bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Throat Carriage Rate, Associated Factors, And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern Of Group A Streptococcus Among Healthy School Children In Jigjiga City, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Barsenga Shamil , Miteku Habtamu , Tesfa Tewodros , Shume Tadesse 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Group A Streptococcus has been recognized as an important human pathogen and it remains among the top ten causes of mortality from an infectious disease. Group A Streptococcus throat carriage plays an important role in the development of infection and transmission to contacts. In Ethiopia, there is little information about screening of children for Group A Streptococcus carriage.Objective: This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of throat carriage, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Group A Streptococus among healthy school children in Jigjiga city, Eastern Ethiopia from 12 April to 27 May 2021.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 462 healthy school children in ages ranging from 7 to 14 years. The throat sample was collected using a sterile cotton swab. Identification of Group A Streptococcus was done by colony characterstics, gram staining, catalase negativity, bactricin sensitivity and Pyrrolidonyl arylamidase tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done on Muller-Hinton agar containing 5% sheep blood by modiﬁed Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data on socio-demographic and related characteristics were gathered through interviews using a questionnaire. The data were double-checked, coded, cleaned, and entered onto EpiData Version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 26.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between outcome and predictor variables. A p-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence of Group A Streptococcus carriage was 10.6% (95%CI; 8.1% - 13.7%). Children who live with a family member with a sore throat (AOR=2.51; 95%CI 1.09–5.73), children who live with a large family (AOR=4.64; 95% CI 1.53–14.1), and children who live with non-immediate families (AOR= 3.65; 95% CI 1.39 – 9.61), showed significant association with Group A Streptococcus carriage. Tetracycline resistance was shown to be high, while antimicrobial drugs such as penicillin, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, and vancomycin were found to be effective. Multi-drug resistance was found in 4.1 % of the isolates. Conclusion: The present study showed a significant throat carriage of Group A Streptococci/S. pyogenes in Jigjiga city school children. Family member with a sore throat, having a large family, and living with non-immediate families have all been identified as independent predictors of carriage prevalence. It is recommended that regular screening and surveillance should be conducted in schools.
Identifying Behavioral Structure from Deep Variational Embeddings of Animal Motion
Authors: Luxem Kevin , Mocellin Petra , Fuhrmann Falko , Kuersch Johannes , Remy Stefan , Bauer Pavol 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Quantification and detection of the hierarchical organization of behavior is a major challenge in neuroscience. Recent advances in markerless pose estimation enable the visualization of high dimensional spatiotemporal behavioral dynamics of animal motion. However, robust and reliable technical approaches are needed to uncover underlying structure in these data and to segment behavior into discrete hierarchically organized motifs. Here, we present an unsupervised probabilistic deep learning framework that identifies behavioral structure from deep variational embeddings of animal motion (VAME). By using a mouse model of beta amyloidosis as a use case, we show that VAME not only identifies discrete behavioral motifs, but also captures a hierarchical representation of the motif’s usage. The approach allows for the grouping of motifs into communities and the detection of differences in community-specific motif usage of individual mouse cohorts that were undetectable by human visual observation. Thus, we present a novel and robust approach for quantification of animal motion that is applicable to a wide range of experimental setups, models and conditions without requiring supervised or a-priori human interference.
Hematological toxicity of amphotericin B deoxycholate-based induction therapy in patients with HIV-associated talaromycosis.
Authors: Zhou Yihong , Lu Tao , Li Yan , Qin Yuanyuan , Lu Yanqiu , Lan Ke , Zhou Guoqiang , Qin Yingmei , Harypursat Vijay , Li Shunmei , Lin Shide , Chen Yaokai 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objectives: This study's objective was to investigate the predictors for severe anemia, severe leukopenia, and severe thrombocytopenia when amphotericin B deoxycholate-based induction therapy is used in HIV patients with talaromycosis.Patients and methods: A total of 170 HIV patients with talaromycosis were enrolled from January 1st, 2019 to September 30th, 2020.Results: Approximately 42.9%, 20.6%, and 10.6% of the enrolled patients developed severe anemia, severe leukopenia and severe thrombocytopenia, respectively. Baseline lower hemoglobin levels, higher serum creatinine levels, higher AST/ALT ratios, lower sodium levels, and higher administered doses of amphotericin B were observed to be independent risk factors associated with the development of severe anemia. Co-infection with tuberculosis and lower platelet levels at baseline were shown to be independent risk factors associated with the development of severe leukopenia. A lower platelet level at baseline was the independent risk factor found to be associated with the development of severe thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: The preceding findings reveal risk factors for severe anemia, severe leukopenia, and severe thrombocytopenia, which will favor prevention and timely treatment of hematological toxicity, improvement of patient’s outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and a reduction of the requirement for blood transfusion.
