bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of moderate and severe asthma exacerbations on quality of life: a post hoc analysis of randomised controlled trial data
Authors: Briggs Andrew , Nasser Shuaib , Hammerby Eva , Buchs Sarah , Virchow J. Christian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
This paper reports the duration of moderate and severe exacerbations in patients with house dust mite induced allergic asthma and the impact on patients’ quality of life.

Methods
Post-hoc analyses were conducted using data collected during a phase III multi-national trial (MT-04) that investigated time to moderate or severe asthma exacerbation among 485 patients during withdrawal from inhaled corticosteroids. Patient diaries were analysed to ascertain duration of exacerbations. The impact on patients’ quality of life was measured by calculating utilities for five health states using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-3L) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQL-5D). A regression analysis predicted the disutility of moving from ‘well controlled asthma’ to the other four health states: ‘partially controlled asthma’, ‘uncontrolled asthma’, ‘moderate exacerbation’ and ‘severe exacerbation’.

Results
Two hundred four patients experienced exacerbations. Moderate and severe exacerbations involved statistically significant reductions in lung function compared to the constant peak expiratory flow observed for patients without exacerbations. Lung function decline occurred for 28 days, decreasing approximately 14 days before an exacerbation followed by a return to baseline over 14 days. Asthma symptoms, the use of short-acting β2-agonists, and frequency of nocturnal awakening all increased, starting 10–14 days before an exacerbation, and returned to baseline within 10–28 days following exacerbations. Compared to ‘well controlled asthma’, the disutility of having a ‘moderate exacerbation’ ranged from − 0.0834 to − 0.0921 (EQ-5D-3L) and from − 0.114 to − 0.121 (AQL-5D); and of having a ‘severe exacerbation’ from − 0.115 to − 0.163 (EQ-5D-3L) and from − 0.153 to − 0.217 (AQL-5D), depending on the length of the observation period.

Conclusions
The impact of moderate and severe exacerbations in house dust mite induced allergic asthma extends 14 days before and 28 days after the peak exacerbation event. The impact of exacerbations on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) continues long after their occurrence.
A case series on the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT-guided biopsy of osseous metastases
Authors: Farrell Michael , Hyun Gina , Goold Michael P. , Krapiva Pavel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This case series explores the utility of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) guidance for biopsy of 18F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid osseous lesions that are inconspicuous on CT.

Methods
PET/CT-guided core biopsies were performed in four patients with suspected malignancies given 18F-FDG-avid osseous lesions that were inconspicuous on CT alone. The final diagnosis for each patient was determined by histopathological and molecular testing.

Results
PET/CT-guided biopsy yielded accurate sampling via core needle biopsy (CNB) with histopathological confirmation of osseous metastases of the primary malignancy as opposed to a secondary malignancy in three patients and ruled-out metastatic spread in the fourth.

Conclusion
PET/CT-guided biopsy of hypermetabolic osseous lesions that are inconspicuous on CT alone is an effective and safe diagnostic tool in patients with suspected malignancy.
Lymphadenectomy after a positive sentinel node biopsy in patients with cutaneous melanoma. A systematic review
Authors: Da Cunha Cosme Maribel L. , Liuzzi Samaterra Juan F. , Siso Cardenas Saul A. , Chaviano Hernández José I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractComplete lymph node dissection (CLND) following a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been the standard treatment for years. However, there is increasing evidence that CLND could be omitted. Approximately 80% of patients with a positive sentinel node biopsy do not have additional nodal involvement; in these contexts, the SLNB could be diagnostic and therapeutic. However, in this group of patients, the therapeutic effect of CLND is unclear.A systematic search was performed in EMBASE and MEDLINE (PubMed), for studies published between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019. Studies were included when they compared immediate CLND and observation after a positive sentinel node. The outcomes of interest were: Overall Survival (OS), melanoma-specific survival (MSS), and disease-free survival (DFS).Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Two randomized clinical trials reported no differences in OS or MSS when complete lymph dissection was compared with observation alone. An increase in regional relapse was observed in the CLND group, and in one randomized controlled trial (RCT) the rate of disease-free survival was superior in those patients.Most populations in both RCTs had low sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) metastatic deposits, and head and neck melanomas were not included or underrepresented. When CNLD was omitted, an active surveillance protocol was carried out.The evidence supports that CLND in SLNB positive patients does not confer a survival benefit. Sentinel tumor burden, localization of primary tumor, and feasibility of active surveillance should be taken into account in treatment decisions.
Field persistence of certain new insecticides and their efficacy against black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel)
Authors: Ismail Seham M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Chemical control is used as a rapid and reliable method for insect control. Still, there is an ongoing need to replace older conventional insecticides with new insecticides to maintain efficacy and environmental protection. Emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb and chlorantraniliprole are broad-spectrum insecticides with a novel mode of actions. The effects of these compounds on some biological aspects of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, and their field persistence residues were estimated.

