bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic intragastric balloon therapy for 15 years in Japan: Results of nationwide surveys
Authors: Ohta Masayuki , Maekawa Satoshi , Imazu Hiroki , Hatao Fumihiko , Okumura Yoshiaki , Kiyonaga Hidetoshi , Sawada Yukio , Inamori Masahiko , Seto Yasuyuki , Masaki Takayuki , Kakuma Tetsuya , Kasama Kazunori , Inomata Masafumi , Kitagawa Yuko , Kaminishi Michio , Kitano Seigo
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Endoscopic intragastric balloon (IGB) placement has been performed in Japan since 2004. The nationwide surveys were repeatedly carried out to confirm the effectiveness and safety of IGB in Japan. We herein present the accumulated results.

Methods

Twenty‐six Japanese endoscopists personally imported products of the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB)/Orbera system after completing the training courses in Japan. Mail surveys were posted to them every 2 years from 2010. This study included the accumulated data of the six surveys, and excluded data from non‐Japanese patients and the Orbera365 data.

Results

Between 2004 and 2019, 399 obese Japanese patients underwent IGB treatment using the BIB/Orbera system. The incidence rates of early removal of IGB within 1 week and complications due to IGB were 4.8% and 6.1%, respectively. The average percent excess weight loss (%EWL) and percent total weight loss (%TWL) at IGB removal were 46.6% and 11.5%, and successful weight loss, defined as %EWL ≥ 25% or %TWL ≥ 10%, was achieved in 65.6% or 54.5% of the patients, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age and larger saline filling volume were independent predictors of successful weight loss. At 1 year after IGB removal, successful weight loss defined by the %EWL and %TWL was maintained in 44.7% and 34.1% of the patients, respectively.

Conclusion

IGB therapy using the BIB/Orbera system has been safely and effectively performed in Japan. The successful weight loss may be associated with older age and larger saline filling volume.
A dose‐dense short‐term therapy for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with high‐risk Burkitt lymphoma or high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma: safety and efficacy results of the “CARMEN” phase II trial
Authors: Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Cattaneo Chiara , Lleshi Arben , Verga Luisa , Allione Bernardino , Facchetti Fabio , Ponzoni Maurilio , Foppoli Marco , Ferrari Daris , Rigacci Luigi , Pecciarini Lorenza , Donadoni Giovanni , Fumagalli Luca , Sassone Marianna , Calimeri Teresa , Rossi Giuseppe , Spina Michele , Re Alessandro
Published: October 2020

A few prospective trials in HIV‐positive patients with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) or high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma (HGBL) have been reported. Investigated therapies have shown good efficacy but relevant safety problems, with high rates of interruptions, severe mucositis, septic complications, and fungal infections. Here, we report the results of a multicentre phase II trial addressing a new dose‐dense, short‐term therapy aimed at maintaining efficacy and improving tolerability. The experimental programme included a 36‐day polychemotherapy induction followed by high‐dose cytarabine‐based consolidation and response‐tailored BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cyatarabine, and melphalan)‐ conditioned autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). This therapy would be considered active if ≥11 complete remissions (CR) after induction (primary endpoint) were recorded among 20 assessable patients. HIV‐positive adults (median age 42, range 26–58; 16 males) with untreated BL (n = 16), HGBL (n = 3) or double‐hit lymphoma (n = 1) were enrolled. All patients had high‐risk features, with meningeal and bone marrow infiltration in five and nine patients respectively. The experimental programme was safe and active in a multicentre setting, with only two episodes of grade 4 non‐haematological toxicity (hepatotoxicity and mucositis), and no cases of systemic fungal infections; two patients died of toxicity (bacterial infections). Response after induction (median duration: 47 days; interquartile range 41–54), was complete in 13 patients and partial in five [overall response rate = 90%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 77–100]. All responders received consolidation, and five required autologous stem cell transplant. At a median follow‐up of 55 (41–89) months, 14 patients are relapse‐free and 15 are alive, with a five‐year progression‐free survival and an overall survival of 70% (95% CI = 60–80%) and 75% (95% CI = 66–84) respectively. No patient with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/meningeal lymphoma experienced central nervous system recurrence. With respect to previously reported regimens, this programme was delivered in a shorter period, and achieved the main goal of maintaining efficacy and improving tolerability.
Hero or Villain? A Cohort and Generational Analysis of How Youth Attitudes Towards Unions Have Changed over Time
Authors: Aleks Rachel , Saksida Tina , Wolf Aaron S.
Published: October 2020

Our study examines youth attitudes towards unions over a 40‐year period to try and understand whether today's young workers might be the ‘hero’ or the ‘villain’ in the tale of declining union membership rates in the United States. Using nationally representative time‐lag data from high‐school seniors (N= 104,742) spanning 1976–2015, we conducted time trend, birth cohort and generational analyses to provide an ‘apples to apples’ comparison of how youth have felt about unions at different points in time. We found that contemporary youth (or Millennials) hold similar union attitudes to those who came before them, though what predicts those attitudes has changed over time. Strikingly, we also found that the proportion of young people who hold no opinion about unions has more than doubled over the period under study, steadily rising from 14 per cent in 1976 to 33 per cent in 2015. This sizeable proportion of ‘agnostic’ youth should be alarming to unions, yet it also provides them with opportunities to shape youth attitudes through targeted outreach efforts.
Beyond the Organic Intellectual: Politics and Contestation in the Planning Practice
Authors: Stefanelli Alice
Published: October 2020

