bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Pathologic Presentation of Primary Ocular Surface Tumors among Zambians
Authors: Julius Peter , Siyumbwa Stepfanie N. , Moonga Phyllis , Maate Fred , Kaile Trevor , Kang Guobin , West John T. , Wood Charles , Angeletti Peter C.
Published: January 2021

Aim: This study aimed to characterize the clinical and pathologic presentation of ocular surface tumors (OSTs) and to more precisely differentiate the grades of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and benign lesions among Zambians. Methods: Two-hundred sixty-five Zambian patients presenting with ocular surface growths, suspicious for OSSN, were recruited between November 2017 and November 2019 to a cross-sectional study to investigate their lesions. Sociodemographic data were collected, HIV infection status and vision tests were performed, and lesions were measured and documented. Lesions >2 mm in diameter were excised and sent for pathology analysis. In addition to the biopsies, tears, blood, and buccal swabs were collected. CD4+ T-cell counts were measured by flow cytometry. Lesions were classified according to the WHO guidelines. χ2 and bivariate correlations were used to analyze variable associations and strengths with phi/Cramer’s V and correlation coefficients, respectively. Binary logistics was used to adjust for covariance. Results: In this study, 68.3% of the participants were found to be HIV positive. The most frequent diagnoses were invasive OSSN (45.3%), preinvasive OSSN (29.1%), and pterygium (22.6%). Invasive OSSN comprised keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (87.5%), basaloid SCC (3.3%), and spindle cell carcinoma (3.3%). Unusual carcinomas, not described previously, included hybrid SCC (5.0%) and acantholytic SCC (0.8%). Invasive OSSN had advanced tumor (T3/T4) staging (93.3%) at diagnosis. Lymphadenopathy was rare (2.3%), and metastasis was absent. Patients were mostly female (59.2%). Median age was 36 (interquartile ranges 33–41) years (ranges 18–81). Patients with invasive OSSN were more likely to present with pain (p = 0.007), redness (p = 0.034), excessive tearing (p = 0.0001), discharge (p = 0.011), bleeding (p = 0.007), reduced vision (p = 0.0001), fungating lesion (p = 0.001), and blindness (p = 0.005); location at temporal limbus (p = 0.0001), inferior limbus (p = 0.0001), or circumlimbal (p = 0.001); and extension to cornea (p = 0.006) and forniceal palpebral conjunctiva (p = 0.001). Invasive OSSN was associated with any smoking habit and alcohol consumption (p = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). HIV positivity was strongly associated with OSSN (74.6% OSSN vs. 49.3% benign lesions; p = 0.0001; phi: 0.237 [p = 0.0001]). Conclusion: OSTs are very common in Zambia and are strongly associated with HIV coinfection. Patients with OSSN were more likely to be HIV positive than those with pterygia. Despite the commonality of OSTs in sub-Saharan Africa, these cancers have historically been poorly characterized.
Rescue Therapy of Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas BCL2 with Venetoclax: Case Report
Authors: Sica Antonello , Sagnelli Caterina , Vitiello Paola , Franco Renato , Argenziano Giuseppe , Ciccozzi Massimo , Sagnelli Evangelista , Ronchi Andrea
Published: January 2021

Eleven years ago, a 64-year-old Caucasian man had LNH Follicular 3a, IV A stage, FLIPI 2 as a prognostic index of follicular lymphoma. He received 8 cycles of RCHOP followed by rituximab maintenance, with complete remission. Due to a systemic recurrence, a new treatment schedule (RCOMP, 6 cycles) was introduced with partial remission persisting during a long-term maintenance treatment with rituximab. Three years ago, LNH Follicular 3a progressed into GC type diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL); 6 cycles of rituximab and bendamustine were followed by R-ICE and R OXALI DHAP treatments without beneficial effect. Due to the worse general condition (ECOG 3–4), the patient was treated with pixantrone (6 cycles) until July 10, 2019, with a partial response. On Jan 13, 2020, an extreme compassioned treatment with venetoclax alone was started; this drug was well tolerated and provided a satisfactory clinical and laboratory improvement. In June 2020, however, he developed bone marrow toxicity and septic fever. Nasal and pharyngeal secretions were SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative. Blood cultures for mycotic agents and Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria were negative, but few days later, the patients died of sepsis due to unidentified agents. The use of venetoclax as a single drug to treat DLBCL BCL2 patients deserves further investigation.
Strengthening the Reporting of Nutritional Genomics Research to Inform Knowledge Translation in Personalized Nutrition
Authors: Horne Justine R.
Published: January 2021

