bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Voter Registration to Increase Enrollment Into the Organ and Tissue Registry in New York State
Authors: Feeley Thomas Hugh , Evans Melanie AA , O’Mally Aisha K. , Tator Aisha
Published: June 2020

Context:

In an effort to increase donation rates, interventions seek to increase the number of residents who are enrolled in the electronic organ and tissue registry. New York State includes an organ and tissue registration field on voter registration forms.

Objective:

Report the results from voter enrollment drives in New York State seeking to increase voter registration and completed enrollments into the organ and tissue registry.

Setting:

Cosponsored voter/donation drives taking place across in New York State at various public settings.

Participants:

New York State residents who completed and submitted voter registration forms at designated campaign sites from fall of 2014 through fall of 2018.

Intervention:

Voter/donation drives cosponsored by League of Women Voters New York State with Organ Procurement Organizations and Eye & Tissue Banks in New York State.

Main Outcome Measures:

Number of enrollments to organ and tissue donation registry per drive over 4 project years. Calculation of yield as measured by percentage of enrollments to state organ and tissue registry divided by total number of voter registration forms completed.

Results:

In all, 754 drives were undertaken over the project period with 6651 residents enrolling into the state organ and tissue registry. The average yield was 27% of completed voter forms resulting in organ and tissue registration; this estimate increased to 34% when prodonation representatives staffed the drives.

Conclusion:

Use of voter registration form to enroll organ and tissue donors is an effective method to supplement traditional methods to enroll donors.
Longitudinal Sensitivity of Alzheimer’s Disease Severity Staging
Authors: Benoit Julia S. , Chan Wenyaw , Piller Linda , Doody Rachelle
Published: June 2020

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dynamics is essential in diagnosis and measuring progression for clinical decision-making; however, clinical instruments are imperfect at classifying true disease stages. This research evaluates sensitivity and determinants of AD stage changes longitudinally using current classifications of “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe” AD, using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), and the Clinical Dementia Rating–Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) thresholds. Age and pre-progression rate were significant determinants of AD progression using MMSE alone to stage AD, and pre-progression was found to impact disease progression with CDR-SB. Sensitivity of these instruments for identifying clinical stages of AD to correctly staging a “moderate” level of disease severity for outcomes MMSE, CDR-SB, and ADAS-Cog was 92%, 78%, and 92%, respectively. This research derives longitudinal sensitivity of clinical instruments used to stage AD useful for clinical decision-making. The MMSE and ADAS-Cog provided adequate sensitivity to classify AD stages.
An improved bioinspired cognitive map-building system based on episodic memory recognition
Authors: Naigong Yu , Lin Wang , Xiaojun Jiang , Yunhe Yuan
Published: June 2020

Before the cognitive map is generated through the fire of the rodent hippocampal spatial cells, mammals can obtain the outside knowledge through the visual information, which comes from the eyeball to the brain. The information is encoded and transferred to the two regions of the brain based on the fact of biophysiological research, which are known as “what” loop and “where” loop. In this article, we simulate an episodic memory recognition unit consisting of the integration of two-loop information, which is applied to building the accurate bioinspired spatial cognitive map of real environments. We employ the visual bag of word algorithm based on oriented Feature from Accelerated Segment Test and rotated Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features feature to build the “what” loop and the hippocampal spatial cells cognitive model, which comes from the front-end visual information input system to build the “where” loop. At the same time, the environmental cognitive map is a topological map containing information about place cell competition firing rate, oriented Feature from Accelerated Segment Test and rotated Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features feature descriptor, similarity of image retrieval, and relative location of cognitive map nodes. The simulation experiments and physical experiments in a mobile robot platform have been done to verify the environmental adaptability and robustness of the algorithm. This proposing algorithm would provide a foundation for further research on bioinspired navigation of robots.
A qualitative study of family caregivers’ coping strategies of looking after people with dementia in China
Authors: Xiuxiang Zhang , Zhang Xiubin , Hockley Jo
Published: June 2020

Background and aims

Globally, two thirds of people with dementia are cared for by their families or friends. Family caregivers’ coping strategies of managing the caregiving burden of dementia have been studied widely in western literature. However, few attempts have been made to explore the experience of family caregivers’ coping strategies in China. The aim of this study was to explore the family caregivers’ coping strategies when caring for people with dementia in one city in the province of Shandong, China.

Methods

Fourteen family caregivers were individually interviewed, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify themes within different family members.

Results

Four key themes were found: (a) being filial; (b) changing self and self-care; (c) seeking help; and (d) having hope and continuing life.

