bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Health Conditions in Young Asian Adults and Motivation to Seek Counseling: A Cross-Country Study
Authors: Shi Jingyuan , Kim Hye Kyung , Su Youzhen , Kong Hanxiao
Published: July 2020

Mental illness is a prevalent and pressing public health problem among the Asian population, especially among young adults. This study examined the psychosocial predictors of the intention to seek counseling based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the effects of mental health conditions on the relative contributions of the TPB predictors in forming the intention among Asian young adults. The survey results in Singapore (n = 232) and Hong Kong (n = 998) revealed that attitudes, descriptive norms, and self-efficacy significantly predicted the intention to seek counseling in both Asian sites. In addition, the descriptive norms-intention association was stronger among those in a better mental health condition than among those with a worse mental health condition for both samples. The findings extend the literature on the TPB, as well as provide tailored strategies to promote counseling seeking among Asian young adults.
Anchoring the energy transition with legal certainty in EU law
Authors: Huhta Kaisa
Published: July 2020

This article examines the principle of legal certainty in the context of low-carbon investment in the electricity sector. It analyses the interpretation and functions of legal certainty as a constitutional principle of EU law and explores how they operate in the low-carbon transition. The analysis is conducted in the context of conflicting roles of law in the energy transition. On the one hand, the low-carbon transition requires new investment, which demands stable and predictable legal frameworks. On the other hand, the energy transition calls for the continuous development of legal frameworks to respond to the evolving energy sector. This continuous change is detrimental to the investment needed to finance the transition. This article argues that the principle of legal certainty can function as a means of anchoring these evolving and sometimes turbulent legal developments and reconcile the conflicting roles of law required by the energy transition, on the one hand, and investment certainty, on the other.
PROC Promoter Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated With Low Protein C Activity But Not Increased Risk of Thromboembolism in Pediatric Population
Authors: Udomkittivorakul Natsumon , Sasanakul Werasak , Eu-ahsunthornwattana Jakris , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan , Komwilaisak Patcharee , Songdej Duantida , Sirachainan Nongnuch
Published: July 2020

Protein C (PC) deficiency, caused by mutations of the PROC gene, is a common inherited risk factor of thromboembolism (TE) among Thai people. This study aimed to investigate the association of 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; −1654 C/T, −1641 A/G, −1461A/T) at the PROC promoter region with PC activity and the risk of developing TE. A total of 216 patient s with TE, diagnosed at aged 0 to 20 years, and 102 healthy adults were enrolled. The SNPs were identified by Sanger sequencing. Protein C activity was measured using an automated functional clotting assay. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association of SNPs with PC activity and the risk of TE. Patients and controls with homozygous TAA (119.6% ± 26.1%) and CGT haplotypes (102.7% ± 22.6%) had significantly lower PC activity than those with a homozygous CAA haplotype (140.4% ± 44.9%); P = .027 and .016, respectively. However, none of these haplotypes increased the risk of TE. This study suggested that the 3 PROC promoter SNPs were shown to be associated with lower PC activity but did not increase the risk of TE.
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in patients with prior glaucoma surgery
Authors: Boutin Tanguy , Sorkin Nir , Einan-Lifshitz Adi , Mednick Zale , Mimouni Michael , Cohen Eyal , Trinh Tanya , Santaella Gisella , Buys Yvonne M , Trope Graham , Chan Clara C , Rootman David S
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To present outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with prior trabeculectomy or a glaucoma drainage device (GDD).

Methods:

A retrospective case series, including patients that had previously undergone trabeculectomy and/or GDD implantation, who later underwent DMEK between 2013 and 2016 at Toronto Western Hospital and the Kensington Eye Institute. Outcome measures: best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), endothelial cell (EC) density, intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results:

Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients were included. All DMEK procedures were uneventful. Mean follow-up time was 14.6 ± 6.1 months. In eyes with no visually limiting comorbidities ( n = 16), BSCVA improved from 1.34 ± 0.65 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ~20/440) preoperatively to 0.51 ± 0.24 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ~20/65) and 0.50 ± 0.33 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ~20/65) at 6 and 12 months, respectively ( p < 0.001 for both). In eyes with visually limiting comorbidities ( n = 11), BSCVA improved from 1.92 ± 0.72 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ~20/1665) preoperatively to 1.43 ± 0.83 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ~20/540) and 1.37 ± 0.99 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ~20/470) at 6 and 12 months, respectively ( p = 0.008 and p = 0.037). Graft detachment rate was 24.1% and rebubble rate was 17.2%. Primary and secondary graft failure rates were 3.7% and 10.3%, respectively. Rejection rate was 17.2%. EC-loss rate at 6 months and 12 months was 36.7% and 50.5%, respectively.

