bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alain Ehrenberg: Autonomy and empowerment
Authors: Marks John
Published: December 2021

This article considers Alain Ehrenberg's extensive analysis of individualism in contemporary France. It shows how he has traced the emergence of autonomy as a key social value, and it goes on to analyse the distinctive features of Ehrenberg's sociological approach. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ehrenberg does not regard the growth of individualism in France as a tragic process of anomie and isolation. In fact, he is critical of what he sees as a pervasive French discourse of ‘declinology’, and he has expressed his growing frustration with this perspective more recently in explicitly political terms. Although he acknowledges that autonomy can be burdensome for individuals, he feels that the state should respond to the sociological fact of autonomy by supporting and empowering citizens as autonomous agents. The article concludes by drawing attention to the limitations of this political position.
Piracy and Maritime Security in the North-Western Indian Ocean: From the Gulf of Oman to the Waters off the Somali Coast
Authors: Alsawalqa Rulah Odeh , Venter Denis
Published: December 2021

There are a daunting number of maritime security threats and challenges in the north-western Indian Ocean region, both extant and potential. Indeed, the mere fact that the Indian Ocean constitutes the world’s largest swath of maritime space that is prone to the major menace of piracy (in the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and in the waters off the north-east African coastline), as well as the sporadic threat of terrorism (by Islamic militias of Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen), signifies that the region will arguably remain the maritime area with the greatest array of security challenges. However, while anti-piracy measures ought to have shaped regional policymaking, and the resources that a large and diverse group of states has devoted to addressing these maritime challenges have never been adequate to the task, largely successful coalition-building exercises and joint naval task-force operations have been encouraging. The transformation of Somali piracy from a haphazard activity into a highly organised, professionalised criminal enterprise is briefly elucidated by greed-grievance theory and supplemented by the theory of crime, also known as routine-activity theory.
Reinforcing the Modified Double-Opposing Z-Plasty Approach Using the Pedicled Buccal Fat Flap as an Interpositional Layer for Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Denadai Rafael , Chou Pang-Yun , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: December 2021

Pedicled buccal fat flaps have been adopted in primary Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty palatoplasty to reduce oronasal fistula formation or to attenuate maxillary growth disturbance. We combined both goals in a single intervention. This study describes a series of 33 modified Furlow small double-opposing Z-plasty palatoplasties reinforced with a middle layer of pedicled buccal fat flaps between the oral and nasal layers for full coverage of the dissected palatal surfaces, with rapid mucosalization of lateral relaxing incisions and no dehiscence or fistula formation.
Development of an Index to Measure the Exposure Level of UN Peacekeeper-Perpetrated Sexual Exploitation/Abuse in Women/Girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Gray Samantha , Stuart Heather , Lee Sabine , Bartels Susan A
Published: December 2021

Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) of women and girls by United Nations (UN) peacekeepers is an international concern. However, the typical binary measurement of SEA (indicating that it occurred, or it did not) disregards varying exposure levels and the complex circumstances surrounding the interaction. To address this gap, we constructed an index to quantify the degree to which local women and girls were exposed to UN-peacekeeper perpetrated SEA. Using survey data ( n = 2867) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), eight indicators were identified using a combination of qualitative (thematic analysis of narrative data) and quantitative variables. With further development, this index may offer a more comprehensive and nuanced perspective of peacekeeper-perpetrated SEA that can better inform SEA prevention and intervention efforts.
The Effects of Workplace Support on Workplace Disruptions: Differences Between White and Black Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Pachner Theresia M. , Showalter Kathryn , Maffett Paige
Published: December 2021

Abuser-initiated workplace disruptions are experienced by women who are in abusive intimate relationships. However, workplace disruptions may be prevented with targeted workplace supports. Using pilot data, this study examined relationships between workplace disruptions and workplace supports. Crosstabulation and Fisher’s exact test results were stratified by race to understand potential racial discrimination of survivors. Findings revealed supports are associated with infrequent workplace disruptions for Black women, but White women were extended a wider variety of supports, even with frequent disruptions. Discussion of results is applied to workplaces and policy makers seeking to better support employees experiencing partner violence.
How Do You Define Sexual Harassment?: Why Context Matters
Authors: Zelin Alexandra I. , Branda Brittany , Tino Riley
Published: December 2021

Sexual violence affects one in four college-aged women. Multiple studies support the use of bystander prevention programs to help reduce the amount of sexual violence occurring; however, bystander action is dependent upon recognizing occurrences of sexual harassment. The present study investigated perceptions of sexually harassing behaviors in two contexts: at work and outside of work. A total of 302 undergraduate student participants rated their perceptions of sexually harassing behaviors and various attitudes related to sexual violence. The exact same behaviors were perceived as more likely to constitute sexual harassment if they occurred at work. Implications are discussed.
Research advance in optic disc tilt and rotation in high myopia and its implications for glaucoma and visual field defects
Authors: Zhang Lurong , Liu Ke , Nie Fen , Duan Xuanchu
Published: December 2021

