodemographic factors associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels.

Results
Of the 301 participants, 234 (77.7%) met the WHO physical activity recommendations, especially through work-related physical activity of moderate intensity 194 (64.5%). The median weekly duration of all moderate-intensity physical activity was 180 min (IQR=90 to 360). The median daily sedentary time was 300 min (IQR=300 to 360). Being male (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.33, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.51) was significantly associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels.

Conclusion
The physical activity levels among shop attendants were high and were mostly achieved through work-related activities of moderate intensity, with males being more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels. Findings suggest a need for gender-sensitive initiatives to increase physical activity levels, especially among female shop attendants.
Concordance between the results of randomized and non-randomized interventional clinical trials assessing the efficacy of drugs for COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shepshelovich Daniel , Yahav Dafna , Ben Ami Ronen , Goldvaser Hadar , Tau Noam 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To assess whether results of observational studies of potential anti-COVID-19 drugs were reproduced in subsequent randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods
This was a retrospective cross-sectional study, including studies published online between 1 January and 27 October 2020 that evaluated potential COVID-19 treatments and reported all-cause mortality.

Results
Of 133 comparisons included in 117 studies, most were non-randomized (104/133, 78%). Hydroxychloroquine was the most common drug type, combined with azithromycin (n = 27, 20%) or alone (n = 22, 16%), followed by IL-6 inhibitors (n = 36, 27%) and corticosteroids (n = 26, 20%). Seventy-one percent (74/104) of non-randomized studies reported adjusted survival results and only 8% (8/104) adjusted for immortal time bias. Only two RCTs (2/29, 7%) reported significant survival benefit, both reporting treatment with corticosteroids, while 32/104 (31%) non-randomized studies showed statistically significant survival benefit associated with the intervention arm. The results of the majority (28/32, 88%) of non-randomized studies reporting survival benefit were not replicated by large-scale RCTs.

