bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gun Regulation Exceptionalism and Adolescent Violence: A Comparison to
Tobacco
Authors: Camp Catherine
Published: January 2021

This article compares the landscape of tobacco regulations to the
landscape of gun regulations, with a focus on regulations that target youth.
This article argues that guns are significantly less regulated compared to
tobacco, despite the frequency with which each product causes significant
harm to both self and other.

Many of the specific ways tobacco is regulated can be applied
analogously to firearms while plausibly surviving potential Second Amendment
challenges. This article compares the regulatory landscape of tobacco and
firearms across six categories: (a) minimum age for purchase, (b) sale by
unlicensed individuals, (c) taxation, (d) advertising, (e) graphic warning
labels, and (f) zoning.

At one time, tobacco was as central — or more so — to American culture
as guns are today. However, many decades of public health advocacy led to
historic tobacco regulations. Tobacco's regulatory history provides a
valuable blueprint for gun regulation, despite Constitutional
differences.
The Walmart Effect: Testing Private Interventions to Reduce Gun
Suicide
Authors: Ayres Ian , Shelley Zachary , Vars Fredrick E.
Published: January 2021

This article tests the impact of Walmart's corporate decisions to end
the sale of handguns at its stores in 1994 and to discontinue the sale of
all firearms at approximately 59% of its stores in 2006 before resuming
firearms sales at some of those stores in 2011. Using a
difference-in-differences framework, we find that that from 1994 to 2005
counties with Walmarts robustly experienced a reduction in the suicide rate
and experienced no change in the homicide rate. These models suggest that
Walmart's policy change caused a 3.3 to 7.5% reduction in the suicide rate
within affected counties, which represents an estimated 5,104 to 11,970
lives saved over the studied period (425-998 per year). In contrast,
Walmart's 2006 and 2011 decisions to discontinue and subsequently resume the
sale of rifles and shotguns in many of its stores was not associated with a
robustly measured effect on homicide or suicide rates. We do find evidence
that Walmart's 2006 decision to reduce the number of its stores that sold
firearms caused a statistically significant reduction in the suicide rate
for counties in which Walmart did not subsequently resume firearms
sales.
True Threats, Self-Defense, and the Second Amendment
Authors: Blocher Joseph , Vaseghi Bardia
Published: January 2021

Does the Second Amendment protect those who threaten others by
negligently or recklessly wielding firearms? What line separates
constitutionally legitimate gun displays from threatening activities that
can be legally proscribed? This article finds guidance in the First
Amendment doctrine of true threats, which permits punishment of “statements
where the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of an intent to
commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of
individual.” The Second Amendment, like the First, should not be read to
protect those who threaten unlawful violence. And to the degree that the
constitution requires a culpable mental state (mens rea) in such
circumstances, the appropriate standard should be recklessness.
A Double-Filter Provision for Expanded Red Flag Laws: A Proposal for Balancing Rights and Risks in Preventing Gun Violence
Authors: Delaney Gabriel A. , Charles Jacob D.
Published: January 2021

In response to the continued expansion of “red flag” laws allowing broader classes of people to petition a court for the removal of firearms from individuals who exhibit dangerous conduct, this paper argues that state laws should adopt a double-filter provision that balances individual rights and government public safety interests. The main component of such a provision is a special statutory category — “reporting party” — that enables a broader social network, such as co-workers or school administrators, to request that a law enforcement officer file a petition for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). A double-filter provision would not give reporting parties a right to file a court petition directly. Instead, parties would file a request for petition with law enforcement officers (first filter), who must seek an ERPO from the court if they find the reporting party's information credible. That information is then transmitted to the court (second filter) as a sworn affidavit of the reporting party. The goal is to facilitate a balanced policy model that (1) widens the reporting circle in order to feed more potentially life-saving information into the system, (2) mitigates the risk of erroneous deprivation of constitutionally protected due process and Second Amendment rights.
Rethinking the Medicalization of Violence: The Risks of a Behavioral
Addiction Model
Authors: Feuille Catherine
Published: January 2021

This commentary responds to and problematizes Kimmel and Rowe's approach
in “A Behavioral Addiction Model of Revenge, Violence, and Gun Abuse.” By
advancing an addiction model of retaliatory violence, Kimmel and Rowe
medicalize behavior that is better understood as a social problem rooted in
structural inequality. Reframing violence in terms of individual pathology
abstracts it from social context and risks obscuring the need for structural
change. For poor urban communities of color, who are disproportionately
impacted by gun violence, medicalizing violent behavior may fuel further
marginalization and oppression.
Nimotuzumab, an Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody, in the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liang Renba , Yang Liu , Zhu Xiaodong
Published: January 2021