Conclusions:

DMEK performed in eyes with previous trabeculectomy or a GDD is more challenging than conventional DMEK, but has good outcomes. Higher rates of graft rejection and secondary graft failure in this setting should be further evaluated in long-term studies.
Outcomes in buried versus non-buried peritoneal dialysis catheters: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tan Rebekah , Weng Weijie , Raymond Warren D , Sieunarine Kishore
Published: July 2020

Aims:

To compare the rates of infections (peritonitis and exit site infections) in patients undergoing non-buried versus buried peritoneal dialysis catheterisation for end-stage renal failure.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis catheter placement by one primary surgeon between January 2008 and August 2019. Information collected included, catheter characteristics, immediate post-operative complications, date of catheter exteriorisation, date of peritoneal dialysis commencement, rate of successful catheter function at initiation of peritoneal dialysis and rates of catheter-related complications (i.e. infection, revision status and obstruction).

Results:

110 peritoneal dialysis catheters were inserted (43 non-buried and 67 buried peritoneal dialysis catheters). The non-buried group was associated with a higher proportion acquiring an infection than the buried group (15% vs 30%, p = 0.054). Patients with buried catheters also had a 72% and 65% decreased likelihood of experiencing a catheter-related infection and peritonitis, respectively, over time compared to patients with non-buried catheters in the unadjusted (crude incidence rate ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.11, 0.70; P = 0.003). The proportion of catheter function at first use was 85% in the non-buried group and 78% in the buried group. Patients with non-buried versus buried catheters had similar proportions of complications, including: obstructions (25.6% vs 20.9%, p = 0.770), herniation (7.0% vs 4.0%, p = 0.327) and leaks (7.0% vs 1.5%, p = 0.134).

Conclusion:

The use of the buried peritoneal dialysis catheter technique as compared to the standard technique has revealed fewer overall catheter-related infections, particularly episodes of peritonitis and similar rates of mechanical complications in our series. In addition to that, the other benefits of buried peritoneal dialysis catheters such as lower healthcare cost, patient convenience and a viable option for patients in remote communities should prompt physicians to continue assessing suitable candidates for buried peritoneal dialysis catheters.
Preliminary balloon dilation of both saphenous fascia and the saphenous vein increases the below-knee fistula patency, but not maturation
Authors: Kahraman Doğan , Şener Uğur , Olgaç Tahir , Moda Mehmet , Yoğurtçuoğlu Burak
Published: July 2020

Objective:

There is no reliable secondary site for fistula creation in patients with preclusions for further use of upper extremity vessels as viable hemodialysis access. Below-knee vessels resemble the forearm vascular anatomy and, therefore, methods to improve the outcomes of fistula creation at this level would also help to improve the quality of life for those patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the efforts to improve the functionality of below-knee fistulas in a sample of dialysis patients.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated the results of ankle fistulas created following preliminary balloon dilatation of both the saphenous fascia and the saphenous vein in 11 patients who were considered eligible if they did not have concomitant venous or arterial lower extremity disease. We assessed the changes in fistula flow within 6 months as well as patency and maturation rates.

Results:

Though the patency rate at 6 months was 63.6% (seven patients), only three fistulas (27.3%) were used for routine dialysis. All mature fistulas were observed in patients with a preoperative posterior tibial artery flow of more than 35 mL/min.

Conclusion:

Saphenous vein dilation throughout the below-knee promotes fistula patency, but the posterior tibial artery shows inadequate response as an inflow supplier at the ankle level. More proximal connection of saphenous vein after balloon dilation may be used in the future to achieve adequate flow from leg arteries.
Can partisans be pluralist? A comparative study of party member discourse in France and Hungary
Authors: Herman Lise Esther
Published: July 2020

Pluralist norms, which prescribe certain attitudes of openness and mutual respect for diverging views, have long been considered a central pillar of liberal democracy. While democratic theorists have championed these values, they have been conflicted as to the capacity of political parties to carry them. Partisanship is widely recognized as an essential institution of democratic regimes but it has also been traditionally associated with intransigence rather than tolerance. This paper investigates this theoretical debate from an empirical standpoint, asking whether partisans can be carriers of pluralist values. It relies on focus-group methodology and software-assisted textual analysis to evaluate the extent to which the discourse of 117 party members in two different national contexts, France and Hungary, resonates with the pluralist worldview. The results of this study provide key empirical insights into the nature of partisanship, demonstrating wide variations in the extent to which partisans uphold pluralist principles, but also their capacity to do so at a stringent level.
A sociology of Covid-19
Authors: Matthewman Steve , Huppatz Kate
Published: July 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic presents the profoundest public health and economic crisis of our times. The seemingly impossible has happened: borders have closed, nations have locked down, and individuals have socially isolated for the collective good. We find ourselves involved in an unprecedented social experiment. This living laboratory is ripe for sociological analysis. In this introductory article, we provide a broad sociology of Covid-19, paying attention to the production of pandemics and the creation of vulnerabilities. We acknowledge the dystopian elements of the pandemic: it will provide opportunities for ‘disaster capitalists’ to profit, it will enhance certain forms of surveillance, and it will impact some constituencies far more negatively than others (here we pay particular attention to the pandemic’s gendered consequences). Yet there are also resources for hope. We are witnessing altruistic acts the world over, as mutual aid groups form to render assistance where needed. Notions of welfare reform, progressive taxation, nationalisation and universal basic income now seem more politically palatable. Some even predict the imminent demise of neoliberalism. While this may be too hopeful, reactions to the pandemic thus far do at least demonstrate that other ways of living are within our grasp. As Arundhati Roy has said: the virus is a portal, a gateway between one world and the next.
Let’s nab fake science news: Predicting scientists’ support for interventions using the influence of presumed media influence model
Authors: Ho Shirley S , Goh Tong Jee , Leung Yan Wah
Published: July 2020

