bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of next generation sequencing–liquid biopsy on cell-free DNA as a novel non-invasive diagnostic tool for Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome
Authors: Palmieri Maria , Pinto Anna Maria , di Blasio Laura , Currò Aurora , Monica Valentina , Sarno Laura Di , Doddato Gabriella , Baldassarri Margherita , Frullanti Elisa , Giliberti Annarita , Mussolin Benedetta , Fallerini Chiara , Molinaro Francesco , Vaghi Massimo , Renieri Alessandra , Primo Luca
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Somatic mosaicism of PIK3CA gene is currently recognized as the molecular driver of Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome. However, given the limitation of the current technologies, PIK3CA somatic mutations are detected only in a limited proportion of Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome cases and tissue biopsy remains an invasive high risky, sometimes life-threatening, diagnostic procedure. Next generation sequencing liquid biopsy using cell-free DNA has emerged as an innovative non-invasive approach for early detection and monitoring of cancer. This approach, overcoming the space-time profile constraint of tissue biopsies, opens a new scenario also for others diseases caused by somatic mutations.

Methods

In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of seven patients (four females and three males) with Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome. Blood samples from both peripheral and efferent vein from malformation were collected and cell-free DNA was extracted from plasma. Tissue biopsies from vascular lesions were also collected when available. Cell-free DNA libraries were performed using Oncomine™ Pan-Cancer Cell-Free Assay. Ion Proton for sequencing and Ion Reporter Software for analysis were used (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA).

Results

Cell-free circulating DNA analysis revealed pathogenic mutations in PIK3CA gene in all patients. The mutational load was higher in plasma obtained from the efferent vein at lesional site (0.81%) than in the peripheral vein (0.64%) leading to conclude for a causative role of the identified variants. Tissue analysis, available for one amputated patient, confirmed the presence of the mutation at the malformation site at a high molecular frequency (14–25%), confirming its causative role.

Conclusions

Our data prove for the first time that the cell-free DNA-next generation sequencing–liquid biopsy, which is currently used exclusively in an oncologic setting, is indeed the most effective tool for Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome diagnosis and tailored personalized treatment.
Five analytic challenges in working with electronic health records data to support clinical trials with some solutions
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin A
Published: June 2020

Electronic health records data are becoming a key data resource in clinical research. Owing to issues of data efficiency, electronic health records data are being used for clinical trials. This includes both large-scale pragmatic trails and smaller—more focused—point-of-care trials. While electronic health records data open up a number of scientific opportunities, they also present a number of analytic challenges. This article discusses five particular challenges related to organizing electronic health records data for analytic purposes. These are as follows: (1) data are not organized for research purposes, (2) data are both densely and irregularly observed, (3) we don’t have all data elements we may want or need, (4) data are both cross-sectional and longitudinal, and (5) data may be informatively observed. While laying out these challenges, the article notes how many of these challenges can be addressed by careful and thoughtful study design as well as by integration of clinicians and informaticians into the analytic team.
Differential methylation and expression of genes in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway are associated with paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer survivors and with preclinical models of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Kober Kord M , Lee Man-Cheung , Olshen Adam , Conley Yvette P , Sirota Marina , Keiser Michael , Hammer Marilyn J , Abrams Gary , Schumacher Mark , Levine Jon D , Miaskowski Christine
Published: June 2020

Background

Paclitaxel is an important chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer. Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a major dose-limiting toxicity that can persist into survivorship. While not all survivors develop PIPN, for those who do, it has a substantial negative impact on their functional status and quality of life. No interventions are available to treat PIPN. In our previous studies, we identified that the HIF-1 signaling pathway (H1SP) was perturbed between breast cancer survivors with and without PIPN. Preclinical studies suggest that the H1SP is involved in the development of bortezomib-induced and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and sciatic nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to identify H1SP genes that have both differential methylation and differential gene expression between breast cancer survivors with and without PIPN.

Methods

A multi-staged integrated analysis was performed. In peripheral blood, methylation was assayed using microarray and gene expression was assayed using RNA-seq. Candidate genes in the H1SP having both differentially methylation and differential expression were identified between survivors who received paclitaxel and did (n = 25) and did not (n = 25) develop PIPN. Then, candidate genes were evaluated for differential methylation and differential expression in public data sets of preclinical models of PIPN and sciatic nerve injury.

Results

Eight candidate genes were identified as both differential methylation and differential expression in survivors. Of the eight homologs identified, one was found to be differential expression in both PIPN and “normal” mice dorsal root ganglia; three were differential methylation in sciatic nerve injury versus sham rats in both pre-frontal cortex and T-cells; and two were differential methylation in sciatic nerve injury versus sham rats in the pre-frontal cortex.

