bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rabbit thyroid extracellular matrix as a 3D bioscaffold for thyroid bioengineering: a preliminary in vitro study
Authors: Weng Jie , Chen Bi , Xie Mengying , Wan Xinlong , Wang Peng , Zhou Xiaoming , Zhou Zhiliang , Mei Jin , Wang Liang , Huang Duping , Wang Zhibin , Wang Zhiyi , Chen Chan
Published: February 2021

Background

Advances in regenerative medicine technologies have been strongly proposed in the management of thyroid diseases. Mechanistically, the adoption of thyroid bioengineering requires a scaffold that shares a similar three-dimensional (3D) space structure, biomechanical properties, protein component, and cytokines to the native extracellular matrix (ECM).

Methods

24 male New Zealand white rabbits were used in this experimental study. The rabbit thyroid glands were decellularized by immersion/agitation decellularization protocol. The 3D thyroid decellularization scaffolds were tested with histological and immunostaining analyses, scanning electron microscopy, DNA quantification, mechanical properties test, cytokine assay and cytotoxicity assays. Meanwhile, the decellularization scaffold were seeded with human thyroid follicular cells, cell proliferation and thyroid peroxidase were determined to explore the biocompatibility in vitro.

Results

Notably, through the imaging studies, it was distinctly evident that our protocol intervention minimized cellular materials and maintained the 3D spatial structure, biomechanical properties, ECM composition, and biologic cytokine. Consequently, the decellularization scaffold was seeded with human thyroid follicular cells, thus strongly revealing its potential in reinforcing cell adhesion, proliferation, and preserve important protein expression.

Conclusions

The adoption of our protocol to generate a decellularized thyroid scaffold can potentially be utilized in transplantation to manage thyroid diseases through thyroid bioengineering.
ImmunoPET imaging of human CD8+ T cells with novel 68Ga-labeled nanobody companion diagnostic agents
Authors: Zhao Haitao , Wang Chao , Yang Yanling , Sun Yan , Wei Weijun , Wang Cheng , Wan Liangrong , Zhu Cheng , Li Lianghua , Huang Gang , Liu Jianjun
Published: February 2021

Background

Although immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment strategies for some types of cancers, most patients failed to respond or obtain long-term benefit. Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes are closely related to the treatment outcome and prognosis of patients. Therefore, noninvasive elucidation of both systemic and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes is of extraordinary significance for patients during cancer immunotherapy. Herein, a panel of 68Ga-labeled Nanobodies were designed and investigated to track human CD8+ T cells in vivo through immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET).

Results

Among the screened Nanobodies, SNA006a showed the highest binding affinity and specificity to both human CD8 protein and CD8+ cells in vitro, with the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 6.4 × 10−10 M and 4.6 × 10−10 M, respectively. 68Ga-NOTA-SNA006 was obtained with high radiochemical yield and purity, and stayed stable for at least 1 h both in vitro and in vivo. Biodistribution and Micro-PET/CT imaging studies revealed that all tracers specifically concentrated in the CD8+ tumors with low accumulation in CD8− tumors and normal organs except the kidneys, where the tracer was excreted and reabsorbed. Notably, the high uptake of 68Ga-NOTA-SNA006a in CD8+ tumors was rapid and persistent, which reached 24.41 ± 1.00% ID/g at 1.5 h after intravenous injection, resulting in excellent target-to-background ratios (TBRs). More specifically, the tumor-to-muscle, tumor-to-liver, and CD8+ to CD8− tumor was 28.10 ± 3.68, 5.26 ± 0.86, and 19.58 ± 2.70 at 1.5 h, respectively. Furthermore, in the humanized PBMC-NSG and HSC-NPG mouse models, 68Ga-NOTA-SNA006a accumulated in both CD8+ tumors and specific tissues such as liver, spleen and lung where human CD8 antigen was overexpressed or CD8+ T cells located during immunoPET imaging.

Conclusions

68Ga-NOTA-SNA006a, a novel Nanobody tracer targeting human CD8 antigen, was developed with high radiochemical purity and high affinity. Compared with other candidates, the long retention time, low background, excellent TBRs of 68Ga-NOTA-SNA006a make it precisely track the human CD8+ T cells in mice models, showing great potential for immunotherapy monitoring and efficacy evaluation.
Physician–patient communication in decision-making about Caesarean sections in eight district hospitals in Bangladesh: a mixed-method study
Authors: Doraiswamy Sathyanarayanan , Billah Sk Masum , Karim Farhana , Siraj Md Shahjahan , Buckingham Alan , Kingdon Carol
Published: February 2021

Background

Caesarean sections (CS) in Bangladesh have risen eight-fold in the last 15 years. Few studies have explored why. Anecdotally, physicians suggest maternal request for CS is a reason. Women and families suggest physicians influence their decision-making. The aim of this research was to understand more about the decision-making process surrounding CS by exploring physician–patient communication leading to informed-consent for the operation.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-method study using structured observations with the Option Grid Collaborative’s OPTION5 tool and interviews with physicians and women between July and December 2018. Study participants were recruited from eight district public-sector hospitals. Eligibility criteria for facilities was ≥ 80 births every month; and for physicians, was that they had performed CSs. Women aged ≥ 18 years, providing consent, and delivering at a facility were included in the observation component; primigravid women delivering by CS were selected for the in-depth interviews. Quantitative data from observations were analysed using descriptive statistics. Following transcription and translation, a preliminary coding framework was devised for the qualitative data analysis. We combined both inductive and deductive approaches in our thematic analysis.