High myopia is of worldwide concern due to its high prevalence, and myopia is an independent risk factor for glaucoma. The purpose of this paper is to review the mechanism and clinical manifestations of optic disc tilt and rotation in high myopia and its relationship with glaucoma, to provide clues for monitoring fundus changes in high myopia and the early diagnosis of high myopia with glaucoma.
Country Participation in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Health Warnings Database
Authors: Seitz Christopher M. , Ward Kenneth D. , Kabir Zubair
Published: December 2021

Background

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Health Warnings Database is an online, publicly available resource created for countries to upload and share pictorial health warnings for tobacco packaging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which the database is used by countries for the sharing of pictorial warnings.

Methods

The study’s sample included parties to the FCTC who required graphic health warning labels on cigarette packaging from. Those countries were categorized as having a low, middle, and high Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). The Health Warnings Database was then analyzed for those countries’ unique pictorial images, as well as the number of pictorials that were shared between countries.

Results

Of the 110 countries that required pictorial warnings on cigarette packaging, only 53 (48%) voluntarily contributed pictorials to the database, with most of those (53%) being high SDI-level countries. There were 342 unique pictorials on the database, with 62 images posted by seven countries that were used by 13 other countries.

Conclusion

While sharing was evident from the database, there remains a need for more countries to upload the pictorials to the database. There is also a need to expand the database to include alternative tobacco products, such as waterpipe tobacco and e-cigarettes.
‘Like pouring fuel on a fire’: Perspectives on family and domestic violence among Ethiopian women in Melbourne
Authors: Lemma Hanna Moges , Spark Ceridwen , Cuthbert Denise
Published: December 2021

In this article, we analyse how domestic violence (DV) is understood and experienced among immigrant Ethiopian women in Melbourne, as well as the different conditions that contribute to their experiences of abuse and their responses to it. To do this, we draw on 20 interviews with participants, 7 of whom experienced intimate partner violence. Demonstrating that immigrant Ethiopian women find themselves in a social context with a set of values and understandings of family and DV that differs from their own, we argue that their responses to DV shows their selective acceptance of these values and state interventions. In exploring these themes, we contribute to the discussion about minority women's voices, values and priorities in relation to violence in the migration context. Our findings also highlight the limitations of mainstream approaches to DV, illustrating the extent to which interventions are constructed through reference to western perceptions of individuality and white feminism.
Within-race variations in sentencing outcomes: Nationality and punishment among Asians in United States federal courts
Authors: Wu Jawjeong
Published: December 2021

There is robust evidence that Asians are not treated differently from Whites and receive greater leniency than Blacks and Hispanics in criminal punishment. Some research findings even suggest that Asians receive the most favorable sentencing outcomes among all racial/ethnic groups. This line of research, however, has not paid attention to Asian nationality groups. Particularly, it is unclear whether there is within-race variation among offenders from different Asian countries. Using the data compiled by the United States Sentencing Commission to examine whether and how an Asian's nationality affects criminal punishment, this study focuses on sentences imposed on offenders who are Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Korean, Pakistani, and Vietnamese nationals. Results from logistic, ordinary least squares, and Tobit regression analyses indicate that with legal and extralegal factors held constant, Asians of different nationalities face varying odds of incarceration or downward departures, and they receive dissimilar sentence lengths.
Book review: Atul Kohli, Imperialism and the Developing World: How Britain and the United States Shaped the Global Periphery
Authors: Gürcan Efe Can
Published: December 2021

Atul Kohli, Imperialism and the Developing World: How Britain and the United States Shaped the Global Periphery (Oxford University Press, 2020), 560 pp. £22.99, 1st Edition, ISBN: 9780190069629 (Hardcover)
Smoothing spatio-temporal data with complex missing data patterns
Authors: Arnone Eleonora , Sangalli Laura M. , Vicini Andrea
Published: December 2021

We consider spatio-temporal data and functional data with spatial dependence, characterized by complicated missing data patterns. We propose a new method capable to efficiently handle these data structures, including the case where data are missing over large portions of the spatio-temporal domain. The method is based on regression with partial differential equation regularization. The proposed model can accurately deal with data scattered over domains with irregular shapes and can accurately estimate fields exhibiting complicated local features. We demonstrate the consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimators. Moreover, we illustrate the good performances of the method in simulations studies, considering different missing data scenarios, from sparse data to more challenging scenarios where the data are missing over large portions of the spatial and temporal domains and the missing data are clustered in space and/or in time. The proposed method is compared to competing techniques, considering predictive accuracy and uncertainty quantification measures. Finally, we show an application to the analysis of lake surface water temperature data, that further illustrates the ability of the method to handle data featuring complicated patterns of missingness and highlights its potentiality for environmental studies.
Methenamine for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Sweiss Helen , Bhayana Suverta , Hall Reed , Nelson Joelle , Kincaide Elisabeth
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Recurrent urinary tract infections remain a challenge in solid organ transplant and have a negative impact on morbidity/mortality.