Conclusions

This study is the first to evaluate for methylation in cancer survivors with chronic PIPN. The findings provide evidence that the expression of H1SP genes associated with chronic PIPN in cancer survivors may be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and suggests genes for validation as potential therapeutic targets.
When Boucicault was ‘Boucicaulted’: The Octoroon, Race, Photography, and Pre-adaptation
Authors: Novak Daniel A.
Published: June 2020

Boucicault’s Octoroon was famously ‘adapted’ by the author in response to British audience’s discomfort with Zoe’s death in 1861. As it turns out, however, a play very similar to Boucicault’s appeared in England nearly a year before its British debut. The Quadroon; or, the Sun Picture (1860) is not simply an act of plagiarism, or even simply an adaptation of Boucicault’s play. Instead, it is a pastiche of the sources Boucicault drew on for his play, along with unmistakable elements of Boucicault’s – a kind of meta-adaptation. I focus on how The Quadroon incorporates The Octoroon’s use of photography and his sources for the idea of a camera capturing a murderer in the act. What emerges is a play that offers a different representation of the figure of the photographer, the dynamics of racial justice, and the dynamics of racial visuality. By focusing on the use of photography in The Octoroon, The Quadroon, and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s An Octoroon (2014), I explore more broadly how the spectacle of photographic technology on stage itself offers a self-reflexive commentary on melodramatic form and structure. Melodramas that stage photography both highlight the strange temporality of the tableau and ask us to think of photography as both a frozen image (a product) and kinetic act (a process and performance).
Calorie provision from citrate anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy in critical care
Authors: Rogers Alice R , Jenkins Bethan
Published: June 2020

Background

Citrate is used as a regional anticoagulant for continuous veno-venous haemofiltration and provides 0.59 kcal/mmol. Previous studies hypothesised continuous veno-venous haemofiltration can provide 200–1300 kcal/day dependent on the anticoagulant and replacement solutions used. The aim of this study was to calculate the calorie load from citrate in our patient group.

Methods

An equation derived from a paper by Oudemans-van Straaten was used to estimate calorie provision from citrate. Citrate calorie load was defined as the difference between the citrate in the filter circuit and the removal by continuous veno-venous haemofiltration. Clinical data were recorded on 20 consecutive patients admitted to intensive care unit and commenced on citrate continuous veno-venous haemofiltration using prismacitrate 18/0 by Gambro, a tri-sodium citrate solution. Clinical data recorded included patient demographics, filter settings including blood flow, filtration factor, citrate dose and time on filtration daily.

Results

A total of 20 critically ill patients received continuous veno-venous haemofiltration for treatment of a new acute kidney injury, mean age 66 years, 65% male. Mean duration of continuous veno-venous haemofiltration was 3.7 days. Mean daily time on filtration was 20 h/day. Mean filtration fraction, citrate dose and blood flow were 30%, 3 mmol/L and 123 ml/min, respectively. Our calculation showed that a mean of 9.5 ± 1.7 cal/h were provided from citrate with a mean daily calorie load of 196 ± 69 kcal.

Conclusions

Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration with tri-sodium citrate provided an additional 196 ± 69 kcal/day. The calorie load from citrate continuous veno-venous haemofiltration should be calculated regularly as changes in filter settings, in particular citrate dose and blood flow can have a significant impact on calorie provision.
Urinary incontinence in women: biofeedback as an innovative treatment method
Authors: Kopańska Marta , Torices Silvia , Czech Joanna , Koziara Wiktoria , Toborek Michal , Dobrek Łukasz
Published: June 2020

Urinary incontinence is an involuntary urination (leakage of urine). About 200 million people suffer from this condition, and 60% of cases are concealed and untreated because of shame. It is estimated that an increasing number of young women and women of menopausal age will suffer from urinary incontinence. This disease occurs during the perinatal, perimenopausal period, as a result of brain damage or an unhealthy lifestyle. There are four main types of urinary incontinence: stress, urge, overflow and mixed form. Treatment is adapted to the severity of disease, its type and includes physiotherapeutic treatment (kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy, massage), pharmacological, psychological and surgical treatment. In recent years, growing interest has been observed in the noninvasive biofeedback method. The patient learns to contract the weakened pelvic floor muscles, constantly monitoring progress in treatment. She is also motivated by visual and auditory stimuli. Growing evidence confirms the effectiveness of this method, which to a large extent eliminates urinary incontinence. Nevertheless, attention should also be paid to prevention, which reduces the risk of involuntary leakage of urine.
Injector-coupled transverse instabilities in a multi-element premixed combustor
Authors: Philo John J , Gejji Rohan M , Slabaugh Carson D
Published: June 2020

