bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review of Prediction Models for Preterm Birth Using CHARMS
Authors: Kim Jeung-Im , Lee Joo Yun
Published: June 2021

Objective:

This study sought to evaluate prediction models for preterm birth (PTB) and to explore predictors frequently used in PTB prediction models.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted. We selected studies according to the PRISMA, classified studies according to TRIPOD, appraised studies according to the PROBAST, and extracted and synthesized the data narratively according to the CHARMS. We classified the predictors in the models into socio-economic factors with demographic, psychosocial, biomedical, and health behavioral factors.

Results:

Twenty-one studies with 27 prediction models were selected for the analysis. Only 16 models (59.3%) defined PTB outcomes as 37 weeks or less, and seven models (25.9%) defined PTB as 32 weeks or less. The PTB rates varied according to whether high-risk pregnant women were included and according to the outcome definition used. The most frequently included predictors were age (among demographic factors), height, weight, body mass index, and chronic disease (among biomedical factors), and smoking (among behavioral factors).

Conclusion:

When using the PTB prediction model, one must pay attention to the outcome definition and inclusion criteria to select a model that fits the case. Many studies use the sub-categories of PTB; however, some of these sub-categories are not correctly indicated, and they can be misunderstood as PTB (≤ 37 weeks). To develop further PTB prediction models, it is necessary to set the target population and identify the outcomes to predict.
Chameleon™ PTA balloon catheter: A single device in managing thrombosed AV access
Authors: Kramer Ari , Ross John , Gasparis Antonios P
Published: June 2021

Thrombectomy is a common procedure for maintenance of arteriovenous (AV) access and is critical to prolong access life. Techniques for performing thrombectomy are incredibly diverse, ranging from open surgical procedures to percutaneous interventions. Percutaneous interventions include a combination of thrombectomy devices to clear the thrombus and balloon angioplasty to treat the underlying lesion. In this case report we describe a novel technique using a single device, the Chameleon™ PTA balloon catheter (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) balloon catheter, to safely and efficiently perform a percutaneous intervention.
Coming to Terms with the Greek Crisis: Highly Educated Young Women’s Employment Struggles in Conditions of Economic Austerity
Authors: Kazana-McCarthy Julia
Published: June 2021

The global financial recession which began in 2008 has led to significant economic and social consequences for youth, with the case of Greece being a notable one in terms of severity. Repeated political-economic ‘shocks’ to the structure of Greek society have manifest in common situations of unemployment and underemployment. Although impacting heavily on the working classes, severe curtailments in medium-high-skilled labour have also been observed among the middle classes as well. Following these contexts, the article examines the experiences of highly educated young women in Greece ( n = 36) as they navigate precarious employment within the midst of the Greek economic crisis. It is argued that rather than their educated status offering opportunities to deploy resources to help withstand the crisis, their high education levels create frustrations and barriers towards achieving suitable employment. These perceived mismatches between high education and low status and/or poor-quality work conditions are assessed in the context of research on emerging adulthood.
Face memory and face perception in autism
Authors: Stantić Mirta , Ichijo Eri , Catmur Caroline , Bird Geoffrey
Published: June 2021

It has been argued that autistic individuals have difficulties with face memory but typical face perception. However, only one previous study has examined both face memory and face perception in the same individuals, and this study was conducted with a small group of autistic children. Here, face recognition was examined with a group of autistic adults using two face perception tasks (including one designed to avoid a neurotypical bias) and a standard test of face memory. Self-reported face recognition difficulties in everyday life were also recorded. The group of adults with autism scored lower than a matched neurotypical control group on all face tasks and reported more problems with face recognition in everyday life. On the whole, results suggest difficulties with both face perception and face memory in autistic adults, although it should be noted that a wide range of scores were recorded from the autistic individuals, with some scoring in the neurotypical range.

Lay abstract

It is well known that some people with autism have difficulties recognizing faces. It is generally thought that this is not because autistic individuals cannot perceive faces, but because autistic individuals have greater problems than people without autism in remembering faces. Here, we worked with a group of autistic adults and a group of non-autistic adults to test their ability to perceive and remember faces. We also asked each person to report any difficulties that they have with recognizing faces in everyday life. We find that, as a group, people with autism have difficulties with both remembering and perceiving faces, and report more problems recognizing faces in everyday life. However, it is worth noting that we observed a wide range of scores in the group of people with autism, with some autistic participants scoring as well as the group of people without autism.
Categories that bind: Transgender, crossdressing, and transnational sexualities in Tokyo
Authors: Ho Michelle HS
Published: June 2021

This article investigates “ toransujendā” (transgender), “ josō” (male-to-female crossdressing), and “ otoko no ko” (boy/male daughter) as categories that bind through ethnographic research in Tokyo’s contemporary josō gyōkai (scene and business circles). Building on queer and transgender scholarship, I ask what these categories mean, what they do, and how they figure in trans people’s everyday lives and the institutionalization of seidōitsuseishōgai (Japanese translation of Gender Identity Disorder). I argue that categories are imbued with asymmetrical power relations and operate affectively, emerging from contact between bodies and practices. Ultimately, they are important sites for questioning categories of “gender” and “sexuality” in transnational sexuality and transgender studies.
The speakers of minority languages are more multilingual
Authors: Dobrushina Nina , Moroz George
Published: June 2021

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

The paper tests the hypothesis that the larger the population of language speakers, the smaller the number of second languages mastered by these speakers.