Results
The results showed that egg hatch was affected by high concentrations (50 and 100 ppm) of the tested compounds. Larvae that hatched from treated eggs were significantly affected at concentrations of 25 ppm and higher. 1st-instar larvae were the most susceptible developmental stage. There was strong suppression of adult formation; 65 and 91% at 25 and 50 mg L−1, respectively. Profoundly affected larvae died before pupation; slightly affected ones reached pupation 2–4 days later, were smaller than larvae in the untreated control, and were sometimes unable to develop into normal adults. Comparatively high concentrations (50 and 100 mg L−1) of the test compounds were necessary to affect adults by ingestion. According to the results, the tested insecticides could be arranged according to their potency descendingly as follows: emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb, and chlorantraniliprole, respectively. Based on the field application, emamectin benzoate proved to be the most effective in initial and residual activity, causing 100% mortality while indoxacarb was least effective. Data also indicated that emamectin benzoate had the longest half-life (Lt50) while indoxacarb recorded the shortest one.

Conclusions
The results obtained in this study indicate that emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb and chlorantraniliprole are potent compounds for controlling A. ipsilon. Therefore, these compounds are promising materials that can be used as alternative components in integrated pest management programs to reduce as possible the harmful of using conventional insecticides under field conditions.
Effects of aging on the skin and gill microbiota of farmed seabass and seabream
Authors: Rosado Daniela , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Pereira Ana , Severino Ricardo , Xavier Raquel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Important changes in microbial composition related to sexual maturation have been already reported in the gut of several vertebrates including mammals, amphibians and fish. Such changes in fish are linked to reproduction and growth during developmental stages, diet transitions and critical life events. We used amplicon (16S rRNA) high-throughput sequencing to characterize the skin and gill bacterial microbiota of farmed seabass and seabream belonging to three different developmental age groups: early and late juveniles and mature adults. We also assessed the impact of the surrounding estuarine water microbiota in shaping the fish skin and gill microbiota.

Results
Microbial diversity, composition and predicted metabolic functions varied across fish maturity stages. Alpha-diversity in the seabass microbiota varied significantly between age groups and was higher in older fish. Conversely, in the seabream, no significant differences were found in alpha-diversity between age groups. Microbial structure varied significantly across age groups; moreover, high structural variation was also observed within groups. Different bacterial metabolic pathways were predicted to be enriched in the microbiota of both species. Finally, we found that the water microbiota was significantly distinct from the fish microbiota across all the studied age groups, although a high percentage of ASVs was shared with the skin and gill microbiotas.

Conclusions
We report important microbial differences in composition and potential functionality across different ages of farmed seabass and seabream. These differences may be related to somatic growth and the onset of sexual maturation. Importantly, some of the inferred metabolic pathways could enhance the fish coping mechanisms during stressful conditions. Our results provide new evidence suggesting that growth and sexual maturation have an important role in shaping the microbiota of the fish external mucosae and highlight the importance of considering different life stages in microbiota studies.
Outcome of manual thrombus aspiration for patients undergoing primary PCI for acute STEMI showing large thrombus burden
Authors: Elfekky Ehab Mohamed , Penjameen Michael Nabil , Nassar Ahmed Ibrahim , Elias Ramy Raymond 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Routine thrombus aspiration during primary PCI does not improve clinical outcomes. Although recent guidelines for management of patient presented by ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary PCI does not recommend routine use of thrombus aspiration and ranking it as class III recommendation. However, there is remaining uncertainty about rule of TA in group of patients presented by STEMI and their initial coronary angiogram shows large thrombus burden as there is a logical rationale for greater benefit, and still, there are no clear guidelines for management of this group of patients; the aim of this study is to evaluate the in-hospital and short-term outcome of using manual thrombus aspiration in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI and showing large thrombus burden.

Results
The study was prospective observational study included 209 patients referred to coronary care unit (CCU) with diagnosis of STEMI who had undergone primary PCI; their initial coronary angiography show totally occluded infarct-related artery with heavy thrombus burden. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group (B) which included 73 patients, who had undergone PTCA and manual thrombus aspiration followed by stent to culprit lesion, and group (A) which included 136 patients, who had undergone conventional PTCA and stent of culprit lesion within the period from November 2016 till July 2018. Patients had a pre-discharge echo and were followed up for 4 weeks for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and echo repeated after 1 month of discharge.
It was found that thrombus aspiration in heavy thrombus burden cases had improved in-hospital mortality and in-hospital secondary endpoints (TIMI flow, MBG, ST-segment resolution), as well as 30-day MACE and LV systolic function.