Combustion instabilities in a high-pressure, multi-element combustor are studied in order to understand the relationship between the chamber and injector dynamics. A linear array of seven injectors supplies premixed natural gas and air into a rectangular combustion chamber designed to promote high-frequency, transverse thermoacoustic instabilities. The effect of equivalence ratio on the combustion dynamics was investigated for two injector lengths, 62.5 and 125 mm. For all operating conditions, the 125 mm injectors promote high-amplitude instabilities of the fundamental transverse (1T) mode, which has a frequency of 1750–1850 Hz. Reducing the injector length significantly lowers the instability amplitudes for all operating conditions and, for lower equivalence ratio cases, excites an additional mode near 1550 Hz. The delineating feature controlling the growth of the instabilities in each injector configuration is the coupling with axial pressure fluctuations in the injectors that occur in response to the transverse modes in the chamber.
A multi-method quality improvement approach to systematically improve and promote the quality of national health and social care information
Authors: McGrath Niamh , Foley Barbara , Hurley Caroline , Ryan Maria , Flynn Rachel
Published: June 2020

Safe and reliable healthcare depends on access to health information that is accurate, valid, reliable, timely, relevant, legible and complete. National data collections are repositories of health and social care data and play a crucial role in healthcare planning and clinical decision-making. We describe the development of an evidence-informed multi-method quality improvement program aimed to improve the quality of health and social care data in Ireland. Specific components involved: development of guidance to support implementation of health information standards; review program to assess compliance with standards; and educating health information stakeholders about health data and information quality. Observations from implementation of the program indicate enhanced health information stakeholder awareness of, and increased adoption of information management standards. The methodology used in the review program has proved to be a robust approach to identify areas of good practice and opportunities for improvement in information management practices. There has been positive adoption of the program among organisations reviewed and acceptance of the proposed recommendations. Early indications are that this multi-method approach will drive improvements in information management practices, leading to an improvement in health and social care data quality in Ireland. Aspects of this approach may be adapted to meet the needs of other countries.
The Impact of the Public Disclosure of Curved Inspection Scores Using Emojis on Hygiene Violations in Food Establishments
Authors: Patel Pankaj C. , Rietveld Cornelius A.
Published: June 2020

Policymakers increasingly develop initiatives to influence business and consumer behavior. Among the initiatives to increase the compliance of food establishments to hygiene standards is the public disclosure of hygiene inspection scores. In this study, we analyze the impact of the 2017 law change in King County (Washington state, USA) mandating the presentation of hygiene inspection scores at the front door using an emoji-based display with information about the food establishment’s relative performance to other food establishments in the zip code area. Based on information from 82,545 food inspections in 8,010 food establishments in the period August 2014 to May 2019, we find that the rolling implementation of these displays had a small but meaningful impact on food inspection scores and hygiene violations. As a result of the new display, hygiene scores improved and the odds of failing inspection declined.
At the Crossroads: Wellbeing and Principalship Preparation
Authors: Mahfouz Julia , Richardson Jayson W.
Published: June 2020

This study was designed to gain a baseline understanding of how future K-12 building leaders in pre-service principal preparation programs address their own wellbeing. In this exploratory study, pre-service school leaders across the United States self-assessed their levels of stress and social–emotional competencies. Students from 30 pre-service principal preparation programs across the United States completed a survey that included four social–emotional learning scales. The findings indicate that this population may not be well equipped to deal with the stressors of the principalship. The findings can be used as a baseline to understand how changes in curriculum might impact these constructs.
The Professional Learning Needs of School Principals
Authors: Johnson Arvin D. , Clegorne Nicholas , Croft Sheryl J. , Ford Angela Y.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this qualitative research was to identify the preparation needs of principals through the lens of school superintendents in the southeastern United States. This research was based on a collaborative university, multi-school district partnership. Superintendents were interviewed to determine their perceptions regarding the professional learning needs of principals. Three themes emerged from the analysis:(a) principal perception of community matters, (b) formal support is necessary, but challenging to schedule and scope, and (c) instructional and operational leadership are differentiated. These findings present several implications for university and district-based leadership preparation programs, both individually and collaboratively.
Using Improvement Science to (Re)Design Leadership Preparation: Exploring Curriculum Change Across Five University Programs
Authors: Stone-Johnson Corrie , Hayes Sonya
Published: June 2020

In this article, we describe the challenges faced by a network of universities embarking on program improvement to navigate the inclusion of powerful learning experiences (PLEs) in existing curriculum. We find that embedding PLEs requires more than structural adjustments to existing curriculum and that the tools we have been using to consider such changes may need refining. Our findings suggest that curriculum changes necessitate new ways of working together and of structuring time within faculty work; yet, many faculty members are not prepared to make such adjustments and are not provided the types of resources that are necessary for success.
Lack of Intimacy Prospectively Predicts Breakup
Authors: Park Yoobin , Impett Emily A. , Spielmann Stephanie S. , Joel Samantha , MacDonald Geoff
Published: June 2020