Fake science news is a type of fake news that can threaten the credibility of the scientific community. Scientists’ attention to fake science news can indirectly influence the way they react to tackling fake science news through socio-psychological factors. Applying the influence of presumed media influence (IPMI), this study examines how scientists’ attention to fake science news indirectly influences their support for initiatives to tackle fake science news through presumed harm of fake science news on other scientists and the general public, as well as their attitude and personal norm towards tackling fake science news. Specifically, this study explicates the behavioural outcome into support for education and support for legislation against fake science news. The results from a survey of 706 Singapore-based scientists supported the relationships posited in the IPMI. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Dialogical inquiry: multivocality and the interpretation of text
Authors: Wells Ruth , Barker Seamus , Boydell Katherine , Buus Niels , Rhodes Paul , River Jo
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to describe a novel form of qualitative inquiry, dialogical inquiry, which allows for multiple investigators from different positions or traditions to collaboratively interpret qualitative data, engaging in a process of mutual influence to enrich both themselves and the process of analysis. We provide a clearly operationalized method, which is inspired by the philosophy of Bakhtin, as reimagined through practices from Open Dialogue, a social network–based approach to dialogical psychotherapy. Drawing on a specific text analysis of Jay Neugeboren’s novel “Imagining Robert,” we demonstrate how our dialogical inquiry approach can bring reflexive practice in qualitative research to life through mutual reflections among investigators. We show how dialogical inquiry can generate appreciation for multiple perspectives, awareness of affective and epistemic positions, and new knowledge production. This approach could be particularly suited for research teams that wish to actively generate new kinds of knowledge, or to privilege the voices of coresearchers from diverse social, political, and epistemic positions.
When Does Increasing Mobilization Effort Increase Turnout? Evidence from a Field Experiment on Reminder Calls
Authors: Gerber Alan S. , Huber Gregory A. , Fang Albert H. , Reardon Catlan E.
Published: July 2020

When does increasing mobilization effort increase turnout? Recent experiments find second calls containing a reminder to vote increase turnout beyond an initial contact. We argue existing studies cannot explain why reminder calls are effective because they test bundled treatments including a late mobilization attempt, a late mobilization attempt given earlier contact, and potentially activating reciprocity established in earlier contact. We report results from a two-round voter mobilization field experiment that allows us to isolate these different mechanisms. We find that reminder calls increase turnout by 1.2% points among subjects contacted in an earlier attempt, but that enhancing reciprocity by providing a reminder call offer during an early call does not increase turnout beyond a second call. Additionally, we fail to find heterogeneous effects of reminder calls by stated preference for a reminder or by stated vote intention, suggesting certain mechanisms do not explain the effects of reminder calls.
Gene signature and prognostic merit of M6a regulators in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Cheng Xuedi , Wang Junzheng , Huang Yongjie , Yuan Junhui , Guo Dawen
Published: July 2020

Although new diagnostic techniques and treatments are increasingly updated, the clinical outcomes of CRC patients are still not encouraging with a low survival rate. N6-methyladenosine as a popular modification on mRNA is associated with multiple types of cancers. Our purpose is to evaluate gene signature and prognostic ability of N6-methyladenosine in CRC. We used the gene expression, copy number variation, simple nucleotide variation and clinical messages from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We first identified mutation and copy number variations of N6-methyladenosine regulatory genes in both colon adenocarcinoma and rectum adenocarcinoma. Fourteen of all 17 N6-methyladenosine regulatory genes were related with higher mRNA expression, whereas deletion leads to reduced expression. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, RBM15, YTHDC2, and METTL14 genes in the rectum adenocarcinoma samples were conspicuously associated with the prognosis of patients. Based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression models, we built a 2-gene (YTHDC2 and IGF2BP3) signature of N6-methyladenosine regulators with prognostic ability. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year AUCs of this signature were all greater than 0.6, and the P-value for risk prediction for patients was also less than 0.0001. Moreover, high IGF2BP3 gene expression was significantly associated with IFN-γ in colon adenocarcinoma , and related to the azurophil granule membrane pathway in rectum adenocarcinoma. High YTHDC2 expression in colon adenocarcinoma is closely related to cell energy metabolism. In the rectum adenocarcinoma, high YTHDC2 gene expression is related to the cell centrosome pathway. In conclusion, for the first time, we identified genetic changes of N6-methyladenosine modulators and built a prognostic gene signature in CRC.

