bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GSTP1 c.313A > G mutation is an independent risk factor for neutropenia hematotoxicity induced by anthracycline-/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Zeng Juanzi , Wu Heming , Liu Donghua , Li Liang , Li Jiaquan , Wang Qiuming , Ye Min , Huang Qingyan , Yu Zhikang , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: June 2022

Background

The link between glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) c.313A > G polymorphism and chemotherapy-related adverse events remains controversial. The goal of this study was to assess how this variant affected the toxicity of anthracycline-/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

This study retrospectively investigated pharmacogenetic associations of GSTP1 c.313A > G with chemotherapy-related adverse events in 142 breast cancer patients who received anthracycline and/or paclitaxel chemotherapy.

Results

There were 61 (43.0%), 81 (57.0%), 43 (30.3%), and 99 (69.7%) patients in the T0-T2, T3-T4, N0-N1, and N2-N3 stages, respectively. There were 108 (76.1%) patients in clinical stages I–III and 34 (23.9%) patients in clinical stage IV. The numbers of patients with luminal A, luminal B, HER2 + , and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) were 10 (7.0%), 77 (54.2%), 33 (23.2%), and 22 (15.5%), respectively. The numbers of patients who carried GSTP1 c.313A > G A/A, A/G, and G/G genotypes were 94 (66.2%), 45 (31.7%), and 3 (2.1%), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of certain toxicities in patients with A/G, G/G, and A/G + G/G genotypes, except for neutropenia, in which the proportion of patients with A/G + G/G (χ2 = 6.586, P = 0.035) genotypes was significantly higher than that with the AA genotype. The logistic regression analysis indicated that GSTP1 c.313A > G mutation (A/G + G/G vs. A/A genotype) (adjusted OR 4.273, 95% CI 1.141–16.000, P = 0.031) was an independent variable associated with neutropenia.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that the GSTP1 c.313A > G mutation is an independent risk factor for neutropenia hematotoxicity in breast cancer patients induced by anthracycline-/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy.
Dissociation of early and late face-related processes in autism spectrum disorder and Williams syndrome
Authors: Gomez Alice , Lio Guillaume , Costa Manuela , Sirigu Angela , Demily Caroline
Published: June 2022

Background

Williams syndrome (WS) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions associated with atypical but opposite face-to-face interactions patterns: WS patients overly stare at others, ASD individuals escape eye contact. Whether these behaviors result from dissociable visual processes within the occipito-temporal pathways is unknown.

Using high-density electroencephalography, multivariate signal processing algorithms and a protocol designed to identify and extract evoked activities sensitive to facial cues, we investigated how WS (N = 14), ASD (N = 14) and neurotypical subjects (N = 14) decode the information content of a face stimulus.

Results

We found two neural components in neurotypical participants, both strongest when the eye region was projected onto the subject's fovea, simulating a direct eye contact situation, and weakest over more distant regions, reaching a minimum when the focused region was outside the stimulus face. The first component peaks at 170 ms, an early signal known to be implicated in low-level face features. The second is identified later, 260 ms post-stimulus onset and is implicated in decoding salient face social cues.

Remarkably, both components were found distinctly impaired and preserved in WS and ASD. In WS, we could weakly decode the 170 ms signal based on our regressor relative to facial features, probably due to their relatively poor ability to process faces’ morphology, while the late 260 ms component was highly significant. The reverse pattern was observed in ASD participants who showed neurotypical like early 170 ms evoked activity but impaired late evoked 260 ms signal.

Conclusions

Our study reveals a dissociation between WS and ASD patients and points at different neural origins for their social impairments.
Psychological and health behaviour outcomes following multi-gene panel testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk: a mini-review of the literature
Authors: Carlsson Lindsay , Thain Emily , Gillies Brittany , Metcalfe Kelly
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Knowledge of the genetic mechanisms driving hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) has recently expanded due to advances in gene sequencing technologies. Genetic testing for HBOC risk now involves multi-gene panel testing, which includes well characterized high-penetrance genes (e.g. BRCA1 and BRCA2), as well as moderate- and low-penetrance genes. Certain moderate and low penetrance genes are associated with limited data to inform cancer risk estimates and clinical management recommendations, which create new sources of genetic and clinical uncertainty for patients.

Purpose

The aim of this review is to evaluate the psychological and health behaviour outcomes associated with multi-gene panel testing for HBOC risk. The search was developed in collaboration with an Information Specialist (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre) and conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCare, PsycINFO, Epub Ahead of Publication.

Results

Similar to the BRCA1/2 literature, individuals with a pathogenic variant (PV) reported higher levels of testing-related concerns and cancer-specific distress, as well as higher uptake of prophylactic surgery in both affected and unaffected individuals compared to those with variant of uncertain significance (VUS) or negative result. A single study demonstrated that individuals with a PV in a moderate penetrance gene reported higher rates of cancer worry, genetic testing concerns and cancer-related distress when compared to women with high penetrance PV. Analysis of cancer screening and prevention outcomes based upon gene penetrance were limited to two studies, with conflicting findings.

