bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block for perioperative analgesia in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lai Renchun , Luo Quehua , Lai Jielan , Lu Xiaoyun , Xu Mei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Recently, several case reports and limited randomized studies have shown that quadratus lumborum blocks (QLB) are effective in providing pain relief after intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal operations. Additionally, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has been proposed as a promising operative treatment for renal carcinoma because it enables early recovery and ambulation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the analgesic and opioid-sparing effects of a single-injection QLB in patients undergoing RAPN to determine its role in an early recovery program.

Methods
Fifty-six patients undergoing elective RAPN under general anesthesia were randomized to two equally sized groups. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either a unilateral QLB (n = 28) with 0.375% bupivacaine 0.5 mL/kg (QLB group) or a conventional scheme (n = 28) (control group). The QLB technique, termed QLB2, was performed as first described by Blanco. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) scores with movement at 6 h postoperatively. The secondary endpoints were morphine consumption at different time periods after surgery, morphine-related side effects, and assessment of postoperative rehabilitation.

Results
Both the VAS pain scores and cumulative opioid consumption were significantly lower in the QLB group at 6 h after surgery as compared with results in the control group (all P < 0.05). There were significant differences in pain scores at all time points except at 4 h with movement and 48 h at rest. However, at 12–24 h no significant differences between the two groups were observed in cumulative opioid consumption or in the duration of PACU and hospital stays. The patient recovery scores were significantly higher in the QLB group.

Conclusions
Single-injection pre-emptive QLB applied to RAPN was effective and provided satisfactory analgesia and opioid-sparing effects in combination with typical patient-controlled analgesia. In addition, it may provide an effective technique for early recovery in the perioperative period for RAPN.
Bodybuilding, dietary supplements and hormones use: behaviour and determinant analysis in young bodybuilders
Authors: Montuori Paolo , Loperto Ilaria , Paolo Carmine , Castrianni Davide , Nubi Raffaele , De Rosa Elvira , Palladino Raffaele , Triassi Maria 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundAmong athletes, bodybuilders are more predisposed to the use of dietary supplements (DS) and hormones (H) to increase in adaptations to physical training and performance. The purpose of the study was to identify social, psychological, and organisational factors that are associated with the use of food supplements and hormones in young bodybuilders of the metropolitan area of Naples.Methods107 athletes, practicing bodybuilding, were consecutively recruited in 30 gyms, randomly selected in the metropolitan area of Naples. Athletes were administered an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 5 sections (socio-demographic, frequency and reasons for bodybuilding, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours). Descriptive statistics were performed using T-test and Chi-square statistics. A score was created for knowledge, attitudes, behaviours. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess association between each score and the use of DS and H. Statistical analyses were carried out using STATA 15.Results81.31% of the subjects reported to use DS while 35.51% H. Females are less likely to practise bodybuilding frequently than males (OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.05–0.69), p = 0.01). Subjects who have attended high school or university have a lower probability of taking DS (OR 0.17 (95% CI 0.04–0.65), p = 0.01). H users also use supplements more frequently (OR 61.21 (95% CI 3.99–939.31), p < 0.001). Those who scored higher on knowledge scores are more likely to take DS (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.11–2.12), p < 0.001). Attitudes are correlated with the use of DS; those who scored higher were less likely to use DS (OR 0.77 (95% CI 0.30–0.98), p = 0.03). People who use DS are 30 times more likely to use H at the same time (OR 30.25 (95% CI 2.51–365.24), p < 0.001). Subjects who have a higher score for knowledge and attitudes are less likely to use H (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.54–0.87), p < 0.001, OR 0.75 (95% CI 0.62–0.90), p < 0.001).ConclusionsPrevalence of H and DS’ use, although lower than reported in the literature, is a worrying public health problem. Better knowledge can lead to an informed use. Gym instructors should be trained to provide accurate and scientifically sound information. Health professionals should combine their expertise to provide more comprehensive guidance to the exercisers.
Epigenetic modifications in thymic epithelial cells: an evolutionary perspective for thymus atrophy
Authors: Hu Cexun , Zhang Keyu , Jiang Feng , Wang Hui , Shao Qixiang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The thymic microenvironment is mainly comprised of thymic epithelial cells, the cytokines, exosomes, surface molecules, and hormones from the cells, and plays a vital role in the development, differentiation, maturation and homeostasis of T lymphocytes. However, the thymus begins to degenerate as early as the second year of life and continues through aging in human beings, leading to a decreased output of naïve T cells, the limited TCR diversity and an expansion of monoclonal memory T cells in the periphery organs. These alternations will reduce the adaptive immune response to tumors and emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, also it is easier to suffer from autoimmune diseases in older people. In the context of global aging, it is important to investigate and clarify the causes and mechanisms of thymus involution.