Conclusion

The study illustrates the different strategies developed by family members in order to cope with their new roles when caring for a relative who has dementia. It shows that cultural belief of filial piety plays a large role across these various coping strategies. It highlights how responsibility has been maintained and influenced by the specific sociocultural context. The results provide a useful foundation for developing interventions that support family caregivers cope with the burden of caring in this population.
Comparing the efficacy and safety of second-line therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a network meta-analysis of phase III trials
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Yang Xu , Lin Jianzhen , Bai Yi , Long Junyu , Yang Xiaobo , Seery Samuel , Zhao Haitao
Published: June 2020

Background:

The prospect for targeted therapies in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has dramatically changed since several recent clinical trials have yielded promising results. The number of second-line therapies is increasing, though the consequent challenge is to consider differences between these interventions. This is a comparative investigation of presently approved second-line drugs for HCC based on findings from phase III randomized controlled trials.

Methods:

Data related to treatment efficacy including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) were extracted and compared using a Bayesian approach. Adverse events (AEs) and the rate of discontinuation due to AEs were assessed and compared with provide a more complete understanding. OS and PFS in patients with alpha fetoprotein (AFP) values greater than 400 were compared and ranked as a subgroup.

Results:

A total of five trials involving 2571 patients were included. The comparison suggests that regorafenib and cabozantinib significantly prolong OS compared with placebo. The rate of AEs and treatment discontinuation did not significantly differ, although the types of AEs varied substantially. Subgroup analysis did not highlight a significant OS difference between regorafenib [hazard ratio (HR) 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50–0.92], cabozantinib (HR 0.71; CI 0.54–0.94) and ramucirumab (HR 0.69; CI 0.57–0.84). Conclusion: Among the four second-line HCC therapies compared, regorafenib and cabozantinib appear to be better choices in terms of OS. Cabozantinib, regorafenib and ramucirumab have similar levels of efficacy for those with AFP >400, although ramucirumab has fewer side effects. No significant difference was observed in AEs, but some AEs related to each of these interventions should be given further consideration.
Predictors of lymph node metastasis and residual tumor in early gastric cancer patients after noncurative endoscopic resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Bolun , Zhou Li , Lu Jun , Wang Yizhi , Guo Junchao
Published: June 2020

Background:

It is challenging to identify the prevalence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and residual tumor in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) who underwent noncurative endoscopic resection (ER). This present meta-analysis was aimed to establish imperative potential predictive factors in order to select the optimal treatment method.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed through 1 February 2019 to identify relevant studies, which investigated risk factors for LNM and residual tumor in patients with EGC who underwent noncurative ER. Eligible data were systematically reviewed through a meta-analysis.

Results:

Overall, 12 studies investigating the risk factor of LNM were included, totaling 3015 patients, 7 of which also involved cancer residues. After the present meta-analysis, six predictors, including tumor size >30 mm, tumor invasion depth (⩾500 μm from the muscularis mucosae), macroscopic appearance, undifferentiated histopathological type, positive vertical margin, and presence of lymphovascular invasion (including lymphatic invasion and vascular invasion) were significantly associated with LNM, whereas tumor size >30 mm, positive horizontal margin, and positive vertical margin were identified as significant predictors for the risk of residual tumor. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusions:

Six and three variables were established as significant risk factors for LNM and residual tumor in patients with EGC who underwent noncurative ER, respectively. Patients with EGC who present these risk factors after noncurative ER are strongly suggested to receive additional surgery, while others might be suitable for strict follow-up. This might shed some new light on the selection of follow-up treatment for noncurative ER.
Evolving treatment strategies of brain metastases from breast cancer: current status and future direction
Authors: Kim Jae Sik , Kim In Ah
Published: June 2020

Remarkable progress in breast cancer treatment has improved patient survival, resulting in an increased incidence of brain metastasis (BM). Current treatment options for BM are limited and are generally used for palliative purposes. Historically, local treatment, consisting of radiotherapy and surgery, is the standard of care due to delivery limitations of systemic treatments through the blood–brain barrier. However, as novel biological mechanisms for tumors and BM have been discovered, several innovative systemic agents, such as small-molecular-targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have begun to change the treatment paradigm. In addition, efforts to maximize antitumor effects have been attempted using combination therapy, informed by tumor biology. In this comprehensive review, we will highlight various clinical trials investigating the treatment of BM in breast cancer patients, discuss presently available treatment options, and suggest potential directions of future therapeutic targets.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Sinonasal and Skull Base Malignancy: An Assessment of Study Quality and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Bolk Kody G. , Roth Kelly A. , Sharma Arun , Crosby Dana L.
Published: June 2020

Background

Sinonasal and skull base malignancies can cause significant adverse effects on functional status and survival.

Objective

The goal of this study was to systematically review the published literature of patient-reported outcomes pertaining to treatment of sinonasal and skull base malignancy.