Design/methodology/approach:

We match the size of the population of 29 Dagestanian languages and the number of second languages spoken by the speakers of these languages from 54 villages, and run a Poisson mixed effects regression model that predicts the average number of second languages spoken by speakers from first-language communities of different size.

Data and analysis:

Data for this study comes from two sources. The information on the population of Dagestanian languages is based on the digitalized census of 1926. The information on the number of second languages in which the residents of Dagestan are proficient is taken from the database on multilingualism in Dagestan (4032 people).

Findings/conclusions:

The study supports the hypothesis that the size of language population is negatively correlated with the multilingualism of the language community.

Originality:

The paper is the first to test the correlation between the size of language population and the level of multilingualism of its speakers using statistical methods and a large body of empirical data.

Significance and implications:

Population size is a factor that could have influenced patterns of language evolution. The population is interrelated with other factors, one of which is long-standing multilingualism. The methodological lesson of this research is that there is a difference in the level of multilingualism within a range of populations where the largest was about 120,000 people.

Limitations:

The data is limited to one multilingual region. The revealed correlation probably does not hold for areas where language communities do not interact with their neighbors and even speakers of minority languages can be monolingual, or for the territories where many people migrated and the area where a language is spoken was discontinuous.
Home schooling through online teaching in the era of COVID-19: Exploring the role of home-related factors that deepen educational inequalities across European societies
Authors: Dimopoulos Kostas , Koutsampelas Christos , Tsatsaroni Anna
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments worldwide to produce solutions to the abruptly interrupted work in education. School systems appear to have responded rapidly, creating home schooling and online educational environments, where teachers and students would interact with safety. In this paper, we attempt a synthesis of Sen’s capability approach, Bourdieu’s theory of capital and Bernstein’s framework in order to theorize the relationships between home and school conditions and practices, and to analyse the data of the 2nd Survey of Schools: ICT in Education (a survey conducted in 2019 on behalf of the European Commission collecting data regarding digitalization in education and digital technologies in learning in the European Union). The survey is complemented by a second set of indicators provided by Eurostat to further investigate the availability and functionality of household space per family in selected European countries. We find significant differences in important social and environmental conversion factors, likely limiting children’s capability to benefit from digital schooling. The most important differences are found in regard to parents’ familiarity with information and communications technology use, while inequalities in environmental factors, such as overcrowded housing, are also existent. Overall, there are large inequalities within and between countries in Europe, which need to be addressed by policymakers.
Woven EndoBridge device for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: A systematic review of clinical and angiographic results
Authors: Xie Yong , Tian Huan , Xiang Bin , Liu Jian , Xiang Hua
Published: June 2021

Background and objective

The clinical outcome and angiographic outcome data of Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are limited. We conducted a meta-analysis of the latest literature on the WEB device in the treatment of ruptured IAs.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of 4 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Embase) was conducted for studies published from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020. Two reviewers independently extracted variables (aneurysm and patient characteristics) using a prespecified data-collection sheet. Outcomes studied included initial and latest follow-up angiographic outcomes, technical success rate, perioperative mortality, retreated rate, perioperative re-bleeding, complication, intraoperative rupture, favorable neurologic outcome at discharge. We used random-effects model to pool the data.

Results

We finally presented the results of 7 articles including 276 patients with 283 aneurysms. Initial complete and adequate occlusion rate were 38% (95% CI, 25%–50%) and 98% (95% CI, 95%–100%), respectively. Latest follow-up complete and adequate occlusion rate were 61% (95% CI, 46%–75%) and 91% (95% CI, 84%–98%), respectively.Technical success rate was 99% (95% CI, 98%–100%). Perioperative mortality rates and perioperative re-bleeding rate were 9% (95% CI, 3%–15%) and 1% (95% CI, 0%–2%), respectively. Retreated rate was 6% (95% CI, 3%–10%). Overall and WEB treatment-related thromboembolic complication was 10% (95% CI, 6%–13%) and 7% (95% CI, 2%–12%), respectively. Intraoperative rupture rate was 3% (95% CI, 0%–6%).