Impact statement

Although new diagnostic techniques and treatments are increasingly updated for CRC, the clinical outcomes of CRC patients are still not encouraging with a low survival rate. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) as a popular modification on mRNA is associated with multiple types of cancers. Our purpose is to identify gene signature and prognostic ability of m6A modulators in CRC. For the first time, we identified genetic changes of m6A modulators and built prognostic gene signature in CRC, which may provide effective targets for the diagnosis and management of CRC.
Who Dreams of Badges? Gendered Self-Concept and Policing Career Aspirations
Authors: Clinkinbeard Samantha S. , Solomon Starr J. , Rief Rachael M.
Published: July 2020

National Institute of Justice’s Policing Research Plan (2017–2022) highlights the need to understand factors that attract diverse candidates. We explored whether college students had ever considered policing and found men were significantly more likely than women to contemplate policing careers. Further, we found higher levels of masculinity were associated with greater odds of policing aspirations; the relationship between gender and aspirations was fully mediated by masculine self-concept. Although men typically reported higher masculinity scores, within-gender analyses indicated that masculinity was important for both men and women. Our findings suggest the continued association of masculinity with policing may undercut efforts to recruit a representative workforce.
The role of high-sensitive troponin measurement as a biomarker during the postoperative period for the detection of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Iddagoda Mayura T
Published: July 2020

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is common and defined as myocardial ischaemia within 30 days after non-cardiac surgery. Diagnosis of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is challenging as this could be clinically asymptomatic during the postoperative period due to many other factors. Role of high-sensitive cardiac troponin in diagnosing myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery had been evaluated in several studies. Due to the fact that high-sensitive cardiac troponin remains positive for about two weeks in the body and is highly specific in diagnosing clinically silent myocardial injuries, it is recognised as the most useful biomarker in detecting myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery. However, high-sensitive cardiac troponin is not well incorporated as a biomarker in current major perioperative guidelines or in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to discuss evidence and guidelines in this area in view of the use of high-sensitive cardiac troponin in early identification of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery.
“Ruled Britannia”: Metaphorical Construction of the EU as Enemy in UKIP Campaign Posters
Authors: Ross Andrew S. , Bhatia Aditi
Published: July 2020

The sweeping tide of populism across the globe has given rise to isolationist sentiments that call for the closing of national borders and a return to nativist roots. This has been most evident in Britain in terms of the controversial vote to exit the European Union (EU) during the 2016 referendum (to Leave or Remain) and more recently with the lead up to a general election and mounting pressure on the government to implement an exit strategy. The most vocal proponent of the “leave” movement was the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), reframing the debate on EU membership in terms of invasion and oppression. This paper focuses on precisely this discursive construction of the EU by analyzing UKIP campaign posters through application of Bhatia’s Discourse of Illusion framework on three levels: historicity (use of the past to justify the present or predict the future), linguistic and semiotic action (subjective conceptualizations of reality made apparent through metaphorical rhetoric), and degree of social impact (emergence of delineating categories through ideological narrative).
The effects of intramuscular administration of scopolamine augmentation in moderate to severe major depressive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Yang Jian , Zhu Xuequan , Zghoul Tarek , Feng Lei , Chen Runsen , Wang Gang
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common affective disorder. Currently established pharmacotherapies lack rapid clinical response, thereby limiting their ability to bring instant relief to patients. A series of clinical trials has demonstrated the antidepressant effects of scopolamine, yet few have studied the effects of add-on scopolamine to currently available antidepressants. It is not known whether conventional antidepressant treatment with a 3-day scopolamine injection could speed up oral antidepressant efficacy. The main focus of this study is to detect the capacity of the rapid-onset efficacy of such a treatment option.

Methods and analysis:

This study consisted of a single-centre, double-blind, three-arm randomized trial with a 4-week follow-up period. Sixty-six participants meeting entry criteria were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: a high-dose group, a low-dose group and a placebo control group. Psychiatric rating scales were administered at baseline and seven viewing points following the administration of intramuscular injections. The primary outcome measure was length of time from randomization (baseline) to early improvement.

Results:

Both primary and secondary outcome measures consistently showed no differences among the three groups. The cumulative response rate and the remission rate were 72.7% (48/66) and 47.0% (31/66). Intramuscular scopolamine treatment was relatively well tolerated. Two subjects with high-dose injections dropped out because of a drug-related side effect.

Conclusion:

Contrary to our prediction, we found that, compared to placebo (0.9% saline i.m.), scopolamine was not associated with a significantly faster antidepressant response rate.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03131050. Registered on 18 April 2017.
Diagnostic management of inpatients with a positive D‐dimer test: developing a new clinical decision‐making rule for pulmonary embolism
Authors: Lei Min , Liu Chang , Luo Zhuang , Xu Zhibo , Jiang Youfan , Lin Jiachen , Wang Chu , Jiang Depeng
Published: July 2020

Background

A positive D‐dimer test has high sensitivity but relatively poor specificity for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, causing difficulty for clinicians unskilled in pulmonary embolism diagnosis in determining whether a patient with a positive D‐dimer test needs to undergo computed tomographic pulmonary angiography.