Results

In total, 306 labour situations were observed, and interviews were conducted with 16 physicians and 32 women who delivered by CS (16 emergency CS; 16 elective CS). In 92.5% of observations of physician–patient communication in the context of labour situations, the OPTION5 mean scores were low (5–25 out of 100) for presenting options, patient partnership, describing pros/cons, eliciting patient preferences and integrating patient preferences. Interviews found that non-clinical factors prime both physicians and patients in favour of CS prior to the clinical encounter in which the decision to perform a CS is documented. These interactions were both minimal in content and limited in purpose, with consent being an artefact of a process involving little communication.

Conclusions

Insufficient communication between physicians and patients is one of many factors driving increasing rates of caesarean section in Bangladesh. While this single clinical encounter provides an opportunity for practice improvement, interventions are unlikley to impact rates of CS without simultaneoulsy addressing physician, patient and health system contextual factors too.
Comparing burnout and work-life balance among specialists in internal medicine: the role of inpatient vs. outpatient workplace
Authors: Hussenoeder Felix S. , Bodendieck Erik , Jung Franziska , Conrad Ines , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: February 2021

Background

Compared to the general population, physicians are more likely to experience increased burnout and lowered work-life balance. In our article, we want to analyze whether the workplace of a physician is associated with these outcomes.

Methods

In September 2019, physicians from various specialties answered a comprehensive questionnaire. We analyzed a subsample of 183 internists that were working full time, 51.4% were female.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that internists working in an outpatient setting exhibit significantly higher WLB and more favorable scores on all three burnout dimensions. In the regression analysis, hospital-based physicians exhibited higher exhaustion, cynicism and total burnout score as well as lower WLB.

Conclusions

Physician working at hospitals exhibit less favorable outcomes compared to their colleagues in outpatient settings. This could be a consequence of workplace-specific factors that could be targeted by interventions to improve physician mental health and subsequent patient care.
Correction to: Early recognition of tomato gray leaf spot disease based on MobileNetv2-YOLOv3 model
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Xuewei
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Renal dysfunction improves risk stratification and may call for a change in the management of intermediate- and high-risk acute pulmonary embolism: results from a multicenter cohort study with external validation
Authors: Chopard Romain , Jimenez David , Serzian Guillaume , Ecarnot Fiona , Falvo Nicolas , Kalbacher Elsa , Bonnet Benjamin , Capellier Gilles , Schiele François , Bertoletti Laurent , Monreal Manuel , Meneveau Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Background

Renal dysfunction influences outcomes after pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to determine the incremental value of adding renal dysfunction, defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), on top of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) prognostic model, for the prediction of 30-day mortality in acute PE patients, which in turn could lead to the optimization of acute PE management.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, non-interventional retrospective post hoc analysis based on a prospectively collected cohort including consecutive confirmed acute PE stratified per ESC guidelines. We first identified which of three eGFR formulae most accurately predicted death. Changes in global model fit, discrimination, calibration and reclassification parameters were evaluated with the addition of eGFR to the prognostic model.

Results

Among 1943 patients (mean age 67.3 (17.1), 50.4% women), 107 (5.5%) had died at 30 days. The 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (eGFRMDRD4) formula predicted death most accurately. In total, 477 patients (24.5%) had eGFRMDRD4 < 60 ml/min. Observed mortality was higher for intermediate–low-risk and high-risk PE in patients with versus without renal dysfunction. The addition of eGFRMDRD4 information improved model fit, discriminatory capacity, and calibration of the ESC model. Reclassification parameters were significantly increased, yielding 18% reclassification of predicted mortality (p < 0.001). Predicted mortality reclassifications across risk categories were as follows: 63.1% from intermediate–low risk to eGFR-defined intermediate–high risk, 15.8% from intermediate–high risk to eGFR-defined intermediate–low risk, and 21.0% from intermediate–high risk to eGFR-defined high risk. External validation in a cohort of 14,234 eligible patients from the RIETE registry confirmed our findings with a significant improvement of Harrell’s C index and reclassification parameters.

Conclusion

The addition of eGFRMDRD4-derived renal dysfunction on top of the prognostic algorithm led to risk reclassification within the intermediate- and high-risk PE categories. The impact of risk stratification integrating renal dysfunction on therapeutic management for acute PE requires further studies.
5′-tRF-GlyGCC: a tRNA-derived small RNA as a novel biomarker for colorectal cancer diagnosis
Authors: Wu Yingmin , Yang Xiangling , Jiang Guanmin , Zhang Haisheng , Ge Lichen , Chen Feng , Li Jiexin , Liu Huanliang , Wang Hongsheng
Published: February 2021

Background

tRNA-derived small RNAs (tDRs), which are widely distributed in human tissues including blood and urine, play an important role in the progression of cancer. However, the expression of tDRs in colorectal cancer (CRC) plasma and their potential diagnostic values have not been systematically explored.