Conclusion

The findings in this review emphasize the need for studies examining psychological and health behavior outcomes associated with panel testing to include between group differences based upon both variant pathogenicity and gene penetrance. Future studies evaluating the impact of gene penetrance on patient-reported and clinical outcomes will require large samples to be powered for these analyses given that a limited number of tested individuals are found to have a PV.
Association of clinic setting with quality indicator performance in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sreedharan Sidha , Li Ning , Littlejohn Geoff , Buchanan Russell , Nikpour Mandana , Morand Eric , Hoi Alberta , Golder Vera
Published: June 2022

Background

Healthcare quality for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a modifiable target for improving patient outcomes. We aimed to assess the quality of care processes in different clinic settings, comparing a subspecialty lupus clinic with hospital-based and private general rheumatology clinics.

Methods

Patients with SLE (n= 258) were recruited in 2016 from a subspecialty lupus clinic (n= 147), two hospital general rheumatology clinics (n= 56) and two private rheumatology clinics (n= 55). Data were collected from medical records and patient questionnaires. Quality of care was assessed using 31 validated SLE quality indicators (QI) encompassing diagnostic work-up, disease and comorbidity assessments, drug monitoring, preventative care and reproductive health. Per-QI performance was measured as a percentage of patients that met the QI relative to the number of patients eligible. Per-patient QI performance was calculated as a percentage of QIs met relative to the number of eligible QIs for each patient. Per-QI and per-patient QI performance were compared between the three clinic settings, and multiple regression performed to adjust for sociodemographic, disease and healthcare factors.

Results

Per-QI performance was generally high across all clinic settings for diagnostic work-up, comorbidity assessment, lupus nephritis, drug monitoring, prednisolone taper, osteoporosis and pregnancy care. Median [IQR] per-patient performance on eligible QIs was higher in the subspeciality lupus clinic (66.7% [57.1–74.1]) than the hospital general rheumatology (52.7% [47.5–58.1]) and private rheumatology (50.0% [42.9–60.9]) clinics (p<0.001) and the difference remained significant after multivariable adjustment. The subspecialty lupus clinic recorded higher per-QI performance for documentation of disease activity, disease damage, cardiovascular risk factor and drug toxicity assessments, pre-immunosuppression hepatitis and tuberculosis screening, new medication counselling, vaccinations, sun avoidance education and contraception counselling.

Conclusions

SLE patients managed in a subspecialty lupus clinic recorded higher per-patient QI performance compared to hospital general rheumatology and private rheumatology clinics, in part related to better documentation on certain QIs.
Modelling transmission of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis between Irish dairy cattle herds
Authors: Biemans Floor , Tratalos Jamie , Arnoux Sandie , Ramsbottom George , More Simon J. , Ezanno Pauline
Published: June 2022

Bovine paratuberculosis is an endemic disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). Map is mainly transmitted between herds through movement of infected but undetected animals. Our objective was to investigate the effect of observed herd characteristics on Map spread on a national scale in Ireland. Herd characteristics included herd size, number of breeding bulls introduced, number of animals purchased and sold, and number of herds the focal herd purchases from and sells to. We used these characteristics to classify herds in accordance with their probability of becoming infected and of spreading infection to other herds. A stochastic individual-based model was used to represent herd demography and Map infection dynamics of each dairy cattle herd in Ireland. Data on herd size and composition, as well as birth, death, and culling events were used to characterize herd demography. Herds were connected with each other through observed animal trade movements. Data consisted of 13 353 herds, with 4 494 768 dairy female animals, and 72 991 breeding bulls. We showed that the probability of an infected animal being introduced into the herd increases both with an increasing number of animals that enter a herd via trade and number of herds from which animals are sourced. Herds that both buy and sell a lot of animals pose the highest infection risk to other herds and could therefore play an important role in Map spread between herds.
Degradation characteristics of biodegradable film and its effects on soil nutrients in tillage layer, growth and development of taro and yield formation
Authors: Wang An , Chang Qingtao , Chen Chunsheng , Zhong Xiaoquan , Yuan Kexiang , Yang Meihua , Wu Wei
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the degradation characteristics of different biodegradable film and its effects on soil nutrients in tillage layer, growth and development of taro and yield formation. Field experiment with biodegradable films, including poly-(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) PBAT, (poly-carbon dioxide) PCO2, (poly propylene carbonate) PPC, as well as common mulch film (CK1) and uncovered mulch film (CK2) were conducted on Longxiang taro in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The degradation rate of the three biodegradable films was PBAT > PPC > PCO2. Compared with CK1, the alkali-hydrolyzed N of PBAT at the growth stage and fruiting stage significantly increased in 2020 and 2021, respectively (both, P < 0.05). The average content of available P of PPC at seedling stage was higher than that in PCO2, and CK1 was significantly decreased compared with that in CK2 (all, P < 0.05). The content of soil available K and organic matter in different growth stages of taro in all film mulching treatments were decreased in comparison to CK2. Moreover, compared with CK2, PCO2 biodegradable film significantly increased plant height at seedling and growth stage, stem diameter at growth stage, and leaf area index at fruiting stage (all, P < 0.05). Similarly, the yield of mother and filial bulbs of PPC, PCO2 and PBAT were significantly higher than those of CK2 in 2020 and 2021, respectively (all, P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in starch, polysaccharide and protein contents among different treatments. The three biodegradable films, especially PCO2, can significantly affect soil nutrient content, promote plant growth and improve taro yield.
Effects of monthly evaluations on the rates of irrational antimicrobial prescription in the outpatient and emergency departments at Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Ningbo, China
Authors: Yang Qiong , Yuan Fangfang , Li Li , Jin Jianfeng , He Junhong
Published: June 2022