Objectives

We sought to develop a new clinical decision‐making rule based on a positive D‐dimer result to predict the probability of pulmonary embolism and to guide clinicians in making decisions regarding the need for computed tomographic pulmonary angiography.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, multicenter study in three hospitals in China. A total of 3014 inpatients with positive D‐dimer results were included. In the derivation group, we built a multivariate logistic regression model and deduced a regression equation from which our score was derived. Finally, we validated the score in an independent cohort.

Results

Our score included nine variables (points): chest pain (1.4), chest tightness (2.3), shortness of breath (3.6), hemoptysis (3.4), heart rate ≥100 beats/min (3.6), blood gas analysis (2.9), electrocardiogram presenting a typical S1Q3T3 pattern (4.1), electrocardiogram findings (2.4), and ultrasonic cardiogram findings (3.7). The sensitivities and specificities were 100% and 86.94%, respectively, in the derivation group and 100% and 90.82%, respectively, in the validation group. Additionally, the observed and predicted proportions of patients who underwent computed tomographic pulmonary angiography were 16.82% and 10.76%, respectively, in the derivation group and 18.72% and 11.40%, respectively, in the validation group.

Conclusions

The new score can categorize inpatients with a positive D‐dimer test as pulmonary embolism‐likely or pulmonary embolism‐unlikely, thus reducing unnecessary computed tomographic pulmonary angiography examinations.
Temporal trends and predictors of inhospital death in patients hospitalised for heart failure in Germany
Authors: Keller Karsten , Hobohm Lukas , Ostad Mir A , Göbel Sebastian , Lankeit Mareike , Konstantinides Stavros , Münzel Thomas , Wenzel Philip
Published: July 2020

Aims

We investigated trends in incidence, case fatality rate, patient characteristics and adverse inhospital events of patients hospitalised for heart failure in Germany.

Methods and results

The German nationwide inpatient sample (2005–2016) was used for this analysis. Patients hospitalised due to heart failure were selected for analysis. Temporal trends in the incidence of hospitalisations, case fatality rate and treatments were analysed and predictors of inhospital death were identified. The analysis comprised a total number of 4,539,140 hospitalisations (52.0% women, 81.0% aged ≥70 years) due to heart failure. Although hospitalisations increased from 381 (2005) to 539 per 100,000 population (2016) (β estimate 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06 to 0.07, P < 0.001) in parallel with median age and prevalence of comorbidities, the inhospital case fatality rate decreased from 11.1% to 8.1% (β estimate –0.36, 95% CI –0.37 to –0.35, P < 0.001) and the rate of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (β estimate –0.24, 95% CI –0.25 to –0.23, P < 0.001) decreased from 12.7% to 10.3%. Age 70 years and older (odds ratio (OR) 2.60, 95% CI 2.57 to 2.63, P < 0.001) and cancer (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.91 to 1.96, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of inhospital death.

Conclusion

Hospitalisations for heart failure increased in Germany from 2005 to 2016, whereas the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event rate and inhospital case fatality rate decreased during this period despite higher patient age and increasing prevalence of comorbidities.
The role of surgery in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitides affecting the nose and sinuses: A systematic review
Authors: Pendolino Alfonso Luca , Unadkat Samit , Zhang Henry , Pendolino Monica , Bianchi Gerolamo , Randhawa Premjit S , Andrews Peter J
Published: July 2020

Background:

The ear, nose and throat region has been reported to be one of the commonest sites involved in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis diseases and often precedes the diagnosis of ANCA–associated vasculitis by many months. Although treatment for ANCA–associated vasculitis primarily requires systemic immunosuppressive therapy, there are specific indications for sinonasal surgery during the course of the disease process. The three major roles for surgery in sinonasal vasculitis are to aid diagnosis through biopsy, enable symptom relief and nasal reconstructive surgery consideration when in remission.

Purpose:

The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the surgical procedures which can be performed in patients with ANCA–associated vasculitis presenting with sinonasal involvement.

Materials and methods:

A systematic literature search was performed for scientific articles on MEDLINE (PubMed Advanced MEDLINE Search) and EMBASE. The search included all articles up to April 2020.