Conclusions
The results of most non-randomized studies reporting survival benefit of potential anti-COVID-19 drugs were not replicated by large RCTs. Regulators and healthcare professionals should exercise caution and resist the pressure to approve and prescribe drugs of unproven efficacy and potential toxicity to optimize patient care and maintain public trust in medical science.
Early supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum in liquid diet modulates intestinal innate immunity through toll-like receptor 4-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in young piglets challenged with Escherichia coli K88
Authors: Yang Kuanmin M , Zhu Cui , Wang Li , Cao Shuting T , Yang Xuefen F , Gao Kaiguo G , Jiang Zongyong Y 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of early supplementation during 4 to 18 d of age with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) in liquid diets on intestinal innate immune response in young piglets infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. Seventy-two barrow piglets at 4 d old were assigned to basal or LP-supplemented liquid diet (5 × 1010 CFU·kg−1). On day 15, piglets from each group were orally challenged with either ETEC K88 (1 × 108 CFU·kg−1) or the same amount of phosphate-buffered saline. The intestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), and spleen samples were collected on day 18. Here, we found that LP pretreatment significantly decreased the mRNA relative expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α), porcine β-defensin 2 (pBD-2), and mucins (MUC1 and MUC4) in the jejunal mucosa in piglets challenged with ETEC K88 (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, LP significantly decreased the ileal mucosa mRNA relative expression of IL-8 and MUC4 in young piglets challenged with ETEC K88 (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the piglets of the LP + ETEC K88 group had lower protein levels of IL-8, secretory immunoglobulin A, pBD-2, and MUC4 in the jejunal mucosa than those challenged with ETEC K88 (P &lt; 0.05). Besides, LP supplementation reduced the percentage of gamma/delta T cells receptor (γδTCR) and CD172a+ (SWC3+) cells in MLN and the percentage of γδTCR cells in the spleen of young piglets after the ETEC K88 challenge. Supplementation with LP in liquid diets prevented the upregulated protein abundance of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, phosphorylation-p38, and phosphorylation-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases in the jejunal mucosa induced by ETEC K88 (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, LP supplementation in liquid diet possesses anti-inflammatory activity and modulates the intestinal innate immunity during the early life of young piglets challenged with ETEC K88, which might be attributed to the suppression of TLR4-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Early supplementation with LP in liquid diets regulates the innate immune response, representing a promising immunoregulation strategy for maintaining intestinal health in weaned piglets.
Introduction by Editors: Power in Forced Migration Research Methods
Authors: Saltsman Adam , Jacobsen Karen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWhen it comes to field research in contexts of forced migration, many of the challenges relate to questions of power. Most research is plagued by a power imbalance between those who call themselves ‘researcher’ or ‘technical expert’ and the forced migrants who participate in the research in various ways. This Special Section considers how this imbalance influences the production of research and how we might address the challenges created by research practices that are exclusionary, even if unwittingly so. What, for example, are the politics of designing methods for research with/on refugees? What kinds of negotiations and gatekeeping take place in determining the assemblage of actors involved in crafting and carrying out the research? Who has a seat at the table to design the research, interpret results, and write up outcomes? The three contributing articles that follow this introduction each discuss strategies the authors deployed, i.e. how they attempted to upend dominant research practices by centreing the voices of migrants and refugees, and re-balancing power inequities. In this article, we offer an introduction to how this Special Section conceptualizes power in the context of research with forced migrants.
Granuloma after breast conserving surgery—a report of three cases
Authors: Ichinose Yuki , Kosaka Yoshimasa , Saeki Toshiaki , Fujimoto Akihiro , Nukui Asami , Asano Aya , Shimada Hiroko , Matsuura Kazuo , Hasebe Takahiro , Osaki Akihiko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Granulomatous mastitis is a rare breast disease that is categorized as a benign tumor with chronic inflammation. Since the cause of the chronic inflammation is usually unknown, it is sometimes called idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). Although imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and mammography can detect tumors, they are sometimes unable to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. In such cases, biopsy is needed to make a correct diagnosis. We experienced three cases of IGM after breast conserving surgery in breast cancer patients in whom we needed to rule out recurrence of breast cancer. In our cases, tumorectomy was performed in two cases for pathological diagnosis, since neither biopsy nor cytology was able to reveal a conclusive pathological diagnosis. Our management of these three cases might suggest the appropriate management of granulomatous tumors after breast conserving surgery in breast cancer survivors.
Metastatic neuroendocrine tumor with metastases to the right liver in a patient with absent left portal vein
Authors: Mahoney Reid C , Awad Kyrillos , Maldini Gregorio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The patient is a 50-year-old female that underwent routine screening colonoscopy during which she was found to have a neuroendocrine tumor in the right colon. The patient underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans that demonstrated metastatic disease in segments 5 and 7 of the liver. Notably, the patient was found to have an absent left portal vein. The metastatic lesions abut the right portal vein; the right portal vein also supplies the left lobe of the liver in place of an absent left portal vein. She underwent a laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy to remove the primary tumor. The patient recovered uneventfully from surgery and is currently being monitored by a multidisciplinary team regarding her metastatic disease. Neuroendocrine tumors can cause long-term effects on health and ultimately death if left untreated. We present a case of metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumor that has metastasized to the liver in a patient with absent left portal vein.
Silver chitosan nanocomposites as a potential treatment for superficial candidiasis
Authors: Artunduaga Bonilla Jhon Jhamilton , Honorato Leandro , Cordeiro de Oliveira Douglas Felipe , Araújo Gonçalves Rodrigo , Guimarães Allan , Miranda Kildare , Nimrichter Leonardo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Silver compounds are widely known for their antimicrobial activity, but can exert toxic effects to the host. Among the strategies to reduce its toxicity, incorporation into biopolymers has shown promising results. We investigated the green syntheses of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their functionalization in a chitosan matrix (AgNPs@Chi) as a potential treatment against Candida spp. Inhibitory concentrations ranging between 0.06 and 1 μg/ml were observed against distinct Candida species. Nanocomposite-treated cells displayed cytoplasmic degeneration and a cell membrane and wall disruption. Silver nanocomposites in combination with fluconazole and amphotericin B showed an additive effect when analyzed by the Bliss method. The low cytotoxicity displayed in mammalian cells and in the Galleria mellonella larvae suggested their potential use in vivo. When tested as a topical treatment against murine cutaneous candidiasis, silver nanocomposites reduced the skin fungal burden in a dose-response behavior and favored tissue repair. In addition, the anti-biofilm effect of AgNPs@Chi in human nail model was demonstrated, suggesting that the polymeric formulation of AgNPs does not affect antifungal activity even against sessile cells. Our results suggest that AgNPs@Chi seems to be a less toxic and effective topical treatment for superficial candidiasis.