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in most of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) samples and is associated with poor outcomes. Therefore, targeting EGFR may be a promising strategy to improve patient prognosis. Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that combination nimotuzumab and induction chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or concurrent chemoradiotherapy confer benefits for patients with NPC. Moreover, the side effects of such regimes are tolerable. In this review, we focus on the current data of nimotuzumab in clinical trials in the treatment of NPC.
Virtual Versus Concrete: A Comparison of Mathematics Manipulatives for Three Elementary Students With Autism
Authors: Shurr Jordan , Bouck Emily C. , Bassette Laura , Park Jiyoon
Published: January 2021

Basic mathematic skills at the early age are foundational for later learning. Many students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle in academic learning without sufficient support. Research in the area of concrete manipulatives—tangible representations of abstract concepts—has been found effective. In addition, promising research has emerged in the area of virtual manipulatives—virtual representations of abstract concepts—as tools to support mathematics skill acquisition. Using a multiple baseline across participants with an embedded alternating treatment design, this study presents a replication of previous research comparing the effects of concrete and virtual manipulatives in the acquisition of double-digit addition and word problem-solving abilities of three elementary students with ASD. Findings indicate that while both interventions produce better outcomes than baseline, the virtual manipulative condition appear to be more supportive than concrete manipulatives.
Effect of the topology on the mechanical properties of porous iron immersed in body fluids
Authors: Salama MC , Rechena D , Reis L , Deus AM , Santos C , Carmezim MJ , Vaz MF
Published: January 2021

A new generation of biodegradable metal alloys with a porous structure has been receiving growing attention as temporary bone scaffolds for tissue regeneration. The mechanical response of the scaffolds depends upon several factors including the properties of the metal itself, the amount of porosity, the geometrical topology and the immersion conditions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degradation behaviour and the mechanical properties of porous iron samples with porosities in the range of 20–30%. Besides the amount of porosity, the effect of topology was evaluated with the study of different arrangement of pores, as well as pore shapes. The specimens were subjected to chemical degradation by immersion of the iron samples in body fluid simulation conditions. The mechanical properties of the samples prior and after the degradation process were assessed by three-point bending tests. Numerical simulations were carried out and the results were compared with the experimental results. The degradation operated by body fluids tends to reduce the mechanical properties. In comparison with the compact structures, porous structures exhibit lower mechanical strength, but still with reasonable values for the use in temporary implants, which also allows reducing the stress shielding effect, keeping the biodegradable advantages. The present work also confirms that the topological design has a strong influence on the mechanical properties of the specimens and on the biodegradation behaviour.
Transcending borders in higher education: Internationalisation policies in Sweden
Authors: Alexiadou Nafsika , Rönnberg Linda
Published: January 2021

This article examines the national and European policy contexts that shaped the Swedish internationalisation agenda in higher education since 2000, the policy ideas that were mobilised to promote it, and the national priorities that steered higher education debates. The analysis highlights how domestic and European policy priorities, as well as discourses around increasing global economic reach and building solidarity across the world, have produced an internationalisation strategy that is distinctly ‘national’. Drawing on the analysis of the most recent internationalisation strategies we argue that the particular Swedish approach to internationalisation has its ideational foundations in viewing higher education as a political instrument to promote social mobility and justice, as well as a means to develop economic competitiveness and employability capacity. In addition, internationalisation has been used to legitimise national reform goals, but also as a policy objective on its own with the ambition to position Sweden as a competitive knowledge nation in a global context.
The Implementation of an Interpersonal Violence Screening Program in Primary Care Settings: Lessons Learned
Authors: Thompson Erika L. , Fulda Kimberly G. , Grace Jessica , Galvin Annalynn M. , Spence Emily E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Interpersonal violence (IPV) is a public health issue that disproportionately affects women. IPV screening improves likelihood of survivor disclosure and access to additional support. To enhance primary care IPV screening, Technology Enhanced Screening and Supportive Assistance (TESSA) uses integrated technological systems to deliver bidirectional, evidence-informed health navigation, health management, and safety interventions. This study evaluates TESSA implementation in primary care clinics using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Method

CFIR is a metatheoretical framework used for evaluating clinical intervention implementation. Salient constructs within CFIR’s five domains (intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of individuals, and process) were identified (23 constructs), and pertinent implementation details were examined.

Results

Key lessons learned included intervention characteristic constructs like intervention source (e.g., selecting tablets that can screen for items integral to the program’s aims) and adaptability (e.g., ensuring tablets worked with electronic medical records for each clinic), process constructs like engaging champions (e.g., garnering buy-in from key clinic stakeholders and staff), outer setting constructs like patient needs and resources (e.g., addressing pertinent patient resource needs) and external policies and incentives (e.g., incentivizing clinics by addressing clinic needs), and inner setting constructs like leadership engagement (e.g., ensuring buy-in from organizational leaders as leadership changed frequently).