Main body
Epigenetics include histone modification, DNA methylation, non-coding RNA effects, and chromatin remodeling. In this review, we discuss how senescent thymic epithelial cells determine and control age-related thymic atrophy, how this process is altered by epigenetic modification. How the thymus adipose influences the dysfunctions of the thymic epithelial cells, and the prospects of targeting thymic epithelial cells for the treatment of thymus atrophy.

Conclusion
Epigenetic modifications are emerging as key regulators in governing the development and senescence of thymic epithelial cells. It is beneficial to re-establish effective thymopoiesis, identify the potential therapeutic strategy and rejuvenate the immune function in the elderly.
Friendship, kinship and social risk management strategies among pastoralists in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Iyer Padmini 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper describes risk-pooling friendships and other social networks among pastoralists in Karamoja, Uganda. Social networks are of critical importance for risk management in an environment marked by volatility and uncertainty. Risk management or risk pooling mainly takes the form of “stock friendships”: an informal insurance system in which men established mutually beneficial partnerships with unrelated or related individuals through livestock transfers in the form of gifts or loans. Friends accepted the obligation to assist each other during need, ranging from the time of marriage to times of distress. Anthropologists and economists claim that social networks are critical for recouping short-term losses such as food shortage, as well as for ensuring long-term sustainability through the building of social capital and rebuilding of herds. To this end, I present ethnographic data on friendship, kinship, and other networks among male and female pastoralists in Karamoja. Using qualitative and quantitative data on these relationships and norms of livestock transfers and other mutual aid, I show the enduring importance of social networks in the life of Karamoja’s pastoralists today. I also demonstrate how exchange networks were utilized by participants during a drought. On this basis, I argue that appreciating historical and traditional mechanisms of resilience among pastoralists is vital for designing community-based risk management projects. I discuss how traditional safety net systems have been used successfully by NGOs to assist pastoralists in the wake of disaster, and how the same can be done by harnessing risk-pooling friendships in Karamoja.
Trauma, loss and other psychosocial drivers of excessive alcohol consumption in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Iyer Padmini , Stites Elizabeth 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article investigates the trends, drivers and effects of alcohol consumption in Karamoja, a primarily pastoralist area of Uganda. Although locally brewed alcohol from sorghum and millet has an important and long-standing place in Karamojong tradition, the emerging trend of excessive consumption of hard liquor is a cause for concern among government and health officials, development practitioners and, especially, community members themselves. This article explores the varied reasons for this rise in hard liquor consumption, particularly in Karamoja’s post-disarmament period. The article is based on data collected in mid-2018, as well as information gleaned from the authors’ engagement in the region over the past decade. The peace and security ushered in by the disarmament exercises of the 2000s has, on the one hand, opened up the once isolated region politically and economically. Conversely, it has accelerated external interest in Karamoja’s economic wealth, leading to further disenfranchisement of its people due to dispossession of land. Emerging from the trauma of the disarmament exercise, the drastic loss of livestock and livelihoods and the continuing negligence of pastoralism by the state, Karamoja’s rural as well as peri-urban communities are undergoing a remarkable loss not only of their economic systems, but also of their socio-cultural identity. Acknowledging the specific trauma and loss experienced by individuals and communities provides a lens through which to better understand the excessive alcohol consumption. These psychosocial factors, along with the economic and political aspects, must be considered in efforts to address this continuing crisis in the region.
Approximation properties of a new family of Gamma operators and their applications
Authors: Özçelik Reyhan , Kara Emrah Evren , Usta Fuat , Ansari Khursheed J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present paper introduces a new modification of Gamma operators that protects polynomials in the sense of the Bohman–Korovkin theorem. In order to examine their approximation behaviours, the approximation properties of the newly introduced operators such as Voronovskaya-type theorems, rate of convergence, weighted approximation, and pointwise estimates are presented. Finally, we present some numerical examples to verify that the newly constructed operators are an approximation procedure.
Can touch this: training to correct police officer beliefs about overdose from incidental contact with fentanyl
Authors: del Pozo Brandon , Sightes Emily , Kang Sunyou , Goulka Jeremiah , Ray Bradley , Beletsky Leo A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMisinformation about overdose risk from accidentally inhaling or touching fentanyl is widespread among police in the United States. This may aggravate already elevated burdens of officer stress and burnout, while chilling lifesaving overdose response. Police education has shown promise in reducing false beliefs about fentanyl. To better understand the potential of training interventions in correcting officer knowledge, we administered a 10-min online training with corrective messaging about occupational overdose risk from fentanyl contact to 204 police officers in Indiana. Overall, 129 officers (63%) completed baseline survey and 69 (34%) completed follow-up instrument. Using a 6-point Likert scale, we documented assent with the statement: “First responders who encounter fentanyl are at great risk of overdose by touching it or inhaling it.” At baseline, 79.8% expressed agreement, while 20.2% disagreed. At follow-up, 39.1% agreed, while 60.9% disagreed (p < .001). Baseline responses varied in that those officers without a college degree and those on patrol were more likely to report false beliefs. A brief online training intervention holds promise for correcting false beliefs about the risk of fentanyl overdose under circumstances commonly encountered by police.