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a major global public health problem. The primary cause of antibiotic resistance is inappropriate antibiotic use. In this study, we aimed to verify whether the monthly evaluation of antibiotic prescription improves clinical antibiotic use in outpatient and emergency departments.

Methods

A minimum of 25% of the prescriptions for antibacterial drugs were randomly selected at the outpatient and emergency departments to enter the monthly evaluation system from July 2016 to June 2019. We analysed the rate of irrational prescription of antibiotics, proportion of the use of antibiotics, and consistency between the evaluation and expert groups after implementing the monthly assessment to validate the role of monthly evaluations.

Results

After 3 years of monthly evaluations of antibiotic prescriptions, the utilisation rate of single antibiotics in the outpatient and emergency departments was found to increase each year. Each year, a decreasing trend was observed for the irrational use of antibiotics, whereas the proportion of antibiotics to the total drugs prescribed gradually decreased in the same period. In addition, the consistency of prescription evaluation results between the evaluation and expert groups increased continuously.

Conclusions

Monthly evaluation of antibiotic prescriptions is an effective management tool for the rational use of antibiotics in clinical practice. This practice could help reduce the combinative use of antibiotics, rate of irrational antibiotic prescription, and antibiotic use ratio, and play an important role in safe clinical drug use.
Flexural Behavior and Prediction Model of Basalt Fiber/Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Fu Qiang , Zhang Zhaorui , Xu Wenrui , Zhao Xu , Zhang Lu , Wang Yan , Niu Ditao
Published: June 2022

The flexural behavior of basalt fiber (BF)/polypropylene fiber (PF)-reinforced concrete (BPRC) was investigated. When the content of BF and PF is 0.1%, the addition of fibers increases the compressive strength of concrete. A BF content of 0.1% has the most obvious effect on improving the compressive strength, but a hybrid fiber content of 0.2% exhibits a negative effect on the compressive strength. The addition of BF and PF can increase the flexural strength and the expansion tortuosity of the fracture cracks, thus enhancing the ductility of concrete. The hybrid fibers with content of 0.1% are most beneficial to increase the flexural strength. However, the ductility of concrete and the tortuosity of fracture crack decrease with the matrix strength, and the improvement proportion of fibers on the flexural strength also decreases. When the BF and PF are mixed, compared to the case of single fiber added, there is no significant change in the damage of BF, whereas the damage of PF is more severe. The flexural toughness index FTδ effectively characterizes the change in the flexural toughness of BPRC. The hybrid fiber contents of 0.1% and 0.2% exhibit the most significant improving effect on FT-l/600 and FT-l/150, respectively. Considering the influence of fibers on the compressive strength, flexural strength and flexural toughness of concrete, a hybrid content of 0.1% is the optimal choice of fiber content. A prediction model for flexural strength of BPRC is proposed based on the composite material theory.
How childhood maltreatment links to labor values? The mediating role of moral competence and prosocial normative tendency
Authors: Gu Yuliang , Chao Xiaomei
Published: June 2022

Background

Labor values are important components of the individual value system and considered to be among the most important values of an individual, especially in China. In studies of values, childhood maltreatment is considered to have an important influence on the formation of individual values. However, there is no previous research about the relationship between childhood maltreatment and labor values. The mechanism of childhood maltreatment on labor values is not clear and requires further study.

Methods

This study intended to investigate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and labor values, and further verify whether moral competence or prosocial normative tendency mediated this correlation. Therefore, 2691 participants were recruited from primary and secondary schools, who completed Labor Values Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Moral Competence subscale and Prosocial Norms subscale.

Results

Results revealed the negative correlation between childhood maltreatment and labor values. Importantly, childhood maltreatment also indirectly impacted labor values through moral competence and prosocial normative tendency. It indicated that both moral competence and prosocial normative tendency played a significant mediating role in this relationship. Our findings are valuable for understanding the underlying mechanism between early trauma and values.

