bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic aggressiveness in the oncological patient at the end of life: Experience in a tertiary hospital.
Authors: Bofill Javier Salvador , Grove Clara García , Herrero Rocío Morales , Viñuales Marta Benavent , Pérez-Quintela Begoña Vieites , Torralvo Ana Gil , Caro Reyes Bernabé , Jiménez Inmaculada Gallego , Márquez Pilar Sancho , Gastaldo Amparo Sánchez , García Miriam Alonso , Calzado Esaú Monescillo , Martín Carlos Torrado , Velasco Rocío Pérez , Moro María Ángeles Castilla 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The fundamental therapeutic objective in advanced or metastatic cancer is the control of symptoms without detriment to quality of life. Several studies show that cancer patients continue to receive cancer treatment until the last month of life, and this is related to poor-quality care.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted over a period of three years in a tertiary hospital. Data from deceased patients treated in the medical oncology unit for a solid tumour diagnosis were collected from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. Demographic variables related to the tumour, treatment and death were also collected. For descriptive statistics, percentages with frequencies (categorical variables) and medians (continuous variables) were used. The nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test was used for dichotomous variables, and the Mann–Whitney test with the Bonferroni correction was used for between-group comparisons of independent samples. The SPSS 20.0 program was used for statistical analysis.Results: In total, 1611 patients were analysed; 40.16% and 17.94% of patients received treatment in the last 30 and 14 days of life, respectively. The median time from the last treatment to death was 39 days. By tumour location, breast cancer had the highest percentage of patients in active treatment in the last month of life (55.26%) and the lowest median from the last treatment to death (28 days). By age range, the group ≥ 75 years had the highest median (59 days) with a statistically significant difference compared to groups aged <75 years. A total of 76.22% of patients died in the hospital setting, of which 6.89% died in palliative care units.Conclusions: The location of the primary tumour and age can influence decision-making in terminal cancer. The administration of cancer treatment in the final stages of life seems to have no benefit in terms of survival and can negatively influence the quality of life of patients. It is necessary to prioritize palliative care and early management by specialized units in the final phases of life.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in water, suspended particulate matter and sediment of reservoirs and their tributaries in a large city of South China
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Zhu Youchang , Liu Yunlang , Deng Chen , Qi Xiujuuan , Wang Jinling , Shen Zhizhi , Yin Donggao , Liu Yihong , Sun Ruohan , Sun Weiling , Xu Nan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Twelve polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment samples during dry season (DS) and wet season (WS), to explain the spatiotemporal distribution, congener profiles, sources and risks of the pollutants in four reservoirs (A-D) and their tributaries of a large city in South China. The concentration of ∑12PBDEs ranged from 0.46 to 2.27 ng/L (average: 1.41 ng/L) in water during WS, and from 0.70 to 13.04 ng/L (3.77 ng/L) during DS. Meanwhile, the content of ∑12PBDEs ranged from 9.71 to 364.14 ng/g dry weight (the same below) (170.23 ng/g) in SPM during WS, and from 53.48 to 1043.69 ng/g (313.37 ng/g) during DS. The content of ∑11PBDEs (excluding BDE-209) ranged from 24.70 to 222.75 ng/g (85.86 ng/g), while that of BDE-209 ranged from 4.74 to 31053.11 ng/g (6307.93 ng/g) in sediment during WS. ∑12PBDEs during DS were significantly higher than WS. Source apportionment suggested that commercial penta-, octa- and deca-BDEs were major compositions of PBDEs, resulting mainly from atmospheric deposition, wastewater discharge and external water diversion project. Among the related enterprises, attentions should be paid to electronic equipment manufacturing factories in this study area. The risk assessment indicated low ecological and insignificant human health risks posed by PBDEs in water, but the risk of PBDEs (especially BDE-209) in sediment and SPM was of particular concern. The present study would provide important data and support for the control of PBDEs in natural drinking water sources.