Conclusion
In patients presented with STEMI and heavy thrombus burden culprit artery, manual thrombus aspiration has great value in reducing index hospitalization and 1 month mortality and improve TIMI flow, MBG, ST-segment resolution, and left ventricular systolic function.
Rhabdomyolysis following coronary angiography: an unexpected detection on 99mTc-methyl diphosphonate bone scintigraphy
Authors: Arumugam Kavita , Onny Muhammad Adib Abdul , Amran Iskandar Mirza , Suppiah Subapriya , Ng Chen Siew , Hashim Hazlin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Bone scintigraphy is an appropriate tool in the management of cancers for the detection of bone metastasis. Technetium 99 m-methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) is commonly used as a bone-seeking agent. The bones take up 99mTc-MDP through a process called chemisorption, which is more evident in areas of increased osteoblastic activities. Nevertheless, extra-osseous 99mTc-MDP uptake is an infrequent occurrence, which warrants a thorough clinical assessment to evaluate such findings. An example of extraosseous uptake discovery is rhabdomyolysis, which requires prompt recognition and immediate management. Rhabdomyolysis secondary to an adverse reaction towards iodinated contrast material is a rare condition that warrants a high index of clinical suspicion.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 75-year-old gentleman with underlying benign prostatic hypertrophy, and chronic kidney disease who had undergone a coronary angiography examination and intervention for ischemic heart disease. Pre-scheduled bone scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP for the work-up of raised serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was performed 2 weeks post coronary angiography examination. Whole-body bone scan with single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) images showed an unexpected finding of extensive extra-osseous uptake in the muscles and soft tissues. Additional investigations confirmed the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Nevertheless, despite the prompt recognition, administration of treatment and supportive care, the patient succumbed to life-threatening complications.

Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of recognising and identifying the pattern of extra-osseous uptake on bone scintigraphy imaging to ensure early intervention of severe and life-threatening conditions such as rhabdomyolysis.
The relationship between organizational environment antecedents and performance management in local government: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Abane Juliana Abagsonema , Brenya Edward 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the relationship between organizational environment antecedents and their impact on performance management among local government authorities and to further understand the role of the stakeholder and political support in the performance monitoring and review of local governments. The study used quantitative research design techniques in the data collection phase between May and August 2017 in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The sample included 850 middle level and senior managers of the Local Government Service. Multiple regression was used to analyze the data. The results of the findings indicate that there is a strong relationship between two organizational environment variables: “stakeholder participation”, political support, and performance management providing a variance of 31.8 percent of the changes in the dependent variable. However, the findings further suggest that stakeholder participation was a better predictor of performance management than political support. Additionally, employees’ age, gender, and organizational size were statistically significant in the model fit. This study is one of the first of its kind to link two organizational environment indicators (stakeholder support and political support) and their effect on two performance management dimensions (performance monitoring and evaluation, and performance review). Also, few studies have used the structural contingency theory in explaining the influence of the environment on internal business processes of organizations in the performance management literature.
E-commerce adoption in ASEAN: who and where?
Authors: Ayob Abu H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs an economic bloc, the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) aims to leverage the usage of e-commerce for the benefits of all: government, enterprises, and citizens of its member countries. However, each country varies greatly in terms of economic development and cultural factors, which explains the uneven level of e-commerce adoption in the region. This paper seeks to provide empirical evidence by integrating individual and country-level characteristics to profile e-commerce users in ASEAN. By analyzing multi-source data from 5870 individuals in six countries in 2017, the results reveal that e-commerce adoption is more prevalent among female, younger, more educated, employed, and higher income users. Also, the adoption of e-commerce is found to be stronger in societies that exhibit high individualism, low masculinity and low uncertainty avoidance. This study proposes that e-commerce adoption shall not only be explained by individual characteristics and formal institutions, but also by country-level variables and national culture.
Ketamine treatment for depression: qualitative study exploring patient views
Authors: Jilka Sagar , Odoi Clarissa Mary , Wilson Emma , Meran Sazan , Simblett Sara , Wykes Til 
Published: January 2021

Background
Ketamine is a new and promising treatment for depression but comes with challenges to implement because of its potential for abuse.

Aims
We sought the views of patients to inform policy and practical decisions about the clinical use of ketamine before large-scale roll-out is considered.

Method
This qualitative study used three focus groups and three validation sessions from 14 patients with prior diagnoses of depression but no experience of ketamine treatment. Focus groups explored their views about clinical use of ketamine and the best way for ketamine to be administered and monitored. The qualitative data were analysed by three service-user researchers using thematic analysis.