Project Aim

The purpose of this program evaluation was to determine the impact of methenamine on recurrent urinary tract infection in kidney and liver-kidney transplant recipients.

Design

This retrospective review included patients > 18 years of age who received a kidney or liver-kidney transplant. Patients were divided into the following groups: (1) Methenamine therapy initiation received methenamine for ≥ 180 days or (2) Non-methenamine therapy: did not receive recurrent urinary tract infection prophylaxis. A total of 60 patients were included.

Results

When comparing outcomes between methenamine therapy initiation and non-methenamine therapy group, a significant reduction in the rate of recurrent urinary tract infection was reported in the methenamine therapy initiation group (0.6 vs 1.3 per 180 patient days follow-up, P = 0.0005). A significant reduction was also noted with rate of asymptomatic bacteriuria, treatment failures, bacteremia, hospitalizations due to recurrent urinary tract infection, multi-drug resistant organism isolated, and the average duration of antibiotic use. A significant difference in the time to failure of methenamine therapy initiation versus non-methenamine therapy is noted up to 180 patient-days follow-up (RR 1.56, P = 0.0019).

Conclusion

This evaluation supported methenamine therapy for recurrent urinary tract infection in kidney and liver-kidney transplant. The most significant impact of methenamine recurrent urinary tract infection was seen in the first 30 days after initiation.
Can Professional Football Players Adapt to Air Pollution? Evidence From China
Authors: Qin Yu , Wu Jing , Zhang Rongjie
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study the impact of air pollution on Chinese professional football players’ performance. Our primary research question is whether the negative effects of air pollution can be mitigated by adaptation, and which cohort of players can have higher adaptability. We find that a higher pollution level during the game, relative to the adapted pollution level in players’ home cities, has a negative and significant impact on the players’ efforts and accuracy. The impact of non-adapted air pollution can be greatly offset by the home advantage, but not by personal attributes such as the higher ability.
Quantification of biomechanical properties of human corneal scar using acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography
Authors: Han Xiao , Zhang Yubao , Zhu Yirui , Zhao Yanzhi , Yang Hongwei , Liu Guo , Ai Sizhu , Wang Yidi , Xie Chengfeng , Shi Jiulin , Zhang Tianyu , Huang Guofu , He Xingdao
Published: December 2021

Biomechanical properties of corneal scar are strongly correlated with many corneal diseases and some types of corneal surgery, however, there is no elasticity information available about corneal scar to date. Here, we proposed an acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography system to evaluate corneal scar elasticity. Elasticity quantification was first conducted on ex vivo rabbit corneas, and the results validate the efficacy of our system. Then, experiments were performed on an ex vivo human scarred cornea, where the structural features, the elastic wave propagations, and the corresponding Young’s modulus of both the scarred region and the normal region were achieved and based on this, 2D spatial distribution of Young’s modulus of the scarred cornea was depicted. Up to our knowledge, we realized the first elasticity quantification of corneal scar, which may provide a potent tool to promote clinical research on the disorders and surgery of the cornea.
Authoritarian consolidation in Belarus: What role for the EU?
Authors: Bosse Giselle
Published: December 2021

The aim of this article is to review the EU’s relations with Belarus over recent decades; to examine the patterns, opportunities and limitations of the EU’s policies vis-à-vis the authoritarian regime; and to evaluate the effectiveness of the EU’s responses to the brutal crackdown on civil society and political opposition following the flawed presidential elections in August 2020. It is argued that, despite its careful balancing act between principled approach and pragmatic engagement, the EU’s perception of the Belarusian regime has been overly optimistic and often influenced by the appeal of short-term geopolitical and economic gains. How should the EU deal with a consolidating and increasingly ruthless dictatorship at the heart of Europe? By way of conclusion, the article maps a number of ‘lessons learned’ and suggestions for future EU policy towards Belarus.
Attractiveness Evaluation and Identity of Self-face: The Effect of Sexual Dimorphism
Authors: Li Zhaoyi , Lei Xiaofang , Yan Xinze , Hu Zhiguo , Liu Hongyan
Published: December 2021