In this prospective longitudinal study, we examined whether and how lack of intimacy or meaningful connection to a romantic partner (i.e., low social reward) and concerns over negative evaluation by the partner (i.e., high social threat) each predict dissolution of a relationship as well as adjustment when a breakup occurs. Our results showed that those who perceived lower levels of reward during the relationship were more likely to experience a breakup. This effect remained significant controlling for global relationship satisfaction and individual differences in attachment insecurity. The degree of reward also predicted experiencing less emotional attachment to the partner (now an ex-partner) postbreakup, but this effect diminished when controlling for satisfaction. In contrast, threat perceptions during the relationship did not predict breakup or emotional attachment to the ex. Our findings suggest that reward perceptions during the relationship have important consequences for relationship dissolution. Implications for breakup recovery are discussed.
Improving documentation of side-effects discussions by doctors for newly initiated psychotropic medications in outpatient clinics: A single-centre quality-improvement project
Authors: Bharathi Balasundaram , June Phua , Ling Tan Lay , Huat Peh Lai , Ashvini Selvaraj , Zhan Bong Yii , Boon Ang Woo
Published: June 2020

Background:

Robust clinical documentation of side-effects communication is an integral component of good patient care, endorsed by the Singapore Medical Council Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines and further highlighted by the Modified Montgomery Test. In addition to ensuring quality of care, good clinical documentation can help mitigate potential medico-legal risks against doctors and health-care providers.

Objectives:

This audit-cum-quality-improvement project aimed to enhance clinical documentation of side-effects discussion of newly prescribed medication in psychiatry outpatient clinics to 100% in a 12-month period.

Methods:

A baseline measurement revealed that 40% of new cases seen in general and geriatric psychiatry outpatient clinics from March to June 2017 had evidenced clinical documentation of at least one or more side effects. PDSA methodology was employed to bring about improvements and test change interventions.

Results:

Through three audit cycles between January and December 2018 and a fourth round of data collection in April 2019, documentation rates showed marked improvement from a baseline of 40% to 91%. The IT document tool was the most effective intervention which was successfully adopted and implemented into the standard documentation template for new case assessments.

Conclusions:

The project was a success overall, with improvements in documentation rates rising to 91%. Through change interventions, systemic factors rooted in patient safety have been embodied in everyday clinical practice.
Getting back to basics: Reintroduction of pelvic anatomy concepts for obstetrics and gynaecology residents
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Ranganath , Mathur Manisha , Kathirvel Rajeswari , Madan Aggarwal Ieera , Kang Julian , Mogali Sreenivasulu Reddy
Published: June 2020

Background:

A sound understanding of pelvic anatomy is essential for training in obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) and for practising in the field post-qualification. There is a growing concern that surgery residents have an inadequate knowledge of anatomy and little confidence in their approach to the subject.

Objective:

This study aims to explain the use of an anatomy workshop to deliver a unique and self-designed innovative instruction method that employs cutting-edge resources to enhance OBGYN residents’ comprehension of clinical anatomy and to discuss why this approach works.

Methodology:

The workshop emphasised the clinical and surgical anatomy of the female pelvis using 3-D virtual dissections, relevant plastinated specimens and also bony pelvic models that had been developed in house. Anatomists and OBGYN consultants facilitated the workshop. The students’ knowledge of anatomy and their perceptions of the subject were evaluated by pre- and post-tests and a five-point Likert scale, respectively. A mixed methods analysis was applied.

Results:

Of the 42 participants, 26 (61.9%) completed both the pre- and post-test. The overall difference (mean percentage) between the pre- and post-test performance was 25.41%. There was a significant difference in the residents’ knowledge of anatomy between the pre- and post-workshop ( p<0.05). Participants ( n=10) provided positive feedback on the workshop content, teaching tools, learning activities and educators. They recommended that the workshop should be held at least once a year (70%), and particularly during the first year of residency (90%).

Conclusion:

The active learning workshop enabled by multidisciplinary teaching and the innovative tools employed resulted in improved outcomes in knowledge of anatomy, confidence and learning satisfaction. Reintroduction of anatomy concepts during OBGYN residency training is needed to improve surgical training and patient care.
Language-Based Modulation of the Stream/Bounce Judgment
Authors: Cui Shengbin , Ariga Atsunori
Published: June 2020

When two identical objects on a screen move toward each other, coincide at the center of the screen, and then continue to move along their original trajectories to the opposite starting points, observers perceive these visual stimuli as showing one of the two possible scenarios: streaming through or bouncing off each other (stream/bounce perception). Previous research has shown that when a high-arousal face is presented along with the two moving objects, the bouncing percept was predominant, as compared with when a middle- or low-arousal face is presented. In this study, however, such a modulatory effect of the emotional face was eliminated when participants did not judge stream or bounce and the terms “bouncing/streaming” were not used in the experiments. These results suggest that the modulatory effect of emotional stimuli on the stream/bounce judgment cannot be explained solely by the emotional processing per se but, rather, can be modulated by language-based processing.
Direction of Apparent Motion During Smooth Pursuit Is Determined Using a Mixture of Retinal and Objective Proximities
Authors: Terao Masahiko , Nishida Shin’ya
Published: June 2020