Conclusions

CFIR identifies important implementation factors for programs like TESSA that screen for high-risk populations and implement in primary care settings. The TESSA program implementation permits increased IPV screening among primary health care populations, thus promoting access to resources for otherwise hard-to-reach populations.
Developing Statewide Violence Prevention Programs in Health Care: An Exemplar From Massachusetts
Authors: Noga Patricia M. , Dermenchyan Anna , Grant Susan M. , Dowdell Elizabeth B.
Published: January 2021

Workplace violence is on the rise in health care. This problem contributes to medical errors, ineffective delivery of care, conflict and stress among health professionals, and demoralizing and unsafe work conditions. There is no specific federal statute that requires workplace violence protections, but several states have enacted legislation or regulations to protect health care workers. To address this problem in their state, the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association developed an action plan to increase communication, policy development, and strategic protocols to decrease workplace violence. The purpose of this article is to report on the quality and safety improvement work that has been done statewide by the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association and to provide a roadmap for other organizations and systems at the local, regional, or state level to replicate the improvement process.
From Urban Renewal to the BeltLine: Atlanta’s Use of Public Health Narratives to Reshape the City
Authors: OConnell L. Katie , Botchwey Nisha
Published: January 2021

Since the early days of the planning profession, city agencies relied on a public health crisis narrative as a rationale for mass displacement efforts that targeted black communities. Over time, as cities gentrified with white, middle-class residents, the narrative shifted toward the city as a place of health. This article compares Atlanta’s redevelopment narratives from urban renewal to its current citywide greenway project, the BeltLine, to understand how city officials utilized public health language to rationalize displacement and how the narratives ran counter to residents’ lived experience.
Anatomically Complete Supraclavicular Reoperation for Recurrent Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics, Operative Findings, and Long-term Outcomes
Authors: Jammeh Momodou L. , Ohman J. Westley , Vemuri Chandu , Abuirqeba Ahmmad A. , Thompson Robert W.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The clinical outcomes of reoperations for recurrent neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) remain undefined.

Methods:

From 2009 to 2019, 90 patients with recurrent NTOS underwent anatomically complete supraclavicular reoperation after previous operation(s) performed at other institutions using either supraclavicular (Prev-SC = 48), transaxillary (Prev-TA = 31), or multiple/combination (Prev-MC = 11) approaches. Prospectively maintained data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

The mean patient age was 39.9 ± 1.4 years, 72% were female, and the mean interval after previous operation was 4.1 ± 0.6 years. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score was 62 ± 2, reflecting substantial preoperative disability. Residual scalene muscle was present in 100% Prev-TA, 79% Prev-SC, and 55% Prev-MC ( P < .05). Retained/residual first rib was present in 90% Prev-TA, 75% Prev-SC, and 55% Prev-MC ( P < .05). There were no differences in operative time (overall 210 ± 5 minutes), length of hospital stay (4.7 ± 0.2 days), or 30-day readmissions (7%). During follow-up of 5.6 ± 0.3 years, the improvement in QuickDASH scores was 21 ± 2 (36% ± 3%) ( P < .01) and patient-rated outcomes were excellent in 10%, good in 36%, fair in 43%, and poor in 11%.

Conclusions:

Anatomically complete decompression for recurrent NTOS can be safely and effectively accomplished by supraclavicular reoperation, regardless of the type of previous operation. Residual scalene muscle and retained/residual first rib are more frequently encountered after transaxillary operations than after supraclavicular or multiple/combined operations. Supraclavicular reoperation can achieve significant symptom reduction and functional improvement for approximately 90% of patients with recurrent NTOS.
Using Porter’s Diamond Model to Assess the Competitiveness of Taiwan’s Solar Photovoltaic Industry
Authors: Tsai Pei-Hsuan , Chen Chih-Jou , Yang Ho-Chin
Published: January 2021

In this study, we use six dimensions (i.e., firm strategy; government, structure, and rivalry; demand conditions; chance; factor conditions; and related/supporting industries) based on Porter’s diamond model to identify critical development indicators to enhance the competitiveness of Taiwan’s solar photovoltaic industry. Our proposed industry evaluation model uses the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique to establish an influential relationship between indicators, the DEMATEL-based analytic network process to obtain influential weights, and the modified VIšekriterijumsko Kompromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) method to assess industry development performance gaps. Through this analysis, current industry demands can be clarified, and operations of governments and photovoltaic firms can be improved by limiting developmental gaps and formulating robust policies and strategies. Furthermore, the influential network relationship map and influential weights can help explain the complex assessment system and suggest priorities for industry improvement. The results demonstrate that the six dimensions should be upgraded in the following order of priority: firm strategy; government, structure, and rivalry; demand conditions; chance; factor conditions; and related/supporting industries. We also discuss the implications for photovoltaic firm management.
Psychometric Properties of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form in an Undergraduate Sample of South African University Students
Authors: Venema Heleen , Spies Ruan , De Beer Leon T.
Published: January 2021