The present study aims to explore the influence of masculine/feminine changes on the attractiveness evaluation of one's own face, and examine the relationship of this attractiveness evaluation and the similarities between masculine/feminine faces and original faces. A picture was taken from each participant and considered as his or her original self-face, and a male or female face with an average attractiveness score was adopted as the original other face. Masculinized and feminized transformations of the original faces (self-face, male other face, and female other face) into 100% masculine and feminine faces were produced with morphing software stepping by 2%. Thirty female participants and 30 male participants were asked to complete three tasks, i.e., to “like” or “not like” the original face judgment of a given face compared to the original face, to choose the most attractive face from a morphed facial clip, and to subjectively evaluate the attractiveness and similarity of morphed faces. The results revealed that the acceptable range of masculine/feminine transformation for self-faces was narrower than that for other faces. Furthermore, the attractiveness ratings for masculinized or femininized self-faces were correlated with the similarity scores of the faces with the original self-faces. These findings suggested that attractiveness enhancement of self-face through masculinity/femininity must be within reasonable extent and take into account the similarity between the modified faces and the original self-face.
Prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis C and its related risk behaviours among women who inject drugs in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Damas José , Storm Margrethe , Pandey Lok Raj , Marrone Gaetano , Deuba Keshab
Published: December 2021

Background:

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at great risk of HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). In order to properly design interventions and develop programmes for women who inject drugs, this study assessed the prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis and its risk behaviours among women who inject drugs in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Methods:

Through modified network sampling in three districts in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, this cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 160 women who inject drugs. Participants’ serum samples were tested for HIV, HCV, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis and risk behaviours were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Primary outcome variables were HIV, HCV, HBV and syphilis prevalence, and secondary outcome variables were sharing needles in the past month and using condom in last sexual intercourse. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine micro- and macroenvironmental factors associated with secondary outcomes.

Results:

The prevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV was 8.8%, 21.3%, and 1.9%, respectively. HIV-HCV co-infection rate was 5.6%. Fifteen percent of women who inject drugs reported transactional sex for drugs or money. One in four women who inject drugs (27.5%) reported that they were imprisoned or detained for drug related reasons. In multivariable analysis, women living with HIV who inject drugs were almost four times more likely to use a previously used needle/syringe than women who inject drugs who were HIV negative (aOR: 4.2 CI: 1.1-15.9, p = 0.03), but were almost four times more likely to use a condom during sexual intercourse (aOR: 3.5 CI: 1.1-28.9, p = 0.03). Enrolment in family planning was the main determinant for using condoms in last sexual intercourse (aOR 4.9 CI: 1.6-16.7, p = 0.006). Participants with access to HIV test and counselling (HTC) services were less likely to share needles (aOR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.8, p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Prevalence of HIV and HCV is high among women who inject drugs in Kathmandu valley of Nepal. Women who inject drugs enrolled in national programmes such as family planning and HTC were positively associated with condom use, and less likely to share needles.
An uncommon side effect from the ‘king of fruit’: A case report on life-threatening hyperkalaemia after eating durian fruit
Authors: Payus Alvin Oliver , Ahmedy Fatimah , Syed Abdul Rahim Syed Sharizman , Sumpat Doreen
Published: December 2021

Hyperkalaemia is a condition of excess potassium level that occurs as a result of increased intake, or reduced renal clearance, or both. In a severe condition, hyperkalaemia is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening especially if recognised late and left untreated. There are many causes of hyperkalaemia. However, eating durian fruit in the background of impaired kidney function is a very rare occurrence. In this article, we report a case of an elderly lady who presented with a life-threatening hyperkalaemia as a result of eating large amount of durian fruit while having multiple diarrhoeal episodes due to acute gastroenteritis that led to acute kidney injury. She was successfully treated and was discharged well. The objective of this case report is to share the rare cause of a life-threatening hyperkalaemia where prompt diagnosis and treatment initiation are crucial to prevent mortality.
From Polarization to Hate: Portrait of the Spanish Political Meme
Authors: Paz María Antonia , Mayagoitia-Soria Ana , González-Aguilar Juan-Manuel
Published: December 2021

Political polarization in Spain has been aggravated by a left-wing coalition government and the rise of the extreme right in the context of health and economic crisis created by COVID-19. This article delves into the collective story that memes offer of this context and aims to establish a categorization that can be used for comparison with other countries. We carried out a content analysis of 636 Spanish political memes published on Twitter throughout 2020. Current affairs were taken into account, as well as the frame, and rhetorical elements, references to popular culture, and symbols. We also took into consideration the objectives of the message and the presence of offensive content. We demonstrate that these memes do not play a subversive role, but rather contribute to the polarization and fragmentation of the digital public, echoing the existing ideological confrontation. They do not deliver new ideas, but only reproduce expressions and disqualifications already existing in the society, although the disinhibition of anonymity magnifies the intensity. Current affairs are an excuse to convey ideological position, and political communication becomes more emotional. There are no significant differences in terms of political polarization between left and right, and criticism toward politicians is mainly of personal and moral nature. Hate speech on other social media appears in these cultural creations, highlighting the misogyny toward women politicians regardless of their political party. The rhetorical and expressive resources are adapted to this confrontation, and there is little innovation because it is subject to the understanding of the message.
Genetic ablation of PRDM1 in antitumor T cells enhances therapeutic efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Yoshikawa Toshiaki , Wu Zhiwen , Inoue Satoshi , Kasuya Hitomi , Matsushita Hirokazu , Takahashi Yusuke , Kuroda Hiroaki , Hosoda Waki , Suzuki Shiro , Kagoya Yuki
Published: December 2021