Conclusions

Childhood maltreatment has important implications for labor values. Moral competence and prosocial normative tendency mediate between childhood maltreatment and labor values. The results remind us to pay attention to the important influence of childhood maltreatment in the cultivation of labor values, and focus on the role of moral competence and prosocial normative tendency.
Understanding the financial innovation priorities for renewable energy investors via QFD-based picture fuzzy and rough numbers
Authors: Li Wei , Yüksel Serhat , Dinçer Hasan
Published: June 2022

This study evaluates financial innovation priorities for renewable energy investors by generating a novel hybrid fuzzy decision-making model. First, SERVQUAL-based customer needs for financial innovation are weighted with decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory based on picture fuzzy sets. Second, the financial innovation priorities are ranked by technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solutions based on picture fuzzy rough sets. In this process, Theory of the solution of inventive problems-based technical characteristics for financial services, the process for innovative services, and competencies for financial innovation are considered using quality function deployment phases. In addition, the Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje method is also considered for an alternative ranking. Similarly, sensitivity analysis is also performed by considering five different cases. It is determined that the ranking priorities based on the proposed model are almost identical, demonstrating the proposed model’s validity and reliability. Assurance is the most crucial factor for the customer needs regarding the financial innovation priorities for renewable energy investors. Concerning the financial innovation priorities, the product is the essential priority for financial innovation; hence, it is recommended that companies engage qualified employees to effectively design the financial innovation for renewable energy investors. Additionally, necessary training should be given to the employees who currently work in the company, which can increase the renewable energy investors’ trust in the innovative financial products. Companies should mainly focus on the product to provide better financial innovation to attract renewable energy investors. An effectively designed financial innovation product can help solve the financing problem of renewable energy investors.
Identification of key apoptosis-related genes and immune infiltration in the pathogenesis of psoriasis
Authors: Zou Ailing , Kong Qingtao , Sang Hong
Published: June 2022

Background

Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells build up and form itchy scales and dry patches. It is also considered a common lifelong disease with an unclear pathogenesis. Furthermore, an effective cure for psoriasis is still unavailable. Reductive apoptosis of keratinocytes and immune infiltration are common in psoriasis. This study aimed to explore underlying functions of key apoptosis-related genes and the characteristics of immune infiltration in psoriasis. We used GSE13355 and GSE30999 to screen differentially expressed apoptosis related genes (DEARGs) in our study. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed using clusterProfiler package. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to acquire key DEARGs. Transcription factor (TF)–target and miRNA–mRNA network analyses, drug sensitivity prediction, and immune infiltration were applied. Key DEARGs were validated using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

Results

We identified 482 and 32 DEARGs from GSE13355 and GSE30999, respectively. GO analysis showed that DEARGs were commonly enriched in cell chemotaxis, receptor ligand activity, and signaling receptor activator activity. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor was maximally enriched pathway. The GSEA analysis of GSE13355 and GSE30999 demonstrated a high consistency degree of enriched pathways. Thirteen key DEARGs with upregulation were obtained in the PPI network. Eleven key DEARGs were confirmed using RT-qPCR. Additionally, 5 TFs and 553 miRNAs were acquired, and three novel drugs were predicted. Moreover, Dendritic.cells.activated exhibited high levels of immune infiltration while Mast.cells.resting showed low levels of immune infiltration in psoriasis groups.

Conclusion

Results of this study may reveal some insights into the underlying molecular mechanism of psoriasis and provide novel targeted drugs.
Relationship between time of referral for physiotherapy and length of stay after stroke in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: a retrospective study
Authors: Aderonmu Joseph A. , Obembe Adebimpe O.
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite the known benefits of physiotherapy, the relationship between its time of referral and the length of stay (LOS) of stroke patients in developing countries has been understudied. This relationship was investigated in this study as we determined the relationships between LOS and time of referral and LOS and the number of physiotherapy sessions received.

Methods

Medical records of stroke patients admitted at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex Ile-Ife between January 2007 and December 2016 were retrieved. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, independent samplesttest, and one-way analysis of variance were used to determine differences, and Pearson correlation was used to determine relationships.

Results

A total of 585 medical records were retrieved. With an inpatient mortality rate of 40.7%, only 243 case records were included in the study. The mean LOS was 17 ± 13 days, and 63.4% received inpatient physiotherapy. Patients who were referred for physiotherapy (p= 0.019) and those who utilized physiotherapy (p= 0.001) had higher LOS. Also, there were significant correlations between LOS and the time of referral for physiotherapy (r= 0.575,p= 0.001) and LOS and the number of physiotherapy sessions received (r= 0.293,p= 0.001).

Conclusions

Stroke patients who utilized physiotherapy had longer LOS. The longer the time of referral and the higher the number of physiotherapy sessions, the longer the LOS. Early referral and commencement of physiotherapy optimize physiotherapy utilization, which may reduce the LOS of stroke patients.
Current trends in restrictive interventions in psychiatry: a European perspective
Authors: O'Donovan David , Boland Cailín , Carballedo Angela
Published: June 2022

This article reviews current evidence on the use of coercive measures, including seclusion and restraint, in psychiatric in-patient settings in Europe. There is a particular focus on evidence regarding the use of mechanical restraint. The review seeks to describe when the use of restrictive interventions such as restraint may be necessary, to explore the use of restraint in certain specialist settings and to investigate current laws and European policies on seclusion and restraint. The current rates of restraint in European psychiatric settings are explored, with a discussion of the limitations of the evidence currently available. The article discusses various consequences of seclusion and restraint, potential alternatives to their use and strategies to minimise their use and harm to patients. The use of coercive measures from an international context is considered, to provide context.
Whom Should We Screen for Cushing Syndrome? The Endocrine Society Practice Guideline Recommendations 2008 Revisited
Authors: Braun Leah T , Vogel Frederick , Zopp Stephanie , Marchant Seiter Thomas , Rubinstein German , Berr Christina M , Künzel Heike , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin
Published: June 2022

Context

Cushing syndrome (CS) is a rare and serious disease with high mortality. Patients are often diagnosed late in the course of the disease.