Assessments are regularly used among clinicians within psychology, yet many are deemed too time-consuming and expensive. The Personality Inventory for— Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5)—Brief Form (PID-5-BF) was developed to measure maladaptive personality traits ( negative affect, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism), based on the “hybrid model” for personality disorders included in DSM- 5 Section III. Literature indicates that reliability and validity for the PID-5-BF has been established in other countries. We explored these psychometric properties within a South African population using the NEO Personality Inventory Revised and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview’s (MINI) Subscale K: psychotic disorders and mood disorder with psychotic features, as measures for comparison. Our results indicated support for the PID-5-BF with sufficient reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity. More research is needed on the PID-5-BF, especially in South Africa, but our findings indicate it to be a promising assessment tool that could greatly benefit clinicians in the mental health sector.
Staff Capacity Building and Accountability in Transition Services
Authors: Crane Kelli , Gramlich Meredith , Luecking Richard G. , Gold Paul B. , Morris Taylor
Published: January 2021

Transition services, particularly those that feature work-based learning experiences, often require designated staff to spend the majority of their time in the field. They also require that staff have the skills and supports to properly and effectively deliver these services. Training and monitoring these staff is critically important to ensure youth with disabilities experience strong employment outcomes. Maryland PROMISE was a statewide experimental, multicomponent, and community-based transition project that served 997 youth receiving Supplemental Security Income and their families. To ensure that staff effectively delivered services, Maryland PROMISE provided carefully designed professional development activities that included training, field-based coaching, and performance monitoring. This article reports on the Maryland PROMISE capacity building activities for project staff, provides data on the results of that process, and offers implications for the effective delivery of community-based transition services.
Audience Responses to Media Portrayals of Professional Athletes and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Lewis Nicky , Scarduzio Jennifer A. , Walker Christina S. , Limperos Anthony M.
Published: January 2021

This study examines audience responses to media portrayals of athlete-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV). Participants ( N = 569) were randomly assigned to view one of ten video news stories involving an incident of athlete-perpetrated IPV. They reported their perceptions of news story severity, perpetrator responsibility, and victim credibility post-viewing. In general, stories featuring White perpetrators were rated as more severe than stories featuring Black perpetrators. For moderately violent stories, victims of White and Latino athletes were rated as more credible than victims of Black athletes. Implications for a better understanding of athlete-perpetrated IPV and social outcomes are discussed.
Factors Affecting Slip Reduction in Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Posterior Fixation for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Chung Nam-Su , Lee Han-Dong , Jeon Chang-Hoon , Jeong Seungmin
Published: January 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective case series

Objectives:

Reduction of translational/angular slip is a favorable radiological result in spinal fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis, although its clinical significance remains controversial. Few studies have investigated slip reduction and associated factors in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) for degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Methods:

This study involved a retrospective analysis of 56 operated levels of 52 consecutive patients who underwent OLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis and had more than 1-year of regular follow-up. Translational/angular slip, anterior/posterior disc height, and spinopelvic parameters were measured preoperatively, postoperatively at 6-weeks, and at the last follow-up. Demographic, radiological, and surgical parameters were analyzed to determine factors associated with the amount of slip reduction.

Result:

The mean follow-up duration was 30.4 ± 12.9 months (range, 12 to 61). The mean decrease in translational slip was 5.7 ± 2.1 mm (13.6 ± 5.5%) and the mean increase in angular slip was 7.9 ± 7.1° at the last follow-up (both P < 0.001). The amount of slip reduction was greater in female sex, age < 65 years, use of a 12° cage, cage position from the anterior disc margin of < 7 mm, and cases with posterior decompression (laminectomy with inferior facetectomy).

Conclusions:

OLIF showed satisfactory translational/angular slip reduction in degenerative spondylolisthesis. Surgical techniques for optimal reduction include the use of a large angle cage, anterior cage placement, and resection of the inferior facet.
The “Golden Hours” Algorithm For the Management of the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
Authors: Mahmoud Sanaa , Fouda Eman M , Kotby Alyaa , Ibrahim Hanan M , Gamal Mervat , el Gendy Yasmin G , Zaky Eman Ahmed , Amr Nermine H , El-Ghoneimy Dalia H , Alsharkawy Asmaa AA , Omar Ashraf , El-Meteini Mahmoud , Elhodhod Mostafa
Published: January 2021