Results
Five themes were generated: changing public perceptions, risks, monitoring, privacy and data protection, and practical aspects. Participants were conscious of the stigma attached to ketamine as a street drug and wanted better public education, and evidence on the safety of ketamine after long-term use. They felt that monitoring was required to provide evidence for ketamine's safe use and administration, but there were concerns about the misuse of this information. Practical aspects included discussions about treatment duration, administration and accessibility (for example who would receive it, under what criteria and how).

Conclusions
Patients are enthusiastic about ketamine treatment but need more information before national roll-out. The wider societal impact of ketamine treatment also needs to be considered and patients need to be part of any future roll-out to ensure its success.
Quality of Histopathological Reporting in Breast Cancer: Results From Four South African Breast Units
Authors: Toma Armand , O’Neil Daniel , Joffe Maureen , Ayeni Oluwatosin , Nel Carolina , van den Berg Eunice , Nayler Simon , Cubasch Herbert , Phakathi Boitumelo , Buccimazza Ines , Čačala Sharon , Ruff Paul , Norris Shane , Nietz Sarah 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSEHigh-quality histopathology reporting forms the basis for treatment decisions. The quality indicator for pathology reports from the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists was applied to a cohort from four South African breast units.METHODSThe study included 1,850 patients with invasive breast cancer and evaluated 1,850 core biopsies and 1,158 surgical specimen reports with cross-center comparisons. A core biopsy report required histologic type; tumor grade; and estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, with a confirmatory test for equivocal HER2 results. Ki-67 was regarded as optional. Pathologic stage, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and distance to nearest invasive margin were mandatory for surgical specimens. Specimen turnaround time (TAT) was added as a locally relevant indicator.RESULTSSeventy-five percent of core biopsy and 74.3% of surgical specimen reports were complete but showed large variability across study sites. The most common reason for an incomplete core biopsy report was missing tumor grade (17.9%). Half of the equivocal HER2 results lacked confirmatory testing (50.6%). Ki-67 was reported in 89.3%. For surgical specimens, the closest surgical margin was reported in 78.1% and lymphovascular invasion in 84.8% of patients. Mean TAT was 11.9 days (standard deviation [SD], 10.8 days) for core biopsies and 16.1 days (SD, 11.3) for surgical specimens.CONCLUSIONHistopathology reporting is at a high level but can be improved, especially for tumor grade, HER2, and Ki-67, as is reporting of margins and lymphovascular invasion. A South African pathology consensus will reduce variability among laboratories. Routine use of standardized data sheets with synoptic reports and ongoing audits will improve completeness of reports over time.
Epidemiological Analyses Reveal a High Incidence of Breast Cancer in Young Women in Brazil
Authors: Orlandini Leonardo Fleury , Antonio Maria Vitória do Nascimento , Espreafico Jr Claiver Renato , Bosquesi Priscila Longhin , Poli-Neto Omero Benedito , de Andrade Jurandyr Moreira , dos Reis Francisco José Cândido , Tiezzi Daniel Guimarães 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE Breast cancer screening is not recommended for young women (< 40 years old); therefore, those diagnosed are more likely to have advanced and metastatic disease, reducing treatment outcomes. This study aimed to investigate breast cancer epidemiology among young women in Brazil. METHODS Data from three publicly available databases and a cohort from a university hospital in Brazil were analyzed in a retrospective study. Descriptive statistics was performed on disease prevalence and stage distribution across age groups. Incidence was estimated using age-standardized incidence ratio. The impact of age in disease-specific survival was also analyzed. RESULTS Invasive breast cancer prevalence data by age group revealed that 4.4% and 20.6% of patients were < 35 and < 45 years old, respectively. In the United States, this prevalence was 1.85% and 11.5%, respectively (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; P < .0001). The percentage of regional and metastatic diseases were higher in São Paulo State (Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo [FOSP]) compared with the United States (45% and 9.8% v 29% and 5.7%, respectively; P < .0001). In FOSP, regional and metastatic disease prevalence were higher among young patients (53.5% and 11.3%, respectively). The median tumor size in patients < 40 years old was higher (25.0 mm × 20.9 mm; P < .0001), and young patients have higher risk to be diagnosed with positive lymph nodes (OR, 1.5; P = .004) and higher proportion of luminal-B and triple-negative (TNBC) tumors. Young patients have a poor disease-specific survival because of late-stage diagnosis and more aggressive breast cancer subtypes (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–enriched and TNBC) ( P < .0001). CONCLUSION In Brazil, breast cancer prevalence among young patients and late-stage incidence during this age span is higher. Advanced disease and more aggressive subtypes lead to a significant impact on breast cancer-specific survival in young patients.