Many studies have investigated various effects of smooth pursuit on visual motion processing, especially the effects related to the additional retinal shifts produced by eye movement. In this article, we show that the perception of apparent motion during smooth pursuit is determined by the interelement proximity in retinal coordinates and also by the proximity in objective world coordinates. In Experiment 1, we investigated the perceived direction of the two-frame apparent motion of a square-wave grating with various displacement sizes under fixation and pursuit viewing conditions. The retinal and objective displacements between the two frames agreed with each other under the fixation condition. However, the displacements differed by 180 degrees in terms of phase shift, under the pursuit condition. The proportions of the reported motion direction between the two viewing conditions did not coincide when they were plotted as a function of either the retinal displacement or of the objective displacement; however, they did coincide when plotted as a function of a mixture of the two. The result from Experiment 2 showed that the perceived jump size of the apparent motion was also dependent on both retinal and objective displacements. Our findings suggest that the detection of the apparent motion during smooth pursuit considers the retinal proximity and also the objective proximity. This mechanism may assist with the selection of a motion path that is more likely to occur in the real world and, therefore, be useful for ensuring perceptual stability during smooth pursuit.
Epithelial vectorial ion transport in cystic fibrosis: Dysfunction, measurement, and pharmacotherapy to target the primary deficit
Authors: Clunes Lucy A , McMillan-Castanares Naia , Mehta Neil , Mesadieu Afia , Rodriguez Jorge , Maj Mary , Clunes Mark T
Published: June 2020

Cystic fibrosis patients display multi-organ system dysfunction (e.g. pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and lung) with pathogenesis linked to a failure of Cl− secretion from the epithelial surfaces of these organs. If unmanaged, organ dysfunction starts early and patients experience chronic respiratory infection with reduced lung function and a failure to thrive due to gastrointestinal malabsorption. Early mortality is typically caused by respiratory failure. In the past 40 years of newborn screening and improved disease management have driven the median survival up from the mid-teens to 43–53, with most of that improvement coming from earlier and more aggressive management of the symptoms. In the last decade, promising pharmacotherapies have been developed for the correction of the underlying epithelial dysfunction, namely, Cl− secretion. A new generation of systemic drugs target the mutated Cl− channels in cystic fibrosis patients and allow trafficking of the immature mutated protein to the cell membrane (correctors), restore function to the channel once in situ (potentiators), or increase protein levels in the cells (amplifiers). Restoration of channel function prior to symptom development has the potential to significantly change the trajectory of disease progression and their evidence suggests that a modest restoration of Cl− secretion may delay disease progression by decades. In this article, we review epithelial vectorial ion and fluid transport, its quantification and measurement as a marker for cystic fibrosis ion transport dysfunction, and highlight some of the recent therapies targeted at the dysfunctional ion transport of cystic fibrosis.
Aeroallergen sensitization profile in medically resistant chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Odat Haitham , Alali Maulla , Al-Qudah Mohannad
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to report the aeroallergen sensitization profile in medically resistant chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps and its relationship to asthma.

Methods:

Retrospective charts review of 402 chronic rhinosinusitis patients who failed to respond to medical treatment and scheduled for surgery at a tertiary academic center was performed. One hundred and fifty-five patients had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and 247 patients had chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, furthermore; the two phenotypes were subdivided according to the presence or absence of asthma. Allergen-specific immunoglobulin E to 24 inhalant allergens was measured to all patients by the enzyme allergo-sorbent test.

Results:

The average age was 35 years ( SD ± 13) with 236 males and 166 females. Two hundred and fifty-three patients (63%) were tested positive for at least one allergen with no significant difference between patients with or without polyp (in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, 103 patients (66%) were positive compared with 150 patients (61%) in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps). There were no significant differences in the prevalence, type, and number of positive allergens between the two phenotypes. The prevalence of asthma was found to be 19% in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps versus 46% in those with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps ( p = 0.001), and the prevalence of high eosinophils was 27%, and 47% in both phenotypes, respectively ( p = 0.0001).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of inhalational allergy in medically resistant chronic rhinosinusitis is high, however, this profile does not differ based on the presence of polyp. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps had a higher prevalence of asthma and blood eosinophils as compared with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. Our results showed a little role of inhalant allergens in nasal polyps or asthma comorbidity in refractory sinusitis patients.
Characterization of envelope sequence of HIV virus in children infected with HIV in Vietnam
Authors: Dang Linh Vu Phuong , Pham Hung Viet , Dinh Thanh Thi , Nguyen Thu Hoai , Vu Quyen Thi Huyen , Vu Nhung Thi Phuong , Le Phuong Thi Bich , Nguyen Lam Van , Le Hai Thanh , Vu Phuong Thi , Olson Linus
Published: June 2020

Background:

HIV is characterized by high levels of genetic variability, including increased numbers of heterogeneous sequences of the envelope region. Therefore, studying genetic variability of HIV in relation to viral replication might facilitate prognosis of disease progression.