The ultimate goal of researching nutrigenetic interactions is to be able to provide individuals with genetically-tailored nutrition advice (when evidence is sufficient) in an effort to optimize health outcomes. Accordingly, original research often discusses the potential for the results to inform genetically-tailored nutrition advice. Despite this, many studies do not report their methods, results, and discussion in a manner that is conducive to knowledge translation. With several consumer nutritional genomics companies now offering genetic testing for personalized nutrition, proper reporting of nutritional genomics research for knowledge translation is of vital importance. Common reporting errors relate to SNP and genotype reporting, results lacking detail, consideration of linkage disequilibrium, mechanisms of action/functional SNPs, details of dietary intake, and sample reporting. Because of this, knowledge translation professionals may be unable or challenged in their attempt to use the findings from such research to inform clinical practice in nutritional genomics and personalized nutrition. The present article provides an overview of the issues at hand. It further pre­sents a checklist as well as table and figure templates for researchers to use when reporting the results of original research in nutritional genomics to inform knowledge translation.
Adherence to Antithrombotic Treatment and Ischemic Stroke Recurrence in Egypt and Germany: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kamal Hazem , Khodery Mohamed , Elnady Hassan , Borai Ahmed , Schaefer Jan Hendrik , Fawi Gharib , Steinmetz Helmuth , Foerch Christian , Spitzer Daniel
Published: January 2021

Background: The burden of stroke weighs heavily in developing countries where recurrence rates clearly exceed that of developed countries. The impact of nonadherence to antithrombotic treatment within this context has been poorly investigated. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate patients with recurrent ischemic stroke in Egypt and Germany with focus on stroke subtype distribution and adherence to antithrombotic therapy. Methods: We conducted a comparative cross-sectional retrospective cohort study enrolling consecutive patients hospitalized for recurrent ischemic stroke in 2017 in 2 academic centers. Data were collected on demographics, risk factors, stroke subtypes, and medication adherence. Nonadherence to antithrombotic agents was analyzed at the time point of index stroke (recurrent stroke). Predictors of nonadherence were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: A total of 373 Egyptian and 468 German patients with ischemic stroke were included. The proportion of recurrent ischemic stroke among all patients was higher in the Egyptian cohort compared to the German cohort (33 vs. 10%, p < 0.05). Small-vessel occlusion stroke was the most frequent subtype in Egyptians, with a significantly greater proportion than in Germans (45 vs. 26%, p < 0.05). Nonadherence to antiplatelets at the time point of the recurrent stroke was higher in Egyptians than in Germans (82 vs. 19%, p < 0.001). Low educational attainment among Egyptians (OR 0.14, 95% CI [0.00–0.19], p < 0.01) and high comorbidity scores among Germans (OR 2.45, 95% CI [1.06–5.66], p < 0.05) were found to be predictors of nonadherence to antithrombotic treatment. Conclusions: The large stroke recurrence burden in Egypt may be partly explained by differing adherence to secondary preventative antithrombotic pharmacotherapy. Predictors of medication nonadherence have to be addressed to reduce stroke recurrence disparities.
Incremental Value of an Insertable Cardiac Monitor in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Low or Intermediate Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Sakhi Rafi , Huurman Roy , Theuns Dominic A.M.J. , Schinkel Arend F.L. , Assaf Amira , Szili-Torok Tamas , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Michels Michelle , Yap Sing-Chien
Published: January 2021

Aims: The aim of the present study was to compare the rate of actionable arrhythmic events between patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who are monitored with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) or Holter monitoring. Methods: We studied 50 patients (mean age 52 years, 72% men) with HCM at low or intermediate risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD), of whom 25 patients received an ICM between November 2014 and February 2019. We retrospectively identified a control group of 25 patients who were matched on age, sex, and HCM Risk-SCD score category. The mean HCM Risk-SCD score was 3.41 ± 1.31 and 3.31 ± 1.43 for the ICM and Holter groups, respectively. The primary endpoint was an actionable event which was defined as an arrhythmic event resulting in a change in patient management. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Results: The cumulative actionable event rate at 30 months was higher in the ICM group (51 vs. 27%, log-rank p value <0.01). De novo atrial fibrillation requiring oral anticoagulation occurred only in the ICM group (n = 3). Overall, 4 implantable cardioverter-defibrillators were implanted for primary prevention (n = 2 in each group). The cumulative rate of VT episodes at 30 months was similar between groups (23% [ICM group] vs. 42% [Holter group], log-rank p value = 0.71). Furthermore, the characteristics of VT were similar between groups with regard to the number of beats and rate. Conclusions: In adults with HCM, an ICM will detect more arrhythmic events requiring an intervention than a conventional Holter strategy. In contrast, the diagnostic yield of detecting VT seems similar for both groups.
Association of Serum Triglyceride Levels with Severity in Acute Pancreatitis: Results from an International, Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Pothoulakis Ioannis , Paragomi Pedram , Tuft Marie , Lahooti Ali , Archibugi Livia , Capurso Gabriele , Papachristou Georgios I.
Published: January 2021