Lay Summary
This study demonstrated the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in inhibiting the growth of Candida. AgNPs incorporated in chitosan displayed a reduced toxicity. Tests in infected mice showed the effectiveness of the treatment. AgNPs-chitosan could be an alternative to combat candidiasis.
Numerical simulations of macrospicule jets under energy imbalance conditions in the solar atmosphere
Authors: González-Avilés J J , Murawski K , Srivastava A K , Zaqarashvili T V , González-Esparza J A 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Using numerical simulations, we study the effects of thermal conduction and radiative cooling on the formation and evolution of solar jets with some macrospicules features. We initially assume that the solar atmosphere is rarely in equilibrium through energy imbalance. Therefore, we test whether the background flows resulting from an imbalance between thermal conduction and radiative cooling influence the jets’ behaviour. In this particular scenario, we trigger the formation of the jets by launching a vertical velocity pulse localized at the upper chromosphere for the following test cases: (i) adiabatic case; (ii) thermal conduction case; (iii) radiative cooling case; and (iv) thermal conduction + radiative cooling case. According to the test results, the addition of the thermal conduction results in smaller and hotter jets than in the adiabatic case. On the other hand, the radiative cooling dissipates the jet after reaching the maximum height (≈5.5 Mm), making it shorter and colder than in the adiabatic and thermal conduction cases. Besides, the flow generated by the radiative cooling is more substantial than that caused by the thermal conduction. Despite the energy imbalance of the solar atmosphere background, the simulated jet shows morphological features of macrospicules. Furthermore, the velocity pulse steepens into a shock that propagates upward into a solar corona that maintains its initial temperature. The shocks generate the jets with a quasi-periodical behaviour that follows a parabolic path on time–distance plots consistent with macrospicule jets’ observed dynamics.
Evolution of primordial Kuiper belt binaries through a giant planet instability
Authors: Stone Lukas R , Kaib Nathan A 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The non-resonant Kuiper belt objects between the 3:2 and 2:1 Neptunian mean motion resonances can be largely divided between a cold classical belt (CCB) and a hot classical belt (HCB). A notable difference between these two subpopulations is the prevalence of widely spaced, equal-mass binaries in the CCB, and a much smaller but non-zero number in the HCB. The primary reason for this difference in binary rate remains unclear. Here using N-body simulations we examine whether close encounters with the giant planets during an early outer Solar system instability may have disrupted primordial Kuiper belt binaries that existed within the primordial Kuiper belt before they attained HCB orbits. We find that such encounters are very effective at disrupting binaries down to separations of ∼ 1% of their Hill radius' (as measured in the modern Kuiper belt), potentially explaining the paucity of widely spaced, equal mass binaries in the modern HCB. Moreover, we find that the widest binaries observed in the modern HCB are quite unlikely to survive planetary encounters, but these same planetary encounters can widen a small subset of tighter binaries to give rise to the small population of very wide binaries seen in today's HCB.
Analysis of Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Targeting in the Stimulation of Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Epilepsy Clinical Trial
Authors: Gross Robert E , Fisher Robert S , Sperling Michael R , Giftakis Jonathon E , Stypulkowski Paul H ,   on behalf of the SANTÉ Study Group
Published: April 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) is an effective therapy for patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Best practices for surgical targeting of the ANT can be refined as new information becomes available regarding effective stimulation sites.

OBJECTIVE
To conduct a retrospective analysis of the relationship between outcomes (seizure reduction during year 1) and DBS lead locations in subjects from the SANTÉ pivotal trial (Stimulation of ANT for Epilepsy) based upon recent clinical findings.

METHODS
Postoperative images from SANTÉ subjects (n = 101) were evaluated with respect to lead trajectory relative to defined anatomic landmarks. A qualitative scoring system was used to rate each lead placement for proximity to an identified target region above the junction of the mammillothalamic tract with the ANT. Each subject was assigned a bilateral lead placement score, and these scores were then compared to clinical outcomes.

RESULTS
Approximately 70% of subjects had “good” bilateral lead placements based upon location with respect to the defined target. These subjects had a much higher probability of being a clinical responder (>50% seizure reduction) than those with scores reflecting suboptimal lead placements (43.5% vs 21.9%, P < .05).