Methods:

The study was designed as cross-sectional; data and samples of participants collected and analyzed env genes were obtained from 23 children enrolled by Vietnam National Children’s Hospital.

Results:

Substantial mutations in the C2 region were found in patients with high levels of viral replication while changes in the C3 region were mostly found in patients with low viral load. In the V1 region, we found profound amino acid modifications in patients with low HIV viral loads in contrast to the V2 sequence, where we identified single point mutations in patients with increased HIV viral load. The V3 region was relatively homogeneous, while profound deletions in the V4 region were detected in patients with increased viral replication.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that genetic variations in different regions of the HIV envelope sequence, including both conserved C2 and C3 and variable V1/V2 and V4 regions, might be involved in increased viral infectivity and replication capacity. Such knowledge might help improve prediction of HIV progress and treatment in patients.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in the setting of anti-tumor necrosis factor and immunomodulator therapy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Dotimas James , Das Manjusha , Martin Daniel
Published: June 2020

Immunosuppressive therapy is well recognized as increasing the risk of lymphoma. Mycosis fungoides is a rare cutaneous form of T-cell lymphoma with a largely unknown etiology and not typically associated with immunosuppression. In this article, we describe our encounter with a 24-year-old male with Crohn’s disease in remission on immunotherapy, specifically dual therapy with azathioprine and infliximab, presenting with a facial rash found to be consistent with mycosis fungoides on biopsy. The patient’s rash resolved with treatment of topical steroids. In addition, the decision was made to discontinue his azathioprine to minimize his risks of developing future malignancies.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and alfapump® system for refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis: Outcomes and complications
Authors: Will Valerie , Rodrigues Susana G , Stirnimann Guido , De Gottardi Andrea , Bosch Jaime , Berzigotti Annalisa
Published: June 2020

Background

Treatment of refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis is challenging. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and alfapump® have been proposed for the management, but few data comparing both exist.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and alfapump® for refractory ascites at our centre.

Methods

All consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed for baseline characteristics, efficacy of treatment, complications and survival.

Results

In total, 19 patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and 40 patients with alfapump® were included. Patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt had better liver function and less hepatic encephalopathy at baseline. Fifty‐eight per cent of patients developed hepatic encephalopathy in the first six months after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. In patients with alfapump®, renal function decreased and 58% developed prerenal impairment and 43% hepatorenal syndrome in the first six months. Alfapump® patients with new catheters required less reinterventions (26% versus 57% with old catheters, p  = 0.049). Transplant‐free survival at 1 year was 25% in alfapump® and 65% in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Hepatic encephalopathy predicted transplant‐free survival in patients with alfapump® (hazard ratio 2.00, 95% confidence interval 0.99–4.02, p  = 0.05). In a sensitivity analysis comparing patients with similar liver function, the rate of hepatorenal syndrome and prerenal impairment was higher in patients with alfapump® and these patients were hospitalised more frequently, whereas the rate of hepatic encephalopathy was similar in both treatment groups.

Conclusions

Both transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and alfapump® were effective treatments for refractory ascites in cirrhosis. Patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt had a better one‐year transplant‐free survival but had less negative prognostic factors at baseline. Selecting patients without hepatic encephalopathy prior to implantation of an alfapump® might improve transplant‐free survival.
Outcomes of Hemospray therapy in the treatment of intraprocedural upper gastrointestinal bleeding post‐endoscopic therapy
Authors: Hussein Mohamed , Alzoubaidi Durayd , de la Serna Alvaro , Weaver Michael , Fernandez‐Sordo Jacobo O , Rey Johannes W , Hayee Bu’Hussain , Despott Edward , Murino Alberto , Moreea Sulleman , Boger Phil , Dunn Jason , Mainie Inder , Graham David , Mullady Dan , Early Dayna , Ragunath Krish , Anderson John , Bhandari Pradeep , Goetz Martin , Kiesslich Ralf , Coron Emmanuel , de Santiago Enrique R , Gonda Tamas , Lovat Laurence B , Haidry Rehan
Published: June 2020

Introduction

With increasing advances in minimally invasive endoscopic therapies and endoscopic resection techniques for luminal disease, there is an increased risk of post‐procedure bleeding. This can contribute to significant burden on patient’s quality of life and health resources when reintervention is required. Hemospray (Cook Medical, North Carolina, USA) is a novel haemostatic powder licensed for gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this single‐arm, prospective, non‐randomised multicentre international study is to look at outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeds following elective endoscopic therapy treated with Hemospray to achieve haemostasis.