The global concern of increasing number of children presenting with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has escalated the need for a case-oriented clinical approach that provides timely diagnosis and management. The aim of this study is to share our experience in managing 64 MIS-C patients of North African ethnicity guided by a risk-based algorithm. Sixty-four patients met the inclusion criteria, 19 (30%) patients were categorized as mild and moderate risk groups and cared for in an isolation ward and 45 patients who belonged to the high-risk group (70%) were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Positive laboratory evidence of COVID-19 was found in 62 patients. Fever and dysfunction in 2 or more organs were confirmed in all cases (100%). Fifty patients (78%) presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, meanwhile only 10 patients (16%) had respiratory manifestations. Cardiac involvement was reported in 55 (86%) cases; hypotension and shock were found in 45 patients (70%) therein circulatory support and mechanical ventilations were needed for 45 and 13 patients respectively. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) were used for all cases and methylprednisolone was used in 60 patients (94%). Fifty-eight (91%) patients were discharged home after an average of 9 days of hospitalization. The mortality rate was 9% (6 patients). Conclusion. A single Egyptian center experience in the management of MIS-C patients guided by a proposed bed side algorithm is described. The algorithm proved to be a helpful tool for first-line responders, and helped initiate early treatment with IVIG.
Neonatal Birthmarks at the 4 Central Hospitals in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Authors: Sanaphay Vilounna , Sengchanh Sourideth , Phengsavanh Alongkone , Sanaphay Anousavanh , Techasatian Leelawadee
Published: January 2021

Newborn skin disorders are quite common and happen to occur during the neonatal period. Most of the birthmarks are transient; however, worried parents often seek medical advice from their child’s physician regarding skin lesions. Thus, it is important to differentiate the skin lesions from pathologic ones to avoid unnecessary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. This is the first published study in Lao neonates that carried out the data from 4 central hospitals in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR from September 2019 to February 2020. Among 500 neonates, Sebaceous gland hyperplasia (53%), Mongolian patches (46.6%), and Erythema toxicum neonatorum (30%) were the 3 most common cutaneous conditions found in the Lao newborns. From a clinical point of view, these findings are often a source of parental anxiety and medical concern for inexperienced clinicians.
Characterization, thermal behaviour and firing properties of clay materials from Cap Bon Basin, north-east Tunisia, for ceramic applications
Authors: Chalouati Youssef , Bennour Ali , Mannai Faouzi , Srasra Ezzedine
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on the characterization, thermal behaviour and firing properties of clays from Cap Bon Basin, Tunisia. Chemical (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy) and mineralogical (X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy) characterization of the clays was carried out. Physical properties were identified using particle-size distribution and Atterberg limits tests. Differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry, dilatometry, XRD and FTIR analyses were conducted to assess the thermal behaviour, transformations and crystalline phase development during firing. The clays studied show large proportions of silt and clay fractions. They are rich in SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 and mostly consist of illite, kaolinite, smectite and minor mixed-layer illite-smectite. Associated minerals are mainly quartz, calcite and feldspar. To monitor the firing properties, three clay mixtures referred to as M1, M2 and M3 were prepared according to the physicochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the raw clays. These were sintered at 900°C, 1000°C and 1100°C and tested for firing shrinkage, flexural strength and water absorption. As a result, various mineralogical transformations occurred at 900–1100°C associated with the crystallization of new phases. The main transformations identified at >1000°C resulted in the formation of anorthite and mullite, causing significant densification of the fired ceramic materials. Sintering at 1100°C increased the densification and thus improved the flexural strength. At this temperature, the sintered ceramic tiles exhibited excellent properties, namely water absorption of 2–3% and flexural strength of 30–41 MPa, indicating that these studied clays might be used as raw materials for the production of stoneware tile ceramics.
Intake ofn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in childhood,FADSgenotype and incident asthma
Authors: Talaei Mohammad , Sdona Emmanouela , Calder Philip C. , Jones Louise R. , Emmett Pauline M. , Granell Raquel , Bergström Anna , Melén Erik , Shaheen Seif O.
Published: January 2021

Longitudinal evidence on the relation between dietary intake ofn-3 (ω-3) very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids,i.e.eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in mid-childhood and asthma risk is scarce. We aimed to investigate whether a higher intake of EPA and DHA from fish in childhood is associated with a lower risk of incident asthma.

In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, dietary intakes of EPA and DHA from fish were estimated by food frequency questionnaire at 7 years of age. We used logistic regression, controlling for confounders, to analyse associations between intake of EPA and DHA (quartiles) and incidence of doctor-diagnosed asthma at age 11 or 14 years, and explored potential effect modification by a fatty acid desaturase (FADS) polymorphism (rs1535). Replication was sought in the Swedish BAMSE birth cohort.

There was no evidence of association between intake of EPA plus DHA from fish and incident asthma overall (n=4543). However, when stratified byFADSgenotype, the odds ratio comparing the topversusbottom quartile among the 2025 minor G allele carriers was 0.49 (95% CI 0.31–0.79; ptrend=0.006), but no inverse association was observed in the homozygous major A allele group (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.83–2.46; ptrend=0.19) (pinteraction=0.006). This gene–nutrient interaction on incident asthma was replicated in BAMSE.