Objective

This work investigated whether defined patient populations should be screened outside the at-risk populations defined in current guidelines.

Methods

As part of the prospective German Cushing registry, we studied 377 patients with suspected CS. The chief complaint for CS referral was documented. Using urinary free cortisol, late-night salivary cortisol, and the 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test as well as long-term clinical observation, CS was confirmed in 93 patients and ruled out for the remaining 284.

Results

Patients were referred for 18 key symptoms, of which 5 were more common in patients with CS than in those in whom CS was ruled out: osteoporosis (8% vs 2%; P = .02), adrenal incidentaloma (17% vs 8%, P = 0.01), metabolic syndrome (11% vs 4%; P = .02), myopathy (10% vs 2%; P < .001), and presence of multiple symptoms (16% vs 1%; P < .001). Obesity was more common in patients in whom CS was ruled out (30% vs 4%, P < .001), but recent weight gain was prominent in those with CS. A total of 68 of 93 patients with CS (73%) had typical chief complaints, as did 106 of 284 of patients with ruled-out CS status (37%) according to the Endocrine Society practice guideline 2008.

Conclusion

The 2008 Endocrine Society Practice guideline for screening and diagnosis of CS defined at-risk populations that should undergo testing. These recommendations are still valid in 2022.
Effective Treatment of Intraoperative Hiccups With Chlorpromazine Under General Anesthesia Without Muscle Relaxants: A Case Report
Authors: Shimada Kensuke , Inokuchi Ryota , Tominaga Kota , Yagihashi Satoshi , Yamada Masato , Ishitsuka Shunsuke
Published: June 2022

Hiccups are common reflexes and many treatment methods have been reported. Chlorpromazine is a known treatment option for hiccups, but its efficacy under general anesthesia remains unclear. We report the case of a patient with vagal schwannoma who developed hiccups while under general anesthesia. Muscle relaxants were not used because the patient was under neuromonitoring. The depth of anesthesia was deepened; however, the hiccups did not disappear. The hiccups were relieved by intravenous chlorpromazine administration (total; 5 mg), which allowed for surgery under neuromonitoring. This case indicates that chlorpromazine may be effective to treat hiccups under general anesthesia.
Spatiotemporal Explorations
Authors: Schneider-Vielsäcker Frederike
Published: June 2022

This article examines sociopolitical commentary in contemporary Chinese science fiction literature written by authors of the post-1980s generation. With a close reading of Hao Jingfang's 郝景芳 “Beijing zhedie” 北京折疊 (Folding Beijing, 2014) and Chen Qiufan's 陳楸帆 “Lijiang de yu'ermen” 麗江的魚兒們 (The Fish of Lijiang, 2006), the analysis focuses on how these works reflect the lived experience of ordinary urbanities in postmodern China and pays particular attention to the stories' engagement with the chronotope. This article argues that through the chronotope contemporary Chinese science fiction stories express unease about rapid transformation and visualize a divided Chinese society characterized by spatial disparity.
Safety and Outcomes of Combined Pancreatic and Hepatic Resections for Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Hallbera , Pery Ron , Graham Rondell P. , Thiels Cornelius A. , Warner Susanne G. , Smoot Rory L. , Truty Mark J. , Kendrick Michael L. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Nagorney David M. , Cleary Sean P.
Published: June 2022

Background

Approximately 40–50% of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) initially present with distant metastases. Little is known about the outcomes of patients undergoing combined pancreatic and hepatic resections for this indication.

Methods

Patients who underwent hepatectomy for metastatic pNETs at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 2000 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Major pancreatectomy was defined as pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy, and major hepatectomy as right hepatectomy or trisegmentectomy. Characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent pancreatectomy with simultaneous hepatectomy were compared with those of patients who underwent isolated hepatectomy (with or without prior history of pancreatectomy).