Methods

Data was prospectively collected on the use of Hemospray from 16 centres (January 2016–November 2019). Hemospray was used during the presence of progressive intraprocedural bleeding post‐endoscopic therapy as a monotherapy, dual therapy with standard haemostatic techniques or rescue therapy once standard methods had failed. Haemostasis was defined as the cessation of bleeding within 5 min of the application of Hemospray. Re‐bleeding was defined as a sustained drop in haemoglobin (>2 g/l), haematemesis or melaena with haemodynamic instability after the index endoscopy.

Results

A total of 73 patients were analysed with bleeding post‐endoscopic therapy. The median Blatchford score at baseline was five (interquartile range 0–9). The median Rockall score was six (interquartile range 5–7). Immediate haemostasis following the application of Hemospray was achieved in 73/73 (100%) of patients. Two out of 57 (4%) had a re‐bleed post‐Hemospray, one was following oesophageal endoscopic mucosal resection and the other post‐duodenal endoscopic mucosal resection. Both patients had a repeat endoscopy and therapy within 24 h. Re‐bleeding data was missing for 16 patients, and mortality data was missing for 14 patients. There were no adverse events recorded in association with the use of Hemospray.

Conclusion

Hemospray is safe and effective in achieving immediate haemostasis following uncontrolled and progressive intraprocedural blood loss post‐endoscopic therapy, with a low re‐bleed rate.
Success of assisted reproductive technology treatment and couple relationship: A pilot study on the role of romantic attachment
Authors: Renzi Alessia , Di Trani Michela , Solano Luigi , Minutolo Elisa , Tambelli Renata
Published: June 2020

Infertility is a deeply distressing experience, which can threaten important personal and martial goals, frequently affecting the psychophysical health. A supportive relationship and a secure romantic attachment appear to reduce infertility stress, as well as play a relevant role in the success of assisted reproductive technology treatments. The principal aim of the study is to investigate the predictive effect of romantic attachment, couple characteristics, quality of life and age on assisted reproductive technology outcome. A total of 88 infertile women, enrolled in an assisted reproductive technology Centre of Rome, completed the Experience in Close Relationship-Revised, the Couple Relationship Inventory, the Fertility Quality of Life and a socio-demographic questionnaire. The participants completed the questionnaires at the beginning of the medical treatment. Data analyses showed significant associations among Experience in Close Relationship-Revised dimensions, Couple Relationship Inventory and Fertility Quality of Life Scales. Assisted reproductive technology outcome was negatively correlated to Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Avoidance and positively related to Couple Relationship Inventory Dependence. A multi-variable logistic regression revealed that Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Avoidance decreased the probability of pregnancy. The present findings partially confirmed the study hypotheses since several associations among couple characteristics, attachment anxiety and avoidance dimensions, infertility-related quality of life in infertile women were found. Furthermore, according to a definition of Avoidance, assisted reproductive technology positive outcome appears to be associated to lower levels of fear of dependence and interpersonal intimacy, and to a low need both for self-reliance and for reluctance to self-disclose within the romantic relationship. Further investigations are needed both to confirm this preliminary finding and for promoting focused therapeutic interventions for couples facing assisted reproductive technology.
Chinese astronomy in the time of the Jesuits: Studies following Science and Civilisation in China
Authors: Shi Yunli
Published: June 2020

Viewing traditional Chinese science as one of the tributaries to be merged into the grand ocean of modern/universal science, Joseph Needham placed great importance on the period of the Jesuits in the ‘Sciences of the Heavens’ section in volume 3 of Science and Civilisation in China. He considered that period a turning point when Chinese astronomy – a representative field of Chinese science – changed from its traditional form into universal/modern astronomy. Among the work of other historians of Chinese science, Joseph Needham’s work helped foster a growing interest in the astronomical work of the Jesuits in China. After more than 50 years, as many of the details in Needham’s original work have been gradually clarified and enhanced, a new picture of the Jesuits’ contribution to Chinese astronomy has taken shape. In some important respects, that picture is quite contrary to Needham’s overall claim about the role and result of Jesuit works in the development of astronomy in China, which has led to new questions that invite further investigation.
How can we redefine Joseph Needham’s sense of a world community for the 21st century?
Authors: Lo Vivienne
Published: June 2020