Adoptive cancer immunotherapy can induce objective clinical efficacy in patients with advanced cancer; however, a sustained response is achieved in a minority of cases. The persistence of infused T cells is an essential determinant of a durable therapeutic response. Antitumor T cells undergo a genome-wide remodeling of the epigenetic architecture upon repeated antigen encounters, which inevitably induces progressive T-cell differentiation and the loss of longevity. In this study, we identified PR domain zinc finger protein 1 (PRDM1) ie, Blimp-1, as a key epigenetic gene associated with terminal T-cell differentiation. The genetic knockout of PRDM1 by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) supported the maintenance of an early memory phenotype and polyfunctional cytokine secretion in repeatedly stimulated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. PRDM1 disruption promoted the expansion of less differentiated memory CAR-T cells in vivo, which enhanced T-cell persistence and improved therapeutic efficacy in multiple tumor models. Mechanistically, PRDM1-ablated T cells displayed enhanced chromatin accessibility of the genes that regulate memory formation, thereby leading to the acquisition of gene expression profiles representative of early memory T cells. PRDM1 knockout also facilitated maintaining an early memory phenotype and cytokine polyfunctionality in T-cell receptor-engineered T cells as well as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. In other words, targeting PRDM1 enabled the generation of superior antitumor T cells, which is potentially applicable to a wide range of adoptive cancer immunotherapies.
An engineered activated factor V for the prevention and treatment of acute traumatic coagulopathy and bleeding in mice
Authors: Joseph Bilgimol Chumappumkal , Miyazawa Byron Y. , Esmon Charles T. , Cohen Mitchell J. , von Drygalski Annette , Mosnier Laurent O.
Published: December 2021

Acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) occurs in approximately 30% of patients with trauma and is associated with increased mortality. Excessive generation of activated protein C (APC) and hyperfibrinolysis are believed to be driving forces for ATC. Two mouse models were used to investigate whether an engineered activated FV variant (superFVa) that is resistant to inactivation by APC and contains a stabilizing A2-A3 domain disulfide bond can reduce traumatic bleeding and normalize hemostasis parameters in ATC. First, ATC was induced by the combination of trauma and shock. ATC was characterized by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) prolongation and reductions of factor V (FV), factor VIII (FVIII), and fibrinogen but not factor II and factor X. Administration of superFVa normalized the APTT, returned FV and FVIII clotting activity levels to their normal range, and reduced APC and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) levels, indicating improved hemostasis. Next, a liver laceration model was used where ATC develops as a consequence of severe bleeding. superFVa prophylaxis before liver laceration reduced bleeding and prevented APTT prolongation, depletion of FV and FVIII, and excessive generation of APC. Thus, prophylactic administration of superFVa prevented the development of ATC. superFVa intervention started after the development of ATC stabilized bleeding, reversed prolonged APTT, returned FV and FVIII levels to their normal range, and reduced TAT levels that were increased by ATC. In summary, superFVa prevented ATC and traumatic bleeding when administered prophylactically, and superFVa stabilized bleeding and reversed abnormal hemostasis parameters when administered while ATC was in progress. Thus, superFVa may be an attractive strategy to intercept ATC and mitigate traumatic bleeding.
Epstein Barr virus–positive B-cell lymphoma is highly vulnerable to MDM2 inhibitors in vivo
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshan , Zhang Ran , Ren Chenghui , Xu Yi , Wu Shuhong , Meng Carrie , Pataer Apar , Song Xingzhi , Zhang Jianhua , Yao Yixin , He Hua , Chen Huiqin , Ma Wencai , Wang Jing , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Champlin Richard E. , Heymach John V. , Rooney Cliona M. , Swisher Stephen G. , Vaporciyan Ara A. , Roth Jack A. , You M. James , Wang Michael , Fang Bingliang
Published: December 2021