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment of ruptured IAs with the WEB device has a good safety profile and an acceptable aneurysm occlusion rate.
Unexpected Diversity in Regenerating Sites Stresses the Importance of Baselines: A Case Study With Bats (Order Chiroptera) on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Authors: Haave-Audet Elène , Audet Doris , Monge-Velazquez Michelle , Flatt Eleanor , Whitworth Andrew
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Background and Research Aims:

Assessing biodiversity recovery is key to determine whether the objectives of habitat restoration for conservation are met. Many restoration initiatives use cross-sectional comparisons of wildlife communities to infer restoration impact instead of longitudinal assessments from a baseline state. Using an indicator of biodiversity in the neotropics— bats— we demonstrate how assessing community diversity and composition in an area targeted for restoration prior to implementation, and when compared to surrounding intact forest, provides the groundwork to track changes in the community post-restoration.

Methods

We assessed bat communities by 1) using mist-net surveys to identify species in the family Phyllostomidae (leaf-nosed bats), and 2) conducting acoustic surveys to identify non-phyllostomid species (aerial insectivores).

Results

For both groups, we found that areas targeted for restoration had similar diversity as the surrounding forest, but the two habitat types differed in community composition. Phyllostomids were captured at higher rates in forest, but aerial insectivores were detected at higher rates in restoration habitat.

Conclusion

Our baseline assessment revealed unexpected diversity in areas targeted for restoration. The presence of all trophic groups in restoration habitat suggests that bats provide key ecosystem services in the restoration process, such as through seed dispersal, pollination and insect pest control. Implications for Conservation: Conducting a baseline survey of bats in areas targeted for restoration demonstrated that the community was not species poor at the baseline and was different from the surrounding forest, allowing us to better track restoration success and the effects of different restoration treatments.
Long-term Complications of Isolated and Combined Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nys Margaux , Van Cleemput Tim , Dormaar Jakob Titiaan , Politis Constantinus
Published: June 2021

Study Design:

Fractures of the mandibular condyle are a common injury in maxillofacial trauma. Both conservative treatment (i.e., analgesic therapy and soft diet) and intermaxillary fixation (IMF) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) have satisfactory and functional outcomes, though severe late-onset complications have been reported.

Objective:

We compared the long-term complications of patients with condylar fractures treated conservatively, with IMF, or with combined ORIF and IMF.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed all patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral condylar fracture, isolated or combined with a fracture of the mandibular body, admitted to the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at UZ Leuven between January 2013 and January 2020. We collected data on age, gender, side of condylar fracture, presence of associated fracture of the mandibular body, referrals, initial treatment, long-term complications and secondary treatment. Long-term complications were defined as sequelae still present 6 weeks after initial treatment.

Results:

Among 192 patients, 68.8% had unilateral and 31.2% bilateral condylar fractures; an associated fracture of the mandibular body was seen in 45.8%, 31% received conservative treatment, 51% IMF only, and 18% combined ORIF and IMF. Forty-eight percent of all patients suffered from 1 or more long-term complications, most frequently malocclusion (24%), reduced mouth opening (15.1%), nerve disturbances (13.5%), pain (8.9%), and facial asymmetry (2.6%). Surgery as a secondary treatment was necessary in 25% of all cases.

Conclusions:

The presence of bilateral condylar fractures or associated fracture of the mandibular body is a risk factor for developing long-term complications. Most patients with long-term complications were initially treated with combined ORIF and IMF, but long-term complications after initial conservative or IMF treatment were treated with secondary surgery.
A cross-sectional study: an assessment of low muscle mass and osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with a high glycated hemoglobin level
Authors: Fang Lingna , Zhong Shao , Ma Dan , Li Chong , Hao Yanmin , Gao Yan , Zhang Li , Shen Liwen
Published: June 2021

Background:

Low muscle mass and osteoporosis are commonly observed in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We investigated the prevalence of low muscle mass and osteoporosis in patients with T2DM who had high glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

Methods:

We included 187 Chinese patients with T2DM who were aged ⩾50 years and evaluated their body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We measured levels of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, B collagen-specific sequences (B-CTX), osteocalcin (OC), propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D.

Results:

Of the total patients, 82 were men and 105 were women. The prevalence rates of low muscle mass, osteopenia, and osteoporosis were 35.8%, 38.0%, and 31.0%, respectively. The prevalence rate of low muscle mass was significantly higher in women with HbA1c levels >9.0% than in those with HbA1c levels <9.0%. The prevalence rates of osteopenia and osteoporosis in men with HbA1c levels >9.0% differed significantly from those with HbA1c levels <9.0%. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), trunk muscle mass, lumbar spinal bone mineral content (BMC), lumbar spine BMD, femoral BMC, and femoral BMD were significantly decreased, and the serum levels of B-CTX, OC, and P1NP were significantly increased in patients with T2DM who had osteoporosis. The ASMI was associated with osteopenia/osteoporosis in men and women with T2DM.