The self-centered philanthropist: family involvement and corporate social responsibility in private enterprises
Authors: Zhu Bin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlthough corporate social responsibility (CSR) has attracted increasing attention in recent years, systematic studies on the CSR of Chinese enterprises are absent from academic publications. This study examines the effects of family involvement in the CSR of private enterprises. Using private enterprise data in China, the article reveals that, on the one hand, family involvement will improve CSR investment toward community stakeholders; on the other hand, family involvement has a negative effect on the CSR of contractual stakeholders. With the influence of “chaxu geju,” the author argues that Chinese families tend to shift between different logics of behavior when faced with people with whom they have different types of relationships and incorporate this behavioral mode into company practices when they engage themselves in management and business affairs.
Conceptualising Rugby League Performance Within an Ecological Dynamics Framework: Providing Direction for Player Preparation and Development
Authors: Scott Tannath J. , Sanctuary Colin E. , Tredrea Matthew S. , Gray Adrian J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAcross team sports, it is critically important to appropriately define, evaluate and then aptly describe individual and team performance. This is of particular significance when we consider that performance models govern the direction of player preparation (short term) and development (long term) frameworks. Within the context of rugby league, this has traditionally been undertaken through hierarchical and linear processes. Such approaches have resulted in research and performance analysis techniques which aim to support these operational outcomes. Yet, these methods may deliver limited application on how or why match-play unfolds and therefore might be sub-optimal in providing insights to truly support coaches. In this paper, we propose the conceptualisation of rugby league performance through the lens of ecological dynamics, which may offer a different view to this traditional approach. We propose that this approach eliminates the silos of disciplinary information (e.g. technical, physical and medical) that may currently exist, allowing for a holistic approach to performance, preparation and development. Specifically, we consider that through the implementation of this ecological approach, all performance coaches (technical, physical and medical) may (co-)design learning environments that more collaboratively develop players for rugby league match-play. As a result, we put forward a new rugby league performance model from which preparation and development programs can be anchored toward. We conclude the paper by offering practical examples where these concepts are contextualised within the landscape familiar to practitioners working within rugby league.
Brazilian Society of Rheumatology 2020 guidelines for psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Carneiro Sueli , Palominos Penelope Esther , Anti Sônia Maria Alvarenga , Assad Rodrigo Luppino , Gonçalves Rafaela Silva Guimarães , Chiereghin Adriano , Lyrio Andre Marun , Ximenes Antônio Carlos , Saad Carla Gonçalves , Gonçalves Célio Roberto , Kohem Charles Lubianca , Marques Cláudia Diniz Lopes , Schainberg Cláudia Goldenstein , de Souza Meirelles Eduardo , Resende Gustavo Gomes , Pieruccetti Lenise Brandao , Keiserman Mauro Waldemar , Yazbek Michel Alexandre , Sampaio-Barros Percival Degrava , da Cruz Lage Ricardo , Bonfiglioli Rubens , Oliveira Thauana Luíza , Azevedo Valderílio Feijó , Bianchi Washington Alves , Bernardo Wanderley Marques , dos Santos Simões Ricardo , de Medeiros Pinheiro Marcelo , Campanholo Cristiano Barbosa 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic and systemic immune disease characterized by inflammation of peripheral and/or axial joints and entheses in patients with psoriasis (PsO). Extra-articular and extracutaneous manifestations and numerous comorbidities can also be present. These recommendations replace the previous version published in May 2013. A systematic review of the literature retrieved 191 articles that were used to formulate 12 recommendations in response to 12 clinical questions, divided into 4 sections: diagnosis, non-pharmacological treatment, conventional drug therapy and biologic therapy. These guidelines provide evidence-based information on the clinical management for PsA patients. For each recommendation, the level of evidence (highest available), degree of strength (Oxford) and degree of expert agreement (interrater reliability) are reported.
Do automated breast ultrasound and tomosynthesis have an effective role in dense breast evaluation?
Authors: Ali Engy A. , Saeed Fatma , Adel Lamiaa 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Mammography plays a great role in reducing breast cancer mortality as it is the standard method of breast imaging and screening. But the accuracy of mammography performance reduces in cancer detection in women with dense breast due to the summation of images and overlapping of breast tissue. ABUS and tomosynthesis both recently help to detect breast cancer in dense breasted women. This prospective study was done in the female imaging unit and approved by its research and ethical committee; all the patients did an informed consent during the period from October 2018 to March 2019. The study was conducted on 38 patients with 38 lesions subjected to digital mammography, tomosynthesis and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS), who all had dense breast in mammography.