Methods

A systematic literature search of Medline was conducted with PubMed to identify studies that assessed patient-reported outcomes in patients with sinonasal or skull base malignancy. Patient-reported outcomes studies with at least 10 patients published in English from January 2000 to April 2017 were included. Criteria from International Society for Quality of Life guidelines and criteria unique to sinonasal and skull base malignancies were used to calculate a composite score for each article. Studies with the top 33% of scores were categorized as high quality articles.

Results

Twenty-two articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Three studies (14%) reported a priori hypothesis. Eleven (50%) assessed specific quality of life domains and 10 studies (45%) performed statistical analysis on these domains. Specific symptoms were assessed in up to 32% of studies. Eight studies were characterized as high quality; these studies had higher sample sizes and more often assessed patient-reported outcomes prior to treatment compared to low quality studies.

Conclusions

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the quality of the current patient-reported outcomes literature on sinonasal and skull base malignancies. Areas of improvement for future studies include analysis of individual domains and disease-specific symptoms, reporting a priori hypotheses, and collecting preoperative and longitudinal patient-reported outcomes data.
How USA-Centric Is Psychology? An Archival Study of Implicit Assumptions of Generalizability of Findings to Human Nature Based on Origins of Study Samples
Authors: Cheon Bobby K. , Melani Irene , Hong Ying-yi
Published: June 2020

Conclusions about human behavior are primarily based upon observations from western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) samples, especially from the United States. One consequence may be the promotion of assumptions that research findings from these populations are more generalizable to humankind than findings from non-WEIRD populations. We tested this with an archival study comparing the extent to which titles of over 5,000 published psychology articles specify samples’ racial/ethnic/national/cultural characteristics—a practice that implies constraints to generalizability. We observed that samples from the United States were less frequently specified in titles compared to both other WEIRD and non-WEIRD regions. Yet, samples from the United States (compared to other regions) were more frequently specified in titles if they referred to racial/ethnic/cultural minorities who may be perceived as exceptions to assumed generalizability of the White American population. These findings suggest that one consequence of a USA-centric sampling bias in psychology may be biased assumptions of (White) people from the United States as especially reflective of humankind.
Neurochemical metabolite alterations of the occipital lobe in migraine without aura by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Dehghan Alireza , Saatchian Erfan , Sobhani Mohammadreza , Montazerabadi Alireza
Published: June 2020

Background

Migraine without aura is the most common type of migraine headache, accounting for about 80% of all migraines. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the neurochemical metabolite alterations in the occipital lobe of patients suffering from migraine without aura using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).

Methods

Fifteen patients suffering from migraine without aura with an occipital plaque and 16 healthy controls were included in this study. Changes in the neurochemical metabolites in the occipital lobe were assessed using 1H-MRS. The ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) to creatine (Cr), choline (Cho) to Cr and myo-inositol (MI) to NAA were measured by voxel volume at 8 cm3.

Results

The mean NAA/Cr ratio decreased significantly in patients compared to controls. Cho/Cr and MI/NAA ratios increased significantly in patients. In addition, the duration of the disease and the frequency of headache attacks were significantly associated with a decrease in the NAA/Cr ratio and an increase in the Cho/Cr ratio.

Conclusions

Migraine without aura shows a significant association with changes in neurochemical metabolites detectable by 1H-MRS in the occipital lobe of patients. In addition, changes in metabolic ratios showed a significant relationship with the duration of the disease and the frequency of headache attacks.
Assessing Trust Versus Reliance for Technology Platforms by Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Deley Trevor , Dubois Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

We do not trust technologies like we trust people, rather we rely on them. This article argues for an emphasis on reliance rather than trust as a concept for understanding human relationships with technology. Reliance is important because researchers can empirically measure the reliability of a given technology. We first explore two frameworks of trust and reliance. We then examine how reliance can be measured by conducting systematic literature reviews of reported success metrics for given technologies. Specifically, we examine papers which present models for predicting private traits from social media data. Of the 72 models for predicting private traits that were surveyed from 31 papers, 80% of the methods reported success rates lower than 90%, indicating a general unreliability in predicting private traits. We illustrate the current applicability of this method throughout the article by discussing the Cambridge Analytica scandal that began during the 2016 US Presidential election.
Trolling as a Collective Form of Harassment: An Inductive Study of How Online Users Understand Trolling
Authors: Ortiz Stephanie M.
Published: June 2020