Conclusions:

In patients with T2DM, high HbA1c levels were associated with higher prevalence rates of low muscle mass in women and osteoporosis in men, and ASMI was a risk factor of osteoporosis.
Unmasking of Addison’s disease in COVID-19
Authors: Bhattarai Pallav , Allen Holley , Aggarwal Abhimanyu , Madden Daniel , Dalton Kristen
Published: June 2021

This case report highlights the initial presentation of Addison’s disease in a 19-year-old individual with coronavirus disease. Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease, which often presents with fever and respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we describe a challenging case of a patient with coronavirus disease, who initially presented with altered mental status, hyponatremia, and cerebral edema, with subsequent workup leading to the diagnosis of Addison’s disease.
Agencies and Mechanisms of Social Inclusion and Exclusion Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Mizoram
Authors: Khawlhring Lalrempui , Sangpui Lily , Easwaran Kanagaraj
Published: June 2021

The association of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) with stigma and discrimination remain a challenge in combating HIV/AIDS. It pushes people to remain hidden with the potential to manifest in the future. This study aims to examine the agencies and mechanisms of social inclusion and exclusion among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the state of Mizoram. The study covers two districts of Mizoram, Lunglei and Saiha districts, selected purposively. Respondents were identified through different gateways like non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and hospital. A total of sixty respondents were interviewed, thirty respondents from each district selected proportionately. The study reveals that the same agencies which cater to the inclusion of PLWHA can also exclude them through different mechanisms. Agencies at primary and secondary level adopted a mixture of both inclusionary and exclusionary measures. At tertiary level NGOs, hospitals staff are seen to be more inclusionary than social institutions such as the church and youth associations. The study highlights the need for greater awareness on HIV/AIDS at the individual and community level.
Measuring adherence to therapy in airways disease
Authors: Holmes Joshua , Heaney Liam G.
Published: June 2021

Non-adherence to medication is one of the most significant issues in all airways disease and can have a major impact on disease control as well as on unscheduled healthcare utilisation. It is vital that clinicians can accurately determine a patient's level of adherence in order to ensure they are gaining the maximal benefit from their therapy and also to avoid any potential for unnecessary increases in therapy. It is essential that measurements of adherence are interpreted alongside biomarkers of mechanistic pathways to identify if improvements in medication adherence can influence disease control.

In this review, the most common methods of measuring adherence are discussed. These include patient self-report, prescription record checks, canister weighing, dose counting, monitoring drug levels and electronic monitoring. We describe the uses and benefits of each method as well as potential shortcomings. The practical use of adherence measures with measurable markers of disease control is also discussed.

Educational aims

To understand the various methods available to measure adherence in airways disease.

To learn how to apply these adherence measures in conjunction with clinical biomarkers in routine clinical care.
Zanubrutinib-induced liver injury: a case report and literature review
Authors: Atallah Edmond , Wijayasiri Pramudi , Cianci Nicole , Abdullah Khorrum , Mukherjee Abhik , Aithal Guruprasad P.
Published: June 2021

Background

Zanubrutinib is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been recently licensed in refractory mantle cell lymphoma and under assessment in phase 3 clinical trials for other B cell malignancies. To date, there are no reported cases of hepatotoxicity secondary to zanubrutinib. We report the first case of severe liver injury due to zanubrutinib.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old Caucasian male with a history of relapsed lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma was admitted to the hospital with new-onset jaundice, choluria, and pruritus for 10 days. He had been on zanubrutinib as part of a clinical trial for 30 months. His blood profile showed a severe hepatocellular injury with jaundice (alanine transaminase 2474 IU/L and total bilirubin 141 umol/L with mild coagulopathy). He had an extensive work-up including virology, autoimmune, and metabolic profiles in addition to abdominal ultrasound with no alternative explanation found for his liver injury. Zanubrutinib-induced liver injury was suspected, and causality assessment by the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method score showed a probable causal relationship with zanubrutinib. His liver histology was also consistent with drug-induced liver injury. His liver biochemistry improved following cessation of zanubrutinib and normalised after 8 weeks.

Conclusion

We report the first case of severe liver injury secondary to zanubrutinib after 30 months of treatment. This case raises clinical awareness regarding zanubrutinib-induced liver toxicity and the importance of drug withdrawal in the event of liver injury.
Google search behavior for meningitis and its vaccines: an infodemiological study
Authors: Perez John Angelo Luigi S. , Espiritu Adrian I. , Jamora Roland Dominic G.
Published: June 2021

Background

The internet has made significant contributions towards health education. Analyzing the pattern of online behavior regarding meningitis and vaccinations may be worthwhile. It is hypothesized that the online search patterns in meningitis are correlated with its number of cases and the search patterns of its related vaccines.