CONCLUSION
Consistent with experience from more established DBS indications, our findings and other recent reports suggest that there may be specific sites within the ANT that are associated with superior clinical outcomes. It will be important to continue to evaluate these relationships and the evolution of other clinical practices (eg, programming) to further optimize this therapy.
Venous Anatomy Influence on the Approach Selection of a Petroclival Clear Cell Meningioma With Associated Multiple Spinal Meningiomas: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Essayed Walid I B N , Mooney Michael A , Al-Mefty Ossama 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Preoperative careful evaluation of the sigmoid transverse sinus and its tributary veins is paramount for the safe surgical planning of petroclival lesions.
1

,

2
When the vein of Labbé is running within the tentorium, classic petrosal approach involving transection of the tentorium is modified to avoid the risk of postoperative morbid temporal lobe venous infarcts.1–3
-

3
Thus, the surgical plan should be tailored to the specific patient anatomy as demonstrated in the presented case during which a transmastoid approach was followed, in the same surgical setting, by a middle fossa approach to resect a large petroclival clear cell meningioma with extension into Meckel cave. These meningiomas are WHO grade II tumors with a propensity to local recurrence and cerebrospinal fluid seeding.
4
SMARCE1 mutations define this subtype of meningioma, with frequent familial inheritance, and predispose patients to both skull base and spinal clear cell meningiomas.
5

,

6
Maximal surgical resection is the best initial treatment option allowing to withhold or delay the use of radiation in tumors frequently encountered in young patients.
7
In this report, we demonstrate the microsurgical techniques deployed to achieve maximal resection of a petroclival clear cell meningioma and associated lumbar and sacral spinal meningiomas in a 20-yr-old patient with a familial SMARCE1 mutation. The patient agreed to the surgical intervention and to the use of her image.
The Unique Fiber Anatomy of Middle Temporal Gyrus Default Mode Connectivity
Authors: Briggs Robert G , Tanglay Onur , Dadario Nicholas B , Young Isabella M , Fonseka R Dineth , Hormovas Jorge , Dhanaraj Vukshitha , Lin Yueh-Hsin , Kim Sihyong J , Bouvette Adam , Chakraborty Arpan R , Milligan Ty M , Abraham Carol J , Anderson Christopher D , O’Donoghue Daniel L , Sughrue Michael E 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The middle temporal gyrus (MTG) is understood to play a role in language-related tasks such as lexical comprehension and semantic cognition. However, a more specific understanding of its key white matter connections could promote the preservation of these functions during neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVE
To provide a detailed description of the underlying white matter tracts associated with the MTG to improve semantic preservation during neurosurgery.

METHODS
Tractography was performed using diffusion imaging obtained from 10 healthy adults from the Human Connectome Project. All tracts were mapped between cerebral hemispheres with a subsequent laterality index calculated based on resultant tract volumes. Ten postmortem dissections were performed for ex vivo validation of the tractography based on qualitative visual agreement.

RESULTS
We identified 2 major white matter bundles leaving the MTG: the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and superior longitudinal fasciculus. In addition to long association fibers, a unique linear sequence of U-shaped fibers was identified, possibly representing a form of visual semantic transfer down the temporal lobe.

CONCLUSION
We elucidate the underlying fiber-bundle anatomy of the MTG, an area highly involved in the brain's language network. Improved understanding of the unique, underlying white matter connections in and around this area may augment our overall understanding of language processing as well as the involvement of higher order cerebral networks like the default mode network in these functions.
Optic Canal Decompression: Concepts and Techniques: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Patra Devi P , Turcotte Evelyn L , Bendok Bernard R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The optic canal (OC) is a bony channel that transmits the optic nerve (ON) and ophthalmic artery (OphA) as they course through the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone to the orbital apex. The OC is involved in a variety of intracranial and extracranial pathologies,
1
and opening of the canal may be necessary in order to achieve adequate exposure, better disease control, and vision preservation.
2
Depending on the location of the pathology and its relationship with the optic nerve, the OC may be decompressed through an open transcranial approach or an endoscopic endonasal approach.
1,3
OC drilling can be tailored based on the location of the pathology and its extension. Anterior clinoid process and optic strut drilling can be added based on these factors as well.
4,5

In this video, we demonstrate the steps of OC drilling in both transcranial microscopic and endoscopic endonasal approaches through a combination of animated illustrations and operative videos. We present 4 cases, including 2 transcranial microscopic and 2 endoscopic endonasal approaches,
6
demonstrating OC decompression and its technical nuances. Each case was selected to represent the range of pathologies relevant to OC drilling to allow for a complete understanding of the techniques and concepts required for optimal treatment.
An informed written consent has been obtained from each of the patients in this publication.
Video © Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.
Images at 1:03-1:10 © The Rhoton Collection.
Images at 3:56-4:07 Reprinted from World Neurosurgery, vol 124, Caporlingua et al,
3
Copyright 2019, with permission from Elsevier.
Images at 9:02-9:48 reprinted from Bendok et al,
6
by permission of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.