Conclusion:

Surgical intervention during the active phase of ANCA–associated vasculitis disease can improve the patient’s symptoms and enable histological diagnosis. The surgical decision to manage the nose requires a multidisciplinary approach involving the vasculitis specialist and the ear, nose and throat surgeon. Nasal reconstruction can be performed to restore form and function but only when the disease is in remission so as to maximise success and minimise complications.
The retrospective research of enteral nutrition with medium-chain triglyceride and total parenteral nutrition support of postoperative chylothorax in adults
Authors: Zheng Jie , Chen Ying-Yi , Zhang Chun-Ying , Zhang Wen-Qian , Rao Zhi-Yong
Published: July 2020

Background:

Chylothorax is caused by thoracic lymphatic system injuries that leads to the lymph extravasating into the thoracic cavity. There are few reports comparing the therapeutic effects of enteral nutrition with medium-chain triglyceride and total parenteral nutrition, and the results are inconsistent. Our study aimed to research the optimum nutrition support method for chylothorax.

Study design:

We retrospectively reviewed 35 chylothorax patients after heart and chest surgery from 2014 to 2018, at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, among them there were 27 post-heart surgery patients. We analyzed the therapeutic effects and costs of enteral nutrition with medium-chain triglyceride (E group) and total parenteral nutrition (T group) for chylothorax.

Results:

The results were similar in patients with all surgeries and patients with only post heart surgery. The total cost during hospitalization in E group was higher than T group ( P < 0.01), whereas the nutrition support cost was lower ( P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was longer in E group than T group ( P > 0.05). Time from admission to surgery was shorter and from surgery to chylothorax diagnosis was longer in E group compared with T group. Time to resolution and removal of drainage was shorter in E group than T group but the differences were not significant.

Conclusion:

The therapeutic effects in enteral nutrition with medium-chain triglyceride and total parenteral nutrition had no obvious differences. Moreover, enteral nutrition with medium-chain triglyceride is safer and more economical. Therefore, we suggest that enteral nutrition with medium-chain triglyceride could be the first choice to treat postoperative chylothorax when the gastrointestinal tract function is allowed, and this result could be considered for postoperative chylous ascites.
Collaboration before collaborative research: The development of ‘Distant Voices’
Authors: McNeill Fergus , Urie Alison
Published: July 2020

In this article, we explore the origins and early development of the ongoing collaborative action research project ‘Distant Voices – Coming Home’. We begin by explaining why and how our somewhat different backgrounds and interests came to be connected in Distant Voices. We then go on to explore the project’s first two development stages. In discussing the first phase (Distant Voices 1), we focus on how and why we developed creative processes and practices as modes of communication, knowledge exchange and public engagement. In discussing the second phase (Distant Voices 2), we reflect upon how and why these practices came to be seen as constitutive of sites of personal and community development and of knowledge generation. In conclusion, we reflect briefly on the challenges of formalising Distant Voices in its current form – as a large-scale, collaborative research project.
Exploring Knowledge and Perspectives of South Asian Children and Their Parents Regarding Healthy Cardiovascular Behaviors: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Fowokan Adeleke , Vincent Kaitey , Punthakee Zubin , Waddell Charlotte , Rosin Miriam , Sran Navjot , Lear Scott A.
Published: July 2020

South Asian children and parents have been shown to have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) relative to white individuals. To design interventions aimed at addressing the comparatively higher burden in South Asians, a better understanding of attitudes and perspectives regarding CVD-associated behaviors is needed. As a result, we sought to understand knowledge about CVD risk in both children and parents, and attitudes toward physical activity and diet in both the children and parents, including potential cultural influences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 South Asian child-and-parent dyads representing a range of child body mass index (BMI) levels, ages, and with both sexes. South Asian children and parents demonstrated good knowledge about CVD prevention; however, knowledge did not always translate into behavior. The influence of social and cultural dynamics on behavior was also highlighted. To ensure that interventions aimed at this population are effective, an understanding of the unique social dynamics that influence diet and physical activity–related behaviors is needed.
Non-invasive brain stimulation as add-on therapy for subacute post-stroke aphasia: a randomized trial (NORTHSTAR)
Authors: Zumbansen Anna , Black Sandra E , Chen Joyce L , J Edwards Dylan , Hartmann Alexander , Heiss Wolf-Dieter , Lanthier Sylvain , Lesperance Paul , Mochizuki George , Paquette Caroline , Rochon Elizabeth A , Rubi-Fessen Ilona , Valles Jennie , Kneifel Heike , Wortman-Jutt Susan , Thiel Alexander ,   on behalf of the NORTHSTAR-study group
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) with speech therapy might improve recovery from post-stroke aphasia. This three-armed sham-controlled blinded prospective proof-of-concept study tested 1 Hz subthreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and 2-mA cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) on the right pars triangularis in subacute post-stroke aphasia.

Patients and methods

Sixty-three patients with left middle cerebral artery infarcts were recruited in five hospitals (Canada/United States/Germany, 01–2014/03–2018) and randomized to receive rTMS ( N = 20), ctDCS ( N = 24) or sham stimulation ( N = 19) with ST for 10 days. Primary outcome variables were Z-score changes in naming, semantic fluency and comprehension tests and adverse event frequency. Secondary outcome variable was the percent change in the Unified Aphasia Score. Intention-to-treat analyses tested between-group effects at days 1 and 30 post-treatment with a pre-planned subgroup analysis for lesion location (affecting Broca’s area or not).