Methods

The expression profiles of tDRs in plasma of CRC and health controls (HCs) are investigated by small RNA sequencing. The level and diagnostic value of 5′-tRF-GlyGCC are evaluated by quantitative PCR in plasma samples from 105 CRC patients and 90 HCs. The mechanisms responsible for biogenesis of 5′-tRF-GlyGCC are checked by in vitro and in vivo models.

Results

5′-tRF-GlyGCC is dramatically increased in plasma of CRC patients compared to that of HCs. The area under curve (AUC) for 5′-tRF-GlyGCC in CRC group is 0.882. The combination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) with 5′-tRF-GlyGCC improves the AUC to 0.926. Consistently, the expression levels of 5′-tRF-GlyGCC in CRC cells and xenograft tissues are significantly greater than that in their corresponding controls. Blood cells co-cultured with CRC cells or mice xenografted with CRC tumors show increased levels of 5′-tRF-GlyGCC. In addition, we find that the increased expression of 5′-tRF-GlyGCC is dependent on the upregulation of AlkB homolog 3 (ALKBH3), a tRNA demethylase which can promote tRNA cleaving to generate tDRs.

Conclusions

The level of 5′-tRF-GlyGCC in plasma is a promising diagnostic biomarker for CRC diagnosis.
RIP-seq reveals LINE-1 ORF1p association with p-body enriched mRNAs
Authors: Briggs Erica M. , McKerrow Wilson , Mita Paolo , Boeke Jef D. , Logan Susan K. , Fenyö David
Published: February 2021

Background

Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) is an autonomous retroelement able to “copy-and-paste” itself into new loci of the host genome through a process called retrotransposition. The LINE-1 bicistronic mRNA codes for two proteins, ORF1p, a nucleic acid chaperone, and ORF2p, a protein with endonuclease and reverse transcriptase activity. Both proteins bind LINE-1 mRNA in cis and are necessary for retrotransposition. While LINE-1 transcription is usually repressed in most healthy somatic cells through a plethora of mechanisms, ORF1p expression has been observed in nearly 50% of tumors, and new LINE-1 insertions have been documented in a similar fraction of tumors, including prostate cancer.

Results

Here, we utilized RNA ImmunoPrecipitation (RIP) and the L1EM analysis software to identify ORF1p bound RNA in prostate cancer cells. We identified LINE-1 loci that were expressed in parental androgen sensitive and androgen independent clonal derivatives. In all androgen independent cells, we found higher levels of LINE-1 RNA, as well as unique expression patterns of LINE-1 loci. Interestingly, we observed that ORF1p bound many non-LINE-1 mRNA in all prostate cancer cell lines evaluated, and polyA RNA, and RNA localized in p-bodies were especially enriched. Furthermore, the expression levels of RNAs identified in our ORF1p RIP correlated with RNAs expressed in LINE-1 positive tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Conclusion

Our results show a significant remodeling of LINE-1 loci expression in androgen independent cell lines when compared to parental androgen dependent cells. Additionally, we found that ORF1p bound a significant amount of non-LINE-1 mRNA, and that the enriched ORF1p bound mRNAs are also amplified in LINE-1 expressing TCGA prostate tumors, indicating the biological relevance of our findings to prostate cancer.
Genetically determined blood pressure, antihypertensive medications, and risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ou Ya-Nan , Yang Yu-Xiang , Shen Xue-Ning , Ma Ya-Hui , Chen Shi-Dong , Dong Qiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: February 2021

Background

Observational studies suggest that the use of antihypertensive medications (AHMs) is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, these findings may be biased by confounding and reverse causality. We aimed to explore the effects of blood pressure (BP) and lowering systolic BP (SBP) via the protein targets of different AHMs on AD through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

Genetic proxies from genome-wide association studies of BP traits and BP-lowering variants in genes encoding AHM targets were extracted. Estimates were calculated by inverse-variance weighted method as the main model. MR Egger regression and leave-one-out analysis were performed to identify potential violations.

Results

There was limited evidence that genetically predicted SBP/diastolic BP level affected AD risk based on 400/398 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), respectively (all P > 0.05). Suitable genetic variants for β-blockers (1 SNP), angiotensin receptor blockers (1 SNP), calcium channel blockers (CCBs, 45 SNPs), and thiazide diuretics (5 SNPs) were identified. Genetic proxies for CCB [odds ratio (OR) = 0.959, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.941–0.977, P = 3.92 × 10−6] and overall use of AHMs (OR = 0.961, 95% CI = 0.944–0.978, P = 5.74 × 10−6, SNPs = 52) were associated with a lower risk of AD. No notable heterogeneity and directional pleiotropy were identified (all P > 0.05). Additional analyses partly support these results. No single SNP was driving the observed effects.