Rising media and academic concerns for the social implications of online trolling require that scholars understand how everyday users conceptualize trolling. The validity of survey instruments may potentially be at risk if online users and academics, who subsequently advocate for interventions, have competing understandings of trolling. Surveying 120 US-based online users, I find that the spectrum of behaviors classified in the literature as “trolling” do not resonate with respondents. Instead, respondents report that harassment on the basis of race and gender is indicative of trolling. These results suggest a disconnect between academic definitions of trolling that focus on prosocial or humor-based forms of trolling and lay definitions which foreground identity-based harassment and harm. Current instruments that assess trolling behaviors and experiences do not attend to this definition of trolling as identity-based harassment, calling into question construct validity. Furthermore, sociologists identify identity-based harassment as a form of discrimination in other domains of social life, but present measures of discrimination do not consider the online domain. This suggests that studies of everyday discrimination and the implications of mistreatment should extend to online spaces, where racism and sexism are reproduced.
Phloretin alleviates dinitrochlorobenzene-induced dermatitis in BALB/c mice
Authors: Wu Chieh-Shan , Lin Shih-Chao , Li Shiming , Chiang Yu-Chih , Bracci Nicole , Lehman Caitlin W , Tang Kuo-Tung , Lin Chi-Chien
Published: June 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that substantially affects a patient’s quality of life. While steroids are the most common therapy used to temporally alleviate the symptoms of AD, effective and nontoxic alternatives are urgently needed. In this study, we utilized a natural, plant-derived phenolic compound, phloretin, to treat allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) on the dorsal skin of mice. In addition, the effectiveness of phloretin was evaluated using a mouse model of ACD triggered by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). In our experimental setting, phloretin was orally administered to BALB/c mice for 21 consecutive days, and then, the lesions were examined histologically. Our data revealed that phloretin reduced the process of epidermal thickening and decreased the infiltration of mast cells into the lesion regions, subsequently reducing the levels of histamine and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-4, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-17A in the serum. These changes were associated with lower serum levels after phloretin treatment. In addition, we observed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB pathways in the dermal tissues of the phloretin-treated rodents were suppressed compared to those in the AD-like skin regions. Furthermore, phloretin appeared to limit the overproliferation of splenocytes in response to DNCB stimulation, reducing the number of IFN-γ-, IL-4-, and IL-17A-producing CD4+ T cells in the spleen back to their normal ranges. Taken together, we discovered a new therapeutic role of phloretin using a mouse model of DNCB-induced ACD, as shown by the alleviated AD-like symptoms and the reversed immunopathological effects. Therefore, we believe that phloretin has the potential to be utilized as an alternative therapeutic agent for treating AD.
Z-ligustilide protects BV-2 microglial cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis
Authors: Hu Jia , Wei Jie , Zeng Cheng , Duan Fengqi , Liu Sijun , Tan Hongmei
Published: June 2020

Z-ligustilide (LIG) is the main bioactive compound of Danggui essential oil, which was reported to exert neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely elusive. The present study aims to investigate the effect of LIG on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury and whether Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and related pyroptosis are targets for the treatment of LIG. The OGD/R model was established in BV-2 microglial cells to investigate the protective effect of LIG. Cell viability and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined by cell counting assay kit 8 and the LDH release assay kit. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were carried out to detect NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Active caspase-1 and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) double positive cells were defined as pyroptosis population. Statistical comparison among multiple groups was carried out by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by least significant difference (LSD) test. Compared with control cells, OGD/R impaired cell viability and induced the release of LDH in BV-2 microglial cells, which were associated with the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome as evidenced by increased expression of NLRP3 and the cleavage of caspase-1 and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). In parallel with NLRP3 inflammasome activation, OGD/R induced pyroptotic cell death, manifested by the cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD) and increased population of active caspase-1+/TUNEL+ cells. All these events were significantly attenuated by treatment with LIG, indicating that LIG significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis, and ameliorated OGD/R-induced cell injury. In conclusion, LIG protects BV-2 microglial cells against OGD/R-induced injury via inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis.
A Rare Case of Glomus Tumor on the Mucosal Surface of Lower Lip
Authors: Naji Rad Sara , Najirad Samira , Rafiei Rana
Published: June 2020