Psychological reflection of cultural diversity: older Muslim and Jewish women diagnosed with cancer or caring for a spouse with cancer
Authors: Rottenberg Y. , Baider L. , Jacobs J. M. , Ghrayeb I. M. , Sapir E. , Goldzweig G. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND
As the global population continues to age, the number of women aged 65 + diagnosed with cancer, or caring for a spouse with cancer, continues to increase. The psychological response to cancer among this growing population of patients and informal caregivers has been poorly researched in general, and psycho-oncology literature among older Muslim women research is particularly sparse. This study examines and compares the relationship between depression, hope and perceived support among older Muslim Palestinian and Jewish Israeli women either diagnosed with cancer or informal caregivers of spouses with cancer.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of Muslim Palestinian women (91 patients, 61 spousal caregivers) and Jewish Israelis (127 patients, 214 spousal caregivers) women. Patients were aged ≥ 65, either receiving treatment for active disease or < 6 months from diagnosis. Measurements included depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, 5-item), hope (Snyder's Adult Hope Scale) and perceived social support (Cancer Perceived Agents of Social Support of social support questionnaire).
RESULTS
Overall levels of depression measured among the Muslim Palestinian women were significantly higher than among Jewish Israelis (p < 0.0001). For the Jewish Israelis, higher levels of depression were found among patients compared to caregivers (interaction effect role X ethnicity p < 0.0001). Overall levels of hope among Muslims were higher compared to Jewish Israelis (p < 0.0001), being similar for both patients and caregivers (non significant role effect p = 0.094). Hope was higher among Jewish caregivers vs. patients (interaction effect role X ethnicity p < 0.021). Despite a higher number of household members, levels of perceived support from spouse, family, as well as friends and faith, were lower among Muslim Palestinian in general, most significantly among caregivers.
CONCLUSIONS
We observed significant differences in depression, hope and perceived support amaong groups. Our findings highlight the different psychological responses among older women from different cultural landscapes facing similar confrontation with cancer, either as patients or spousal caregivers. Cultural sensitivity is imperative to guide possible interventions aimed at ameliorating the impact of cancer care upon older women.
HER2-positive Apocrine Carcinoma of the Breast: A population-based Analysis of Treatment and Outcome
Authors: Skenderi Faruk , Alahmad Mohamad Alhoda Mohamad , Tahirovic Emin , Alahmad Yaman M. , Gatalica Zoran , Vranic Semir 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Apocrine carcinoma of the breast (APO) expresses HER2 in 30-50% of cases. This study explored the clinicopathological features and outcome of HER2+/APO and matched HER2+/NST cohort.
Methods
We used the SEER database to explore the cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the survival. Based on ER and PR [=HR] and HER2 status, we divided the cohorts to match the intrinsic molecular subtypes for comparisons.
Results
We retrieved 259 cases of HER2+/APO. Most HER2+/APO were HR negative (65%). HER2+/APO were more prevalent in the 80+ age group (24.7% vs. 15.7%, p<0.001). HER2+/HR-/APO had a significantly lower histological grade than the HER2+/HR-/NST (p<0.001). Breast cancer-related deaths were more prevalent in HER2+/NST (7.8% vs. 3.9%, p=0.019). This was particularly evident between HR- subgroups (10.4% in HER2+/HR-/NST vs. 4.2% in HER2+/HR-/APO, p=0.008) and was reaffirmed in breast cancer-specific survival in univariate analysis (p=0.03). Other than race and HR status, HER2+/APO subgroups did not differ in clinicopathological parameters.