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is considered within the top 5 etiologies in acute pancreatitis (AP), but the association of serum triglyceride (TG) levels with the clinical course of AP remains controversial. Objectives: This study aims to examine the effect of TG levels on severity of AP. Methods: Patients were enrolled prospectively through APPRENTICE. High TG levels were defined based on the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines. HTG was categorized as mild (serum TG levels 150–199 mg/dL), moderate (200–999 mg/dL), severe (1,000–1,999 mg/dL), and very severe (≥2,000 mg/dL). Severity of AP was based on the revised Atlanta classification criteria. Results: Early TG levels were measured in 764 subjects and found elevated in 342 (120 with mild; 176, moderate; and 46, severe/very severe HTG). Patients with increased TG levels were younger (age ≥60, 16.7 vs. 30.3%), more likely to be male (66.1 vs. 51.2%), with more frequent alcohol use (62.8 vs. 50.7%), and diabetes mellitus (30.2 vs. 12.3%; all p ≤ 0.005). Severe AP (24.9 vs. 10.0%), ICU admission (32.5 vs. 19.7%), and mortality (5.3 vs. 1.7%; all p ≤ 0.005) were more frequently seen in patients with elevated TG levels. Based on multivariable analysis, elevated TG levels were independently associated with severe AP (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This large multicenter study confirms that elevated TG levels are associated with severe disease regardless of AP etiology.
Imagery Rescripting and Imaginal Exposure in Nightmare Disorder Compared to Positive Imagery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schmid Carolin , Hansen Kathrin , Kröner-Borowik Tana , Steil Regina
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Both imagery rescripting and imaginal exposure have been proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic nightmares when compared to a waitlist condition. Little is known about their comparative efficacy and their efficacy compared to an active control. Objective: The aims of this study were to compare the two treatments to one another and to positive imagery as an active control, and to explore covariates of the treatment effect. Methods: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 96 patients with nightmare disorder (idiopathic nightmares) from an outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to a single individual treatment session of rescripting, exposure, or positive imagery and 4 weeks of practice at home. The primary outcome was nightmare distress, and the secondary outcomes were nightmare frequency, nightmare effects, self-efficacy, and general psychopathology. Results: Nightmare distress was reduced in all groups (imagery rescripting: Cohen’s d = –1.04, imaginal exposure: d = –0.68, positive imagery: d = –0.57), as were nightmare frequency, nightmare effects, and psychopathology. Self-efficacy was enhanced. No differential treatment effects were found on any primary or secondary measure. Treatment gains were not associated with demographic or disorder characteristics, baseline values, treatment credibility, or the number of practice sessions. Conclusions: Even short nightmare treatments are effective regardless of personal characteristics, and different interventions produce similar results. Future research should aim to clarify the mechanisms of action. Health care should make more use of these powerful and easy-to-administer nightmare treatments.
Successful Combination of Systemic Agents for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis Resistant to Dupilumab Therapy
Authors: Gori Niccolò , Chiricozzi Andrea , Malvaso Dalma , D’Urso Dario Francesco , Caldarola Giacomo , De Simone Clara , Peris Ketty
Published: January 2021

Background: Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody inhibiting the signaling pathway of IL-4/IL-13, was shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of moderate/severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in several clinical trials and real-life experiences, with only a small percentage of patients showing to be resistant or to lose disease control. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety in combining dupilumab with systemic agents or phototherapy in patients experiencing an inadequate response to dupilumab. Methods: This retrospective, monocentric, observational study consecutively included patients aged >18 years, with moderate-severe AD, under treatment with dupilumab. In this cohort of patients, we analyzed data of subjects who experienced an inadequate response to dupilumab, even when combined with topical corticosteroids, and for whom an additional systemic treatment or phototherapy was combined to dupilumab. Results: In this study, we included a total population of 69 patients treated with dupilumab. In 12/69 patients (17.4%) showing an inadequate response to dupilumab, a combined treatment consisting of dupilumab plus methylprednisolone (n = 5), cyclosporine (n = 4), methotrexate (n = 2), or narrow band-UVB (n = 1) was administered. Overall, after 8 weeks of combined therapy, the majority of patients (11 of 12) obtained an improvement of signs and symptoms of AD. Patients treated with combined therapy did not experience any adverse events, neither did they withdraw treatment because of the occurrence of adverse events. Conclusions: This study suggests that the combination of dupilumab with a conventional drug or phototherapy may represent a valid therapeutic choice, maintaining a good safety profile in AD patients recalcitrant to dupilumab monotherapy.
Sueño y ritmos circadianos en supervivientes de falla respiratoria aguda
Authors: Arzola-Rodríguez Jesús José
Published: January 2021

Background: Little is known about sleep and circadian rhythms in survivors of acute respiratory failure (ARF) after hospital discharge. Objectives: To examine sleep and rest-activity circadian rhythms in ARF survivors 3 months after hospital discharge, and to compare them with a community-dwelling population. Methods: Sleep diary, actigraphy data, and insomnia symptoms were collected in a pilot study of 14 ARF survivors. Rest-activity circadian rhythms were assessed with wrist actigraphy and sleep diary for 9 days, and were analyzed by cosinor and non-parametric circadian rhythm analysis. Results: All participants had remarkable actigraphic sleep fragmentation, 71.5% had subclinical or clinical insomnia symptoms. Compared to community-dwelling adults, this cohort had less stable rest-activity circadian rhythms (p < 0.001), and weaker circadian strength (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Insomnia and circadian disruption were common in ARF survivors. Sleep improvement and circadian rhythm regularity may be a promising approach to improve quality of life and daytime function after ARF.
Memorial dos Heróis Silenciosos (1933-1945)
Authors: Rollemberg Denise
Published: January 2021