Evaluation of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract on histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical indexs in the liver of BDL-induced cholestatic rats
Authors: Rafiee Maedeh , Mortazavi Pejman , Asghari Ahmad 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background and Purpose
Cholestasis is defined as inhibition of bile flow due to defective secretion of hepatocytes or obstruction of the bile flow pathway and accumulation of bile in liver cells and bile ducts and functional damage of the hepato-biliary system as decreased bile flow in canaliculi. This study investigated the effect of plant extract Plantago ovata on cholestasis-induced liver damage in rats of bile duct obstruction model.
Methods
In this study, extraction of Plantago ovata was performed. 48 male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups (health control, BDL, treated with doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, BDL treated with doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) with 45 days treatment period (Once a day). After anesthesia and isolation of serum, biochemical ALT, ALP, AST, Total bilirubin, Total protein, and Albumin parameters were measured. Also, a histopathological and immunohistochemical study was performed by antibody. Data analysis was performed using the One Way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test and the Prism statistical program (P < 0.05).
Results
The results showed that there was a significant increase in serum levels of ALT, ALP, AST, total bilirubin, and α-SMA expression in BDL groups, but the treatment of BDL groups with Plantago ovata could significantly reduce these factors in a dependent manner. Improve the dose. Plantago ovata also has a protective effect on the liver and the stability of liver cell membranes
Conclusion
Plantago ovata, in terms of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemistry, has a protective effect against liver damage caused by BDL and by regulating liver parameters can be useful in the treatment of cholestasis
The challenges and gains of delivering a home-exercise intervention: a qualitative study of physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants
Authors: Toye Francine , Room Jon , Barker Karen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives: the paper presents insights from the CORKA randomised controlled trial. We aimed to explore physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants’ experiences of delivering a home-base exercise intervention following knee replacement surgery. We were particularly interested in the feasibility, potential benefits and barriers of a community-based exercise programme from the perspective of physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants.Design: Qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews.Setting: The Community based Rehabilitation after Knee Arthroplasty (CORKA) trial.Participants: Five physiotherapists and six physiotherapy assistants with a range of clinical experience.Methods: Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used the stages of reflexive thematic analysis suggested by Braun and Clarke. Three researchers with experience in qualitative research methods contributed to the coding and analysis of data.Results: We developed seven themes that help to understand the benefits and challenges of delivering treatment interventions in a person’s home: seeing the person in their own world; developing people skills; thinking outside the cubicle; enjoying the above and beyond; treading a fine line between patient and friend; feeling outside my comfort zone; needing a support network.Conclusions: Treating people in their own homes facilitates a holistic approach. Our findings highlight areas for clinical education: (1) how do we help clinicians to tread the fine line between patient and professional (2) how do we balance the need to provide support and the freedom to work creatively and independently?
Spatial Distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Waters from Central and South Florida.