Epstein-Barr virus–positive (EBV-positive) B-cell lymphomas are common in immunocompromised patients and remain an unmet medical need. Here we report that MDM2 inhibitors (MDM2is) navtemadlin and idasanutlin have potent in vivo activity in EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma established in immunocompromised mice. Tumor regression was observed in all 5 EBV-positive xenograft–associated B-cell lymphomas treated with navtemadlin or idasanutlin. Molecular characterization showed that treatment with MDM2is resulted in activation of p53 pathways and downregulation of cell cycle effectors in human lymphoma cell lines that were either EBV-positive or had undetectable expression of BCL6, a transcriptional inhibitor of the TP53 gene. Moreover, treatment with navtemadlin resulted in tumor regression and prevented systemic dissemination of EBV-positive lymphoma derived from 2 juvenile patients with posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases, including 1 whose tumor was resistant to virus-specific T-cell therapy. These results provide proof-of-concept for targeted therapy of EBV-positive lymphoma with MDM2is and the feasibility of using EBV infection or loss of BCL6 expression to identify responders to MDM2is.
Syndecan-1, an indicator of endothelial glycocalyx degradation, predicts outcome of patients admitted to an ICU with COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Dong , Li Liubing , Chen Yu , Ma Jie , Yang Yanli , Aodeng Surita , Cui Qiuju , Wen Kedi , Xiao Meng , Xie Jing , Xu Yingchun , Li Yongzhe
Published: December 2021

Background

We investigated the feasibility of two biomarkers of endothelial damage (Syndecan-1 and thrombomodulin) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and their association with inflammation, coagulopathy, and mortality.

Methods

The records of 49 COVID-19 patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in Wuhan, China between February and April 2020 were examined. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, and outcomes were compared between survivors and non-survivors COVID-19 patients, and between patients with high and low serum Syndecan-1 levels. The dynamics of serum Syndecan-1 levels were also analyzed.

Results

The levels of Syndecan-1 were significantly higher in non-survivor group compared with survivor group (median 1031.4 versus 504.0 ng/mL, P = 0.002), and the levels of thrombomodulin were not significantly different between these two groups (median 4534.0 versus 3780.0 ng/mL, P = 0.070). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the group with high Syndecan-1 levels had worse overall survival (log-rank test: P = 0.023). Patients with high Syndecan-1 levels also had significantly higher levels of thrombomodulin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Data on the dynamics of Syndecan-1 levels indicated much greater variations in non-survivors than survivors.

Conclusions

COVID-19 patients with high levels of Syndecan-1 develop more serious endothelial damage and inflammatory reactions, and have increased mortality. Syndecan-1 has potential for use as a marker for progression or severity of COVID-19. Protecting the glycocalyx from destruction is a potential treatment for COVID-19.
Second-hand smoking, hypertension and cardiovascular risk: findings from Peru
Authors: Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Second-hand smoking has not been detailedly studied in Peru, where smoking is prohibited in all indoor workplaces, public places, and public transportation. Second-hand smoke exposure may occur at home or any other places. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of second-hand smoking and assess its association with hypertension and cardiovascular risk in Peru.

Materials and methods

Secondary analysis of a nationally-representative population-based survey including individuals aged 18–59 years. There were two outcomes: hypertension and 10-year cardiovascular risk using the Framingham and the 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) risk scores. The exposure was self-reported second-hand smoking during the 7 days before the survey. The association between second-hand smoking and hypertension was quantified with Poisson models reporting prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI); the association between second-hand smoking and cardiovascular risk was quantified with linear regressions reporting coefficients and their 95% CI.

Results

Data from 897 individuals, mean age: 38.2 (SD: 11.8) years, and 499 (55.7%) females, were analyzed, with 8.7% subjects reporting second-hand smoking at home and 8.3% at work or any other place. Thus, 144 (15.5%; 95% CI: 12.8%-18.6%) subjects reported any second-hand smoking. In multivariable model second-hand smoking was associated with hypertension (PR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.25–4.67), and with 1.2% higher Framingham cardiovascular risk, and 0.2% higher 2019 WHO risk score.

Conclusions

There is an association between second-hand smoking and hypertension as well as with cardiovascular risk, and 15% of adults reported second-hand smoke exposure overall with half of them exposed at home. There is a need to guarantee smoking-free places to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Dietary triggers of gut inflammation following exclusive enteral nutrition in children with Crohn’s disease: a pilot study
Authors: Gkikas Konstantinos , Logan Michael , Nichols Ben , Ijaz Umer Z. , Clark Clare M. , Svolos Vaios , Gervais Lisa , Duncan Hazel , Garrick Vikki , Curtis Lee , Buchanan Elaine , Cardigan Tracey , Armstrong Lawrence , Delahunty Caroline , Flynn Diana M. , Barclay Andrew R. , Tayler Rachel , Milling Simon , Hansen Richard , Russell Richard K. , Gerasimidis Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

Background

The anti-inflammatory effect of exclusive enteral nutrition on the gut of children with Crohn’s disease is rapidly lost after food reintroduction. This study assessed disease dietary triggers following successful treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition.

Methods

Nutrient intake, dietary patterns and dietary biomarkers in faeces (gluten immunogenic peptides, undigestible starch, short chain fatty acids) were assessed in 14 children with Crohn’s disease during early food reintroduction, following exclusive enteral nutrition. Groups above (Group A) and below (Group B) the median levels of faecal calprotectin after food reintroduction were assigned for comparative analysis.