Critical scholarship often presents technical experts such as architects and urbanists as unidimensional “organic intellectuals” in the Gramscian sense. Drawing from ethnographic fieldwork conducted among architects‐turned‐campaigners in Lebanon, this article argues that this portrayal of experts is partial, and inadequate to represent and make sense of the composite coalitions that animate contemporary urban politics worldwide. This will be clarified by a close examination of the Hakmeh Axis Campaign, where architects and urbanists have initiated a vigorous civic campaign to oppose the construction of a motorway bridge through a historical neighborhood in Beirut. By exploring the politics ofplanners—rather than that ofplanning—the article will show the alignment between expertise and authorities to be a matter of political affiliation rather than natural necessity.
Projected Utility of Pharmacogenomic Testing Among Individuals Hospitalized With COVID‐19: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in the United States
Authors: Stevenson James M. , Alexander G. Caleb , Palamuttam Natasha , Mehta Hemalkumar B.
Published: October 2020

Many academic institutions are collecting blood samples from patients seeking treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) to build research biorepositories. It may be feasible to extract pharmacogenomic (PGx) information from biorepositories for clinical use. We sought to characterize the potential value of multigene PGx testing among individuals hospitalized with COVID‐19 in the United States. We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of electronic health records from consecutive individuals hospitalized with COVID‐19 at a large, urban academic health system. We characterized medication orders, focusing on medications with actionable PGx guidance related to 14 commonly assayed genes (CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A5, DPYD, G6PD, HLA‐A, HLA‐B, IFNL3, NUDT15, SLCO1B1, TPMT, UGT1A1, and VKORC1). A simulation analysis combined medication data with population phenotype frequencies to estimate how many treatment modifications would be enabled if multigene PGx results were available. Sixty‐four unique medications with PGx guidance were ordered at least once in the cohort (n = 1,852, mean age 60.1 years). Nearly nine in 10 individuals (89.7%) had at least one order for a medication with PGx guidance and 427 patients (23.1%) had orders for 4 or more actionable medications. Using a simulation, we estimated that 17 treatment modifications per 100 patients would be enabled if PGx results were available. The genes CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 were responsible for the majority of treatment modifications, and the medications most often affected were ondansetron, oxycodone, and clopidogrel. PGx results would be relevant for nearly all individuals hospitalized with COVID‐19 and would provide the opportunity to improve clinical care.
Iraqi Kurds: The dream of nation state
Authors: Mohammed Jihan A. , Alrebh Abdullah F.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to analyze why the 2017 Kurdish independence referendum failed. We aim to do that by analyzing the multilevel factors that we argue worked dialectically to block Iraqi Kurds’ state‐building project. On the Kurdish level, we argue that the Kurdish political and economic spheres are built on partisan bonds and loyalties at the expense of collective and national interest, thus, Iraqi Kurds lack a unified vision, ideology, and central leadership for how to achieve independence. Politically, Kurdish parties disagreed on the timing and the legality of the referendum. Economically, the Kurdish leadership has been unsuccessful in establishing a sustainable political economy able to endure the sanctions imposed on the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) as a reaction to the 2017 referendum. On the regional level, we argue that the Middle Eastern states are prone to ally with the Kurds and build economic and political relations with them as far as the Kurds remain a minority within Iraq. We discuss how Iraq, Turkey, and Iran took immediate and serious measures against the 2017 referendum, thus, shacking the status quo of IKR. Finally, on the international level, we argue that the international community have historically resisted the secession of the Kurds from Iraq. Thus, in 2017 they sustained, yet again, that the territorial integrity of Iraq should be preserved.
Under hegemonic pressure: 2018 American sanctions against Iran and Turkey’s response
Authors: Matera Paulina
Published: October 2020

This article examines Turkey's decision to comply with American sanctions against Iran re‐imposed in May 2018 despite Turkey's initial resistance. To this end, I answer the following questions: (1) is Turkey capable of resisting American pressure to join the sanctions against Iran and maintain good relations with Iran? (2) How does Turkey's stance on American sanctions affect the Turkish economy and the relations with the United States? The potential impact of U.S. sanctions in the event of noncompliance with U.S. requirements are considered in view of the following parameters: (1) consequences for the Turkish economy; (2) changes in Turkish policy in the region; (3) Turkish–American interdependencies; and (4) tensions in Turkish–American relations in other fields. I will evaluate what compliance and noncompliance with current U.S. sanctions on Iran mean for Turkey. Ankara's decisions are explained by comparing the benefits and losses resulting from adjusting to American requirements, using a SWOT analysis.
Do interactions with candidates increase voter support and participation? Experimental evidence from Italy
Authors: Cantoni Enrico , Pons Vincent
Published: October 2020