A partir dos conceitos de “lugares de memória” (Nora) e “espaços de recordação” (Assmann), o artigo propõe uma reflexão crítica sobre as intenções e as contradições presentes na narrativa do Memorial dos Heróis Silenciosos - Resistência contra a perseguição dos judeus, 1933-1945, criado em 2008, em Berlim, na Rua Rosenthaler, no bairro com grande concentração de judeus na época da Alemanha nazista. O Memorial narra histórias daqueles que, individualmente ou articulados a grupos, associações, organizações, arriscaram suas vidas para salvar judeus da deportação, independentemente do êxito ou não de tais iniciativas.
COMP (Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein) Neoepitope
Authors: Sandstedt Joakim , Vargmar Karin , Björkman Kristina , Ruetschi Ulla , Bergström Göran , Hultén Lillemor Mattsson , Skiöldebrand Eva
Published: January 2021

Objective:

COMP (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein) is abundantly expressed in the cardiovascular system, cartilage, and atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated if the total COMP (COMPtotal) and COMP neoepitope (COMPneo) with other cardiovascular markers and clinical parameters could identify symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Approach and Results:

Blood samples were collected from patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (stenosis, n=50), patients with stroke without carotid stenosis but small plaques (plaque, n=50), and control subjects (n=50). COMPtotal and COMPneo were measured using an ELISA. Ninety-two cardiovascular disease markers were measured by the Olink CVD kit. The presence of native COMP and COMPneo was determined by immunohistochemistry. The concentration of COMPneo was higher and COMPtotal was lower in the stenosis group. When the concentration was compared between the stenosis and control groups, IL-1ra (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein), IL6 (interleukin-6), REN (Renin), MMP1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), TRAIL-R2 (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2), ITGB1BP2 (integrin beta 1 binding protein 2), and COMPneo were predictive of stenosis. Conversely, KLK6 (kallikrein-6), COMPtotal, NEMO (nuclear factor-kappa-B essential modulator), SRC (Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src), SIRT2 (SIR2-like protein), CD40 (cluster of differentiation 40), TF (tissue factor), MP (myoglobin), and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) were predictive of the control group. Model reproducibility was good with the receiver operating characteristic plot area under the curve being 0.86. When comparing the plaque group and stenosis group, COMPneo, GAL (galanin), and PTX3 (pentraxin-related protein PTX3) were predictive of stenosis. Model reproducibility was excellent (receiver operating characteristic plot area under the curve 0.92). COMPneo was detected in smooth muscle-, endothelial-, and foam-cells in carotid stenosis.

Conclusions:

Degradation of COMP may be associated with atherosclerosis progression and generation of a specific COMP fragment—COMPneo. This may represent a novel biomarker that together with COMPtotal and other risk-markers could be used to identify symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Graphic Abstract:

A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Statin Effects on Vascular Calcification
Authors: Xian Joshua Zhaojun , Lu Mimi , Fong Felicia , Qiao Rong , Patel Nikhil Rajesh , Abeydeera Dishan , Iriana Sidney , Demer Linda L. , Tintut Yin
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Statins lower cardiovascular event risk, yet, they paradoxically increase coronary artery calcification, a marker consistently associated with increased cardiovascular risks. As calcium deposits influence rupture risk due to stress from compliance mismatch at their surfaces, we hypothesized that statins may lower cardiovascular risk by altering the microarchitecture of calcium deposits. Thus, using mice with preexisting vascular calcification, we tested whether pravastatin reduces the mineral surface area of calcium deposits.

Approach and Results:

Aged
Apoe
−/−
mice were treated with pravastatin or vehicle for 20 weeks. Aortic calcification was assessed by in vivo micro-computed tomography/micro-positron emission tomography using fluorine-18-labeled sodium fluoride at weeks 0, 10, and 20 and by histomorphometry at euthanasia. Micro-computed tomography analysis showed that, in both groups, the amount of vascular calcification increased significantly over the 20-week period, but pravastatin treatment did not augment over the controls. In contrast, the micro-positron emission tomography analysis showed that, at week 10, the pravastatin group had less
18
F uptake, suggesting reduced surface area of actively mineralizing deposits, but this decrease was not sustained at week 20. However, a significant difference in the mineral deposit size was found by histomorphometry. The pravastatin group had significantly more aortic microcalcium deposits (<50 µm in diameter) than the controls. The pravastatin group also had more vascular cells positive for alkaline phosphatase activity than the controls. The amount of collagen and osteopontin, additional osteoblastic markers, were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that pravastatin treatment alters the microarchitecture of aortic calcium deposits with potential effects on plaque stability.
Inhibition of T-Cells by Cyclosporine A Reduces Macrophage Accumulation to Regulate Venous Adaptive Remodeling and Increase Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation
Authors: Matsubara Yutaka , Kiwan Gathe , Liu Jia , Gonzalez Luis , Langford John , Gao Mingjie , Gao Xixiang , Taniguchi Ryosuke , Yatsula Bogdan , Furuyama Tadashi , Matsumoto Takuya , Komori Kimihiro , Dardik Alan
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis, but the primary success rate of AVF remains poor. Successful AVF maturation requires vascular wall thickening and outward remodeling. A key factor determining successful AVF maturation is inflammation that is characterized by accumulation of both T-cells and macrophages. We have previously shown that anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages are critically important for vascular wall thickening during venous remodeling; therefore, regulation of macrophage accumulation may be an important mechanism promoting AVF maturation. Since CD4+ T-cells such as T-helper type 1 cells, T-helper type 2 cells, and regulatory T-cells can induce macrophage migration, proliferation, and polarization, we hypothesized that CD4+ T-cells regulate macrophage accumulation to promote AVF maturation.