Conclusions

This MR analysis found evidence that genetically determined lowering BP was associated with a lower risk of AD and CCB was identified as a promising strategy for AD prevention.
Outcomes of severe systemic rheumatic disease patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Bay Pierre , Lebreton Guillaume , Mathian Alexis , Demondion Pierre , Desnos Cyrielle , Chommeloux Juliette , Hékimian Guillaume , Bréchot Nicolas , Nieszkowska Ania , Schmidt Matthieu , Cohen-Aubart Fleur , Leprince Pascal , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Amoura Zahir , Combes Alain , Pineton de Chambrun Marc
Published: February 2021

Background

Systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs) are a group of inflammatory disorders that can require intensive care unit (ICU) admission because of multiorgan involvement with end-organ failure(s). Critically ill SRD patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were studied to gain insight into their characteristics and outcomes.

Methods

This French monocenter, retrospective study included all SRD patients requiring venovenous (VV)- or venoarterial (VA)-ECMO admitted to a 26-bed ECMO-dedicated ICU from January 2006 to February 2020. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

Results

Ninety patients (male/female ratio: 0.5; mean age at admission: 41.6 ± 15.2 years) admitted to the ICU received VA/VV-ECMO, respectively, for an SRD-related flare (n = 69, n = 38/31) or infection (n = 21, n = 10/11). SRD was diagnosed in-ICU for 31 (34.4%) patients. In-ICU and in-hospital mortality rates were 48.9 and 51.1%, respectively. Nine patients were bridged to cardiac (n = 5) or lung transplantation (n = 4), or left ventricular assist device (n = 2). The Cox multivariable model retained the following independent predictors of in-hospital mortality: in-ICU SRD diagnosis, day-0 Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II score ≥ 70 and arterial lactate ≥ 7.5 mmol/L for VA-ECMO–treated patients; diagnosis other than vasculitis, day-0 SAPS II score ≥ 70, ventilator-associated pneumonia and arterial lactate ≥ 7.5 mmol/L for VV-ECMO–treated patients.

Conclusions

ECMO support is a relevant rescue technique for critically ill SRD patients, with 49% survival at hospital discharge. Vasculitis was independently associated with favorable outcomes of VV-ECMO–treated patients. Further studies are needed to specify the role of ECMO for SRD patients.
Correction to: Design of new resource allocation scheme for symbiosis of DASH clients and non-DASH clients
Authors: Kim Hyun Jun , Son Ye Seul , Kim Joon Tae
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
High-fidelity elastic Green’s functions for subduction zone models consistent with the global standard geodetic reference system
Authors: Hori Takane , Agata Ryoichiro , Ichimura Tsuyoshi , Fujita Kohei , Yamaguchi Takuma , Iinuma Takeshi
Published: February 2021

Green’s functions (GFs) for elastic deformation due to unit slip on the fault plane comprise an essential tool for estimating earthquake rupture and underground preparation processes. These estimation results are often applied to generate important information for public such as seismic and tsunami hazard assessments. So, it is important to minimize the distortion of the estimation results on the numerical models used for calculating GFs to guarantee assessment reliability. For this purpose, we here calculated GFs based on a numerical model that is of high fidelity to obtain realistic topography and subsurface structural models of the Earth. We targeted two well-known subduction zones in Japan, the Nankai Trough and the Japan Trench. For these subduction zones, databases for realistic topography and subsurface structural models of the Earth are available in the “Japan integrated velocity structure model version 1”, which was proposed for earthquake hazard assessments conducted by the Japanese government. Furthermore, we eliminated the inconsistency in processing calculated GFs and space geodetic observation data for surface displacements, which is often overlooked, by using the same coordinate system. The ellipsoidal shape of the Earth, which is often approximated with a projected plane or a spherical shape, was also incorporated by faithfully following the definitions of the coordinate systems in Geodetic Reference System 1980, which is the global standard for space geodesy. To calculate elastic GFs based on such high-fidelity subduction zone databases with the ellipsoidal shape of the Earth, we introduced the finite element (FE) method. In the FE meshes, the resolution of the topography and subsurface structure is the same as that of the original databases. Recent development of the state-of-the-art computation techniques for the rapid calculation of crustal deformation using large-scale FE models allows for GF calculation based on such a high-fidelity model. However, it is generally not easy to perform such calculations. Thus, we released a library for the GFs calculated with 1-km grid spacing on the ground surface in this study to the geoscience community on a web server, aiming to contribute more reliable seismic and tsunami hazard assessment.
COVID-19 and VILI: developing a mobile app for measurement of mechanical power at a glance
Authors: Senzi Angelo , Bindi Marco , Cappellini Iacopo , Zamidei Lucia , Consales Guglielmo
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for a bedside tool for lung mechanics assessment and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) monitoring. Mechanical power is a unifying concept including all the components which can possibly cause VILI (volume, pressures, flow, respiratory rate), but the complexity of its mathematical computation makes it not so feasible in routine practice and limits its clinical use. In this letter, we describe the development of a mobile application that allows to simply measure power associated with mechanical ventilation, identifying each component (respiratory rate, resistance, driving pressure, PEEP volume) as well. The major advantage, according to the authors who developed this mathematical description of mechanical power, is that it enables the quantification of the relative contribution of its different components (tidal volume, driving pressure, respiratory rate, resistance). Considering the potential role of medical apps to improve work efficiency, we developed an open source Progressive Web Application (PWA), named “PowerApp” (freely available at https://mechpower.goodbarber.app), in order to easily obtain a bedside measurement of mechanical power and its components. It also allows to predict how the modification of ventilatory settings or physiological conditions would affect power and each relative component. The "PowerApp" allows to measure mechanical power at a glance during mechanical ventilation, without complex mathematical computation, and making mechanical power equation useful and feasible for everyday clinical practice.
Correction to: Diffusion-weighted MRI improves response assessment after definitive radiotherapy in patients with NSCLC
Authors: Jagoda Philippe , Fleckenstein Jochen , Sonnhoff Mathias , Schneider Günther , Ruebe Christian , Buecker Arno , Stroeder Jonas
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Characteristics of tuff breccia-andesite in diverse mechanisms of landslides in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan
Authors: ISTIYANTI Mega Lia , GOTO Satoshi , Ochiai Hirotaka
Published: February 2021