Results

Intakes of fibre, gluten-containing cereals and red and processed meat were significantly higher in Group A than Group B; (median [Q1, Q3], g/day; Fibre: 12.1 [11.2, 19.9] vs. 9.9 [7.6, 12.1], p = 0.03; Red and processed meat: 151 [66.7, 190] vs. 63.3 [21.7, 67], p = 0.02; gluten-containing cereals: 289 [207, 402] vs. 203 [61, 232], p = 0.035). A diet consisting of cereals and meat products was predictive (92% accuracy) of higher faecal calprotectin levels after food reintroduction. In faeces, butyrate levels, expressed as absolute concentration and relative abundance, were higher in Group A than Group B by 28.4 µmol/g (p = 0.015) and 6.4% (p = 0.008), respectively. Levels of gluten immunogenic peptide and starch in faeces did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

This pilot study identified potential dietary triggers of gut inflammation in children with Crohn’s disease after food reintroduction following treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition.

Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov registration number: NCT02341248; Clinical trials.gov URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02341248 (retrospectively registered).
Repair of a three-way congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in an adult patient: a case report
Authors: Fan Kun , Gao Shan , Gao Rui , Li Shuo , Fu Junke , Zhang Guangjian
Published: December 2021

Background

The incidence of congenital bronchoesophageal fistulas in adults is rare. Most fistulas discovered in adulthood are often small and can be repaired with a simple one-step method.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old female patient complained of a 2-month history of chocking, coughing, and a 12 kg drop in weight. The bronchofiberscopy and gastroscopy showed a large fistula, which extended from the esophagus to the main bronchus on both sides, thus forming a special three-way channel which has never been reported. This case was challenging both to the anesthetists and surgeons. The patient was intubated with a sengstaken-blakemore tube, and then received segmental esophageal resection, anastomotic reconstruction, and double-flap repair with esophagus segment in situ.

Conclusion

When the fistula in BEF is large or complicated, appropriate surgical methods should be meticulously designed according to the condition of the patient. The problem of anesthesia intubation should be solved first, to allow a smooth operation. Secondly, a double-layer repair of the airway fistula by using esophageal wall tissues as patch materials is proposed.
Efficiency of dual-energy computed tomography enterography in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Chen Jinghao , Zhou Jie , Yang Jushun , Cong Ruochen , Sun Jinjie , Xiao Jing , Shi Jianhua , He Bosheng
Published: December 2021

Background

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the usefulness of the optimized kiloelectron volt (keV) for virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) combined with iodine map in dual-energy computed tomography enterography (DECTE) in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

Seventy-two patients (mean age: 41.89 ± 17.28 years) with negative computed tomography enterography (CTE) were enrolled for investigating the optimized VMI keV in DECTE by comparing subjective and objective parameters of VMIs that were reconstructed from 40 to 90 keV. Moreover, 68 patients (38.27 ± 15.10 years; 35 normal and 33 CD) were included for evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of DECTE iodine map at the optimized VMI energy level and routine CTE for CD and active CD. Statistical analysis for all data was conducted.

Results

Objective and subjective imaging evaluations showed the best results at 60 keV for VMIs. The CT values of the normal group, active subgroup, and CD group during the small intestinal phase at routine 120 kVp or 60 keV VMI had significant differences. The diagnostic efficacy of an iodine map was the best when NIC = 4% or fat value = 45.8% for CD, whereas NIC < 0.35 or the fat value < 0.38 for active CD. The combined routine CTE and optimized VMI improved the diagnostic efficacy (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

VMI at 60 keV provided the best imaging quality on DECTE. NIC and fat value provided important basis for active CD evaluation. Routine CTE combined with VMI at 60 keV improved the diagnostic efficiency for CD.
Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five age children in Shanan gibe hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Destaw , Getaneh Fantahun , Endalamaw Kirubel , Belay Tariku , Fenta Abebe
Published: December 2021

Background

Anemia is a major health problem in the worldwide. Because of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries. However, there was a limited finding in our study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five age children in Shanan Gibe Hospital (SGH), Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution based cross sectional study was conducted at SGH, Ethiopia using consecutive convenient sampling technique during 1 January to 30 April, 2021. Data was collected by interviewing and capillary blood was taken from the fingertip for hemoglobin determination by using HaemoCue digital photometer. Additionally, stool sample was processed using wet mount and formal-ether concentration technique. Then after, the data were entered to Epidata version 3.1 and analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Factors associated with anaemia were assessed by bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model by considering P < 0.05 as statistical significance.