Results

205 patients who underwent hepatectomy for metastatic pNETs were identified: 131 underwent pancreatectomy with simultaneous hepatectomy and 74 underwent isolated hepatectomy. Among patients undergoing simultaneous hepatectomy, 89 patients underwent minor pancreatectomy with minor hepatectomy, 11 patients underwent major pancreatectomy with minor hepatectomy, 30 patients underwent minor pancreatectomy with major hepatectomy, and 1 patient underwent major pancreatectomy with major hepatectomy. Patients undergoing simultaneous hepatectomy had more numerous liver lesions (10 or more lesions in 54% vs. 34%, p = 0.008), but the groups were otherwise similar. Rates of any major complications (31% versus 24%, p = 0.43), hepatectomy-specific complications such as bile leak, hemorrhage, and liver failure (0.8–7.6% vs. 1.4–12%, p = 0.30–0.99), and 90-day mortality (1.5% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.62) were similar between the two groups. 5-year overall survival was 64% after combined resections and 65% after isolated hepatectomy (p = 0.93).

Conclusion

For patients with metastatic pNETs, combined pancreatic and hepatic resections can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality in selected patients at high-volume institutions.
A Study on the Applicability of Wood Preservatives to Wooden Cultural Properties by Aging Treatment
Authors: Lee Jeung-Min , Kim Young Hee , Won Seo Young , Kim Myoung Nam , Park Ji Hee
Published: June 2022

Wooden cultural heritage are exposed to the external environment as they and there are many difficulties in conservation due to their location and size. Among them, biological damage caused by termites or mold consumes a lot of money and time. Select and use wood preservatives to prevent biological damage: Wood preservatives were selected and the worst environmental conditions, temperature 60±3℃, humidity 55±5%, and light intensity of 0.35 W/m2, were subjected to aging treatment to analyze chemical changes. Through the deterioration process, it was confirmed that the change in color difference decreased in the wood preservative treatment compared to the Control group. As a result of measuring the content of the active ingredient contained in the deterioration process of the wood preservative, it was confirmed that the active ingredient content of Gori22 and Bondex Preserve Ⅲ was higher than that of the comparative Wood Keeper A. Through experiments, the shelf life and treatment period can be predicted by measuring the extent to which wood preservatives affect the change of wood specimens during the deterioration process and the content of active ingredients. In conclusion, various wood preservatives were prepared, and the possibility of selectively selecting wood preservatives according to the environment, topography and period was presented as a major evaluation factor.
Η διαγνωστική αξία δεικτών της μεθυλίωσης του DNA σε δείγματα ούρων με στόχο την έγκαιρη διάγνωση του καρκίνου της ουροδόχου κύστεως
Authors: Γεωργόπουλος Πέτρος
Published: June 2022

Αρκετές μελέτες έχουν δείξει συχνές αλλαγές στη μεθυλίωση του DNA στον καρκίνος της ουροδόχου κύστης οι οποίες ποικίλλουν μεταξύ διαφορετικών γεωγραφικών περιοχών. Ο στόχος αυτής της μελέτης είναι να εξετάσει την διαγνωστική ακρίβεια της μεθυλίωσης του DNA ως διαγνωστικού βιοδείκτη για τον καρκίνο της ουροδόχου κύστης σε ελληνικό πληθυσμό. Υλικά και Μέθοδοι: Οι συμμετέχοντες αποτελούνταν από άτομα με πρωτοπαθή καρκίνο ουροδόχου κύστης (ομάδα ασθενών) καθώς και υγιείς εθελοντές (ομάδα μαρτύρων) προσαρμοσμένοι στους ασθενείς ως προς το φύλο, την ηλικία και την κατάσταση καπνίσματος. Στα δείγματα ούρων των συμμετεχόντων διερευνήθηκε το επίπεδο μεθυλίωσης των υποκινητών των γονιδίων APC, RASSF1, hTERT, DAPK χρησιμοποιώντας ποσοτική PCR ειδική της μεθυλίωση (qMSP). Αποτελέσματα: Επιλέχθηκαν πενήντα ασθενείς και 35 υγιείς μάρτυρες, με μέση ηλικία τα 70,26 έτη και μέσο όρο καπνίσματος 44,78 πακέτα-έτη. Στο 61,4% των δειγμάτων των ασθενών ταυτοποιήθηκε μεθυλιωμένο DNA σε αντίθεση με τους υγιείς μάρτυρες όπου το DNA ταυτoποιήθηκε μεθυλιωμένο μόνο στο 13,6% αυτών (P<0,001). Ο υποκινητής του RASSF1 βρέθηκε μεθυλιωμένος στο 52,2% των δειγμάτων. Η ειδικότητα και η ευαισθησία του πάνελ γονιδίων της μελέτης για την διάγνωση του καρκίνου της ουροδόχου κύστης υπολογίστηκε σε 86,4% και 61,4% αντίστοιχα ενώ η χρήση της μεθυλίωση του υποκινητή του γονίδιο RASSF1 θα μπορούσε να ανιχνεύσει την πάθηση με 86,4% ειδικότητα και 52,3% ευαισθησία. Συμπέρασμα: Η μεθυλίωση του DNA των υποκινητών των πέντε γονιδίων της μελέτης αποτελεί δυνητικό βιοδείκτη για τη διάγνωση του καρκίνου της ουροδόχου κύστης σε ελληνικό πληθυσμό. Απαιτούνται ωστόσο περαιτέρω έρευνες σε μεγαλύτερο μέρους αυτού του πληθυσμού για την ανάπτυξη ενός γεωγραφικά προσαρμοσμένου διαγνωστικού βιοδείκτη.
Research Evaluating Staff Training Online for Resilience (RESTORE): Protocol for a single-arm feasibility study of an online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to improve staff wellbeing in palliative care settings
Authors: Finucane Anne , Hulbert-Williams Nicholas J , Swash Brooke , Spiller Juliet A , Lydon Brigid , Gillanders David
Published: June 2022