Heavy rainfall frequently occurred in Kyushu and triggers the landslides every year. This study observes the landslides which occurred in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. The landslides in this study, consisting of the same soil materials, tuff breccia and andesite materials; however, the landslide mechanisms were different. Two landslides occurred caused by heavy rainfall in the different timing of the landslide occurrence, and another landslide occurred without the heavy rainfall or an earthquake occurs. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the physical and mechanical properties of tuff breccia and andesite materials with diverse landslide mechanisms. This study performed soil stratigraphic analysis and soil hardness measurements in the field, and performed physical properties, saturated permeability, mechanical properties, and XRD tests in the laboratory. This study found that characteristics of tuff breccia and andesite in diverse mechanisms of landslides were not very different, especially on the landslides caused by heavy rainfall. Furthermore, the landslide in the andesite and tuff breccia areas could be divided into three types based on the timing of the landslide occurrence, scale of the landslide, and landslide mechanisms.
The clinical relevance of luteal phase progesterone support in true natural cycle cryopreserved blastocyst stage embryo transfers: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Waldman Ian N. , Racowsky Catherine , Disler Emily R. , Thomas Ann , Lanes Andrea , Hornstein Mark D.
Published: February 2021

Background

More than 67% of all embryos transferred in the United States involve frozen-thawed embryos. Progesterone supplementation is necessary in medicated cycles to luteinize the endometrium and prepare it for implantation, but little data is available to show if this is beneficial in true natural cycles. We evaluated the use of luteal phase progesterone supplementation for cryopreserved/warmed blastocyst transfers in true natural cycles not using an ovulatory trigger.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study in a single academic medical center. We studied the use of luteal phase progesterone supplementation in patients undergoing true natural cycle cryopreserved blastocyst embryo transfers. Our primary outcome measure was ongoing pregnancy rate, with other pregnancy outcomes being evaluated (i.e. implantation rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic rate, and multifetal gestation). Categorical data were analyzed utilizing Fisher’s exact test and all binary variables were analyzed using log-binomial regression to produce a risk ratio.

Results

Two hundred twenty-nine patients were included in the analysis with 149 receiving luteal phase progesterone supplementation and 80 receiving no luteal phase support. Patient demographic and cycle characteristics, and embryo quality were similar between the two groups. No difference was seen in ongoing pregnancy rate (49.0% vs. 47.5%, p = 0.8738), clinical pregnancy rate (50.3% vs. 47.5%, p = 0.7483), positive HCG rate (62.4% vs. 57.5%, p = 0.5965), miscarriage/abortion rate (5.4% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.2622), ectopic pregnancy rate (0% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.3493), or multifetal gestations (7.4% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.3166).

Conclusion(s)

The addition of luteal phase progesterone support in true natural cycle cryopreserved blastocyst embryo transfers did not improve pregnancy outcomes and therefore the routine use in practice cannot be recommended based on this study, but the utilization should not be discouraged without further studies.

Capsule

Progesterone supplementation as luteal phase support in true natural cycle cryopreserved blastocyst transfers does not improve ongoing pregnancies.
Correction to: Mediation criteria for interactive serious games aimed at improving learning in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Coma-Roselló Teresa , Blasco-Serrano Ana Cristina , Garrido Laparte María Ángeles , Aguelo Arguis Antonio
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in COVID-19 survivors: online population survey
Authors: Chamberlain Samuel R. , Grant Jon E. , Trender William , Hellyer Peter , Hampshire Adam
Published: February 2021

This study examined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in 13 049 survivors of suspected or confirmed COVID-19, from the UK general population, as a function of severity and hospital admission status. Compared with mild COVID-19, significantly elevated rates of PTSD symptoms were identified in those requiring medical support at home (effect size 0.178 s.d., P = 0.0316), those requiring hospital admission without ventilation (effect size 0.234 s.d., P = 0.0064) and those requiring hospital admission with ventilator support (effect size 0.454 s.d., P < 0.001). Intrusive images were the most prominent elevated symptom. Adequate psychiatric provision for such individuals will be of paramount importance.
Life Without Thyroid Hormone Receptor
Authors: Shi Yun-Bo
Published: February 2021