Approach and Results:

In a mouse aortocaval fistula model, T-cells temporally precede macrophages in the remodeling AVF wall. CsA (cyclosporine A; 5 mg/kg, sq, daily) or vehicle (5% dimethyl sulfoxide) was administered to inhibit T-cell function during venous remodeling. CsA reduced the numbers of T-helper type 1 cells, T-helper type 2, and regulatory T-cells, as well as M1- and M2-macrophage accumulation in the wall of the remodeling fistula; these effects were associated with reduced vascular wall thickening and increased outward remodeling in wild-type mice. However, these effects were eliminated in nude mice, showing that the effects of CsA on macrophage accumulation and adaptive venous remodeling are T-cell-dependent.

Conclusions:

T-cells regulate macrophage accumulation in the maturing venous wall to control adaptive remodeling. Regulation of T-cells during AVF maturation may be a strategy that can improve AVF maturation.

Graphic Abstract:

A graphic abstract is available for this article.
The Molecular Basis of Predicting Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Nayor Matthew , Brown Kemar J. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: January 2021

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) proceeds through a series of stages: initiation, progression (or regression), and complications. By integrating known biology regarding molecular signatures of each stage with recent advances in high-dimensional molecular data acquisition platforms (to assay the genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and gut microbiome), snapshots of each phase of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease development can be captured. In this review, we will summarize emerging approaches for assessment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in humans using peripheral blood molecular signatures and molecular imaging approaches. We will then discuss the potential (and challenges) for these snapshots to be integrated into a personalized movie providing dynamic readouts of an individual’s atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk status throughout the life course.
Contemporary Reevaluation of Race and Ethnicity With Outcomes in Heart Failure
Authors: Savitz Samuel T. , Leong Thomas , Sung Sue Hee , Lee Keane , Rana Jamal S. , Tabada Grace , Go Alan S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Variation in outcomes by race/ethnicity in adults with heart failure (HF) has been previously observed. Identifying factors contributing to these variations could help target interventions. We evaluated the association of race/ethnicity with HF outcomes and potentially contributing factors within a contemporary HF cohort.

Methods and Results

We identified members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large integrated healthcare delivery system, who were diagnosed with HF between 2012 and 2016 and had at least 1 year of prior continuous membership and left ventricular ejection fraction data. We used Cox regression with time‐dependent covariates to evaluate the association of self‐identified race/ethnicity with HF or all‐cause hospitalization and all‐cause death, with backward selection for potential explanatory variables. Among 34 621 patients with HF, compared with White patients, Black patients had a higher rate of HF hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.18–1.38) but a lower rate of death (adjusted HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.72–0.85). In contrast, Asian/Pacific Islander patients had similar rates of HF hospitalization, but lower rates of all‐cause hospitalization (adjusted HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85–0.93) and death (adjusted HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69–0.80). Hispanic patients also had a lower rate of death (adjusted HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80–0.91). Sensitivity analyses showed that effect sizes for Black patients were larger among patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Conclusions

In a contemporary and diverse population with HF, Black patients experienced a higher rate of HF hospitalization and a lower rate of death compared with White patients. In contrast, selected outcomes for Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic patients were more favorable compared with White patients. The observed differences were not explained by measured potentially modifiable factors, including pharmacological treatment. Future research is needed to identify explanatory mechanisms underlying ongoing racial/ethnic variation to target potential interventions.
Abstract MP60: MSC Interaction With Peripheral Blood Monocytes From Stroke Patients is Dependent on Timing After Stroke
Authors: Satani Nikunj , Davis Courtney , Parsha Kaushik N , Wewior Natalia , Aronowski Jaroslaw A , Savitz Sean I
Published: January 2021

Background:
Systemic administration of bone marrow derived stromal cells (MSCs) releases a broad range of trophic factors mediating stroke recovery. How MSCs release these factors may depend on the state of the circulation after systemic administration. We assessed whether the secretomes of MSCs, upon exposure to peripheral blood monocytes (Mo), differs depending on the temporal course when the Mo were isolated after stroke.