Background: Palliative care staff commonly experience workplace stress and distress. General stressors include unmanageable workloads and staff shortages.  Stressors specific to palliative care include regular exposure to death, loss and grief.  The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated exhaustion and burnout across the healthcare system, including for those providing palliative care.  Evidence based psychological support interventions, tailored to the needs and context of palliative care staff, are needed.  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an established form of cognitive behavioural therapy which uses behavioural psychology, values, acceptance, and mindfulness techniques to improve mental health and wellbeing. ACT is effective in improving workplace wellbeing in many occupational settings.  Our study examines the acceptability and feasibility of an online ACT-based intervention to improve mental health and wellbeing in staff caring for people with an advanced progressive illness.

Methods: A single-arm feasibility trial.  We will seek to recruit 30 participants to take part in an 8- week online ACT-based intervention, consisting of three synchronous facilitated group sessions and five asynchronous self-directed learning modules.  We will use convergent mixed methods to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention. Quantitative feasibility outcomes will include participant recruitment and retention rates, alongside completion rates of measures assessing stress, quality of life, wellbeing, and psychological flexibility.  Focus groups and interviews will explore participant perspectives on the intervention. We will run a stakeholder workshop to further refine the intervention and identify outcomes for use in a future evaluation.

Results: We will describe participant perspectives on intervention acceptability, format, content, and perceived impact, alongside rates of intervention recruitment, retention, and outcome measure completion.

Conclusion: We will show whether a brief, online ACT intervention is acceptable to, and feasible for palliative care staff.  Findings will be used to further refine the intervention and provide essential information on outcome assessment prior to a full-scale evaluation.
Re-Examination of Predynastic Pottery from Minshat Abu Omar (Nile Delta, Egypt)
Authors: Mączyńska Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

A type of electromagnetic radiation known as X-rays has been known in ceramic research since the 1930s. X-radiography is applied mainly to investigate clay fabric and to identify manufacturing details. In clay fabric identification, the method could be used to determine size, proportions, type and even general mineralogy of inclusions or tempers. Moreover, it can be successfully applied to identify, verify or better understand primary forming techniques as well. The purpose of this paper is to investigate Egyptian Predynastic pottery production by means of X-radiography in order to determine the primary forming techniques used for making four small ceramic vessels: bag-shaped jars and lemon-shaped jar from the cemetery at Minshat Abu Omar in the Eastern Nile Delta. The vessels are now in the collection of the Poznań Archaeological Museum and X-radiography was chosen as the study method because of its non-destructive nature allowing to penetrate the walls of vessels from the museum collection. Two primary forming techniques (pinching and coil-building) were identified during the analysis. The studied vessels were made of two segments by hand. Pinching was used to build the belly, while the shoulder, neck and rim were made by coiling. The application of two different forming techniques as well as the effort invested in joining coils and vessel segments imply that their makers were fairly skilled in their craft. The vessels reveal these ‘secrets of the trade’ only when exposed to X-rays.
The Beginning of Messambria Pontica
Authors: Topalilov Ivo
Published: June 2022

The foundation of Messambria Pontica has been debated for more than a century. Some questions still remain unanswered while some answers need revision due to the developments in research. Among these questions are the date of Messambria’s foundation, the composition of its ἄποικοι, the identity of its historical founder, the polis’ relations with local Thracian tribes, etc. Recent studies on various topics that concern these questions, including new archaeological evidence, provide some possible interpretations of already known sources. Generally speaking, these interpretations both challenge and confirm some of the ideas that have gained acceptance in the literature. Interpretations discussed in this article concern when the apoikia was founded, what the impact and nature of the ἔποικοι was, what the name of Messambria means, and what its larger tribal environment looked like based on the latest archaeological research.
Creación y uso expansivo de los decretos presidenciales, durante los treinta años de vigencia de la Constitución de 1991
Authors: Quinche Ramírez Manuel Fernando
Published: June 2022