Thyroid hormone (T3) is critical not only for organ function and metabolism in the adult but also for animal development. This is particularly true during the neonatal period when T3 levels are high in mammals. Many processes during this postembryonic developmental period resemble those during amphibian metamorphosis. Anuran metamorphosis is perhaps the most dramatic developmental process controlled by T3 and affects essentially all organs/tissues, often in an organ autonomous manner. This offers a unique opportunity to study how T3 regulates vertebrate development. Earlier transgenic studies in the pseudo-tetraploid anuran Xenopus laevis revealed that T3 receptors (TRs) are necessary and sufficient for mediating the effects of T3 during metamorphosis. Recent gene knockout studies with gene-editing technologies in the highly related diploid anuran Xenopus tropicalis showed, surprisingly, that TRs are not required for most metamorphic transformations, although tadpoles lacking TRs are stalled at the climax of metamorphosis and eventually die. Analyses of the changes in different organs suggest that removal of TRs enables premature development of many adult tissues, likely due to de-repression of T3-inducible genes, while preventing the degeneration of tadpole-specific tissues, which is possibly responsible for the eventual lethality. Comparison with findings in TR knockout mice suggests both conservation and divergence in TR functions, with the latter likely due to the greatly reduced need, if any, to remove embryo/prenatal-specific tissues during mammalian postembryonic development.
The “Latin” Melting Pot
Authors: Tal Yuval
Published: February 2021

This article explores how, through discussions about immigrant assimilation in fin de siècle Algeria, French republicans contemplated and wrote into law the ethnic traits of French national identity. Republicans assumed that the North Mediterranean immigrants who settled in Algeria shared ethnic origins with French settlers and consequently asserted that France should work to “fuse” the two groups. Assertions about immigrants' ethnicity took different forms. In the colony they appeared either at the margins of colonial administrators' attacks against immigrant communal organization or in literary representations of French-Mediterranean fusion. In the metropole republican legislators portrayed immigrants as innately prone to becoming French and thus supported the 1889 nationality law that naturalized them. The passing of the 1889 law prompted the creation of an explicitly ethnorepublican assimilatory model. The model's proponents combined sociological and eugenicist principles to both socialize immigrants into the nation and promote the transfer of their Mediterranean “vigor” into French bodies.

Cet article examine les efforts des intellectuels et des dirigeants républicains pour assimiler les immigrés européens en Algérie à la fin du dix-neuvième siècle. Il affirme que les identités communautaires et la prépondérance démographique des immigrés ont poussé l'élite républicaine à envisager leur capacité ethnique à s'assimiler à la société française, et montre que l'idée que les Français et les immigrés avaient la même origine ethnique a façonné les débats sur l'assimilation nationale et a influencé la formation des lois républicaines fondamentales. En Algérie, des affirmations à propos de l'identité ethnique des immigrés européens apparaissaient en marge des discussions politiques sur leur organisation communautaire et dans les romans des écrivains algérianistes. En métropole, des législateurs républicains supposaient que la « ressemblance ethnique » entre Français et immigrés assurait l'assimilation rapide de ces derniers et ils ont soutenu la loi de 1889 sur la nationalité qui les a naturalisés. A l'issue de la législation de 1889, une vision de fusionnement des colons français et des membres de la « race méditerranéenne » en Algérie s'est développée. Ses partisans ont combiné des principes sociologiques avec des principes eugéniques dans le but d'incorporer les immigrés européens dans la nation et de faire transporter leur « vigueur » dans les corps des Français.
Expelling the “Sinister Vilgrain”
Authors: Yackee Jason
Published: February 2021

This article tells the story of the Congo-Brazzaville's nationalization in 1970 of the Société Industrielle et Agricole du Niari (SIAN) and its affiliate Société Sucrière du Niari. At the time of independence, the company, controlled by France's Vilgrain family, was the Congo's largest private employer. The SIAN episode is fertile ground for exploring the theme of postcolonial entanglements from a political-economic perspective. It especially illustrates how those entanglements created both obstacles to and opportunities for neo-imperial influence, just as they did for acts of sovereign independence. The article suggests that the complex, multifaceted interdependencies among France, the Congo, and the Vilgrain family insulated the effects of nationalization on the larger Franco-Congolese relationship while eventually providing a measure of compensation for the despoiled investors.

Cet article raconte l'histoire de la nationalisation en 1970 de la Société industrielle et agricole du Niari (SIAN) et sa société affiliée SOSUNIARI par le Congo-Brazzaville. A l'indépendance la SIAN—une entreprise sucrière contrôlée par la famille française Vilgrain—était l'employeur privé le plus important du pays. L'affaire SIAN nous offre un terrain privilégié pour explorer le thème de l'enchevêtrement politique et économique des anciens et nouveaux pouvoirs dans la période postcoloniale. Elle illumine comment ces enchevêtrements fournissaient des occasions pour, et posaient des obstacles à, l'influence néo-impériale et l'indépendance souveraine. L'article conclut que l'interdépendance de la France, du Congo, et de la famille Vilgrain servait à isoler les effets de la nationalisation sur leurs relations plus larges tout en assurant, après un certain délai, une mesure non-dérisoire d'indemnisation pour l'investisseur spolié.
The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of malignant non-mass breast lesions and exploration of diagnostic criteria
Authors: Zhang Fan , Jin Lifang , Li Gang , Jia Chao , Shi Qiusheng , Du Lianfang , Wu Rong
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for diagnosing malignant non-mass breast lesions (NMLs) and to explore the CEUS diagnostic criteria.