Results

Naming was significantly improved by rTMS (median = 1.91/interquartile range = 0.77/ p =  .01) at 30 days versus ctDCS (median = 1.11/interquartile range = 1.51) and sham stimulation (median = 1.02/interquartile range = 1.71). All other primary results were non-significant. The rTMS effect was driven by the patient subgroup with intact Broca’s area where NIBS tended to improve UnAS (median = 33.2%/interquartile range = 46.7%/ p =  .062) versus sham stimulation (median = 12.5%/interquartile range = 7.9%) at day 30. Conversely, in patients with infarcted Broca’s area, UnAS tended to improve more with sham stimulation (median = 75.0%/interquartile range = 86.9%/ p =  .053) versus NIBS (median = 12.7%/interquartile range = 31.7). Conclusion: We found a delayed positive effect of low-frequency rTMS targeting the right pars triangularis on the recovery of naming performance in subacute post-stroke aphasia. This intervention may be beneficial only in patients with morphologically intact Broca’s area.
Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis Following Intravitreal Brolucizumab
Authors: Witkin Andre J. , Hahn Paul , Murray Timothy G. , Arevalo J. Fernando , Blinder Kevin J. , Choudhry Netan , Emerson Geoff G. , Goldberg Roger A. , Kim Stephen J. , Pearlman Joel , Schneider Eric W. , Tabandeh Homayoun , Wong Robert W.
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To analyze a case series of retinal vasculitis reported to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) following Food and Drug Administration approval of brolucizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

The ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics Committee analyzed clinical and imaging characteristics from submitted reports of retinal vasculitis after brolucizumab.

Results:

Retinal vasculitis was reported in 26 eyes of 25 patients (22 [88%] female) after treatment with brolucizumab. Imaging studies were available for 24 of 26 eyes. Most cases (92%) were associated with intraocular inflammation, which presented at a mean of 25 days (range, 3-63 days) after the most recent brolucizumab injection. Mean visual acuity (VA) was 20/52 (range, 20/25-4/200) before the adverse event, 20/151 (range, 20/25-hand motion) at presentation of the adverse event, and 20/243 (range, 20/30-light perception) at last follow-up. Twelve eyes (46%) had a greater than 3-line decrease in VA at final follow-up, and 12 eyes (46%) had a final VA of 20/200 or worse. Analysis of retinal imaging identified vasculopathy that involved retinal arteries (91%), retinal veins (79%), and choroidal vessels (48%). Occlusive disease was apparent on imaging in 83% of eyes. Treatment approaches were varied.

Conclusions:

Retinal vasculitis has been identified in a series of eyes following brolucizumab. Although a few eyes in this series were asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, some eyes had significant vision loss. A careful examination for signs of active inflammation prior to brolucizumab injection is recommended. Once vasculopathy is suspected, angiographic imaging may help define the spectrum of involvement. Optimal treatment strategies remain unknown.
‘The Swedish Strategy’ to COVID-19 Pandemic:Impact on Vulnerable and Marginalised Communities
Authors: Rambaree Komalsingh , Nässén Nessica
Published: July 2020

All around the world the COVID-19 pandemic is having an enormous impact on people’s lives. Contrary to many other countries, Sweden has opted against lockdown. The Swedish Government has put trust in its people and has advised them to be responsible and follow the recommendations and guidelines of the Public Health Agency of Sweden. Using the Interest Theory of Rights, this article discusses the impact of the Swedish response to COVID-19 on three different Swedish communities, and considers the implications of such a strategy on social development. Data was collected from different national and international media sources as well as from Swedish authorities’ websites. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data with the help of ATLAS-ti.8.4. The findings section discusses how three community groups in Sweden—the elderly, immigrants from marginalised areas and prisoners—are having their rights altered during this pandemic period. It also outlines different social development approaches being used in Sweden for tackling the challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article concludes that a strong democratic state is vital in managing a pandemic such as COVID-19. It also argues that the strength of a state largely depends on its citizens’ willpower to take ownership of responsibilities—both individually and collectively.
Extending cervicoplastic surgery: an alternative technique to overcome the limitation of office hysteroscopy
Authors: Calzolari Stefano , Comito Chiara , Pavone Dora , Sorbi Flavia , Castellacci Eleonora , Giarrè Giovanna , Andersson Karin Louise , Dubini Valeria , Petraglia Felice
Published: July 2020

Our objective is to show a feasible approach to the hysteroscopic procedures when the cervical canal has a diameter smaller than the lesion. Our study is designed as a case series and illustration of the surgical hysteroscopic technique. A group of patients (n = 37) underwent office hysteroscopy in Regional Reference Center for Hysteroscopy Service at Palagi Hospital, Florence, Italy, to see and treat an endometrial polyp with unfavorable cervical conditions between January 2019 and December 2019. An office hysteroscopy in outpatient setting with vaginoscopic approach was performed in women with unfavorable cervical conditions. Fiber-based 3.5-mm hysteroscope, with 5F electrosurgery unit and 5F bipolar electrode, was used to perform the cervicoplasty in order to enlarge the cervical canal from internal to external os, following by the removal of the endometrial polyp with the excision of the base only without slicing. After 90 days, a follow-up hysteroscopy was performed. The procedure was performed successfully in 89.2% of patients.