Conclusions
Our study confirms the rarity of the APO and reveals that HR status in APO does not affect these patients' prognosis. HER2+/APO tumors tend to have a less aggressive phenotype and a more favorable outcome despite a markedly lower ER/PR positivity.
White Blood Cell Variability and Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Yu Peng , Xia Panpan , Li Zhangwang , Zhang Jing , Ma Jianyong , Xu Minxuan , Zhou Yicheng , Shen Yunfeng , Liu Xiao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Inflammation parameters, such as white blood cell (WBC) counts, are closely related to the severity and mortality of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, the association between inflammation fluctuation and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID‐19 is not clear.Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the ORCHID trial. Inflammation fluctuation was assessed by WBC variability indices (SD [standard deviation], and CV [coefficient of variation]). Cox regression was used to compute the hazard ratio for WBC variability and associated hospitalization and death over 28 days.Results: During the 28 days post-randomization, 46 (10.8%) patients died, and 345 (81.4%) patients were discharged. In multivariable analysis, a worse clinical outcome, including decreased risk of hospital discharge (SD: HR: 2.32; P<0.001; CV: 1.72; P=0.001) and increased mortality (SD: HR: 1.51; P=0.002; CV: 1.35; P=0.006), was found with increased WBC variability. Furthermore, WBC variability had moderate performances in predicting discharge (C-index, SD: 0.705; CV: 0.703), and all-cause death over 28 days (C-index, SD: 0.632, CV: 0.688). Sensitivity analyses that involved changing 28-day mortality to in-hospital mortality, recalculating the WBC indices by using the lowest WBC value, and using the competing risk model generated confirmatory results. Most of the interactions between sex, age (>65), hydroxychloroquine treatment group, and WBC variability indices were not significant (P>0.05).Conclusion: In conclusion, our results showed that COVID-19 patients with higher WBC variability had lower discharge rates and higher mortality. Our study contributes to our understanding of the relationship between inflammation and COVID-19-related adverse outcomes.Clinical trial registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT04332991.
Emergency Cricothyroidotomy in Difficult Airway Simulation – A National Observational Study of Air Ambulance Crew Performance
Authors: Andresen Åke Erling L. , Kramer-Johansen Jo , Kristiansen Thomas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Advanced prehospital airway management include complex procedures carried out in challenging environments, necessitating a high level of technical and non-technical skills. We aimed to describe Norwegian Air Ambulance-crews’ performance in a difficult airway scenario simulation, ending with a “cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate”-situation.
Methods
The study describes Air Ambulance crews´ management of a simulated difficult airway scenario. We used video-observation to assess time expenditure according to pre-defined time intervals and technical and non-technical performance was evaluated according to a structured evaluation-form.
Results
Thirty-six crews successfully completed the emergency cricothyroidotomy with mean procedural time 118 (SD: ±70) seconds. There was variation among the crews in terms of completed procedural steps, including preparation of equipment, patient- monitoring and management. The participants demonstrated uniform and appropriate situational awareness, and effective communication and resource utilization within the crews was evident.
Conclusions
We found that Norwegian Air Ambulance crews managed a prehospital “cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate”-situation with an emergency cricothyroidotomy under stressful conditions with effective communication and resource utilization, and within a reasonable timeframe. Some discrepancies between standard operating procedures and performance are observed. Further studies to assess the impact of check lists on procedural aspects of airway management in the prehospital environment are warranted.