Results

A total of 368 under five children were recruited to the study and the current prevalence of anemia was 48.9%. Of this anemia, 25.0% mild, 15.8% moderate and 8.2% were severely anemic. More ever, being rural resident (AOR = 6.11; 95% CI = 1.49–8.99, P = 0.002), family low income (AOR = 6.27, 95% CI = 1.35–11.43, P = 0.004), family size greater than five (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI =1.47–7.11, P = 0.002) and intestinal parasite infections such as Enteameoba histolytica (AOR =3.37; 95%CI = 2.16–11.31, P = 0.005), Hookworm (AOR = 6.09; 95%CI = 2.37–11.56, P = 0.001), and Trichuris trichuria (AOR = 2.79; 95%CI = 1.45–9.13, P = 0.002) (P < 0.05) were factors significantly associated with anemia among under five children.

Conclusion

The current prevalence of anemia among under five age children is relatively high. On the other hand, the rural residence, large family size, low family income, infection with Enteameoba histolytica, hookworm and Trichuris trichuria were the identified factors associated with anemia among under five children. Therefore, there should be massive and routine deworming program in addition to imperative targeting anemia prevention, and nutritional supplementation to reduce the burden of anemia.
Fluid handling and blood flow patterns in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome versus transient tachypnea: a pilot study
Authors: Ismail Rana , Murthy Prashanth , Abou Mehrem Ayman , Liang Zhiying , Stritzke Amelie
Published: December 2021

Background

Cardiovascular and renal adaptation in neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN) may be different.

Methods

Neonates ≥32 weeks were diagnosed with RDS or TTN based on clinical, radiologic and lung sonographic criteria. Weight loss, feeding, urine output, and sodium levels were recorded for the first 3 days, and serial ultrasounds assessed central and organ Doppler blood flow. A linear mixed model was used to compare the two groups.

Results

Twenty-one neonates were included, 11 with TTN and 10 with RDS. Those with RDS showed less weight loss (− 2.8 +/− 2.7% versus − 5.6 +/− 3.4%), and less enteral feeds (79.2 vs 116 ml/kg/day) than those with TTN, despite similar fluid prescription. We found no difference in urine output, or serum sodium levels. Doppler parameters for any renal or central parameters were similar. However, Anterior Cerebral Artery maximum velocity was lower (p = 0.03), Superior Mesenteric Artery Resistance Index was higher in RDS, compared to TTN (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

In cohort of moderately preterm to term neonates, those with RDS retained more fluid and were fed less on day 3 than those with TTN. While there were no renal or central blood flow differences, there were some cerebral and mesenteric perfusion differences which may account for different pathophysiology and management.
Concomitant Congenital Diaphagmatic Hernia (CDH) and bilateral bacterial glomerulonephritis in a pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)
Authors: Vetere Alessandro , Bertocchi Mara , Moggia Emanuele , Pelizzone Igor , Di Ianni Francesco
Published: December 2021

Background

The domestic chinchilla has been descended from Chinchilla lanigera (long-tailed Chinchilla) or Chinchilla chinchilla (short-tailed Chinchilla). Both species of chinchilla are currently listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Over the past 20 years, they have spread as pets and overall knowledge about their care is improving. The present case report describes a congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a Chinchilla lanigera.

Case presentation

A 1-year-old, 420 g female chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) was presented for clinical examination due to 2 days haematuria episodes and anorexia. A complete haematological analysis was performed, showing a moderate neutrophilia and severe renal involvement. X-rays showed severe intestinal meteorism affecting mostly the cecum, and a soft tissue density mass with translucent areas located in the caudal thorax, making it hard to distinguish the cardiac silhouette. A barium swallow (barium sulfate) was performed and after 20 min, radiograms were performed again, showing part of the stomach dislocated in thorax. Ultrasound was also carried out, confirming the partial stomach herniation into the thoracic cavity and a severe nephropathy. The patient was euthanized according to the owner’s wish and a complete necropsy was performed. The diagnosis was congenital diaphragmatic hernia concomitant to a severe bilateral bacterial glomerulonephritis.

Discussion and conclusions

Diaphragmatic hernias can be either congenital or acquired. About CDHs in pet chinchillas, literature is still lacking. In this patient there was no history of previous traumas. No scar tissue or thickening involved margins of the pathological diaphragm window at the necropsy, supporting the hypothesis of a congenital defect. Glomerulonephritis most often results from immune-mediated mechanisms, generally after the deposition of soluble immune complexes within the glomeruli. This mechanism is favoured by a prolonged antigenemia that could occur during specific viral infections, chronic bacterial infections, chronic parasitism, autoimmune diseases and neoplasia. Few cases of nephritis are described in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), mostly related to bacterial sepsis or less commonly involving fungi. The evidence of bacterial aggregates in kidneys at the histopathology, confirmed the infective aetiology. No relationship between the diaphragmatic hernia and glomerulonephritis was found in this report.