The surgical technique of cervicoplastic allows to perform an operative procedure without analgesia/sedation or anesthesia or blind cervical dilation, reducing the risk of complications and costs. Furthermore, cervicoplasty allowed the removal en bloc of the endocavitary lesion in all cases. At the follow-up hysteroscopy, the cervical passage was straight and smooth, without lesions repaired in all patients. Cervicoplasty is a technique which allows to perfume an ease and comfortable hysteroscopic procedure even in patients with unfavorable cervical canal. Due to the widening of the diameter of the cervical canal, intracavitary lesions are removed intact resulting in an optimal pathological evaluation.
Chromatin 3D structure reconstruction with consideration of adjacency relationship among genomic loci
Authors: Li Fang-Zhen , Liu Zhi-E , Li Xiu-Yuan , Bu Li-Mei , Bu Hong-Xia , Liu Hui , Zhang Cai-Ming
Published: July 2020

Background

Chromatin 3D conformation plays important roles in regulating gene or protein functions. High-throughout chromosome conformation capture (3C)-based technologies, such as Hi-C, have been exploited to acquire the contact frequencies among genomic loci at genome-scale. Various computational tools have been proposed to recover the underlying chromatin 3D structures from in situ Hi-C contact map data. As connected residuals in a polymer, neighboring genomic loci have intrinsic mutual dependencies in building a 3D conformation. However, current methods seldom take this feature into account.

Results

We present a method called ShNeigh, which combines the classical MDS technique with local dependence of neighboring loci modeled by a Gaussian formula, to infer the best 3D structure from noisy and incomplete contact frequency matrices. We validated ShNeigh by comparing it to two typical distance-based algorithms, ShRec3D and ChromSDE. The comparison results on simulated Hi-C dataset showed that, while keeping the high-speed nature of classical MDS, ShNeigh can recover the true structure better than ShRec3D and ChromSDE. Meanwhile, ShNeigh is more robust to data noise. On the publicly available human GM06990 Hi-C data, we demonstrated that the structures reconstructed by ShNeigh are more reproducible between different restriction enzymes than by ShRec3D and ChromSDE, especially at high resolutions manifested by sparse contact maps, which means ShNeigh is more robust to signal coverage.

Conclusions

Our method can recover stable structures in high noise and sparse signal settings. It can also reconstruct similar structures from Hi-C data obtained using different restriction enzymes. Therefore, our method provides a new direction for enhancing the reconstruction quality of chromatin 3D structures.
Identification of vital candidate microRNA/mRNA pairs regulating ovule development using high-throughput sequencing in hazel
Authors: Liu Jianfeng , Luo Qizheng , Zhang Xingzheng , Zhang Qiang , Cheng Yunqing
Published: July 2020

Background

Hazels (Corylus spp.) are economically important nut-producing species in which ovule development determines seed plumpness, one of the key parameters reflecting nut quality. microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in RNA silencing and the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. However, very little is currently known regarding the miRNAs involved in regulating ovule growth and development.

Results

In this study, we accordingly sought to determine the important miRNAs involved in ovule development and growth in hazel. We examined ovules at four developmental stages, namely, ovule formation (Ov1), early ovule growth (Ov2), rapid ovule growth (Ov3), and ovule maturity (Ov4). On the basis of small RNA and mRNA sequencing using the Illumina sequencing platform, we identified 970 miRNAs in hazel, of which 766 and 204 were known and novel miRNAs, respectively. In Ov1-vs-Ov2, Ov1-vs-Ov3, Ov1-vs-Ov4, Ov2-vs-Ov3, Ov2-vs-Ov4, and Ov3-vs-Ov4 paired comparisons, 471 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and their 3117 target differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEmRNAs) formed 11,199 DEmiRNA/DEmRNA pairs, with each DEmiRNA changing the expression of an average of 6.62 target mRNAs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of all DEmRNAs revealed 29 significantly enriched KEGG pathways in the six paired comparisons, including protein export (ko03060), fatty acid elongation (ko00062), starch and sucrose metabolism (ko00500), fatty acid biosynthesis (ko00061), and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism (ko00520). Our results indicate that DEmiRNA/DEmRNA pairs showing opposite change trends were related to stress tolerance, embryo and seed development, cell proliferation, auxin transduction, and the biosynthesis of proteins, starch, and fats may participate in ovule growth and development.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to a better understanding of ovule development at the level of post-transcriptional regulation, and lay the foundation for further functional analyses of hazelnut ovule growth and development.