Glomus tumors are mesenchymal neoplasms derived from glomus bodies with rare presentations in the oral cavity. Glomus tumors present as a purple or pink vascular nodule or papule, sized <1 cm, and imitate vascular neoplasms such as hemangiopericytoma or hemangioma. Glomus tumors represent less than 2% of all benign soft tissue tumors. Only 27 cases of benign glomus tumors with oral cavity involvement have been reported to date. The most-reported oral tumors involved the lips (54.2%), followed by hard palate, gingiva, tongue, and buccal mucosa. The mean age of presentation of the labial glomus tumors is 48.7 years, with no gender predilection, in contrast to the subungual site, which occurs more in females. The etiology of the glomus tumors remains unknown. Subungual glomus tumors present as stabbing pain, cold intolerance, and tenderness of the fingertips, whereas labial glomus tumors mostly present as a painless, small, and slow-growing lesion. Treatment is surgical resection of the tumor. The recurrence rate of labial glomus tumors is unclear. In this article, we present the case of a 62-year-old man with a 2-month history of painless, soft lump on the mucosal surface of the lower left lip. Excisional resection of the tumor was performed in the clinic, and the histopathologic finding was consistent with solid glomus tumor. At 1 year follow-up there was no recurrence.
Trends and Sex Differences in Access to HIV Care with Scale Up of National HIV Treatment Guidelines in Pune, India
Authors: Raichur Priyanka , Salvi Sonali Pankaj , Sangle Shashikala , Chavan Amol , Nimkar Smita , Gawande Gajanan , Rewari Bharat , Mathad Jyoti , Mcintire Katherine , Gupta Amita , Marbaniang Ivan , Mave Vidya
Published: June 2020

Test and treat is the current global standard, yet sex differences persist in access to HIV care. We assessed the differences in presentation and antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake by sex and ART-eligibility period among ART-naive adults registered at a public ART center in India. Four ART eligibility periods were defined by programmatically determined CD4 criteria (periods I-IV: CD4 <200, <350, ≤500 cells/μL, and any CD4) between January 2005 and December 2017. Of 23 957 participants, 12 510 were male. Men consistently presented with lower median CD4 count (period I-IV, P < .05) and higher median age (period I-III, P < .001) than women. From period I to IV, median age increased in women ( P < .0001), ART initiation time decreased in both sexes ( P < .001), and median CD4 remained <200 cells/µL in men. Advanced HIV disease and increasing age at presentation are persistent sex-specific trends which warrant innovative HIV testing strategies in both sexes.
Restraint Use and Delirium in Critical Care in England and Wales: A Current Law Review
Authors: Lakatos Attila
Published: June 2020

Introduction

This is a law review of restraint use in critical care settings within the United Kingdom with a specific context to England and Wales following the introduction of new statues and case law developments. The principles discussed could be similarly applied internationally, as the aim of health care is the preservation of life. Care delivery often proves difficult without the use of restraint considering the adversities delirium may present with as a common occurrence. Staff have to be aware of their role, duty, and limitations in legal terms and respond to challenging behavior appropriately and proportionately within the law.

Methods

As a law review, it follows arguments and principles around a topic by analyzing case law and statutory instruments specifically applicable to restraint use within critical care.

Conclusion

Restraint use in critical care settings in England and Wales is justifiable prior to formal authorization regardless the patient has or lacks capacity at the time as long as the restraint use is to maintain life-sustaining treatment or where an action could result in potential deterioration in the condition of the patient. However, there is a need to distinguish between on-going and life-sustaining care provisions. Restraint use in any case has to be in order to protect the patient from harm, enacted in the best interest of the patient, and has to be proportionate with the perceived likelihood of severity of likely harm occurring. Unless the delirium lasts or likely to last for over 28 days, no formal application is required should the need arise. Staff are empowered by statutory and case law measures to act with the use of appropriate restraint to protect their patients and those in close vicinity from harm. Regardless of national jurisdictions, the aim of critical care is to preserve life; hence, the findings within could be applicable internationally.
Calcifying Fibrous Tumor of the Mesentery: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Sabrine Derqaoui , Hafsa Elouazzani , Amine Ratbi , Zakia Bernoussi , Fouad Zouaidia
Published: June 2020

Background:

Calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT) is a rare entity, with a distinctive histological presentation, initially reported as childhood fibrous tumor with psammoma bodies. It is a benign hypocellular fibrous neoplasm calcifications and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. The CFTs may involve many sites, including gastrointestinal tract, pleura, abdominal cavity, and neck. The diagnosis might be challenging due to histological overlaps with other mesenchymal tumors. The prognosis is good. We describe herein the case of a 53-year-old woman with an incidentally diagnosed CFT of the mesentery.

Case presentation:

A 53-year-old woman presented to the surgery department with a 2-year history of an anterior abdominal hernia. A computed tomographic scan of the abdomen failed to demonstrate any evidence of a mesenteric nodule. The patient underwent surgical treatment. Careful exploration during the excision of herniated sac revealed a solitary nodule of the mesentery. Local excision was performed. On gross, it was a well-demarcated nodule. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of an abundant paucicellular hyalinized collagen with calcifications; associated to a sparse mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate.