Este artículo es uno de los resultados del proyecto de investigación titulado Transformación y banalización de los derechos en Colombia. Tiene como tema central los decretos presidenciales, y examina su despliegue problemático durante los treinta años de vigencia de la Constitución Política de Colombia de 1991. Se detiene específicamente en tres asuntos: el formal, relacionado con la variedad, la clasificación y la creación de decretos; el operativo, que atiende al uso expansivo de esas normas presidenciales; y el del control, que se refiere a los mecanismos que eventualmente impedirían los abusos que se presentan con esas normas. La tesis plantea que la creación progresiva de nuevos decretos y el uso expansivo de los existentes, incrementa la concentración del poder público en la rama ejecutiva, restringe el debate parlamentario, diluye las reservas de ley, debilita el control y erosiona la democracia constitucional en Colombia. Se trata de una investigación documental y analítica, que evalúa la creación y el uso expansivo de los decretos presidenciales, durante los treinta años de vigencia de la Constitución de 1991.
Primary School Mathematics Teachers’ Beliefs About Teaching in Synchronous Virtual Classrooms: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Khalil Ibrahim A.
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted following the initial stage of the transition to distance education necessitated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and meeting the various challenges that came with it. At this point, countries and teachers have gained experience in preparing and delivering online education. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the beliefs of primary school mathematics teachers about teaching in synchronous virtual classrooms. It adopted a mixed methods approach, following a convergent parallel design. The overall study sample comprised 410 male and female teachers. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data across three dimensions (teaching efficiency, employing the philosophy of active learning, mathematical achievement). There were 31 items (verified for validity and reliability) comprising statements measured using a five-point Likert scale, together with open-ended options for further elaboration. In total, 130 teachers completed the questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with 10 teachers to collect qualitative data. The results show means in the range 3–5.75 for agreement with statements concerning the beliefs of mathematics teachers about teaching in virtual classrooms in the following order of importance: teaching competence; mathematical achievement; employing the philosophy of active learning. The study also found no statistically significant differences attributable to the variables of gender, qualification, or teaching experience, and also that many factors are considered to affect teaching in synchronous virtual classrooms related to the teacher, the family, and the student.
Alcohol-induced inhibition of bone formation and neovascularization contributes to the failure of fracture healing via the miR-19a-3p/FOXF2 axis
Authors: Zhu Daoyu , Fang Haoyu , Yu Hongping , Liu Pei , Yang Qianhao , Luo Pengbo , Zhang Changqing , Gao Youshui , Chen Yi-Xuan
Published: June 2022

Aims

Alcoholism is a well-known detrimental factor in fracture healing. However, the underlying mechanism of alcohol-inhibited fracture healing remains poorly understood.

Methods

MicroRNA (miR) sequencing was performed on bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The effects of alcohol and miR-19a-3p on vascularization and osteogenic differentiation were analyzed in vitro using BMSCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). An in vivo alcohol-fed mouse model of femur fracture healing was also established, and radiological and histomorphometric analyses were used to evaluate the role of miR-19a-3p. The binding of miR-19a-3p to forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) was analyzed using a luciferase reporter assay.

Results

miR-19a-3p was identified as one of the key regulators in the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and was found to be downregulated in the alcohol-fed mouse model of fracture healing. In vitro, miR-19a-3p expression was downregulated after ethanol administration in both BMSCs and HUVECs. Vascularization and osteogenic differentiation were independently suppressed by ethanol and reversed by miR-19a-3p. In addition, the luciferase reporter assay showed that FOXF2 is the direct binding target of miR-19a-3p. In vivo, miR-19a-3p agomir stimulated callus transformation and improved the alcohol-impaired fracture healing.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate that the miR-19a-3p/FOXF2 axis has a pivotal role in alcohol-impaired fracture healing, and may be a potential therapeutic target. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(6):386–397.
Islamophobia Studies in India: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Kunnummal Ashraf
Published: June 2022

This article aims to situate the problems and prospects of thinking about critical Islamophobia studies in the context of India. In doing so, first, the article traces the technical and political impasses to the emergence of critical Islamophobia studies in India by looking at the problem of denial of Islamophobia with respect to Indian nationalism and at the same time the rise of a new security paradigm in the context of the global war on terror. A new approach on critical Islamophobia studies, which is cognizant towards the mass desire of Islamophobia, is introduced in order to understand its popular base in India. Secondly, the limitations of the framework of communalism in developing critical Islamophobia studies are analyzed in light of the biopolitical aspects of state and society in India. Finally, the article proposes a preliminary roadmap to a new approach to understand the politics of Islamophobia as an active desire based in practice in India and introduces a new typology of precautionary and proactionary Islamophobia in the context of rising Hindu nationalism by locating its normative and derivative dimensions.
Understanding the “Other” in Naomi Shihab Nye’s You & Yours
Authors: Bedaiwi Hayat
Published: June 2022

As a significant ethnic group in the United States, Arab American poets have always used the personal to tackle larger political themes in their poetry. Many writers have reacted to the political events around them, such as 9/11, and this includes Naomi Shihab Nye. In “Naomi Shihab Nye’s Aesthetic of Smallness and the Military Sublime,” Samina Najmi argues that the few critics who write about Nye do not focus on her “overtly political” 9/11 poetry. Nye deals with this theme in You & Yours directing the reader’s attention to the outcomes of 9/11 and war torn territoires in the Middle East. In You & Yours, Nye repeatedly educates her readers by invoking sympathy for the other and observing their way of life, eventually allowing the reader to see a reality that they rarely observe in the news; the suffering, the pain and the humane part of the “Other.”