Methods:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from stroke patients was isolated at 24h (N=10) and day 5-7 (N=7) after stroke, and from healthy controls (N=5) using Ficoll gradient. CD14+ Mo were isolated using indirect magnetic beads labelling. Contact and Trans-well co-culture assays were established using 100,000 CD14+ Mo and MSCs each in a 0.8um transwell system. After 24h, media was collected and analyzed for secretome using multiplex cytokine assay. Subtypes of Mo were evaluated using flow cytometry.

Results:
There was a significant increase in non-classical (CD14+CD16++) Mo and a significant decrease in classical (CD14++CD16-) Mo at Day5-7 after stroke as compared to 24h after stroke (Fig). When Day5-7 CD14+ Mo were co-cultured with MSCs, we found a significant reduction in inflammatory IL-1β and TNF-α, and a significant increase in anti-inflammatory IL-4 as compared to co-cultures of MSCs with healthy Mo. This effect was more pronounced in transwell (vs contact) co-cultures. Co-cultures of MSCs and Mo from controls or from patients 24h after stroke led to reductions in TNF-α and upregulation in IL-4 compared with Mo alone. There were no differences in effect of MSCs co-cultures with healthy vs 24h stroke Mo.

Conclusion:
Our study indicates that the immunomodulatory effect of MSCs may be dependent on the phenotype of Mo in the peripheral circulation of stroke patients. Hence, depending on the temporal course after stroke, the systemic circulation of stroke patients may differentially regulate MSCs to release soluble factors.
Attention Biases Competition for Visual Representation via Dissociable Influences from Frontal and Parietal Cortex
Authors: Sheldon Andrew D. , Saad Elyana , Sahan Muhammet I. , Meyering Emma E. , Starrett Michael J. , LaRocque Joshua J. , Rose Nathan S. , Postle Bradley R.
Published: January 2021

What mechanisms underlie the prioritization of neural representations of visually perceived information to guide behavior? We assessed the dynamics whereby attention biases competition for representation of visual stimuli by enhancing representations of relevant information and suppressing the irrelevant. Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) classifiers were trained to discriminate patterns of fMRI activity associated with each of three stimuli, within several predefined ROIs. Participants performed a change-detection task wherein two of three presented items flashed at 1 Hz, one to each side of central fixation. Both flashing stimuli would unpredictably change state, but participants covertly counted the number of changes only for the cued item. In the ventral occipito-temporal ROI, MVPA evidence (a proxy for representational fidelity) was dynamically enhanced for attended stimuli and suppressed for unattended stimuli, consistent with a mechanism of biased competition between stimulus representations. Frontal and parietal ROIs displayed a qualitatively distinct, more “source-like” profile, wherein MVPA evidence for only the attended stimulus could be observed above baseline levels. To assess how attentional modulation of ventral occipito-temporal representations might relate to signals originating in the frontal and/or parietal ROIs, we analyzed informational connectivity (IC), which indexes time-varying covariation between regional levels of MVPA evidence. Parietal-posterior IC was elevated during the task, but did not differ for cued versus uncued items. Frontal-posterior IC, in contrast, was sensitive to an item's priority status. Thus, although regions of frontal and parietal cortex act as sources of top–down attentional control, their precise functions likely differ.
Cortical Tracking of Speech: Toward Collaboration between the Fields of Signal and Sentence Processing
Authors: Beier Eleonora J. , Chantavarin Suphasiree , Rehrig Gwendolyn , Ferreira Fernanda , Miller Lee M.
Published: January 2021

In recent years, a growing number of studies have used cortical tracking methods to investigate auditory language processing. Although most studies that employ cortical tracking stem from the field of auditory signal processing, this approach should also be of interest to psycholinguistics—particularly the subfield of sentence processing—given its potential to provide insight into dynamic language comprehension processes. However, there has been limited collaboration between these fields, which we suggest is partly because of differences in theoretical background and methodological constraints, some mutually exclusive. In this paper, we first review the theories and methodological constraints that have historically been prioritized in each field and provide concrete examples of how some of these constraints may be reconciled. We then elaborate on how further collaboration between the two fields could be mutually beneficial. Specifically, we argue that the use of cortical tracking methods may help resolve long-standing debates in the field of sentence processing that commonly used behavioral and neural measures (e.g., ERPs) have failed to adjudicate. Similarly, signal processing researchers who use cortical tracking may be able to reduce noise in the neural data and broaden the impact of their results by controlling for linguistic features of their stimuli and by using simple comprehension tasks. Overall, we argue that a balance between the methodological constraints of the two fields will lead to an overall improved understanding of language processing as well as greater clarity on what mechanisms cortical tracking of speech reflects. Increased collaboration will help resolve debates in both fields and will lead to new and exciting avenues for research.
Early clinical and CT features of COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia from a fever observation ward in Ningbo, China
Authors: Qian G , Lin Y , Chen X , Ma AHY , Zhang X , Li G , Ruan X , Ruan L
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION We aimed to compare the early clinical manifestations, laboratory results and chest computed tomography (CT) images of COVID-19 patients with those of other community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients to differentiate CAP from COVID-19 before reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results are obtained. METHODS The clinical and laboratory data and chest CT images of 51 patients were assessed in a fever observation ward for evidence of COVID-19 between January and February 2020. RESULTS 24 patients had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, whereas 27 individuals had negative results. No statistical difference in clinical features was found between COVID-19 and CAP patients, except for diarrhoea. There was a significant difference in lymphocyte and eosinophil counts between COVID-19 and CAP patients. In total, 22 (91.67%) COVID-19 patients had bilateral involvement and multiple lesions according to their lung CT images; the left lower lobe (87.50%) and right lower lobe (95.83%) were affected most often, and all lesions were located in the peripheral zones of the lung. The most common CT feature of COVID-19 was ground-glass opacity, found in 95.83% of patients, compared to 66.67% of CAP patients. CONCLUSION Diarrhoea, lymphocyte counts, eosinophil counts and CT findings (e.g. ground-glass opacity) could help to distinguish COVID-19 from CAP at an early stage of infection, based on findings from our fever observation ward.
Methods and Roles of Experience in Christian Wolff’s “Deutsche Metaphysik”
Authors: Engelhard Kristina
Published: January 2021