Methods:

A total of 116 patients with 119 NMLs detected by conventional US were enrolled. Histopathological results were used as the reference standard. The enhancement characteristics of NMLs in CEUS were compared between malignant and benign NMLs. The CEUS diagnostic criteria for malignant NMLs were established using independent diagnostic indicators identified by binary logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic performance of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System-US (BI-RADS-US), CEUS, and BI-RADS-US combined with CEUS was evaluated and compared.

Results:

Histopathological results showed 63 and 56 benign and malignant NMLs. Enhancement degree (OR = 5.75, p = 0.003), enhancement area (OR = 4.25, p = 0.005), and radial or penetrating vessels (OR = 7.54, p = 0.003) were independent diagnostic indicators included to establish the CEUS diagnostic criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of BI-RADS-US, CEUS, and BI-RADS-US combined with CEUS were 100 and 30.2%, 80.4 and 74.6%, and 94.6 and 77.8%, respectively; the corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were 0.819, 0.775, and 0.885, respectively.

Conclusions:

CEUS has a high specificity in malignant NML diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria including enhancement degree, enhancement area, and radial or penetrating vessels, but with lower sensitivity than BI-RADS-US. The combination of CEUS and BI-RADS-US is an effective diagnostic tool with both high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of malignant NMLs.

Advances in knowledge:

In this study, we assessed the diagnostic value of CEUS for malignant NMLs and constructed a feasible diagnostic criterion. We further revealed that the combination of CEUS and BI-RADS-US has a high diagnostic value for malignant NMLs.
Ultrasonographic features of uterine cervical lesions
Authors: Oh Hyunji , Park Sung Bin , Park Hyun Jeong , Lee Eun Sun , Hur Joonho , Choi Woosun , Choi Byung Ihn
Published: February 2021

Currently, ultrasound (US) is a valuable imaging tool for the initial assessment and evaluation of the female genital organs, uterus, and adnexa. However, it is easy to overlook the uterine cervix while conducting a pelvic US. Uterine cervical lesions may range from benign to malignant in nature. Therefore, meticulous examination with US may play a key role in assessing uterine cervical lesions. Although there is substantial overlap in the US findings across various uterine cervical lesions, some US features, in tandem with clinical characteristics, may suggest a specific diagnosis. Familiarity with the clinical settings and US characteristics of different uterine cervical lesions can support prompt and accurate diagnosis of suspicious lesions. This review article aims to describe the features of US and possible values for distinction of these lesions in the uterine cervix.
Radiology for medical students: Do we teach enough? A national study
Authors: Chew Cindy , O'Dwyer Patrick J , Sandilands Euan
Published: February 2021

Objective

A recent study has shown that the averaged time tabled teaching for a medical student across 5 years in the UK was 4629 hours. Radiology has been demonstrated to be an excellent teaching source, yet the number of hours allocated to this has never been calculated.

The aims of this study were to evaluate and quantify the hours allocated to radiology teaching in Scottish Medical Schools and to evaluate if they can fulfil requirements expected from other Clinical disciplines and the upcoming General Medical Council Medical Licensing Assessment (GMC MLA).

Methods

Data pertaining to timetabled teaching for Radiology in Scottish Universities were obtained from the authors of the Analysis of Teaching of Medical Schools (AToMS) survey. In addition, University Lead Clinician Teachers were surveyed on the radiological investigations and skills medical students should have at graduation.

Results

Medical students in Scottish Universities were allocated 59 h in Radiology (0.3%) out of a total 19,325 h of timetabled teaching. Hospital-based teaching was variable and ranged from 0 to 31 h. Almost half (15 of 31) of Clinician Teachers felt that there was insufficient radiology teaching in their specialty. Thirteen of 30 conditions included in the GMC MLA were listed by Clinician Teachers, while 23 others not listed by the GMC were considered important and cited by them.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that medical students do not receive enough radiology teaching. This needs to be addressed by Universities in collaboration with the NHS in an effort to bring up this up to line with other developed countries and prepare students for the GMC MLA.

Advances in knowledge

(1) There is insufficient time allocated in Medical Students’ curriculum to Radiology.

(2) Radiology teaching in medical schools fall short of University Lead Clinician Teachers’ and GMC expectations of medical students at graduation.
Infection patterns of endemic human coronaviruses in rural households in coastal Kenya
Authors: Nyaguthii Dickson Machira , Otieno Grieven P. , Kombe Ivy K. , Koech Dorothy , Mutunga Martin , Medley Graham F. , Nokes D. James , Munywoki Patrick K.
Published: February 2021

Background: The natural history and transmission patterns of endemic human coronaviruses are of increased interest following the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods: In rural Kenya 483 individuals from 47 households were followed for six months (2009-10) with nasopharyngeal swabs collected twice weekly regardless of symptoms. A total of 16,918 swabs were tested for human coronavirus (hCoV) OC43, NL63 and 229E and other respiratory viruses using polymerase chain reaction.