Methods

This was an infodemiological study that determined the relationship among online search interest in meningitis, its worldwide number of cases and its associated vaccines. Using Google Trends™ Search Volume Indices (SVIs), we evaluated the search queries “meningitis,” “pneumococcal vaccine,” “BCG vaccine,” “meningococcal vaccine” and “influenza vaccine” in January 2021, covering January 2008 to December 2020. Spearman rank correlation was used to determine correlations between these queries.

Results

The worldwide search interest in meningitis from 2008 to 2020 showed an average SVI of 46 ± 8.8. The most searched topics were symptoms, vaccines, and infectious agents with SVIs of 100, 52, and 39, respectively. The top three countries with the highest search interest were Ghana, Kazakhstan, and Kenya. There were weak, but statistically significant correlations between meningitis and the BCG (ρ = 0.369, p < 0.001) and meningococcal (ρ = 0.183, p < 0.05) vaccines. There were no statistically significant associations between the number of cases, influenza vaccine, and pneumococcal vaccine.

Conclusion

The relationships among the Google SVIs for meningitis and its related vaccines and number of cases data were inconsistent and remained unclear. Future infodemiological studies may expand their scopes to social media, semantics, and big data for more robust conclusions.
Low continuation of antipsychotic therapy in Parkinson disease – intolerance, ineffectiveness, or inertia?
Authors: Pham Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Abraham Danielle S. , Thibault Dylan , Weintraub Daniel , Willis Allison W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Antipsychotics are used in Parkinson disease (PD) to treat psychosis, mood, and behavioral disturbances. Commonly used antipsychotics differ substantially in their potential to worsen motor symptoms through dopaminergic receptor blockade. Recent real-world data on the use and continuation of antipsychotic therapy in PD are lacking. The objectives of this study are to (1) examine the continuation of overall and initial antipsychotic therapy in individuals with PD and (2) determine whether continuation varies by drug dopamine receptor blocking activity.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using U.S. commercially insured individuals in Optum 2001–2019. Adults aged 40 years or older with PD initiating antipsychotic therapy, with continuous insurance coverage for at least 6 months following drug initiation, were included. Exposure to pimavanserin, quetiapine, clozapine, aripiprazole, risperidone, or olanzapine was identified based on pharmacy claims. Six-month continuation of overall and initial antipsychotic therapy was estimated by time to complete discontinuation or switching to a different antipsychotic. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated factors associated with discontinuation.

Results

Overall, 38.6% of 3566 PD patients in our sample discontinued antipsychotic therapy after the first prescription, 61.4% continued with overall treatment within 6 months of initiation. Clozapine use was too rare to include in statistical analyses. Overall therapy discontinuation was more likely for those who initiated medications with known dopamine-receptor blocking activity (adjusted hazard ratios 1.76 [95% confidence interval 1.40–2.20] for quetiapine, 2.15 [1.61–2.86] for aripiprazole, 2.12 [1.66–2.72] for risperidone, and 2.07 [1.60–2.67] for olanzapine), compared with serotonin receptor-specific pimavanserin. Initial antipsychotic therapy discontinuation also associated with greater dopamine-receptor blocking activity medication use – adjusted hazard ratios 1.57 (1.28–1.94), 1.88 (1.43–2.46), 2.00 (1.59–2.52) and 2.03 (1.60–2.58) for quetiapine, aripiprazole, risperidone, and olanzapine, respectively, compared with pimavanserin. Similar results were observed in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Over one-third of individuals with PD discontinued antipsychotic therapy, especially if the initial drug has greater dopamine-receptor blocking activity. Understanding the drivers of antipsychotic discontinuation, including ineffectiveness, potentially inappropriate use, clinician inertia, patient adherence and adverse effects, is needed to inform clinical management of psychosis in PD and appropriate antipsychotic use in this population.
Changes in adult smoking behaviours in ten global adult tobacco survey (GATS) countries during 2008–2018 - a test of ‘hardening’ hypothesis’
Authors: Sreeramareddy Chandrashekhar T , Aye Saint Nway
Published: June 2021

Background

Hardcore smoking behaviours and test of hardening are seldom reported from low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We report country-wise changes in smoking behaviors between two sequential surveys and explored ecologically the relationship between MPOWER scores and smoking behaviors including hardcore smoking.

Methods

We analysed sequential Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data done at least at five years interval in 10 countries namely India, Bangladesh, China, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Vietnam. We estimated weighted prevalence rates of smoking behaviors namely current smoking (both daily and non-daily), prevalence of hardcore smoking (HCS) among current smokers (HCSs%) and entire surveyed population (HCSp%), quit ratios (QR), and the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD). We calculated absolute and relative (%) change in rates between two surveys in each country. Using aggregate data, we correlated relative change in current smoking prevalence with relative change in HCSs% and HCSp% as well as explored the relationship of MPOWER score with relative change in smoking behaviors using Spearman’ rank correlation test.