We test whether politicians can use direct contact to reconnect with citizens, increase turnout, and win votes. During the 2014 Italian municipal elections, we randomly assigned 26,000 voters to receive visits from city council candidates, canvassers supporting the candidates' list, or to a control group. While canvassers' visits increased turnout by 1.8 percentage points, candidates' had no impact on participation. Candidates increased their own vote share in the precincts they canvassed, but only at the expense of other candidates on the list. This suggests that their failure to mobilize non‐voters resulted from focusing on securing the preferences of active voters.
Moving from survival to development: Experiences in Kosovo from developing academic identity in a transitional context
Authors: Saqipi Blerim , Rexhaj Xhavit
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the study on which this article reports was to elaborate on career trajectories of academics in Kosovo. Particular attention is given to efforts to follow international benchmarks such as the Bologna Process at key stages of Kosovo's historical and political development in the last three decades. In this qualitative study, semi‐structured interviews were carried out with eleven academics with and without management experience as well as administrators. Findings revealed that Kosovo's higher education system is characterised by a weak organisational culture and an orientation towards externally driven change. Also, we found that academics perceived their role narrowly. The findings suggest that while higher education in Kosovo has moved towards adopting international benchmarks, the identity of the academics has not evolved in parallel to support the transition. A managerialist approach catalysed by the Bologna Process has helped a transition process in higher education in Kosovo. Finally, we propose that for a context in transition, local meaning‐making processes for policy transfer are needed. Moving forward, institutional development should be led by academic managers and should serve the professionalisation of academics in Kosovo.
The remarkable hypoxia tolerance in Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)
Authors: Li Wei , Dong Yanan , Dong Qianqian , Sun Hong , Zhang Yifeng , Wang Zhenlong
Published: October 2020

Oxygen (O2) is essential for the survival of most animal species; however, O2 levels are lower than normal in certain spatiotemporal circumstances. Therefore, animals have to develop some strategies to face and adapt to this plight. This study compared the differences in survival, behavior, and hippocampal neurons under hypoxic conditions between Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) and Kunming mice (Mus musculus). Brandt's voles had longer survival times than did Kunming mice in 5%–6.5% O2 levels. Significant differences were observed in mortality between Brandt's voles and Kunming mice after 6 hr of exposure to 5%–7% O2 levels. The novel object recognition test (NORT) and neuronal nuclei staining revealed the presence of species‐dependent learning deficits and neuron loss under hypoxic conditions. NORT and neuronal nuclei staining showed that the Kunming mice exposed to 7.5% O2 levels had significant learning deficits and neuronal loss compared with normoxia Kunming mice. Conversely, Brandt's voles exposed to 7.5% O2 levels had no significant learning deficits and neuronal loss compared with the normoxia group. Therefore, hypoxia showed significant effects on survival, cognitive behavior, and neuronal loss of the two species. Moreover, Brandt's voles showed stronger hypoxia tolerance than Kunming mice, and Brandt's voles hypoxia tolerance may root in their adaptive evolution to highland habitat environment. This research is meaningful for studying hypoxic adaptation in animals, and will promote the development of therapies for some illnesses such as stroke and cardiac arrest.
Shift in antibiotic prescription at a University Dental Clinic in Norway 2013–2017
Authors: Bolstad Anne I. , Sætre Malene M. , Aasgaard Anette S. , Bunæs Dagmar F.
Published: October 2020

A considerable number of prescriptions for antibiotics are issued by dentists. Educational institutions have a special responsibility to promote informed attitudes among dental students towards prescribing antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to analyze the antibiotic prescriptions issued during a 5‐year period (2013–2017) at a University Dental Clinic (UDC) in Norway. All patient records containing prescriptions for patients ≥18 yr of age as of 2013–2017 were identified through an electronic search. In total, 6,014 patient record lines containing prescriptions were obtained, 1,047 (17.4%) of which were prescriptions for systemic antibiotics. These patient record lines were analysed to identify the specific antibiotic prescribed, the indication or diagnosis for which it was prescribed, and whether microbiological testing (to determine antibiotic sensitivity) had been carried out. Acute infections were the most common context for prescribing antibiotics. Surprisingly, prophylaxis was the second most frequent reason stated. Disease related to pulp necrosis (43%) and postoperative infections (26%) was the most common diagnosis for therapeutic antibiotic prescriptions. Antibiotic therapy was more commonly used to treat peri‐implantitis than to treat periodontitis. Only 60% of the clindamycin prescriptions were issued to patients with penicillin allergy. Further studies are warranted concerning antibiotic use at UDC because this can probably be more restrictive, in particular concerning usage related to antibiotic prophylaxis. Microbiological testing should be performed before administration of antibiotic therapy for periodontitis and peri‐implantitis. The reason for prescribing antibiotics should always be stated in the patient’s record lines.
Whole‐genome analyses provide no evidence for dog introgression in Fennoscandian wolf populations
Authors: Smeds Linnéa , Aspi Jouni , Berglund Jonas , Kojola Ilpo , Tirronen Konstantin , Ellegren Hans
Published: October 2020