Authors: Li Xuerong , Fatowe Morgan , Lemos Leila Soledade , Quinete Natalia Soares 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are notoriously persistent pollutants that are found ubiquitously present in aquatic environments. They pose a big threat to aquatic life and human health given the bioaccumulation feature and significant adverse health effects associated. In our previous study, PFAS were found in surface waters from Biscayne Bay and tap waters from the West coast of South Florida, at levels that arouse human health and ecological concerns. Considering that Florida supports millions population as well as treasured, sensitive coastal and wetland ecosystems, we have expanded the PFAS monitoring study on the occurrence, composition, spatial distribution, and potential sources encompassing tap waters from counties on the East coast of South Florida and Central Florida, and surface waters from Tampa Bay, Everglades National Park adjacent canals, Key West, including Biscayne Bay area. A total of 30 PFAS were analyzed based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PFAS were detected in all tap water (N = 10) and surface water samples (N = 38) with total concentrations up to 169 ng L− 1. Higher PFAS concentrations (> 60 ng L− 1) are mostly observed from polluted rivers or coastal estuaries in Biscayne Bay, and sites nearby potential points sources (military airbases, wastewater facilities, airports, etc.). Our findings on current PFAS contamination levels from diverse aquatic environments provide additional information for the development of more stringent screening levels that are protective of human health and the environmental resources of Florida, which is ultimately anticipated as scientific understanding of PFAS rapidly growing.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in oat-pea intercropping
Authors: Lee Alan , Neuberger Patrick , Omokanye Akim , Hernandez-Ramirez Guillermo , Kim Keunbae , Gorzelak Monika 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity can be altered by intercropping plant species, as well as N fertilizer applications. This study examined the effects of oat-pea intercropping and N fertilizer addition on the richness and diversity of mycorrhizal species, as well as identified the most common arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) genera recruited for oats and peas in two growing seasons (2019 and 2020). The AMF diversity was higher in an intercropped system compared to their respective monocropping system. Under drier conditions in 2019, arbuscular mycorrhizal richness decreased with N fertilizer addition in sole peas and increased with N fertilizer addition in sole oats, but no significant change in richness was observed in oat-pea intercropping. During the wetter growing season 2020, arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity increased when oat and pea were intercropped, compared to either sole oat or sole pea. Diversispora in sole pea was a significant indicator differentiating the root associated AMF community from sole oat. Claroideoglomus richness increased in peas in 2020, thus this genus could be moisture dependent. Paraglomus richness in oat-pea intercropping was similar to sole oat in 2019, and similar to sole pea in 2020. This can suggest that Paraglomus is an indicator of plant stress under intercropping, as based on the premise that stressed plants release more exudates, and the subsequent mycorrhizal associations favor these plants with higher exudation. Future investigations can further reveal the functions and benefits of these mycorrhizal genera in annual monocrop and intercropping systems.
Long Term Evaluation of Quantitative Cumulative Irradiation in Patients Suffering From ILDS
Authors: Berg Julien , FRIX AN , Henket Monique , Gester Fanny , Canivet Perrine , Njock M-S , Thys Marie , Desir Colin , Meunier Paul , Louis Renaud , Malchair Francoise , Guiot Julien 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundInterstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of infiltrating lung pathologies, requiring diagnosis and assessment, among which chest CT is of utmost importance. Nevertheless, the imaging modalities for the follow-up do not have formal guidelines and remain at the discretion of the clinician.MethodsOur study restrospectively evaluated the indication of chest CT in a cohort of 129 ILD patients. The aim was to determine whether the realization of the imaging control had a true impact on clinical course and follow-up. We accept 3 different situations for justifying the indication of the CTs as clinical deterioration, decrease in pulmonary function tests (at least 10% drop in a parameter) and monitoring for oncological purposes. The other indications, mainly classical follow-up, were classified as “non justified”. We selected patients from our ambulatory care polyclinic at Liège University Hospital.ResultsWe followed up a total cohort of 129 ILD patients. The mean number of CT scan per patient per year was 1.7±0.4 determining an irradiation in CT Dose Index (mGy)/year of 34.9±64.9 and an irradiation dose x length product in (mGy*cm)/year of 1095±1971. Around 40% of the routinely prescribed monitoring CT scans had no impact on the management of ILD and direct patient care, raising the question of inappropriate irradiation Conclusion Our study identifies overuse of chest CT scanner in the follow-up of ILD outside those performed for clinical exacerbation or oncological investigation. In the particular case of ILD exacerbation, CT-scan valuability stay high underlying the benefit of this validated strategy.