Conclusions:

Calcifying fibrous tumor is a benign lesion. The diagnosis is based on histology, because clinical and radiological features are nonspecific. Awareness of this entity is crucial to distinguish it from other mesenchymal tumors especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
Antibacterial properties and in vivo studies of tannic acid-stabilized silver–halloysite nanomaterials
Authors: Stavitskaya Anna , Shakhbazova Christina , Cherednichenko Yulia , Nigamatzyanova Läysän , Fakhrullina Gölnur , Khaertdinov Nail , Kuralbayeva Galiya , Filimonova Alla , Vinokurov Vladimir , Fakhrullin Rawil
Published: June 2020

Tannic acid-stabilized silver nanoparticles were synthesized in situ on halloysite clay nanotubes. The synthesis strategy included simple steps of tannic acid adsorption on clay nanotubes and further particle formation from silver salt solution. Pristine halloysite nanotubes as well as amino-modified clays were used for silver stabilization in water or ethanol. The materials were tested for antibacterial performance using three different methods. All of the materials produced showed antimicrobial activity. The pristine halloysite-based material with ~5 nm particles produced using ethanol as the solvent and tannic acid as the reducing agent showed the greatest antibacterial activity against Serratia marcescens. The materials were tested in vivo on Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes to ensure their safety, and they showed no negative effects on nematode growth and life expectancy.
Improved clinical symptoms and mortality among patients with severe or critical COVID-19 after convalescent plasma transfusion
Authors: Xia Xinyi , Li Kening , Wu Lingxiang , Wang Zhihua , Zhu Mengyan , Huang Bin , Li Jie , Wang Ziyu , Wu Wei , Wu Min , Li Wanlin , Li Lu , Cai Yun , Bosco Bakwatanisa , Zhong Aifang , Liu Xiong , Lv Tangfeng , Gan Zhenhua , Chen Guang , Pan Yunhu , Liu Caidong , Zhang Kai , Xu Xiaoli , Wang Changjun , Wang Qianghu
Published: June 2020

Two case series examining the impact of convalescent plasma on patients with COVID-19 suggest some clinical benefit from early administration and modest impact on parameters of inflammation. Further assessment of the impact of this intervention awaits controlled clinical trials.
Hurdles in treating Hurler disease: potential routes to achieve a “real” cure
Authors: van den Broek Brigitte T. A. , van Doorn Jaap , Hegeman Charlotte V. , Nierkens Stefan , Lindemans Caroline A. , Verhoeven-Duif Nanda , Boelens Jaap Jan , van Hasselt Peter M.
Published: June 2020

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are multiorgan devastating diseases for which hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and, to a lesser extent, enzyme replacement therapy have substantially altered the course of the disease. Furthermore, they have resulted in increased overall survival, especially for Hurler disease (MPS-1). However, despite the identification of clinical predictors and harmonized transplantation protocols, disease progression still poses a significant burden to patients, although at a slower pace. To design better therapies, we need to understand why and where current therapies fail. In this review, we discuss important aspects of the underlying disease and the disease progression. We note that the majority of progressive symptoms that occur in “hard-to-treat” tissues are actually tissues that are difficult to reach, such as avascular connective tissue or tissues isolated from the circulation by a specific barrier (eg, blood-brain barrier, blood-retina barrier). Although easily reached tissues are effectively cured by HCT, disease progression is observed in these “hard-to-reach” tissues. We used these insights to critically appraise ongoing experimental endeavors with regard to their potential to overcome the encountered hurdles and improve long-term clinical outcomes in MPS patients treated with HCT.
Evolution and transition of expression trajectory during human brain development
Authors: Li Ming-Li , Tang Hui , Shao Yong , Wang Ming-Shan , Xu Hai-Bo , Wang Sheng , Irwin David M. , Adeola Adeniyi C. , Zeng Tao , Chen Luonan , Li Yan , Wu Dong-Dong
Published: June 2020

Background

The remarkable abilities of the human brain are distinctive features that set us apart from other animals. However, our understanding of how the brain has changed in the human lineage remains incomplete, but is essential for understanding cognition, behavior, and brain disorders in humans. Here, we compared the expression trajectory in brain development between humans and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to explore their divergent transcriptome profiles.

Results

Results showed that brain development could be divided into two stages, with a demarcation date in a range between 25 and 26 postconception weeks (PCW) for humans and 17-23PCWfor rhesus macaques, rather than birth time that have been widely used as a uniform demarcation time of neurodevelopment across species. Dynamic network biomarker (DNB) analysis revealed that the two demarcation dates were transition phases during brain development, after which the brain transcriptome profiles underwent critical transitions characterized by highly fluctuating DNB molecules. We also found that changes between early and later brain developmental stages (as defined by the demarcation points) were substantially greater in the human brain than in the macaque brain. To explore the molecular mechanism underlying prolonged timing during early human brain development, we carried out expression heterochrony tests. Results demonstrated that compared to macaques, more heterochronic genes exhibited neoteny during early human brain development, consistent with the delayed demarcation time in the human lineage, and proving that neoteny in human brain development could be traced to the prenatal period. We further constructed transcriptional networks to explore the profile of early human brain development and identified the hub gene RBFOX1 as playing an important role in regulating early brain development. We also found RBFOX1 evolved rapidly in its non-coding regions, indicating that this gene played an important role in human brain evolution. Our findings provide evidence that RBFOX1 is a likely key hub gene in early human brain development and evolution.