In the middle of World War II, my father, Kenneth Lo, accompanied Joseph Needham on a lecture tour to Colchester Co-operative Society dedicated to the support of China’s war effort and to boycotting Japanese goods. They were comrades-in-arms, soft-left socialists, inspired by the Spanish Civil War, George Orwell and WH Auden alike to take up the pen and the campaign circuit. This article is a reflection on the politics and aesthetics of research, on decentring the Eurocentric narrative of the history of science, but also on the role of poetry in the quest for a better world. Grounded in socialist, Christian and 20th-century scientific utopian belief, All under Heaven was to be One Community. Post Needham, but in the Needham spirit, I ask what shared vision drives our research?
The East Asian History of Science Library/Needham Research Institute as an intellectual hub in the late 1970s and 1980s
Authors: Blue Gregory
Published: June 2020

During its first decade and a half, the East Asian History of Science Library/Needham Research Institute served both as the centre of the Science and Civilisation in China project and as a meeting point for discussions involving a wide range of researchers. Some of these were working on the history of science, technology and medicine; some were members of Joseph Needham’s and Lu Gwei-Djen’s broader networks; and some came seeking the views, guidance or assistance of the institute’s founders on diverse topics. In the institute’s first 6 years in particular, a series of delegations from China visited as that country embarked on re-expanding academic relations abroad in the wake of the Cultural Revolution. This article recalls the institute’s ambiance during those years, key individuals who were involved and some of the kinds of interactions that took place there.
Preoperative Anemia Treatment With Intravenous Iron in Patients Undergoing Major Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Smith Aaron , Moon Tiffany , Pak Taylor , Park Brian , Urman Richard D.
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Based upon the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, iron deficiency anemia is the cause of at least 20% of cases of anemia in adults over the age of 65. This is especially relevant in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery as substantial perioperative blood loss is possible, leading to a high rate of allogeneic blood transfusion in total hip replacements, total knee replacements, and hip fracture repairs.

Significance:

The results of this systematic review may be of interest to clinicians and hospital administrators evaluating the clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of intravenous (IV) iron administration prior to major orthopedic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

The original studies considered for this review included patients who were over 18 years of age, undergoing major orthopedic surgery, and who received an IV iron treatment in the preoperative setting. A total of 1083 articles were identified and reviewed. After removing duplicates, 1031 publications were screened, and 105 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. A total of 98 were excluded and 7 articles remained which met the criteria for this review. The primary outcome examined in the included studies was the allogeneic blood transfusion rate. The secondary areas of interest were changes in serum hemoglobin, morbidity and mortality, length of stay, and cost effectiveness.

Results:

This systematic review found little evidence that IV iron therapy is effective at reducing transfusion in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

Conclusions:

We do not recommend preoperative IV iron therapy for all patients scheduled for major orthopedic surgery.
A Comprehensive Study on Social Commerce in Social Networking Sites
Authors: Hossain Md. Alamgir , Kim Minho
Published: June 2020

The study aims to examine user’s perceptions of the service quality of social networking sites (SNSs), contributing to customer satisfaction and usage intention leading to social commerce (s-commerce) intention. An online survey with a structured questionnaire was conducted to obtain contextual data, comprising 549 valid samples. The results indicate that outcome and environment quality have a significant influence on satisfaction, whereas interaction and outcome quality have a positive impact on usage intention of SNSs. Satisfaction is a noble indicator of usage intention; social capital and perceived trusts have a significant effect on s-commerce intention; and usage intention has the greatest influence on s-commerce intention. Perceived trust proves to be an important partial mediator between usage intention and s-commerce intention. Our results highlight the important role of service quality in behavioral perceptions of SNS users, shed much light on the social capital and s-commerce intention, and provide valuable contributions for understanding s-commerce behavior in SNSs context. The results of this study bridge gaps in SNS literature by demonstrating how s-commerce vendors or SNS practitioners can increase service quality, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and usage intention and thereby affecting the acceptance of s-commerce.
Trends in Korean studies: A content analysis of Korea-related articles published in the Arts & Humanities Citation Index, 1990–2015
Authors: Schwekendiek Daniel Jong
Published: June 2020

While South Korea has become an economic and pop-cultural powerhouse in recent decades, North Korea has remained continuously in the media due to its humanitarian issues and nuclear brinkmanship. Accordingly, academic research on the Korean peninsula might have noticeably increased during the same period. To this end, a quantitative content analysis of all Korea-related articles appearing in the influential Arts and Humanities Citation Index was conducted. From 1990 to 2015, a total of 2406 articles were published, representing a noticeable increase – from just 20 articles in 1990 to 233 works by 2015. Moreover, while most articles on Korea were written by non-Korean scholars initially, the situation reversed by 2001, and that gap has continued to widen. Expectedly, the vast majority of articles have been published in typical humanities subjects such as area studies, linguistics and history (over 50%). Unexpectedly, the number of articles on North Korea has remained low, peaking at 20 in 2013.