Ctenophore extracellular DNA traps demonstrate conserved antimicrobial behaviors present at the emergence of animals
Authors: Vandepas Lauren , Stefani Caroline , Goetz Frederick , Traylor-Knowles Nikki , Browne William , Lacy-Hulbert Adam 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The formation of extracellular DNA traps (ETosis) is a first response mechanism by specific immune cells following exposure to microbes 1,2. First characterized in vertebrate neutrophils, cells capable of ETosis have been recently discovered in several invertebrate taxa and the formation of invertebrate DNA traps has been most thoroughly examined in bivalves ​​3–5. Here we report that ctenophores – thought to have diverged very early from the metazoan stem lineage 6,7 – possess immune cell types capable of ETosis, suggesting that this cellular immune response behavior was likely present early in metazoan evolution. To assess conservation of ET activation between evolutionarily distant phyla, we deployed a comparative approach integrating data from the model ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi and the oyster Crassostrea gigas to develop a novel imaging analysis pipeline to quantify ETosis in large numbers of cells. We demonstrate that both Mnemiopsis and Crassostrea immune cells can undergo ETosis after exposure to diverse microbes and pharmacological stimuli. Our results suggest that the range of cellular immune behaviors and signaling cascades that produce extracellular DNA traps were likely present prior to the divergence of extant metazoan lineages and thus ETosis represents an evolutionarily ancient defense against pathogens existing at the dawn of animal multicellularity.
Exploring the Perceptions and Preparedness for Episiotomy Amongpost Partum Mothers in Northern Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gazari Timothy , Atanuriba Gideon Awenabisa , Anagbe Paulina Gariba 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Episiotomy is a surgical incision made on the perineum of a woman to increase the vulval diameter during child birth at the second stage of labour. It is practiced all over the world and said to be the most common obstetric surgical procedure globally. Prevention of extensive blood loss, prolapse of genital organs and shortening of the second stage of labor are reasons for its practice. However, the experiences of women who undergo this phenomenon remain largely unexplored.
Methods
an institutional based descriptive qualitative design was employed in this study and a semi structured interview guide was used for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants for the study. Recorded in-depth interviews were conducted and data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Episiotomy was perceived as useful procedure that facilitates birthing by cutting. It was also opined by participants that the procedure spoils the vaginal orifice and those who undergo the procedure were not “women enough”. Participants also felt there was generally poor preparation prior to undergoing the procedure and no opportunity offered to accept or decline the procedure.
Conclusion
Postpartum mothers had fair knowledge but were not adequately prepared for the procedure. Their perception was just about the procedure helping them to deliver their children and did not know of other benefits and effects. They as well did not go through proper consent process. The study recommends structured education on episiotomy during antenatal and the practice of restrictive episiotomy over routine episiotomies.
Magnitude and attributed reasons for adult weight gain amongst women at increased risk of breast cancer
Authors: Pegington Mary , Harkness Elaine F , Howell Anthony , Evans D Gareth , Harvie Michelle 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Excess weight (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2) and weight gain during adult life increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in women who are already at increased risk of the disease. Young adulthood (18-35 years) has previously been identified as the main time for weight gain in women. Reasons for weight gain in this population can inform strategies for weight gain prevention.Methods: Baseline data from six weight loss studies for women at increased risk of breast cancer were collated. Self-reported patterns of adult weight gain and attributed reasons for weight gain before joining the weight loss study were reported for the whole population and secondary analyses reported the different reasons given by women with/without children, pre-/peri- or postmenopausal, and moderate/high risk of breast cancer.Results: 521 women with a mean age of 47.6 (SD 8.2) years and median BMI of 30.2 (IQR 27.1-35.0) kg/m2 were included in the analyses. The median weight gain since young adulthood (18-20 years) was 20.8 (IQR 14.2-30.0) kg or 33.9 (23.4-50.2) % and median annual weight gain was 0.74 (IQR 0.51-1.09) kg. 421 women were included in analysis of weight gain reasons. The main five self-reported reasons for weight gain were children / childcare / pregnancy (stated by 55.6% of participants), followed by inactivity (43.2%), comfort or boredom eating (38.2%), portion size (33.0%), and stress (27.3%). Reasons appeared broadly similar between the different groups in the secondary analyses.Conclusions: We have highlighted common reasons for weight gain in women at increased risk of breast cancer. This will inform future interventions to support women to avoid weight gain in adulthood which would reduce the burden of breast cancer.Trial registration: NIHR NRR N0226132725, ISRCTN52913838, ISRCTN77916487, ISRCTN91372184, ISRCTN10803394 and ISRCTN16431108.