Conclusions

By comparing gene expression profiles between humans and macaques, we found divergent expression trajectories between the two species, which deepens our understanding of the evolution of the human brain.
Age-stratified anti-tuberculosis drug resistance profiles in South Korea: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Lee Eung Gu , Min Jinsoo , Kang Ji Young , Kim Sung Kyoung , Kim Jin Woo , Kim Yong Hyun , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Lee Sang Haak , Kim Hyung Woo , Kim Ju Sang
Published: June 2020

Background

The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a major healthcare concern worldwide. Here, we analyzed age-related trends in DR-TB rates in South Korea.

Methods

Drug susceptibility test results were collected from patients with culture-confirmed TB between 2015 and 2018 from eight university-affiliated hospitals. Patients were divided into three subgroups: younger (15–34 years), middle (35–59 years), and older (≥60 years) to compare drug-resistance patterns. To evaluate trends in age-stratified drug-resistance, chi-square test for linear trends was performed.

Results

Among enrolled native patients aged ≥15 years, 4.1% (179/4417), 1.2% (53/4417) and 7.2% (316/4417) were multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), rifampicin-mono-resistant TB (RR-TB), and isoniazid-mono-resistant TB (Hr-TB), respectively. Proportions of Hr-TB cases were 5.4% (40/734), 7.2% (114/1593), and 7.8% (162/2090) in the younger, middle and older age groups, respectively. MDR/RR-TB case rates decreased significantly with age from 8.6% (63/734) in younger age group to 3.3% (68/2090) in older age group. Fluoroquinolone resistance was highest among second-line drugs, and there were no differences in resistance to fluoroquinolones and second-line injectable drugs among the three age groups.

Conclusions

The number of MDR/RR-TB cases was highest in young patients. Effective public health interventions should include increased focus on rifampicin resistance in young patients.
Systemic inflammation modulates the ability of serum ferritin to predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Fu Sha , Chen Junzhe , Liu Bo , Liang Peifen , Zeng Yuchun , Feng Min , Xu Zhenjian , Zheng Guiqiong , Yang Suqiong , Xu Anping , Tang Ying
Published: June 2020

Background

This study aimed to ascertain whether the correlation of high serum ferritin with mortality is affected by systemic inflammation and to investigate the optimal serum ferritin level for predicting death when inflammation is considered in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

We classified 221 patients into four groups according to serum ferritin concentration (100 μg/L) and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) level (3 mg/L), and followed them regularly from the date of catheterization to Dec 31, 2016, at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, China. Clinical and biochemical data were collected at baseline, and clinical outcomes such as all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were assessed.

Results

During a median follow-up of 35 months (3 ~ 109 months), 50 (22.6%) deaths occurred. Cardiovascular disease (46.0%) was the most common cause of death, followed by infection (10.0%). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank test revealed significantly worse survival accumulation among PD patients with higher serum ferritin (≥100 μg/L) under elevated hsCRP levels (> 3 mg/L) (P = 0.022). A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that an increased serum ferritin level was independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients (HR = 3.114, P = 0.021; and HR = 9.382, P = 0.032) with hsCRP above 3 mg/L after adjusting for relevant confounding factors.

Conclusion

Higher serum ferritin levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing PD only in the presence of elevated hsCRP levels. The correlation of serum ferritin with poor outcome should take into consideration systemic inflammation.
DNA methylation signatures of Prostate Cancer in peripheral T-cells
Authors: Mehdi Ali , Cheishvili David , Arakelian Ani , Bismar Tarek A. , Szyf Moshe , Rabbani Shafaat A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men where advancements have been made for early detection using imaging techniques, however these are limited by lesion size. Immune surveillance has emerged as an effective approach for early detection and to monitor disease progression. In recent studies, we have shown that host peripheral blood immune cells undergo changes in DNA methylation in liver and breast cancer.

Methods

In the current study, we examined the DNA methylation status of peripheral blood T cells of men with positive biopsy for PCa versus men with negative biopsy having benign prostate tissue, defined as controls. T cells DNA was isolated and subjected to Illumina Infinium methylation EPIC array and validated using Illumina amplicon sequencing and pyrosequencing platforms.