The Impact of Road Safety Strategy and Policy on Admissions to A National Rehabilitation Hospital; a 5-year Retrospective Review and Reflection on Trauma Data
Authors: Carroll Áine , Sukumar Prasanth , O'Keeffe Aisling 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background:Globally, road traffic collisions (RTCs) are a common cause of death and disability. Although many countries, including Ireland, have road safety and trauma strategies, the impact on rehabilitation services is unclear. This study explores how admissions with RTC related injuries to a rehabilitation facility has changed over 5 years and how they contrast to major trauma audit (MTA) serious injury data from the same timeframe. Methods:A retrospective review of healthcare records with data abstraction in accordance with best practice was performed. Chi square test was used to determine associations and statistical process control was used to analyse variation. All patients discharged with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 coded diagnosis of Transport accidents from 2014-2018 were included. Results:338 cases were identified. Of these, 173 did not meet the inclusion criteria (readmissions) and were excluded. The total number analyzed was 165. Of these, 121 (73%) were male and 44 (27%) were female and 115 (72%) were under 40 years of age. The majority [128 (78%)] had traumatic brain injuries (TBI), 33 (20%) had traumatic spinal cord injuries and 4 (2.4%) had traumatic amputation The numbers varied over the time period of the study but showed normal variation and not special cause variation which suggests no significant impact of policy in the time frame. There was a large discrepancy between the number of severe TBIs reported in the MTA reports and the numbers admitted with RTC related TBI to the NRH. This suggests there may be many people not accessing the specialist rehabilitation services they require. Conclusion:Data linkage between administrative and health datasets does not currently exist but offers huge potential for understanding the trauma and rehabilitation ecosystem in detail. This is required to better understand the impact of strategy and policy.
PIK3CA-AKT Pathway Predominantly Acts in Developing Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence Long After Breast Conserving Surgery
Authors: Nakagomi Hiroshi , Inoue Masayuki , Hirotsu Yosuke , Amemiya Kenji , Mochiduki Hitoshi , Omata Masao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving therapy is seen after a long interval, but the clinical classification of Residual Tumor Recurrence (RR) or Double Primary (DP) needs to be validated. We used genome profiling to identify the genetic alterations associated with IBTR. Methods: Among 1,881 breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving therapy between 1999 and 2018, IBTR occurred in 52 patients (2.8%). Of these 22 patients who consented for genomic analysis of Primary Breast Cancer ( T1) and IBTR (T2) were studied.　 When the same gene mutations in T1 and T2 were identified, it was classified as genomic residual recurrence gRR, and when no shared mutations identified, it was classified as gDP.　The differences between clinical and genomic classification were compared. Furthermore, the pathway of the genes which were responsible for recurrence was also examined. Results: Of 13 clinically diagnosed RRs (cRRs), 11 were gRR and 2 were gDPs, while of 9 cDPs, 6 were gDP and 3 gRR, with a match rate of 17/22 (77%).　 We searched for genes involved in IBTR: PIK3CA-AKT pathway mutations were found in 12 of 14 gRRs (86%) in T1, and only 2 of 8 gDPs (25%) with significant difference (p=0.004). When both of PBC and IBTR compared, PIK3CA-AKT pathway abnormalities were 24/28 (86%) in the gRR and 5/16 (31%) in the gDP (p<0.001).Conclusions: Genome profiling revealed that abnormalities in the PIK3CA-AKT pathway in long-term residential recurrences and are a crucial molecular group in the development of IBTR.Trial registration: not applicable
Can the use of Pet Remedy’s Calming Spray elicit a calming response in domestic cats (Felis catus)?
Authors: Vaghela Vidhaata 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background research:
Phytotherapy, using olfactory enrichment, is often overlooked as a method of environmental enrichment for domestic cats. The most common example of olfactory enrichment to elicit a calming response, uses Valerian Root, which is researched to also cause an apparent euphoric response in cats. It is important that enrichment is considered to allow the cats to exhibit natural behaviours which can reduce stress and destructive behaviours. Thus, this article will explore the effectiveness of Pet Remedy’s Calming spray and the behaviours cat’s exhibit.
Methodology:
Furthering the existing research which was initially undertaken, Pet Remedy’s Calming Spray was tested on 44 domestic cats to observe their responses. All cats were blindly offered exposure to Pet Remedy and a control sample at random. The number of interactions were recorded onto behavioural ethograms. All cats had 30 minutes to acclimatise to the researcher and had at least a four-hour washout period between both exposures.
Results:
The statistical analysis of data gathered was computed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 in form of; a Freidman’s test, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests, Descriptive Statistics and Spearman’s rank-order tests. The mean number of interactions amongst Pet Remedy and the control sample were computed to find that Pet Remedy’s Calming spray had a mean number of interactions of 18.09.