Results

Overall daily smoking has declined in all ten countries lead by a 23% decline in Russia. In India, Bangladesh, and Philippines HCSs% decreased as the smoking rate decreased while HCSs% increased in Turkey (66%), Vietnam (33%) and Ukraine (15%). In most countries, CPD ranged from 15 to 20 sticks except in Mexico (7.8), and India (10.4) where CPD declined by 18 and 22% respectively. MPOWER scores were moderately correlated with HCSs% in both sexes (r = 0.644, p = 0.044) and HCSp% (r = 0.632, p = 0.05) and among women only HCSs% (r = 0.804, p = 0.005) was significantly correlated with MPOWER score.

Conclusion

With declining smoking prevalence, HCS had also decreased and quit rates improved. Ecologically, a positive linear relationship between changes in smoking and HCS is a possible evidence against ‘hardening’. Continued monitoring of the changes in quitting and hardcore smoking behaviours is required to plan cessation services.
Self-rated health among undocumented and newly regularized migrants in Geneva: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fakhoury Julien , Burton-Jeangros Claudine , Guessous Idris , Consoli Liala , Duvoisin Aline , Jackson Yves
Published: June 2021

Background

In Europe, knowledge about the social determinants of health among undocumented migrants is scarce. The canton of Geneva, Switzerland, implemented in 2017–2018 a pilot public policy aiming at regularizing undocumented migrants. We sought to test for associations between self-rated health, proven eligibility for residence status regularization and social and economic integration.

Methods

This paper reports data from the first wave of the Parchemins Study, a prospective study whose aim is to investigate the effect of residence status regularization on undocumented migrants’ living conditions and health. The convenience sample included undocumented migrants living in Geneva for at least 3 years. We categorized them into those who were in the process of receiving or had just been granted a residence permit (eligible or newly regularized) and those who had not applied or were ineligible for regularization (undocumented). We conducted multivariate regression analyses to determine factors associated with better self-rated health, i.e., with excellent/very good vs. good/fair/poor self-rated health. Among these factors, measures of integration, social support and economic resources were included.

Results

Of the 437 participants, 202 (46%) belonged to the eligible or newly regularized group. This group reported better health more frequently than the undocumented group (44.6% versus 28.9%, p-value < .001), but the association was no longer significant after adjustment for social support and economic factors (odds ratio (OR): 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–1.87). Overall, better health was associated with larger social networks (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.04–2.64). This association remained significant even after adjusting for health-related variables.

Conclusion

At the onset of the regularization program, access to regularization was not associated with better self-rated health. Policies aiming at favouring undocumented migrants’ inclusion and engagement in social networks may promote better health. Future research should investigate long-term effects of residence status regularization on self-rated health.
The patellofemoral morphology and the normal predicted value of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance in the Chinese population
Authors: Li Zhe , Liu Guanzhi , Tian Run , Kong Ning , Li Yue , Li Yiyang , Wang Kunzheng , Yang Pei
Published: June 2021

Background

Our objective was to obtain normal patellofemoral measurements to analyse sex and individual differences. In addition, the absolute values and indices of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distances are still controversial in clinical application. A better method to enable precise prediction is still needed.

Methods

Seventy-eight knees of 78 participants without knee pathologies were included in this cross-sectional study. A CT scan was conducted for all participants and three-dimensional knee models were constructed using Mimics and SolidWorks software. We measured and analysed 19 parameters including the TT-TG distance and dimensions and shapes of the patella, femur, tibia, and trochlea. LASSO regression was used to predict the normal TT-TG distances.

Results

The dimensional parameters, TT-TG distance, and femoral aspect ratio of the men were significantly larger than those of women (all p values < 0.05). However, after controlling for the bias from age, height, and weight, there were no significant differences in TT-TG distances and anterior-posterior dimensions between the sexes (all p values > 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficients between the anterior femoral offset and other indexes were consistently below 0.3, indicating no relationship or a weak relationship. Similar results were observed for the sulcus angle and the Wiberg index. Using LASSO regression, we obtained four parameters to predict the TT-TG distance (R2 = 0.5612, p < 0.01) to achieve the optimal accuracy and convenience.