Hybridization and admixture can threaten the genetic integrity of populations and be of particular concern to endangered species. Hybridization between grey wolves and dogs has been documented in many wolf populations worldwide and is a prominent example of human‐mediated hybridization between a domesticated species and its wild relative. We analysed whole‐genome sequences from >200 wolves and >100 dogs to study admixture in Fennoscandian wolf populations. A principal component analysis of genetic variation and Admixture showed that wolves and dogs were well‐separated, without evidence for introgression. Analyses of local ancestry revealed that wolves had <1% mixed ancestry, levels comparable to the degree of mixed ancestry in many dogs, and likely not resulting from recent wolf–dog hybridization. We also show that the founders of the Scandinavian wolf population were genetically inseparable from Finnish and Russian Karelian wolves, pointing at the geographical origin of contemporary Scandinavian wolves. Moreover, we found Scandinavian‐born animals among wolves sampled in Finland, demonstrating bidirectional gene flow between the Scandinavian Peninsula and eastern countries. The low incidence of admixture between wolves and dogs in Fennoscandia may be explained by the fact that feral dogs are rare in this part of Europe and that careful monitoring and management act to remove hybrids before they backcross into wolf populations.
Re‐examining the ‘Dissociation Model’ of G protein activation from the perspective of Gβγ signaling
Authors: Chung Yin Kwan , Wong Yung Hou
Published: October 2020

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a major group of drug targets with tremendous pharmacological value. Signals arising from GPCRs are primarily transduced via two functional components of their corresponding G proteins, the Gα subunit and the Gβγ dimer that dissociate from each other upon activation of the heterotrimer (Gαβγ). The Gβγ dimer has become an increasingly popular subject in GPCR signaling, owing to its numerous effectors and notable roles in signal integration. Because Gβγ dimers participate in a wide range of intracellular processes that regulate cellular physiology, they are often implicated in the pathology of various diseases. Yet, one caveat to the current ‘Dissociation Model’ on GPCR signaling is that unequivocal Gβγ signals are biasedly detected with Gi/o‐coupled receptors, while Gβγ signals from Gs‐ or Gq‐coupled receptors seem to play an auxiliary role. In this review, we revisit the evidence for or against the ‘Dissociation Model’ and discuss in detail several hypotheses that may explain such disparity and provide alternative interpretations to accommodate the ‘biased Gβγ signals’ observed in different biological systems. The issue of whether unique combinations of Gβγ dimer can confer signaling specificity is also discussed in the context of physiological relevance.
Is a client's corporate social responsibility performance a source of audit complexity?
Authors: Garcia Joy , de Villiers Charl , Li Lina (Zixuan)
Published: October 2020

This study examines whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance impacts financial audit fees of U.S. listed firms from 2000 to 2016. We use the CSR performance ratings from the KLD database to measure firms' CSR performance. Using the sum of a firm's CSR strengths and concerns as a measure of a firm's overall involvement in CSR‐related matters, we find that a greater score is associated with higher audit fees. Further, we disaggregate this measure into CSR concerns and CSR strengths and find that both measures are positively related to audit fees. In additional analyses, we find that firms involved in certain CSR initiatives (strengths) as well as controversies (concerns) pay higher audit fees due to increased audit complexity. Our findings suggest that firms' CSR performance is a source of audit complexity, in addition to other sources that have been documented in prior literature.
Metabolic mediators: How immunometabolism directs the immune response to infection
Authors: Amiel Eyal , Perona‐Wright Georgia
Published: October 2020

Here we announce the first part of an exciting new series of reviews exploring the impact of immunometabolism in the interaction between host and pathogen, and in the outcome of infection. This collection discusses the links between metabolism and epigenetic control of cell function, post‐translation modifications of host proteins that determine protein fate and host cell function, the metabolic determinants of cell migration and immune cell activity, and the tussle for iron as a metabolic mediator of host‐pathogen domination. Together these reviews provide engaging new insight into the metabolic signals that guide the dynamic conversation between microbial pathogens and the mammalian hosts they aim to occupy.
Acute mental health nurses’ experience of forcibly touching service users during physical restraint
Authors: Bailey Jill , Nawaz Rasanat Fatima , Jackson Debra
Published: October 2020