Results

Differential methylation of 449 CG sites between control and PCa T cell DNA showed a correlation with Gleason score (p < 0.05). Two hundred twenty-three differentially methylated CGs between control and PCa (∆ß +/− 10%, p < 0.05), were enriched in pathways involved in immune surveillance system. Three CGs which were found differentially methylated following DMP (Differentially methylated probes) analysis of ChAMP remained significant after BH (Benjamini-Hochberg) correction, of which, 2 CGs were validated. Predictive ability of combination of these 3 CGs (polygenic methylation score, PMS) to detect PCa had high sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy. PMS also showed strong positive correlation with Gleason score and tumor volume of PCa patients.

Conclusions

Results from the current study provide for the first-time a potential role of DNA methylation changes in peripheral T cells in PCa. This non-invasive methodology may allow for early intervention and stratification of patients into different prognostic groups to reduce PCa associated morbidity from repeat invasive prostate biopsies and design therapeutic strategy to reduce PCa associated mortality.
Correction to: Social media use disorder and loneliness: any association between the two? Results of a cross-sectional study among Lebanese adults
Authors: Youssef Lara , Hallit Rabih , Kheir Nelly , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Perceptions of stakeholders about the role of health system in suicide prevention in Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Authors: Anjum Anila , Saeed Ali Tazeen , Akber Pradhan Nousheen , Khan Murad , Karmaliani Rozina
Published: June 2020

Background

Suicide is a serious global public health problem, with more than 800,000 people dying by suicide worldwide every year. 79% of suicides happen in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), where lack of national suicide prevention programs coupled with inadequate MH facilities for early identification and treatment of mental disorders add to seriousness of the problems. Although there is paucity of research, studies suggest that the rate of suicide in district Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), in northern Pakistan may be higher compared to rest of the country.

Methods

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of stakeholders about the role of the health system at District Ghizer, GB using a qualitative descriptive exploratory research design. A total of 12 face to face in-depth interviews were conducted from the stakeholders using purposive sampling technique.

Results

The study results led to three broad themes, 1) Suicide as A Social Issue, 2) Role of Health System in Suicide Prevention, and 3) Challenges for Health System in Suicide Prevention. Theme one was sub-categorized into; a) Perceived situations contributing to suicide, b) Environmental factors. Theme two was subdivided into; a) Major hurdles for Health system, b) Lack of MH services in the available health system. Theme three was subdivided into; a) Lack of collaboration across-sectors, b) Unavailability of MH professionals, and c) Financial issues. The study findings reveal that there are multiple challenges for health system including, lack of awareness on mental issues, shortage of resources and lack of collaboration in the community. Moreover, existing policies or strategies need to be modified to overcome the existing challenges for the effective prevention.

Conclusion

This study emphasized creating awareness about MH issues, introduction of school health programs, parental counseling session and strengthening of the health system by allocating suitable budget for MH issues and suicide prevention strategies.
Changes in patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores in adults with medical authorization for cannabis
Authors: Round Jessica M. , Lee Cerina , Hanlon John G. , Hyshka Elaine , Dyck Jason R. B. , Eurich Dean T.
Published: June 2020

Background

Legal access to medical cannabis is increasing world-wide. Despite this, there is a lack of evidence surrounding its efficacy on mental health outcomes, particularly, on depression. This study assesses the effect of medical cannabis on Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores in adult patients between 2014 and 2019 in Ontario and Alberta, Canada.

Methods

An observational cohort study of medically authorized cannabis patients in Ontario and Alberta. Overall change in PHQ-9 scores from baseline to follow-up were evaluated (mean change) over a time period of up to 3.2 years.

Results

37,338 patients from the cohort had an initial PHQ-9 score recorded with 5103 (13.7%) patients having follow-up PHQ-9 scores. The average age was 54 yrs. (SD 15.7), 46% male, 50% noted depression at baseline. The average PHQ-9 score at baseline was 10.5 (SD 6.9), following a median follow-up time of 196 days (IQR: 77–451) the average final PHQ-9 score was 10.3 (SD 6.8) with a mean change of − 0.20 (95% CI: − 0.26, − 0.14, p-value < 0.0001). Overall, 4855 (95.1%) had no clinically significant change in their PHQ-9 score following medical cannabis use while 172 (3.4%) reported improvement and 76 (1.5%) reported worsening of their depression symptoms.

Conclusions

Although the majority showed no clinically important changes in PHQ-9 scores, a number of patients showed improvement or deteriorations in PHQ-9 scores. Future studies should focus on the parallel use of screening questionnaires to control for PHQ-9 sensitivity and to explore potential factors that may have attributed to the improvement in scores pre- and post- 3-6 month time period.