The main thesis of this article is that in Christian Wolff’s Deutsche Metaphysik, empirical sources of knowledge play important if not foundational roles and that inductive methods of reasoning are extensively applied. It is argued that experiential self-awareness plays a foundational role and that empirical evidence, phenomena, and scientific theories from the empirical sciences of Wolff’s time are used for inferential purposes. Wolff also makes use of inductive reasoning, i.e., abduction to hidden causes of empirical phenomena, and inferences to the best or to the only possible explanation. Wolff’s Deutsche Metaphysik is therefore a prefiguration and an interesting case of inductive metaphysics in the contemporary sense. From this contemporary perspective, Wolff draws the distinction between valid and speculative abductions in a different way – but it is also different from that of his more empirically oriented contemporaries.
Two additional new species of Clypeocaenis Soldán, 1978 (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India
Authors: BALASUBRAMANIAN CHELLIAH , MUTHUKATTURAJA MARIMUTHU
Published: January 2021

Two new mayfly species of Clypeocaenis (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) are described based on nymphal and adult characters from Kaveri River, Kodagu, Karnataka, Southern India. The main characteristics that distinguish Clypeocaenis kaveri sp. nov. from other Oriental species are: (i) fore femur with 4 long spines at middle of inner margin, a row of bifid spines at outer margin and row of bifid spines at subapical surface; (ii) dorsal surface of femora with complete transverse row of bifid setae located 3/4 distance from the base; (iii) forceps smaller than penis lobe. The main characteristics that distinguish Clypeocaenis napoklu sp. nov. from other Oriental species are: (i) fore femur with 2 long spines at middle of inner margin and row of thin setae on outer margin; segment 2 with bifid spine at apex.(ii) dorsal surface of femora with incomplete transverse row of bifid setae located 2/3 distance from the base; (iii) forceps little longer than penis lobe. A key for the nymphs of described species has been provided.
Parenting Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Longitudinal Examination of the Role of Child and Parent Factors
Authors: Dieleman Lisa M. , Soenens Bart , Prinzie Peter , De Clercq Lana , De Pauw Sarah S. W.
Published: January 2021

Because parents of children with cerebral palsy encounter many challenges, the quality of their parenting varies substantially across time. To understand how and why their parenting behaviors change across time, we examined the contributions of child behavior and parents’ psychological needs to explanations of yearly variation in responsive, autonomy-supportive, and psychologically controlling parenting. We also explored whether parents’ motivation to take care of their child explained why some parents engage in better-quality parenting than others. Parents ( N = 117) of children with cerebral palsy ( Mage = 10.98 years) participated in a three-wave longitudinal study. Multilevel analyses indicated that yearly variations in parents’ need satisfaction and frustration related to yearly fluctuations in, respectively, autonomy-supportive and psychologically controlling parenting. Child behaviors had few unique effects on parenting. Parents’ autonomous motivation was associated with better overall quality of parenting. We discuss implications for practice and directions for future research.
“COVID-19 is an Opportunity to Rediscover Ourselves”: Reflections of a Novice EFL Teacher in Central America
Authors: Farrell Thomas S C , Stanclik Connie
Published: January 2021

This article presents a case study that examined the principles and practices of one novice English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher at a prominent English language institution in Central America. This qualitative study sought to contribute to the discussion of the perceived interdependent influences of EFL teachers’ thoughts, identities, and behaviors through five stages of self-reflection in Farrell’s framework for reflective practice. The EFL teacher engaged in conscious reflection to subject their beliefs to critical analysis and interpretation expressed through their philosophy, principles, theory, practice, and beyond practice. Overall, the findings confirm that reflections in all five stages are connected to several common themes, but simultaneously reveal a complex relationship between the teacher’s stated principles and actual practice. The discussion explores potential reasons for convergence and divergence in teachers’ beliefs and classroom actions, concluding that the results correlate with previous research in the field of language education and teacher reflection.
Online worship: a learning experience
Authors: Alderson Hannah , Davie Grace
Published: January 2021