Mental health nurses use forcible touch during physical restraint. Little research considers nurses’ experiences and the meanings they give to forcible touch. This study investigated nurses’ lived experiences of forcibly touching service users during physical restraint. A qualitative approach informed by phenomenology guided the study. The COREQ checklist ensured explicit and detailed reporting of the study. Fourteen nurses participated in semi‐structured interviews analysed using a phenomenological process. The participants’ experienced their touch during restraint as a problematic aspect of practice. They expressed preferences for holding different parts of the service user’s body, described their proximity to the service user’s body, and their experience of intimacy. The meanings of touch included forced, gentle, protective, and compassionate touches. Three themes revealed the complexity of this previously unproblematized area of nursing practice identified through their narratives. These were ‘needing to justify’, ‘inconsistent knowing’, and ‘compassionate whilst careworn’. Physical restraint training requires reconceptualization towards touch to help nurses connect with the meanings of their bodily contact with service users, and the potential influence upon care. Articulation of these touch meanings will help to develop a nursing discourse on this neglected area of nursing practice. Training courses orientate primarily towards techniques, whilst nurses’ conversations about touch are unclear. Training courses and practice fora can enhance understanding of the nursing contribution to physical restraint by addressing the nature of nurses’ bodywork. This discourse will help to reveal the complexity of this touch intervention, identify areas of good practice, and areas for practice development.
Learning immunology in a game: Learning outcomes, the use of player characters, immersion experiences and visual attention distributions
Authors: Teng Yuan‐Yu , Chou Wen‐Chi , Cheng Meng‐Tzu
Published: October 2020

This study contributed to the current body of literature on game‐based learning by investigating the way playing an educational game, Humunology, affected learning about the immune system and examining further the association between game immersion and visual attention distribution. A total of 79 undergraduate and graduate students participated, and data were collected both in situ and ex situ. The results showed that the students learned through playing Humunology, and the analyses of the use of player characters indicated that the game design facilitated gameplay behaviours that are consistent with the science content. The use of the eye‐tracking method also revealed that students who were more immersed in playing Humunology paid more attention to areas related to player characters. The interpretations and limitations are discussed further.
Usefulness of ankle‐brachial index calculated using diastolic blood pressure for prediction of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hsu Po‐Chao , Lee Wen‐Hsien , Chiu Cheng‐An , Chen Ying‐Chih , Chang Ching‐Tang , Tsai Wei‐Chung , Chu Chun‐Yuan , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Voon Wen‐Chol , Lai Wen‐Ter , Sheu Sheng‐Hsiung , Su Ho‐Ming
Published: October 2020

A low ankle‐brachial index (ABI) calculated using systolic blood pressure (SBP) (ABIsbp) is associated with poor cardiovascular outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ABI is always calculated using SBP clinically. However, there was no study investigating ABI calculated using mean artery pressure (MAP)(ABImap) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)(ABIdbp) for mortality prediction in AMI patients. Therefore, our study was aimed to investigate the issue. 199 AMI patients were enrolled. Different ABIs were measured by an ABI‐form device. The median follow‐up to mortality was 64 months. There were 40 cardiovascular and 137 all‐cause mortality. The best cutoff values of ABImbp and ABIdbp for mortality prediction were 0.91 and 0.78, respectively. After multivariate analysis, only ABIdbp and ABIdbp < 0.78 could predict cardiovascular mortality (P ≤ .047). However, all of six ABI parameters, including ABIsbp, ABImap, ABIdbp, ABIsbp < 0.90, ABImap < 0.91, and ABIdbp < 0.78, could predict all‐cause mortality (P ≤ .048). In a direct comparison of six ABI models for prediction of all‐cause mortality, basic model + ABIdbp <0.78 had the highest predictive value (P ≤ .025). In conclusion, only ABIdbp and ABIdbp < 0.78 could predict cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality after multivariate analysis in our study. Furthermore, when adding into a basic model, ABIdbp < 0.78 had the highest additively predictive value for all‐cause mortality in the six ABI parameters. Hence, calculation of ABI using DBP except SBP might provide an extra benefit in prediction of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in AMI patients.
The influence of long‐term administration of SGLT2 inhibitors on blood pressure at the office and at home in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Furuki Takayuki , Kobayashi Kazuo , Toyoda Masao , Hatori Nobuo , Sakai Hiroyuki , Sato Kazuyoshi , Miyakawa Masaaki , Tamura Kouichi , Kanamori Akira
Published: October 2020