Results: From 346 (71.6%) household members, 629 hCoV infection episodes were defined, with 36.3% being symptomatic: varying by hCoV type and decreasing with age. Symptomatic episodes (aHR=0.6 (95% CI:0.5-0.8) or those with elevated peak viral load (medium aHR=0.4 (0.3-0.6); high aHR=0.31 (0.2-0.4)) had longer viral shedding compared to their respective counterparts. Homologous reinfections were observed in 99 (19.9%) of 497 first infections. School-age children (55%) were the most common index cases with those having medium (aOR=5.3 (2.3 – 12.0)) or high (8.1 (2.9 - 22.5)) peak viral load most often generating secondary cases.

Conclusion: Household coronavirus infection was common, frequently asymptomatic and mostly introduced by school-age children. Secondary transmission was influenced by viral load of index cases. Homologous-type reinfection was common. These data may be insightful for SARS-CoV-2.
Formation of Financial Literacy of Schoolchildren on the Topic «Taxes»
Authors: Romanova M. , Baryshnikova T. , Novikova L.
Published: February 2021

The article presents a practice-focused tasks for financial literacy, developed to meet requirements of the new standard on the subject of social Science, International programs, assessment of educational achievements of students 15 years of age PISA (Programme for Internetional Student Assessment). The results of the international PISA study assess the functional literacy of students, including the ability to use knowledge, skills and experience to solve life problems in personally and socially significant situations. When developing tasks, the authors focused on Russian legislation in the field of taxation and labor legislation. Task texts use economic concepts such as accrued salary, after-tax salary (on hand), salary, pension, stipend, and alimony. Tasks can be used by teachers in social studies, economics, mathematics, and financial literacy classes.
La mediación didáctica socioformativa en el aula que favorece la inclusión educativa.
Authors: López Vázquez Rubén , Tobón Tobón Sergio , Veytia Bucheli María Guadalupe , Juárez Hernández Luis Gibran
Published: February 2021

The knowledge society outlines new educational challenges, the school, requires training students to face these challenges, in a framework of inclusion and equity. The processes carried out in traditional education are not conducive to the development of the relevant skills, it is necessary to favors a teaching mediation that provides equal access, participation and learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their condition or situation. An actor responsible for their learning and social performance, who develops a plan and implements a didactic mediation in the classroom to favors the inclusion of the diversity of students. This article analyzes the process of didactic mediation in the classroom in order to favors educational inclusion from the perspective of socioformative. A documentary methodology was used, based on the review and analysis of indexed journals and books published by prestigious publishers. It is identified that socioformative didactic mediation favors the inclusion of the diversity of students. It is concluded that socioformative didactic mediation favors inclusion and educational equity, favors the development and integral formation of all students, through collaborative work, entrepreneurship, metacognition and ethical values.
Cultural Conditioning of the Labour Market in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Odrowąż-Coates Anna
Published: February 2021

The present work concerns an anthropological outlook on the political consequences of corporate and economic migration to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and labour market segregation. The complexity of cultural codes and the clash of customs are discussed in the paper, which is based on a two‑year period of sociological field research conducted in the KSA by the author. The ethnographic materials are enriched by discourse from daily Saudi papers and other international publications. The study contains an insight into race and ethnicity as seen by Saudis themselves and also allows a deeper understanding of the power distribution in this particular modern Islamic society. In the climate of the European economic crisis, the sustained demand for highly qualified migrant workers in the KSA provides a lucrative alternative for specialists across market sectors and this often involves their families. In light of the globalised market, many corporations run multi‑billion dollar contracts inside the Kingdom and relocate their own work force to achieve business goals. The need for specialists and for cheap manual labour from abroad is a direct result of the Saudi education system, together with the work ethic amongst the majority of Saudi nationals, which is heavily influenced by the cultural and sociological consequences of the Wahhabi interpretation of the Quran. This interpretation has a major impact on Saudi society and on migrants, particularly women. The social order is widely supported and successfully reproduced through a united message present in education, the national media and local mosques. Concerns over ethnic divisions are focused on conflicting ideologies, represented in the interactions between newcomers and the indigenous population.
The English Riots of Summer 2011
Authors: Kułakowska Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

The aim of the paper is to analyse the English riots of summer 2011 and reflect on the questions of race and ethnicity – will they add significantly to our understanding of these events? The paper presents the timeline of social unrest, its dominant actors and events (starting from the manifestation organized by Mark Duggan’s family and friends), as well as the main theoretical themes and analytical perspectives present in British debate on the riots. The author argues that while the ethnocultural perspective cannot be seen as a leading one, in order to properly understand the events of August 2011 the links to previous riots and the history of racial tensions between police and members of certain communities should be unfolded and explored.