In children with a commonFADSvariant, higher intake of EPA and DHA from fish in childhood was strongly associated with a lower risk of incident asthma up to mid-adolescence.
Higher genome variability within metabolism genes associates with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Kulecka Maria , Waker Edyta , Ambrozkiewicz Filip , Paziewska Agnieszka , Skubisz Karolina , Cybula Patrycja , Targoński Łukasz , Mikula Michał , Walewski Jan , Ostrowski Jerzy
Published: January 2021

Background

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)is a major source of healthcare-associated infection with a high risk of recurrence, attributable to many factors such as usage of antibiotics, older age and immunocompromised status of the patients.C. difficilehas also a highly diverse genome, which may contribute to its high virulence. Herein we examined whether the genome conservation, measured as non-synonymous to synonymous mutations ratio (dN/dS) in core genes, presence of single genes, plasmids and prophages increased the risk of reinfection in a subset of 134C. difficileisolates from our previous study in a singly hemato-oncology ward.

Methods

C. difficileisolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on Ion Torrent PGM sequencer. Genomes were assembled with MIRA5 and annotated with prokka and VRprofile. Logistic regression was used to asses the relationship between single gene presence and the odds of infection recurrence. DN/dS ratios were computed with codeml. Functional annotation was conducted with eggNOG-Mapper.

Results

We have found that the presence of certain genes, associated with carbon metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, increased the odds of infection recurrence. More core genes were under positive selective pressure in recurrent disease isolates – they were mostly associated with the metabolism of aminoacids. Finally, prophage elements were more prevalent in single infection isolates and plasmids did not influence the odds of recurrence.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest higher genetic plasticity in isolates causing recurrent infection, associated mainly with metabolism. On the other hand, the presence of prophages seems to reduce the isolates’ virulence.
Men perspectives on attending antenatal care visits with their pregnant partners in Misungwi district, rural Tanzania: a qualitative study
Authors: Boniphace Maendeleo , Matovelo Dismas , Laisser Rose , Swai Hadija , Yohani Victoria , Tinka Sylvia , Mwaikasu Lusako , Mercader Hannah , Brenner Jennifer L. , Mitchell Jennifer
Published: January 2021

Background

Mens’attendance with their pregnant partners at facility-based antenatal care (ANC) visits is important for maternal and child health and gender equality yet remains uncommon in parts of rural Tanzania. This study examined men’s perspectives on attending ANC with their pregnant partners in Misungwi District, Tanzania.

Methods

Twelve individual interviews and five focus group discussions were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires with fathers, expectant fathers, and in-depth interviews were done to health providers, volunteer community health workers, and village leaders. Interviews were recorded and transcribed in Swahili and later translated to English. The research team conducted thematic analysis to identify common themes among interviews.

Results

We identified two broad themes on the barriers to male attendance at facility-based ANC visits: (1) Perceived exclusion during ANC visits among men (2) Traditional gender norms resulting to low attendance among men.

Conclusion

Attendance at health facility for ANC visits by men with their pregnant partners in the study areas were challenged by structural and local cultural norms. At the facility men were uncomfortable to sit with women due to lack of specific waiting area for men and that they perceived to be neglected. Local cultural norms demanded women to have secrecy in pregnancy while men perceived not to have a role of being with their partners during ANC visits.
Identifying the determinants and associated factors of mortality under age five in Ethiopia
Authors: Yohannis Hunachew Kibret , Fetene Moges Zerihun , Gebresilassie Habtamu Gebremariam
Published: January 2021

Background

Mortality rate under the age of five is the proportion of deaths of children below the age of 5 years out of 1000 live births. It is related with the living standard of a population, and it is taken as one of the health and socioeconomic status deterioration index. Mortality rate under the age of five also indicates a poor quality life standards of a population. It is very significantly high in Sub-Saharan African countries. Ethiopia is one of these Sub-Saharan African countries where mortality rate under the age five is high. This research work aims to identify the determinants and associated factors of under-five mortality in Ethiopia.

Methods

The data for this paper were gathered from the EDHS 2016, collected by CSA. In this study, count family models such as Poisson, negative binomial, zero-inflated Poisson and zero-inflated negative binomial regression were applied for analyzing the data. Each of these count models were compared with different statistical tests like log-likelihood ratio test, Akaike information criteria, mean absolute difference, Vuong test and observed versus predicted probability plot.

Results

The study revealed that as mothers’ age at first birth increased by one unit, the average number of under-five mortality rate decreased by 2.69%. In the same way the number of under-five mortality of Afar, Benishangul Gumuz and Dire Dawa were 1.3446, 1.6429 and 1.3320 times more likely to Tigray respectively. The risk of under-five mortality for primary and secondary education level of the mother was 28.31 and 40.96% less likely than to mothers who have no education respectively.