The decrease in blood pressure is thought to play an important role for the renoprotective effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, their influence on blood pressure at home has not been well studied. The aim of this study is to clarify how long‐term use of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors influence on blood pressure both at the office and at home, and the kidney function. We retrospectively analyzed 102 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease to whom sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors were administered for more than 1 year, and whose blood pressure were monitored both at the office and at home. The blood pressure at the office and at home significantly decreased, and there was a significant positive correlation between both blood pressure values. Controlled, white‐coat, and sustained hypertension were observed in 9.8%, 14.7%, and 55.9% of the patients at the beginning of the treatment, which changed to 16.7%, 15.7%, and 48.0% at the time of the survey, however, the ratio of masked hypertension was not changed (19.6%). The cutoff value of mean arterial pressure at home after treatment for the improvement of urine albumin to creatinine ratio was 92.0 mm Hg, with 54.1% of sensitivity and 60.0% of specificity. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors can be useful for the strict management of blood pressures both at the office and at home. The decrease in blood pressure at home by this treatment might be related to the improvement of diabetic nephropathy.
CXADR‐like membrane protein protects against heart injury by preventing excessive pyroptosis after myocardial infarction
Authors: Han Xinglong , Zhao Zhen‐Ao , Yan Shiping , Lei Wei , Wu Hongchun , Lu Xing‐Ai , Chen Yueqiu , Li Jingjing , Wang Yaning , Yu Miao , Wang Yongming , Zheng Yufang , Wang Hongyan , Shen Zhenya , Hu Shijun
Published: October 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) results in cardiomyocyte death and ultimately leads to heart failure. Pyroptosis is a type of the inflammatory programmed cell death that has been found in various diseased tissues. However, the role of pyroptosis in MI heart remains unknown. Here, we showed that CXADR‐like membrane protein (CLMP) was involved in pyroptosis in the mouse MI heart. Our data showed that CLMP was strongly expressed in fibroblasts of the infarcted mouse hearts. The Clmp+/− mice showed more serious myocardial fibrosis and ventricular dysfunction post‐MI than wild‐type (Clmp+/+) mice, indicating a protective effect of the fibroblast‐expressed CLMP against MI‐induced heart damage. Transcriptome analyses by RNA sequencing indicated that Il‐1β mRNA was significantly increased in the MI heart of Clmp+/− mouse, which indicated a more serious inflammatory response. Meanwhile, cleaved caspase‐1 and Gasdermin D were significantly increased in the Clmp+/− MI heart, which demonstrated enhanced pyroptosis in the Clmp knockdown heart. Further analysis revealed that the pyroptosis mainly occurred in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Compared to wild‐type fibroblasts, Clmp+/− CFs showed more serious pyroptosis and inflammatory after LPS plus nigericin treatment. Collectively, our results indicate that CLMP participates in the pyroptotic and inflammatory response of CFs in MI heart. We have provided a novel pyroptotic insight into the ischaemic heart, which might hold substantial potential for the treatment of MI.
Trends in food sources of added sugar in Australian eating patterns between 1995 and 2012 using national consumption survey data
Authors: Probst Y. C. , Charlton K. E. , Davison S. J. , Louie J. C. Y.
Published: October 2020

Background

When aiming to develop dietary messaging to achieve reductions in added sugar intakes, it is necessary to identify key food contributors. Food contributors are not expected to remain static over time. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the total added sugars (AS) intake and related food sources for adult respondents of two Australian national consumption surveys.

Methods

Repeated 24‐h recall data from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey (1995NNS, n = 10 851) and the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2012NNPAS, n = 9341) was used to estimate AS consumption. Food group sources of AS were examined per consumer and per capita and the food group predictors of energy provided by AS were determined.

Results

A significant difference in total AS intake was identified by age and gender between the surveys (all P < 0.001). Increased variability in food group contributions per consumer was also identified. Nine of the top 20 food groups from the 1995NNS differed (P < 0.001) in their contribution to AS in 2012NNPAS per consumer. Fewer changes were apparent at the population level, with >40% AS coming from only three food groups. Age‐stratified analyses showed that the ‘sugar, honeys and syrups’ and the ‘sweetened beverages’ food groups were the top contributors between the surveys up to the age group of 70 years. ‘Sugar, honey and syrups’, ‘chocolate and chocolate‐based confectionery,’ and ‘other confectionery’ (all, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of AS intake (1995NNS, r2 = 0.755; 2012NNPAS r2 = 0.740).

Conclusions

At a population level, food group contributions to AS intakes for Australian adults have not changed substantially over time, yet notable shifts in AS can be seen when targeting only the consumers of these food sources. ‘Cake type desserts’ appear to be increasingly consumed though ‘sweetened beverages’ remain a major contributor to AS intakes warranting targeted public health strategies.
Major gaps in human evidence for structure and function of the vasa vasora limit our understanding of the link with atherosclerosis
Authors: Sophie Zhao Bichen , Belhoul‐Fakir Hanane , Jansen Shirley , Hamzah Juliana , Mishani Siamak , Lawrence Brown Michael
Published: October 2020

Atherosclerosis is the major pathology causing death in the developed world and, although risk factor modification has improved outcomes over the last decade, there is no cure. The role of the vasa vasora (VV) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque is unclear but must relate to the predictability of diseased sites in the arterial tree. VV are small vessels found on major arteries and veins which supply nutrients and oxygen to the vessel wall itself while removing waste. Numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the anatomy and function of the VV as well as their significance in vascular disease. There is convincing evidence that VV are related to atherosclerotic plaque progression and vessel thrombosis, however, their link to the pathology of plaque initiation remains an interesting but neglected topic. We aim to present the evidence on the anatomy and functional behaviour of VV as well as their relationship to the initiation of atherosclerosis. At the same time, we wish to highlight inconsistencies in, and limitations of, the evidence available.
Dysmenorrhea in young people: Experiences from a tertiary center with a focus on conservative management
Authors: Sachedina Aalia , ABU Bakar Mardiha , Dunford Angela M. , Morris Amanda , NUR Azurah Abdul Ghani , Grover Sonia R.
Published: October 2020

Aim

To describe the characteristics, management and outcomes of a cohort of young people with dysmenorrhea presenting to a tertiary adolescent gynecology service, managed primarily with medical interventions.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Data were collected from medical records of patients presenting with dysmenorrhea and/or pelvic pain.