Measuring shoulder proprioception: Introducing a new clinical tool - The Shoulder Proprioception Reaching Test (SPReT)
Authors: Ager Amanda L. , Hébert Luc J. , Roy Jean-Sébastien , Roos Marianne , Cools Ann 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Proprioception, our sense of joint awareness, is a sub-category of somatosensation, known as our “sixth sense”. It is part of our neuromuscular system, responsible for maintaining joint stability and preventing injury, particularly amongst shoulders. Proprioception is affected by injury and a decreased sense of proprioception can cause a predisposition to injury. Despite the importance of proprioception for shoulder stability, there remains no confident way to measure shoulder proprioception in a clinic. Purpose: To present a new clinical tool – The Shoulder Proprioception Reaching Test (SPReT) and to establish the discriminant validity, intra-rater and absolute reliability properties. Study Design: Cross-sectional clinical measurement study. Methods: A convenience sample of forty healthy participants was used. A single session (120 minutes) involved two bilateral evaluations of reaching movements using the SPReT, with a 30-minute rest period. Twenty participants were randomly selected to further perform a shoulder fatigue protocol of the dominant shoulder, immediately followed by a third SPReT evaluation. The SPReT involves active reaching movements in standing and with eyes closed, towards 7 targets in a star formation (active joint position sense). Discriminant validity (paired t tests), intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC]) and absolute reliability (standard error of measurement [SEM] and minimal detectable change [MDC]) were determined. Results: The SPReT supports moderate (ICC = 0.45 – 0.71) to good (ICC = 0.77) intra-rater reliability with SEMs ranging from 1.17 to 2.63 cm and MDC90 from 2.72 to 6.12 cm for all targets. A fatigue effect was found with the superior and the superior-lateral right targets (P < .05), suggesting possible discriminant validity with the SPReT tool during elevated reaching movements.Conclusions: The superior target demonstrated the highest discriminant validity, intra-rater and absolute reliability properties and takes less than 5 minutes to evaluate. The evaluation of the superior target only may be suitable for clinical practice upon further methodological investigation for validity, reliability and responsiveness. Future research in encouraged and continues to be ongoing amongst a pathological population. Level of evidence: Level III cross-sectional study.
Achieving Rapid Free Energy Estimates from λ-Dynamics with Bias Updated Gibbs Sampling
Authors: Robo Michael , Hayes Ryan , Ding Xinqiang , Pulawski Brian , Vilseck Jonah 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Relative binding free energy (RBFE) calculations have become an integral computational tool for lead optimization in drug design. However, commonly used methods, such as free energy perturbation (FEP), thermodynamic integration (TI), or multistate Bennett acceptance ratio (MBAR), have an exceedingly high computational cost associated with the need to explore many pairwise calculations. To reduce this cost and accelerate molecular design workflows, we present a new Gibbs Sampler λ-Dynamics method that uses dynamic biases to continuously drive the sampling of multiple discrete λ states, and therefore multiple ligand analogues, collectively within a single simulation. As a result, many relative free energy differences can be rapidly determined without compromising accuracy in the computed results. We refer to this method as λ-Dynamics with Bias Updated Gibbs Sampling (LaDyBUGS). For three benchmark systems, errors in computed LaDyBUGS free energy differences relative to experiment are near 1.0 kcal/mol or less, and agreement with TI/MBAR is within statistical noise (approximately 0.4 kcal/mol or less). Large efficiency gains of 18- to 66-fold improvements are observed with LaDyBUGS compared to TI/MBAR for modeling just 5–10 perturbations at a single site of substitution off a central ligand core. We expect that the rapid and efficient determination of RBFEs with LaDyBUGS will enable larger chemical spaces to be more readily explored at reduced costs and structure-based drug design to be accelerated.