Conclusion

From the result we found that, there were overabundance zeros and broad heterogeneity in the non-zero outcomes. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was found to best fit the data, and from the regression model, age of mothers at first birth, mother’s education level, place of residence and region were statistically significant factors of under-five mortality per mother.
Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis presenting with isolated facial edema complicated by acute respiratory failure: a case report
Authors: Lim Doo-Ho , So Min Wook , Kim Yeon Mee , Ryu Ji Hwa , Lee Jae Ha , Park Chan Sun , Kim Seong-Ho , Lee Sunggun
Published: January 2021

Background

In clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis, the hallmark cutaneous manifestations are the key to diagnosis. We report a case of clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis which presented with facial edema as the sole cutaneous manifestation and was later complicated by acute respiratory failure leading to death.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old woman presented with edema of the face that had developed approximately one year ago. There was no weakness in the extremities, and the serum creatine kinase level was within normal range. On MRI, there was diffuse edematous change in the bilateral masticator and extra-ocular muscles, accompanied by subcutaneous fat infiltration in the face. A shared decision was made to defer muscle biopsy in the facial muscles. The facial swelling almost resolved with medium-dose glucocorticoid therapy but relapsed in days at glucocorticoid doses lower than 15 mg/day. Combination therapy with either azathioprine, mycophenolate, or methotrexate was not successful in maintaining clinical remission, and the swelling became more severe after relapses. A US-guided core-needle biopsy was subsequently performed in the right masseter muscle. On pathologic examination, there was a patchy CD4 + T cell-dominant lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the stroma, necrosis of the myofibrils and prominent perifascicular atrophy. Based on those findings, a diagnosis of clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis was made. Therapy with gamma-globulin was not effective in maintaining remission. In the sixth week after starting rituximab, she presented to emergency room with altered mental state from acute respiratory failure. Despite treatment with antibiotics, glucocorticoid pulse, cyclosporin, and polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion, she died three weeks later from persistent hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Conclusions

This case showed the full spectrum and severity of internal organ involvement of dermatomyositis, although the patient presented exclusively with subcutaneous edema limited to the head. The prognosis may be more closely associated with a specific auto-antibody profile than the benign-looking initial clinical manifestation. Close follow-up of lung involvement with prophylactic treatment for Pneumocystis pneumonia and prompt implementation of emerging therapeutic regimens may improve the outcome.
Changes in the regional homogeneity of resting-state magnetic resonance imaging in perimenopausal women
Authors: Liu Min , Yang Hui , Qin Jian , Yao Qianqian , Yang Guihua , Li Jiang
Published: January 2021

Background

There is a noticeable lack of systematic researches on evaluating the correlation between serum estrogen levels and changes in brain functional areas of perimenopausal women.The aim of this study is to investigate the regional spontaneous brain activity changes in perimenopausal women.

Methods

Based on the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging datasets acquired from 25 perimenopausal women and 20 healthy women of reproductive age, a two-sample t-test was performed on individual normalized regional homogeneity (ReHo) maps. Relationships between abnormal ReHo values and the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the self-rating depression scale (SDS) were investigated with Pearson correlation analysis. We also investigated the correlation between abnormal ReHo values and serum estrogen level.

Results

In the perimenopausal group, we found increased ReHo in the right posterior cerebellum (region 2), left middle frontal gyrus and left middle cingulate gyrus ($$P<0.05$$

P
<
0.05

). Additionally, the ReHo values in left middle frontal gyrus and leftt middle cingulate gyrus showed positively significant correlation with the SAS, SDS scores. On the contrary, there was no significant correlation between the ReHo value in right posterior cerebellum and SDS, SAS scores. In the perimenopausal group, the ReHo values in the left middle frontal gyrus and left middle cingulate gyrus were negatively correlated with the serum estrogen level ($$P<0.05$$

P
<
0.05

).

Conclusion

The results of this preliminary study have suggested that abnormal spontaneous activities of multiple brain regions during resting state was already altered in perimenopausal women. Alterative activities might be related to emotional regulation deficits and cognitive impairment, and might potentially represent the neural mechanism underlying perimenopausal period.
Synergistic antifungal evaluation of over-the-counter antifungal creams with turmeric essential oil or Aloe vera gel against pathogenic fungi
Authors: Ogidi Clement Olusola , Ojo Ayokunbi Elizabeth , Ajayi-Moses Oluwatayo Benjamin , Aladejana Oluwatoyin Modupe , Thonda Oluwakemi Abike , Akinyele Bamidele Juliet
Published: January 2021

Background

The frequent incidence of fungal infection and widespread of antibiotic resistance are emergent concerns in public health. Hence, there is a need to harness the potential of natural bioactive compounds from plant towards treatment of fungal infection. Combination effect of antibiotic creams with natural products from plants is prospective strategy to produce new antifungal agent. This study therefore, revealed antifungal effect of combined Antifungal Creams (AFCs) with Turmeric Essential Oil (TEO) or Aloe vera Gel (AVG).