To explore both the range and the implications of online worship, this article takes four very different examples, all of which originated in the Diocese of Exeter between March and July 2020. These were: a national service to mark the end of Mental Health Awareness Week; a range of cathedral worship; the experiences of an urban parish church; and a university chaplaincy. A short conclusion draws the threads together, sets them in a broader context, and asks what can be learned from these very varied experiences.
Application of Practice Oriented–Peer Review for Prosthodontics (PRO-PReP)—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Murthy Varsha , Sethuraman KR , Choudhury Sunayana , Shakila R
Published: January 2021

Objective

Communication skills diminish with time and must be applied and updated frequently. Due to various professional constraints, the dentists may not be able to attend training programs to sharpen their skills. During patient interactions, dentists may face difficult situations which they may be unable to handle and, consequently, make them overreact. Therefore, there is a need to provide a platform to freely discuss their feelings, ideas, and take opinion from peers.

Methods

Training in communication skills customized for dealing with complete denture patients was conducted for the prosthodontic postgraduates. Based on feedback obtained, it was decided to have periodic meetings and the concept of Practice-Oriented–Peer Review for Prosthodontics (PrO-PReP) was introduced. This novel concept is a combination of the Relationship building, exploring Reactions, exploring Content, and Coaching (R2C2) model of residency education and the Balint method. The meetings were scheduled every one or two months based on the available caseload of the patients treated by the postgraduates.

Results

The thematic analysis of the postgraduates’ self-reflection during the sessions and the video recorded observations (assessed using the Kalamazoo scale) revealed that these sessions were effective in positively engaging the postgraduates to discuss their experiences, reflect on their performances, practice their newly gained skills, and learn from peer sharing.

Conclusion

The postgraduates felt that they have changed in their working style and were more confident to manage patients. They found such sessions very useful for being updated with the already-learned skills.
A multilevel analysis of the influence of bullying participant roles upon the trajectories of adolescents’ social and emotional competencies
Authors: Coelho Vítor Alexandre , Marchante Marta
Published: January 2021

This study analyzed how social and emotional competencies evolved according to adolescents’ involvement in bullying, and whether gender influenced social and emotional competencies’ development. Five-hundred-fourteen students ( Mage = 12.71; SD = 1.09) were assessed through self-reports at three different time points for one year. Results showed that students involved in the three analyzed bullying roles displayed a more negative trajectory in all but one social emotional competence analyzed compared to students not involved in bullying. The exception was students who bullied others for responsible decision making. Additionally, gender differences were only found in self-esteem trajectories; boys displayed a more pronounced decrease. In larger classes, students displayed higher levels of self-control, social awareness and responsible decision-making. These results showed that reduced social and emotional competencies were a consequence of bullying involvement for every bullying role analyzed.
Primary Olfactory Neuroblastoma of the Nasopharynx: A Case Report
Authors: Zhong Wangyan , Wang Cheng , Ye Wanli , Wu Dongping
Published: January 2021

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is an ectodermal malignant tumor originating from the olfactory nerve epithelium of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus. Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare cancer, with an estimated incidence of 0.4 per million. Olfactory neuroblastoma often occurs in the top of the nasal cavity or near the lateral wall of the middle turbinate, which accounts for approximately 3% to 5% of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors. Olfactory neuroblastoma primarily in the nasopharynx is rare and tends to be misdiagnosed as nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Herein, we presented a case of ONB of the nasopharynx with recurrent nasopharyngeal tumor and by lymph node metastasis in both sides of the neck 14 months after surgical removal of the primary ONB. Long-term disease-free survival was achieved by definitive radiotherapy. Surgery combined with radiotherapy or definitive radiotherapy is recommended for primary ONB of the nasopharynx, radiotherapy target delineation including nasopharynx and pharyngeal lymph nodes, and neck lymph node drainage area of level Ib, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ.
Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of large renal stones: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mao Tie , Wei Na , Yu Jing , Lu Yinghui
Published: January 2021

Background

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LPL) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating renal stones larger than 2 cm.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for studies that compared the surgical outcomes of LPL and PCNL. We conducted a meta-analysis of the retrieved studies, expressed as weighted mean difference or risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

We included 25 studies (1831 patients). LPL was associated with a significantly higher stone-free rate, lower rates of blood loss, complementary treatment, blood transfusion, and complications, and less reduction in hemoglobin level compared with PCNL. LPL and PCNL were similar in terms of duration of hospital stay, conversion rate, changes in glomerular filtration rate and creatinine level, and mean time of postoperative analgesia. However, LPL was associated with a longer operation time than PCNL.

Conclusion

LPL appears to be more effective and safer than PCNL in patients with large renal stones, by increasing the stone-free rate and reducing blood loss, complementary treatment, blood transfusion, and complications compared with PCNL. LPL may thus be a useful modality for treating patients with large renal stones.