Conclusions

Normative data of patellofemoral morphology were provided for the Chinese population. The anterior-posterior dimensions of the women were thicker than those of men for the same medial-lateral dimensions. More attention should be paid to not only sex differences but also individual differences, especially the anterior condyle and trochlea. In addition, this study provided a new method to predict TT-TG distances accurately.
Significance of serum and pathological biomarkers in fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yiqin , Zhou Rong , Zhang Xiaobo , Liu Huixin , Shen Danhua , Wang Jianliu
Published: June 2021

Background

This study analyzed the changes of serum and pathological biomarkers during fertility-sparing therapy of endometrial cancer (EC) or endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH), to investigate their implications for early prediction of treatment efficacy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of EC or EAH patients who received fertility-sparing therapy between 2012 and 2016 was performed. Serum and endometrium sampling were obtained for each patient at three time points: at baseline, at 3–6 months' treatment and at the end of conservative treatment. Serum biomarkers including insulin resistance (HbA1c, HOMA-IR), sex hormones and thyroid hormones were measured. Meanwhile expression of endometrial pathological biomarkers including ER, PR, PRB and Ki-67 was also assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

For the 53 recruited patients, overall complete response, recurrence and pregnancy rates were 94%, 26% and 36.4%. During the treatment, the serum biomarkers of HOMA-IR remained stable, while pathological markers including PR, PRB and Ki67 diminished significantly. Patients who achieved remission faster had significant lower HOMA-IR level and higher PRB expression at baseline. We also found a more remarkable down-regulation of PRB related with faster remission. Further multivariate analysis confirmed that baseline HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5 negatively affected treatment time to remission (OR 0.206; p = 0.017). While marked reduction of PRB (≥ 30%) at 3–6 months' treatment correlated with faster remission (OR 5.788; p = 0.010).

Conclusion

For EC and EAH patients who received fertility-sparing therapy, baseline status of insulin resistance predicted poor response to progestin, while marked reduction of PRB following the initial 3–6 months' treatment predicted fast remission.
Global health education for medical students in Italy
Authors: Civitelli Giulia , Tarsitani Gianfranco , Censi Veronica , Rinaldi Alessandro , Marceca Maurizio
Published: June 2021

Background

Global health education (GHE) in Italy has spread since the first decade of 21st century. The presence of global health (GH) courses in Italy was monitored from 2007 to 2013. In 2019, a new survey was proposed to assess the availability of educational opportunities in Italian medical schools.

Methods

An online survey was carried out using a questionnaire administered to a network of interested individuals with different roles in the academic world: students, professors, and members of the Italian Network for Global Health Education. The features of courses were analysed through a score.

Results

A total of 61 responses were received from affiliates of 33 out of the 44 medical schools in Italy. The national mean of GH courses for each faculty was 1.2, reflecting an increase from 2007. The courses increased nationwide, resulting in a dispersed GHE presence in northern, central and southern Italy. One of the most critical points was related to the nature of “elective” courses, which were not mandatory in the curricula. Enrollees tended to be students genuinely interested in GH issues. Some community and service-learning experiences, referred to as GH gyms, were also detected at national and international levels.

Conclusions

GHE has spreading in Italy in line with the vision of the Italian Network for Global Health Education. Although progress has been made to disperse GH courses around the country, more academic commitment is needed to include GH in the mandatory curricula of medical schools and other health faculties.
The Elderly Nursing Core Set and the cognition of Portuguese older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fonseca César , de Pinho Lara Guedes , Lopes Manuel José , Marques Maria do Céu , Garcia-Alonso José
Published: June 2021

Background

The aging population and its associated health needs require specific nursing care. The aim of this study was to draw an epidemiological profile of Portuguese elderly adults attending in residential homes and day centers and to evaluate the association between the functioning and cognition of these older adults and their sociodemographic characteristics and presence of multimorbidity.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 613 older adults. Functioning was assessed using the Elderly Nursing Core Set, and cognition was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed.

Results

The mean age was 85.73 years; the majority of the participants were female (69.3 %), widowed (67.0 %) and over 85 years old (60.4 %). A total of 68.2 % of the sample presented multimorbidity. A total of 54.5 % had cognitive impairment, and the average functional profile was classified as “moderate difficulty”. Institutionalized older adults had more diseases than those who attended the day center. Women, those who were illiterate, those who were institutionalized and older adults who had diseases of the nervous system had a worse functional profile and greater cognitive impairment. Those with multimorbidity had a worse functional profile, and those without a spouse had greater cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Given the functional and cognitive profile of older adults, it is necessary to adopt care practices focused on the rehabilitation/maintenance of self-care and affective relationships. This care must be provided by highly qualified professionals. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the ratio of nurses per older adult in these institutions.
Improved Plasmodium falciparum dilution cloning through efficient quantification of parasite numbers and c-SNARF detection
Authors: Macedo-Silva Tatiane , Desai Sanjay A. , Wunderlich Gerhard
Published: June 2021

Background

Molecular and genetic studies of blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites require limiting dilution cloning and prolonged cultivation in microplates. The entire process is laborious and subject to errors due to inaccurate dilutions at the onset and failed detection of parasite growth in individual microplate wells.