Results

Of 154 patients, mean age of presentation was 15.7 years (SD = 2.2) and mean duration of pain was 14.9 months (SD = 10.8). Regular cycles were reported by 64.5%, and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in 67.8%. Patients self‐reporting HMB reported less pain on the day prior to menses than those not reporting HMB (P < 0.005). At follow‐up, therapeutic interventions included nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, tranexamic acid and cyclic or continuous combined oral contraceptive pills. Laparoscopies were undertaken in 12 (8.1%) patients, with normal findings in 8 (66.7%). Secondary dysmenorrhea was identified in 10 patients: of these, endometriosis was identified in one patient and unilateral obstructive Müllerian anomalies in six. Overall, 92.2% of patients had improvement in symptoms after treatment.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy and endometriosis rates in patients presenting to a tertiary center were lower than previously reported, with most patients achieving symptom improvement without laparoscopy.
The effects of hamstring training methods on muscle viscoelastic properties in healthy young individuals
Authors: Uysal Özgün , Delioğlu Kıvanç , Firat Tüzün
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effects of hamstring training methods on the passive viscoelastic properties of hamstring and quadriceps muscles and the relationship of these properties to lower extremity power, hamstring flexibility, and agility. A total of forty healthy individuals were recruited for this study. Participants performed Nordic hamstring exercises (n = 14), hamstring curl exercises (n = 14), or received neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES; n = 13) for eight weeks. Measurements were taken both before and one week after the interventions of the viscoelastic properties of hamstring and quadriceps muscles, strength, flexibility, agility, and lower extremity power. Nordic hamstring exercises increased hamstring muscle elasticity while decreasing quadriceps and hamstring muscle stiffness; whereas leg curl exercises increased quadriceps and hamstring muscle stiffness while decreasing quadriceps muscle tone (P < .05). Both strengthening methods increased agility, hamstring flexibility, and vertical jump. NMES produced no noticeable effects. Eccentric and concentric training methods had inverse effects on both hamstring and quadriceps muscles’ viscoelastic parameters, but had similar improvements on performance parameters. Since changes in viscoelastic parameters of muscle could affect musculotendinous systems’ compliance, clinicians should consider viscoelastic properties over performance parameters, when prescribing concentric or eccentric exercises.
The oncogenic pathways of papillomaviruses
Authors: Kaynarcalidan Onur , Oğuzoğlu Tuba Çiğdem
Published: October 2020

Papillomaviruses are oncogenic DNA viruses and induce hyperplastic benign lesions of both cutaneous and mucosal tissues in their various hosts, including many domestic and wild animals as well as humans. There are some Papillomavirus genotypes that can infect hosts different from their own, such as BPV 1 and BPV 2 originated from cattle, which can also infect horses and are responsible for fibroblastic tumours in horses. This review article summarizes the origin and evolution of papillomaviruses as an etiological agent in the historical process. The main focus in this review is the evaluation of the interactions between high‐risk papillomavirus oncoproteins and programmed cell‐death pathways. It further exemplifies the role of these interactions in the malignant cell transformation process. In parallel with this, the use and importance of the bovine model system to enlighten the papillomavirus‐associated cancers is discussed with an in‐depth examination. Furthermore, it focuses on the epidemiological situation of BPV infections in Turkey in the cattle herds.
Shock index is associated with mortality in canine vehicular trauma patients
Authors: Kraenzlin Mara N. , Cortes Yonaira , Fettig Pamela K. , Bailey Dennis B.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To calculate and compare shock index (SI) in healthy dogs and vehicular trauma dogs (VT), determine the prognostic value of SI in VT dogs, and to assess the correlation between SI and the animal trauma triage score, modified Glasgow Coma Scale score, and lactate in VT dogs.

Design

Retrospective study from April 2016 to February 2018.

Setting

Twenty‐four‐hour tertiary referral level II trauma center.

Animals

One hundred twenty‐one dogs presented to the emergency service for VT and 60 healthy control dogs.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

Heart rate and systolic blood pressure were measured on each patient and used to calculate SI. SI was significantly higher in VT dogs compared to healthy control dogs (median SI, 1.0 vs 0.75;P < 0.0001). SI was significantly higher in those that died versus those that survived to discharge (median, 1.27 vs 0.96;P = 0.017). SI positively correlated with animal trauma triage score (95% confidence interval, 0.039–0.49;P = 0.019;r = 0.26) but did not with plasma lactate level at presentation (P = 0.068;r = 0.22) or modified Glasgow Coma Scale (P = 0.85;r = –0.021, 95% confidence interval, –0.24 to 0.20).