Methods

Phytochemicals and bioactive compounds in TEO and AVG were revealed using GC-MS. Bioactive compounds in plant extracts were compared to known compounds in database library of National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.). Antifungal activity and synergistic effect of AFCs with TEO or AVG were carried out using agar well diffusion method.

Results

Phenol, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides were present in TEO and AVG. GCMS revealed thirty-six (36) and eighteen (18) bioactive compounds in TEO and AVG, respectively. AFCs displayed zones of inhibition with values ranged from 5.0 to 14.3 mm, TEO was 5.0 to 11.0 mm and AVG was 8.0 to 11.7 mm against tested fungi. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by AFCs, TEO and AVG ranged from 1.25 to 10.0 mg/ml. Combinatory effects of AFCs with TEO or AVG revealed synergistic and indifferent properties.

Conclusion

Development of novel products using bioactive ingredients from plants with commercially available AFCs will serve as potential alternative therapy to cure dermatological infections with no side effects.
Bitter taste receptor agonists regulate epithelial two-pore potassium channels via cAMP signaling
Authors: Kohanski Michael A. , Brown Lauren , Orr Melissa , Tan Li Hui , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Rubenstein Ronald C. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Epithelial solitary chemosensory cell (tuft cell) bitter taste signal transduction occurs through G protein coupled receptors and calcium-dependent signaling pathways. Type II taste cells, which utilize the same bitter taste signal transduction pathways, may also utilize cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as an independent signaling messenger in addition to calcium.

Methods

In this work we utilized specific pharmacologic inhibitors to interrogate the short circuit current (Isc) of polarized nasal epithelial cells mounted in Ussing chambers to assess the electrophysiologic changes associated with bitter agonist (denatonium) treatment. We also assessed release of human β-defensin-2 from polarized nasal epithelial cultures following treatment with denatonium benzoate and/or potassium channel inhibitors.

Results

We demonstrate that the bitter taste receptor agonist, denatonium, decreases human respiratory epithelial two-pore potassium (K2P) current in polarized nasal epithelial cells mounted in Ussing chambers. Our data further suggest that this occurs via a cAMP-dependent signaling pathway. We also demonstrate that this decrease in potassium current lowers the threshold for denatonium to stimulate human β-defensin-2 release.

Conclusions

These data thus demonstrate that, in addition to taste transducing calcium-dependent signaling, bitter taste receptor agonists can also activate cAMP-dependent respiratory epithelial signaling pathways to modulate K2P currents. Bitter-agonist regulation of potassium currents may therefore serve as a means of rapid regional epithelial signaling, and further study of these pathways may provide new insights into regulation of mucosal ionic composition and innate mechanisms of epithelial defense.
Transition of inflammatory bowel disease patients from pediatric to adult care: an observational study on a joint-visits approach
Authors: Corsello Antonio , Pugliese Daniela , Bracci Fiammetta , Knafelz Daniela , Papadatou Bronislava , Aloi Marina , Cucchiara Salvatore , Guidi Luisa , Gasbarrini Antonio , Armuzzi Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Background

Transition from pediatric to adult care of patients affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a critical step that needs specific care and multidisciplinary involvement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of the transition process of a cohort of IBD patients, exploring their readiness and the possible impact on quality of life.

Methods

This observational study followed transitioned IBD patients from pediatric to adult care. Transition was carried-out through combined visits, jointly performed by the pediatrician and the adult gastroenterologist. Clinical data were collected before and after transition. A subgroup of patients was submitted to an anonymous online questionnaire of 38 items based on the validated questionnaires TRAQ and SIBDQ within the first 6 months from the beginning of the transition process.

Results

Eighty-two patients with IBD were enrolled, with a mean age at transition of 20.2±2.7 years. Before transition, 40.2% of patients already had major surgery and 64.6% started biologics. At transition, 24% of patients were in moderate to severe active phase of their disease and 40% of them had already been treated with ≥ 2 biologics. The mean score of the TRAQ questionnaires collected is 3.4±1.5 and the mean score of SIBDQ is 53.9±9.8. A significant association was found between a TRAQ mean score > 3 and a SIBDQ > 50 (p=0.0129). Overall, 75% of patients had a positive opinion of the transition model adopted.

Conclusions

A strong association has been found between TRAQ and SIBDQ questionnaires, showing how transition readiness has a direct impact on the quality of life of the young adult with IBD.