Methods

To precisely control the number of parasites dispensed into each microplate well, parasitaemia and total cell counts were determined by flow cytometry using parasite cultures stained with ethidium bromide or SYBR Green I. Microplates were seeded with 0.2 or 0.3 infected cells/well and cultivated with fresh erythrocytes. The c-SNARF fluorescent pH indicator was then used to reliably detect parasite growth.

Results

Flow cytometry required less time than the traditional approach of estimating parasitaemia and cell numbers by microscopic examination. The resulting dilutions matched predictions from Poisson distribution calculations and yielded clonal lines. Addition of c-SNARF to media permitted rapid detection of parasite growth in microplate wells with high confidence.

Conclusion

The combined use of flow cytometry for precise dilution and the c-SNARF method for detection of growth improves limiting dilution cloning of P. falciparum. This simple approach saves time, is scalable, and maximizes identification of desired parasite clones. It will facilitate DNA transfection studies and isolation of parasite clones from ex vivo blood samples.
Clinicopathological study of hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma and undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver: a single center study from Iran
Authors: Habibzadeh Parham , Ansari Asl Mohaddese , Foroutan Hamid Reza , Bahador Ali , Anbardar Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2021

Background

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of liver (UESL) and hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma (HMH) are two rare entities which mainly affect the pediatric population. The aim of this investigation was to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients diagnosed with these two conditions in a tertiary referral center in Iran.

Methods

In this retrospective study patients diagnosed with UESL or HMH between 2012 and 2020 were studied. A comprehensive histopathologic evaluation of the cases along with immunohistochemistry evaluation using a panel of antibodies was conducted. Furthermore, clinical, paraclinical, and treatment data and follow up information was collected.

Results

A total of 16 patients (8 UESL, 8 HMH) were studied in this investigation. Patients with UESL had a significantly (p = 0.002) higher age at diagnosis compared with those with HMH. Histologically, UESL cases were characterized by anaplastic cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and bizarre nuclei and frequent atypical mitosis and spindling in a myxoid stroma while disordered arrangement of hepatic parenchyma, bile ducts, and primitive mesenchyme was seen in HMH. Furthermore, small round cells and extramedullary hematopoiesis were seen in 2 UESL and 3 HMH cases, respectively. Concurrent HMH was also seen in two UESL cases. Immunohistochemistry panel showed positive staining for Vimentin, Glypican-3, Desmin, CD56, CD10, and BCL2 in UESL cases and immunoreactivity for Vimentin, HepPar 1, Glypican-3, SMA, CD56, BCL2, and CD34 in various components of HMH.

Conclusions

In this study, the clinicopathologic features of UESL and HMH cases are presented. We also evaluated the utility of an immunohistochemistry panel in the diagnosis of these two rare entities and suggested novel markers. Our study corroborated the findings of previous investigations and expanded the clinicopathologic features of these two rare entities with diagnostic and potential therapeutic implications.
LncRNA CARMN overexpression promotes prognosis and chemosensitivity of triple negative breast cancer via acting as miR143-3p host gene and inhibiting DNA replication
Authors: Sheng Xiaonan , Dai Huijuan , Du Yueyao , Peng Jing , Sha Rui , Yang Fan , Zhou Liheng , Lin Yanping , Xu Shuguang , Wu Yifan , Yin Wenjin , Lu Jinsong
Published: June 2021

Background

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment target. Here we screened differentially expressed lncRNAs through bioinformatics analysis and identified CARMN as a downregulated lncRNA which is lowest expressed in TNBC. We aimed to identify the potential role and molecular mechanisms of CARMN in TNBC.

Methods

Predictive value of CARMN was explored in breast cancer cohorts. TNBC cell lines with CARMN overexpression or CARMN silence and were used for in vitro and in vivo experiments. RNA-seq of CARMN overexpressed cells was performed for exploring downstream of CARMN.

Results

CARMN is downregulated at different phase of malignant transformation of breast tissue. CARMN can predict both better prognosis and higher response rate of cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. A nomogram is built to predict cisplatin-based chemotherapy response in breast cancer. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we confirmed CARMN can also inhibit tumorigenesis and enhance sensitivity to cisplatin in TNBC cells. RNA-seq and further experiments revealed CARMN can inhibit DNA replication. MCM5, an important DNA replication initiation factor, is the most downregulated gene in DNA replication pathway following CARMN overexpression. We confirmed CARMN can produce miR143-3p from its exon5 which is DROSHA and DICER dependent, resulting binding and decrease of MCM5. Moreover, suppressing miR143-3p can weaken function of CARMN in suppressing tumorigenesis and promoting chemosensitivity.

Conclusions

Our results indicated lncRNA CARMN is a predictive biomarker of better prognosis and enhanced cisplatin sensitivity in TNBC. CARMN is the host gene of miR143-3p which downregulates MCM5, causing inhibited DNA replication.