Conclusions

SI is easy to calculate during triage of a trauma patient. Given its significant relationship with mortality, higher SIs should prompt the clinician to pursue additional monitoring, diagnostics, and intervention.
Influence of radiographic examination findings on recommendations made during routine clinical re‐evaluation of dogs with uncomplicated tibial plateau leveling osteotomy
Authors: Alexander Akash , Compagnone Krizia , Grierson James , Keeley Benjamin , Kilduff‐Taylor Andrea , Maskell Kirsty , Moriera Luis , Roch Simon , Barnes Darren , Campmany Maria Del Mar , Bovis Maria Del Mar , Alexander Saji Daniel , Matiasovic Matt
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine the influence of follow‐up radiographic examination on recommendations made during routine clinical re‐evaluation of dogs that had undergone uncomplicated tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

Study design

Retrospective multi‐institutional case series.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (N = 1010) that underwent uncomplicated TPLO.

Methods

Records from 11 institutions were searched for dogs that had been treated with unilateral TPLO and had no history of postoperative complications before their routine follow‐up examination. The frequency of change in further clinical recommendations resulting from client‐ or clinician‐voiced concerns or radiographic abnormalities was investigated.

Results

Follow‐up evaluation was performed at a median of 6 (range, 4‐15) weeks after TPLO. Radiographic examination findings contributed to a change in recommendations in 4.15% (38/915) of dogs presented without client concerns and without abnormalities at orthopedic examination. Abnormal radiographic findings alone influenced the management of 3.76% (38/1010) of dogs. An association was detected between clinical features and radiological findings leading to a change in recommendations (P < .0001). Administration of analgesia at the time of follow‐up was associated with radiographic abnormalities (P = .017) and change in postoperative plans (P = .0007).

Conclusion

Radiographic examination findings at follow‐up did not influence the management of most dogs with uncomplicated TPLO.

Clinical significance

Radiographic examination findings are unlikely to influence the treatment of dogs that seem to be recovering uneventfully from an uncomplicated TPLO without concerns from clients, analgesia, or abnormal findings on thorough orthopedic examination by a surgical specialist, at the time of the planned clinical re‐evaluation.
The Journey of Islamic Art Through Traditional and Contemporary Calligraphy Painting
Authors: Mohammed Alashari Duaa , Hamzah Abd.Rahman , Marni Nurazmallail
Published: October 2020

Islamic Art is considered as historical art and it is famous all over the Islamic world. The Islamic calligraphy art started around the time of the revelation of al-Quran. Islamic calligraphy art was famous for adorning the interior and exterior aspects of mosques and some famous Islamic buildings. The aim of this article is to highlight and study the traditional and contemporary Islamic calligraphy painting by well-known calligraphers. Calligraphers have been inspired by the Arabic language and they are expressing this language as a kind of unique art through traditional and contemporary painting. Indeed, this paper will provide a brief history of calligraphy art. Islamic calligraphy painting is expressed in a variety of styles and there are also different modes of traditional Arabic styles of writing. Islamic Calligraphers appreciate this sacred and spiritual art and as they carried on their journey, they began to create their art by adding some inspirational verses of the Quran as well as some historical poems. The most noticeable visible feature related to Islamic calligraphy traditional and contemporary painting has to do with the complex and intricate compositions that involve the overlapping of words integrated into a unique method. Islamic calligraphy painting, through either a traditional or a contemporary method, expresses movement and dynamism through the calligraphic lines. The study reveals that the traditional and contemporary calligraphy paintings are considered as innovative art based on their unique traditional scripts, the intricate contemporary identity of the handwriting and the materials. Calligraphers expressed their artistry, and their ability and creativity by applying the sacred language to create a fabulous and unique tradition which is referred to as contemporary calligraphy painting.
Kepentingan Pendapatan Halal Dalam Konsep Pemakanan Halalan Tayyiban: Kajian Kepada Penerima Anugerah Keluarga Mithali (AKM) Peringkat Kebangsaan (The Importance of Lawful Income within the Concept of Halalan Tayyiban Dietary: A Study of the National Recipients of Exemplary Family Awards (AKM))
Authors: Shaary Khairudin , Wan Harun Mohammad Amir
Published: October 2020

Lawful income is one of important element in Islam to uphold the Concept of Halalan Tayyiban Dietary (KPHT). An income that is sourced from unlawful or ambiguous (syubhah) trade or occupation, directly affects the source of foods obtained therefrom. Therefore, this study purports to observe the importance of lawful income in upholding the concept of halalan tayyiban dietary based on the practices of AKM recipients.  This study adapted qualitative methodology as well as utilizing direct interview technique by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to collect data. The analysis of interview data was duly processed by employing the assistance of Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorizing (NUD.IST) software, or also known as QSR NVivo version 10. Tespondents from this research are recipients of national Exemplary Family Awards (AKM) organized by Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM). The result of the study demonstrated that lawful income has a very significant importance in KPHT. Meanwhile, three main themes could be produced to form a model known as the Concept of Halalan Tayyiban Dietary of Exemplary Family (KPHTKM). Within this model, a total of four subthemes were successfully developed to describe the connotation of lawful income of the AKM recipients, and following that, can be correlated to its importance within KPHT. The results of the study is seen to be contributing towards the development of a guideline for earning lawful income of Muslim families. Subsequent studies are suggested, focusing on other aspects in KPHTKM that are still untouched by this study.