Results
Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) showed 100% in all sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) as well as accuracy, while the digital mammography tomosynthesis showed 100% in specificity, 87.5% in sensitivity, 100% in PPV, 82.4% in NPV and 92.1% accuracy.

Conclusion
Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) together with tomosynthesis makes a revolution in breast screening and detecting cancer in women with dense breasts.
Pharmacoscintigraphic evaluation and antidiabetic efficacy of gliclazide-loaded 99mTc-labelled mucoadhesive microspheres
Authors: Bordoloi Ripunjoy , Ahmed Abdul Baquee , Bhattacharya Kunal 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The current study was carried out to evaluate the possible application of Musa balbisiana starch in formulation of mucoadhesive microsphere for oral delivery of gliclazide (GLZ). The study objective was to improve the oral bioavailability along with prolongation of its duration of action for a better glycaemic control. Ionic gelation technique was employed in formulating the dosage form. Optimization of the batches was carried out by response surface methodology using 32 full factorial designs. The microsphere prepared was characterized for several parameters along with its in vitro release study. The gastrointestinal transit of the optimized batch of prepared microspheres after oral administration was studied in rabbits by using the gamma scintigraphy technique utilizing 99mTc as the labelling agent in the presence of stannous chloride. Also, the optimized batch was studied for its pharmacokinetic parameters. Moreover, the antidiabetic efficacy of the prepared microsphere was evaluated in rats by using the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model.

Results
The factorial design experiment resulted in an optimum formulation coded as F8. The compatible nature of the drug and excipient was revealed from FTIR, DSC and IST studies. The scanning electron micrographs also showed the occurrence of spherical microspheres having a smooth surface. The in vitro release study provided an evidence of an initial burst effect that was followed by a prolong release phase. The pharmacokinetic parameters justified the ability of the prepared dosage form in sustaining the drug release with a 2.7-fold enhancement in drug bioavailability. The images obtained during the gamma scintigraphy study suggested the gastro-retentive nature of the dosage form with the gastro-retentive ability for more than 4 h. Also, the pharmacodynamics study carried out in diabetic rat model confirmed about the better efficacy of the dosage form in lowering the elevated blood glucose level.

Conclusion
The overall study data provide valuable information about the potential of this banana starch in formulation of a mucoadhesive dosage form that can be used for enhancement of bioavailability of drug-like gliclazide which in turn can provide a beneficial effect in the management of diabetes.
Circulating Tumor DNA Profiling From Breast Cancer Screening Through to Metastatic Disease
Authors: Page Karen , Martinson Luke J. , Fernandez-Garcia Daniel , Hills Allison , Gleason Kelly L. T. , Gray Molly C. , Rushton Amelia J. , Nteliopoulos Georgios , Hastings Robert K. , Goddard Kate , Ions Charlotte , Parmar Vilas , Primrose Lindsay , Openshaw Mark R. , Guttery David S. , Palmieri Carlo , Ali Simak , Stebbing Justin , Coombes R. Charles , Shaw Jacqueline A. 
Published: November 2021

PURPOSEWe investigated the utility of the Oncomine Breast cfDNA Assay for detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in women from a breast screening population, including healthy women with no abnormality detected by mammogram, and women on follow-up through to advanced breast cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODSBlood samples were taken from 373 women (127 healthy controls recruited through breast screening, 28 ductal carcinoma in situ, 60 primary breast cancers, 47 primary breast cancer on follow-up, and 111 metastatic breast cancers [MBC]) to recover plasma and germline DNA for analysis with the Oncomine Breast cfDNA Assay on the Ion S5 platform.RESULTSOne hundred sixteen of 373 plasma samples had one or more somatic variants detected across eight of the 10 genes and were called ctDNA-positive; MBC had the highest proportion of ctDNA-positive samples (61; 55%) and healthy controls the lowest (20; 15.7%). ESR1, TP53, and PIK3CA mutations account for 93% of all variants detected and predict poor overall survival in MBC (hazard ratio = 3.461; 95% CI, 1.866 to 6.42; P = .001). Patients with MBC had higher plasma cell-free DNA levels, higher variant allele frequencies, and more polyclonal variants, notably in ESR1 than in all other groups. Only 15 individuals had evidence of potential clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential mutations.CONCLUSIONWe were able detect ctDNA across the breast cancer spectrum, notably in MBC where variants in ESR1, TP53, and PIK3CA predicted poor overall survival. The assay could be used to monitor emergence of resistance mutations such as in ESR1 that herald resistance to aromatase inhibitors to tailor adjuvant therapies. However, we suggest caution is needed when interpreting results from a single plasma sample as variants were also detected in a small proportion of HCs.