Conclusions:
This study suggests that olfactory enrichment using Pet Remedy’s Calming Spray corresponds an effective means to induce a calming response.
Two-Photon Responsive Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Framework Involving Fenton-Like Reaction for Enhanced Photodynamic and Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Duan Wenyao , Li Bo , Zhang Wen , Li Jiaqi , Yao Xin , Tian Yupeng , Zheng Jun , Li Dandan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Designing new oxygenation nanomaterials by oxygen-generating or oxygen-carrying strategies in hypoxia-associated anti-tumor therapy is a high priority target yet challenge. In this work, we fabricated a nanoplatform involving Fenton-like reaction, Pd@MOF-525@HA, to relieve tumor hypoxia via oxygen-generating strategy for enhanced oxygen-dependent anti-tumor therapy. Thereinto, the porphyrinic MOF-525 can produce singlet oxygen (1O2) via light or ultrasonic irradiation for photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy. Notably, the well-dispersed Pd nanocubes within MOF-525 can convert H2O2 into O2 to mitigate the hypoxic environment for enhanced therapy outcome. Moreover, the two-photon activity and cancer cell specific targeting capability of Pd@MOF-525@HA gave rise to deeper tissue penetration and near-infrared light-induced fluorescence imaging to achieve precise guidance for cancer therapy. This work provides a feasible way in designing new oxygenation nanomaterials to relieve tumor hypoxia for enhanced cancer treatment.
Jaw1/LRMP increases Ca2+ influx upon GPCR stimulation with heterogeneous effect on the activity of each ITPR subtype
Authors: Nishikawa Atsushi , Okumura Wataru , Kozono Takuma , Sato Hiroyuki , Takagi Tsubasa , Tonozuka Takashi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Ca2+ influx upon G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) stimulation is observed as a cytosolic Ca2+ concentration oscillation crucial to initiating downstream responses including cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell-cell communication. Although Jaw1 is known to interact with inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (ITPRs), Ca2+ channels on the endoplasmic reticulum, the function of Jaw1 in the Ca2+ dynamics with physiological stimulation remains unclear. In this study, using inducible Jaw1-expressing HEK293 cells, we showed that Jaw1 increases Ca2+ influx by GPCR stimulation via changing the Ca2+ influx oscillation pattern. Furthermore, we showed that Jaw1 increases the Ca2+ release activity of all ITPR subtypes in a subtly different manner. It is well known that the Ca2+ influx oscillation pattern varies from cell type to cell type, therefore these findings provide an insight into the relationship between the heterogeneous Ca2+ dynamics and the specific ITPR and Jaw1 expression patterns.
Acidic Condition Accelerates Base Cation Release from Purple Rock in Southwestern China
Authors: Zhao Jixia , Li Chunpei , Lu Chuanhao , Deng Limei , Liu Gangcai , Fan Maopan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In spite of the fact that rock weathering performs an essential task in the evolution of the Earth’s surface, the quantitative assessment between pH and rates of chemical weathering remain unclear. This study aims to characterize the chemical weathering rate of purple rocks (Entisols in USDA Taxonomy) and then develops a model to calculate the release rates of base cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) under various pH conditions. Two types of purple rock were sampled from the Shaximiao Group (J2s) and Penglaizhen Group (J3p), and a series of laboratory experiments were performed by soaking the purple rocks in solutions with pHs from 2.5 to 7.0, over 24 treatment cycles. The results showed that the release rates of base cations apparently increased as the pH decreased. The release of Ca2+ was the dominant process of chemical weathering in J3p under various pH treatments, while K+ and Na+ were remarkably high in J2s (with the exception of the pH 2.5 treatment). Quantitative analysis revealed that the rate of cation release was significantly related to the H+ concentration (p < 0.001) and the air temperature (p < 0.001). The relationship between cation release and acidity was found to be an exponential function. Our results suggested that solution acidity serves as an important driving force for cation release rates from purple rocks and that environmental acidification would enhance rock weathering.